Stamps (open to all) plus Nutmeg and Day of Pride (CT only)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
NEBHE
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at UConn (Read This First)
One merit award, period. UConn gives each student a single admissions scholarship. If your student qualifies for two, they get one, not both.
December 1 is the real deadline for money. The Storrs application deadline is January 15, but priority merit and Honors consideration go to students who apply by December 1.
The full rides close in early November. Stamps, Nutmeg, and Day of Pride need the UConn application done by November 1 and a supplement by November 8. Your student can apply for only one of the three.
Early Decision families commit before the full-ride news arrives. Admitted Early Decision students must pay the enrollment fee by January 15, but Stamps, Nutmeg, and Day of Pride decisions come out in early February.
New England discount, smaller merit. Students paying the reduced New England Regional rate get the lower amount of any merit scholarship they were offered.
Merit only pays the UConn bill. It covers tuition, fees, and on-campus housing and meals. It does not pay off-campus rent, summer or winter classes, or study abroad programs that don’t charge UConn tuition.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes, for admission. University of Connecticut is test-optional for admission.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 29–32; SAT: 1260–1420.
Average net price? About $22,324/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes. It participates in NEBHE.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Connecticut: 2026–2027 Rates
Figures verified against official sources in September 2026.
📅 Planning for 2027–2028? These are the 2026–2027 rates, the newest University of Connecticut has published. Colleges usually release next year's costs in the spring, and we update this page when they do.
Budgeting tip: costs typically rise 2% to 5% a year. For 2027–2028, plan on roughly
$700 to $1,800 more than the in-state total below.$1,200 to $3,000 more than the out-of-state total below.
In-State: billed cost per year
$36,758
Tuition, fees, housing, and meals for two semesters
Tuition & mandatory fees
$21,574
Housing & meals (typical)
$15,184
Total billed cost
$36,758
Out-of-State: billed cost per year
$59,426
Tuition, fees, housing, and meals for two semesters
Tuition & mandatory fees
$44,242
Housing & meals (typical)
$15,184
Total billed cost
$59,426
That is $22,668 more per year than Connecticut residents pay, before any waivers or scholarships.
Average federal net price: $22,324 per year.
This is what first-time, full-time students who received grant aid paid after grants and scholarships, for in-state students only, based on the most recent federal data. It counts books and living costs, so it can run higher than the billed total above. Families who got no grants are not in this average, so many middle-income families pay more. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-state families: this average does not include you. Run the college's own net price calculator for a number based on your situation.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
New England Regional Student Program (Tuition Break): Residents of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont can pay a reduced rate of 175% of in-state tuition ($26,028 instead of $39,678 in 2026-2027) when they enroll in an approved major that is not offered at a public college in their home state. The list of eligible majors is different for each state, so check it before your student applies.
Avery Point exception: Since fall 2024, every New England resident who enrolls at UConn Avery Point pays the Tuition Break rate for as long as they stay at Avery Point, no matter the major.
Watch out: Students in the regional program receive the lower amount of any merit scholarship they were offered.
The Cheapest Way Into a UConn Degree: Start at a Regional Campus
UConn has four regional campuses (Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury) on top of the main campus in Storrs. Tuition is the same everywhere, but university fees at a regional campus run about $1,440 a year instead of $4,564, and most regional students live at home. UConn estimates the full yearly cost for an in-state student living with family at about $27,924, compared with $44,230 for an in-state student living on campus at Storrs. Connecticut residents at a regional campus can also qualify for the Regional Student Success Award.
FAQ: Cost of Attendance at UConn
Why does out-of-state cost so much more?
It’s all tuition. Connecticut residents pay $17,010 in tuition for 2026-2027, while out-of-state students pay $39,678. Fees, housing, and meals are the same for everyone, so the gap is about $22,700 a year, or roughly $90,000 over four years.
What is the New England Regional Student Program, and does my student qualify?
If you live in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont, your student can pay 175% of in-state tuition ($26,028 instead of $39,678) by enrolling in an approved major that isn’t offered at a public college in your home state. The eligible majors are different for each state, so check UConn’s list before your student picks a major. Every New England resident at the Avery Point campus gets this rate no matter the major.
Is there a catch to the New England discount?
Yes. Students paying the regional rate receive the lower amount of any merit scholarship UConn offered them. For a strong student, do the math both ways: sometimes the full merit award at the regular out-of-state price is close to the regional deal.
What does housing actually cost?
A standard double room is $8,288 and the Value meal plan is $6,896, for $15,184 total. UConn’s financial aid budget uses a higher housing number ($10,186) because it averages all room types, so your aid offer may show a bigger total than the room most freshmen actually get.
What are the extra charges on the first bill?
UConn automatically bills student health insurance ($3,214) and the Husky Book Bundle ($570). If your student already has health insurance, you can waive that charge in the student account and save over $3,000. Don’t let it slide past the deadline.
What do families really pay after aid?
Federal data shows in-state students who received grants paid about $22,324 on average. By income, families under $30,000 paid about $13,936, families between $75,000 and $110,000 paid about $26,945, and families over $110,000 paid about $31,886. Your student’s number depends on your finances and any merit award, so run UConn’s net price calculator.
Is there extra help for Connecticut families with need?
Yes. State law requires UConn to set aside at least 15% of tuition revenue for need-based aid to Connecticut residents. That money comes through University Grants and the Roberta B. Willis program, and the FAFSA has to be in by February 15 to get a shot at it.
Does merit aid stay the same all four years?
The dollar amount is fixed after the first year, while tuition and housing can rise. Budget for the gap to grow a little each year.
November 1: UConn application complete for anyone going after Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride. Early Decision families who want an aid offer with the decision file the FAFSA by this date too.
November 8: Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride supplemental application due (pick one).
December 1: Priority deadline for all automatic merit and Honors consideration.
Mid-December: Early Decision admits hear about merit and Honors.
Early February: Stamps, Nutmeg, and Day of Pride decisions.
February 15: FAFSA deadline for need-based aid.
Early March: Regular Decision admits get merit and financial aid offers.
Parent rule of thumb: treat December 1 as the deadline, even though the application technically stays open until January 15.
Automatic Merit Scholarships at UConn
Every first-year applicant is considered for these automatically. There is no separate form. UConn doesn’t publish GPA or test cutoffs or dollar amounts; it reviews the whole application and sets award values each year. Scores are optional, but if your student sends them, UConn superscores, and they should be competitive with the admitted class.
Find your student's tier
Enter the numbers you have. We'll highlight the automatic award your student would actually get and tuck the rest out of the way. Leave it blank to browse everything.
Residency
Based on published cutoffs for entering freshmen. Always verify with the college before finalizing plans.
One award, not a pile. Colleges apply your student's single best automatic award. Automatic scholarships almost never stack with each other, though some stack with housing, departmental, or outside money. The stacking notes on each card tell you which.
Automatic
Academic Excellence Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UConn gives each student a single merit-based admissions scholarship, so this award does not combine with other UConn admissions merit. It can sit alongside need-based grants, outside scholarships, and department awards, up to the student's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UConn lists this as a renewable merit award valued at a fixed amount determined yearly. The exact dollar figure is not published publicly, so we leave the amount unverified rather than estimate.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong applicants with a very competitive high school academic average; UConn does not publish a hard GPA or test cutoff, so the most successful candidates tend to be those who apply early with rigorous coursework and a clear story of achievement.
Automatic
Husky Achievement Award
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UConn gives each student a single merit-based admissions scholarship, so this award does not combine with other UConn admissions merit. It can sit alongside need-based grants, outside scholarships, and department awards, up to the student's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UConn lists the award as a renewable merit scholarship valued at a fixed amount set yearly. No public dollar figure is published.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students presenting a very competitive high school academic average across all UConn campuses; this is one of several merit awards UConn uses to recognize strong, well-rounded admits.
Automatic
Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UConn gives each student a single merit-based admissions scholarship, so this award does not combine with other UConn admissions merit. It can sit alongside need-based grants, outside scholarships, and department awards, up to the student's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UConn weights demonstrated leadership and contribution alongside the academic profile. Test-optional; dollar value set yearly and not published.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving applicants who pair strong academics with a real track record of leadership, special talents, or commitment to opportunity-and-access work at their school or in their community.
Automatic
STEM Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Storrs campus, approved STEM majors only
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UConn gives each student a single merit-based admissions scholarship, so this award does not combine with other UConn admissions merit. It can sit alongside need-based grants, outside scholarships, and department awards, up to the student's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Restricted to Storrs Campus admits in approved STEM majors. Test-optional; renewable for four years; dollar amount set yearly and not published. Recipients must stay in an approved STEM major and remain in the Honors Program for their first two semesters. If not, the award drops to a non-STEM merit scholarship of lower value.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Storrs-bound STEM majors with very strong academics and documented involvement in their field outside the classroom, such as science fair, lab research, robotics, or sustained independent technical projects.
Automatic
UConn Award
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UConn gives each student a single merit-based admissions scholarship, so this award does not combine with other UConn admissions merit. It can sit alongside need-based grants, outside scholarships, and department awards, up to the student's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
One of UConn's renewable admissions merit awards. Dollar value is set yearly and not publicly published.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a very competitive high school academic average at any UConn campus. UConn does not publish cutoffs, so applying by Dec 1 with a rigorous transcript is the best lever a family controls.
Automatic
Presidential Scholars Award for Valedictorians and Salutatorians
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ CT residents ranked #1 or #2 in their class
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
The one-time $2,500 Enrichment Award can pay for research, internships, tuition-based education abroad, or professional travel. Students must apply for it at least one semester before they plan to use it, and it must be used before the end of the eighth semester.
💡
Strategic Detail
Restricted to Connecticut residents graduating from a Connecticut high school. Renewable scholarship valued at a fixed amount set yearly (not published), plus a one-time $2,500 Enrichment Award. Available at all UConn campuses.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Connecticut students ranked first or second in their high school class. If your school does not rank, talk to your counselor early about how UConn will document class standing.
Automatic
Regional Student Success Award
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ CT residents at a regional campus; renewal requires staying at a regional campus
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UConn gives each student a single merit-based admissions scholarship, so this award does not combine with other UConn admissions merit. It can sit alongside need-based grants, outside scholarships, and department awards, up to the student's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Restricted to CT residents admitted to a regional campus. Renewal requires continued full-time enrollment at a regional campus.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Connecticut students with a competitive academic record who choose to start their UConn career at Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, or Waterbury. UConn frames this one as recognition of both academic excellence and the perseverance regional-campus students bring.
Automatic
Global Excellence Award
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ International applicants only
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UConn gives each student a single merit-based admissions scholarship, so this award does not combine with other UConn admissions merit. It can sit alongside need-based grants, outside scholarships, and department awards, up to the student's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UConn's top tier of three renewable merit awards for international students. Dollar value set yearly and not publicly listed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: International applicants with exceptional academic records who also stand out as leaders inside and outside the classroom. This is the top of UConn's three international merit tiers.
Automatic
Global Distinction Award
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ International applicants only
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UConn gives each student a single merit-based admissions scholarship, so this award does not combine with other UConn admissions merit. It can sit alongside need-based grants, outside scholarships, and department awards, up to the student's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UConn's middle tier of three renewable merit awards for international students. Dollar value set yearly and not publicly listed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: International applicants with strong academics and leadership inside and outside school. This is the middle of UConn's three international merit tiers.
Automatic
Global Leader Award
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Mid-December (Early Decision) or early March (Regular Decision) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ International applicants only
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UConn gives each student a single merit-based admissions scholarship, so this award does not combine with other UConn admissions merit. It can sit alongside need-based grants, outside scholarships, and department awards, up to the student's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
UConn's entry tier of three renewable merit awards for international students. Dollar value set yearly and not publicly listed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: International applicants with strong academic achievement and demonstrated leadership; the broadest of UConn's three international merit tiers.
Data last verified Jun 24, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: UConn recalculates every applicant’s GPA using its own formula, giving extra weight to AP, IB, and honors classes in core subjects. A tough transcript matters more here than a high unweighted GPA. Students receive one merit scholarship; awards do not stack.
Automatic Merit FAQs (UConn)
What GPA or test score does my student need for a UConn merit scholarship?
UConn doesn’t say. Awards like the Academic Excellence Scholarship, Husky Achievement Award, and UConn Award go to students with a “very competitive” academic average. For context, 45% of the most recent freshman class ranked in the top 10% of their high school, and enrolled students who sent scores had a middle-50% SAT of 1260 to 1420.
How much are the scholarships worth?
UConn sets the values each year and doesn’t publish them. The best public clue: in the latest Common Data Set, first-year students with no financial need who received merit aid averaged about $11,221.
What’s different about the Leadership Scholarship?
It’s open to in-state and out-of-state students on every campus. On top of strong grades, UConn looks for leadership, special talents, or achievement tied to opportunity, access, and growth programs at school or in the community. The activities section matters.
My student is a STEM major. Is there extra money?
The STEM Scholarship is for Storrs students in approved STEM majors who show extraordinary involvement in the field, like research, competitions, or serious projects. Recipients join the Honors Program and the STEM Scholars community. Here’s the catch: they must stay in a STEM major and in Honors for the first two semesters. If not, the award is reduced to a lower-value, non-STEM award.
My student is the valedictorian or salutatorian. Does that count?
Yes, if you’re Connecticut residents graduating from a Connecticut high school. The Presidential Scholars Award adds a one-time $2,500 Enrichment Award for research, internships, or tuition-based study abroad. Your student must apply for those funds at least one semester before using them.
Is there merit for students at the regional campuses?
Yes. The Regional Student Success Award is for Connecticut residents at Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, or Waterbury. It renews only while the student stays full-time at a regional campus, so moving to Storrs later can end it.
We’re an international family. What can my student get?
UConn has three international merit tiers: the Global Excellence, Global Distinction, and Global Leader Awards. Consideration is automatic with a December 1 application.
How does my student keep the award?
Stay full-time and keep a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Awards renew for up to eight semesters and the dollar amount stays fixed after the first year.
What if we think the award is too low?
Students can appeal merit scholarships through the UConn applicant portal. A polite appeal with new information, like a stronger senior-year transcript or a competing offer, is worth trying.
UConn has three full-ride scholarships, and they all run on the same early calendar: the UConn application and every required document by November 1, then a supplemental application by November 8. Your student can apply for only one of the three, so choose carefully.
Which One Should Your Student Pick?
Scholarship
Who Can Apply
What It Covers
Stamps
Any Storrs applicant, in-state or out-of-state
Full cost of attendance for four years, plus a one-time $12,000 enrichment award and guaranteed Honors admission
Nutmeg
Connecticut residents at a Connecticut high school; about 20 awards statewide
Direct and indirect cost of attendance
Day of Pride
Connecticut residents with documented financial need; about 20 awards statewide
Direct and indirect cost of attendance
✅ Can You Stack Scholarships at UConn?
Aid Type
Stacks with Merit?
UConn Parent Translation
Admissions Merit
No
Students receive one merit-based admissions scholarship, never two.
Stamps / Nutmeg / Day of Pride
Replaces
These cover the full cost, so they take the place of any other merit award.
UConn Promise Grant
Higher of the two
If a Promise Scholar also earns merit, UConn applies whichever award is bigger.
Need-based grants
Usually
Merit plus need-based aid can’t exceed your student’s need or cost of attendance.
Department and outside awards
Usually
These are the gap fillers, up to the cost of attendance.
One thing to know about the full rides: the housing piece is paid only if your student lives on campus. A Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride winner who moves off campus keeps tuition, fees, and a meal plan allowance, but loses the housing money.
Full RideApp Required
Stamps Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 · 📢 Results: Early February ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Apply to only one: Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full cost of attendance plus a one-time $12,000 enrichment award for research and experiential learning. Recipients are guaranteed admission to UConn's Honors Program and get access to University Scholar, special cohort programs, and national scholarship advising.
📄
How to Apply
Submit your UConn application and all required documents by Nov 1. The Stamps Supplemental Application opens in the applicant portal after you apply and is due Nov 8. Selected finalists complete an interview with the Admissions Committee and the Stamps Scholars Program.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Full cost-of-attendance scholarship renewable for four years (eight semesters), plus a one-time $12,000 enrichment award. Restricted to Storrs Campus applicants; open to in-state and out-of-state students. Students may apply to only one of Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Exceptionally high-achieving seniors with notable leadership, service, and citizenship, from Connecticut or anywhere else. Finalists interview with the Admissions Committee and the Stamps Scholars Program, so students should be ready to explain how they would use the $12,000 enrichment award.
Full RideApp Required
Nutmeg Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 · 📢 Results: Early February ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Apply to only one: Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride
👥 ~20 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Full scholarship covering direct and indirect cost of attendance, so it replaces other UConn merit instead of stacking with it. Housing is covered only when the student lives on campus.
📄
How to Apply
Submit your UConn application by Nov 1, then complete the Nutmeg Supplemental Application by Nov 8. Eligibility hinges on CT residency, graduation from a CT secondary school, exceptional academics, school and community service, and demonstrated leadership.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Full scholarship including direct and indirect cost of attendance. Restricted to CT residents graduating from a CT secondary school, Storrs Campus only, limited to roughly 20 recipients statewide. Students may apply to only one of Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top-of-class Connecticut seniors with standout academics, deep school and community involvement, and clear leadership. With only about 20 awards statewide, this is one of the most competitive scholarships in the state.
Full RideApp Required
Day of Pride Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 · 📢 Results: Early February ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Apply to only one: Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride
👥 ~20 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Full scholarship covering direct and indirect cost of attendance, so it generally replaces other UConn merit. Some restrictions apply, so confirm specifics once awarded.
📄
How to Apply
Submit your UConn application by Nov 1, then complete the Day of Pride Supplemental Application by Nov 8. UConn reviews high school grades, optional test scores, class rank if available, and letters of recommendation alongside your supplemental essays.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Full scholarship including direct and indirect cost of attendance. Restricted to CT residents graduating from a CT secondary school, with documented financial need. Storrs Campus only, limited to roughly 20 recipients statewide. Students may apply to only one of Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Connecticut seniors with proven academic ability whose lived and life experiences bring real depth to UConn's learning environment. UConn looks for sustained leadership, community contribution, documented financial need, and a clear commitment to opportunity, access, and growth.
Data last verified Jun 24, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
When are the UConn full-ride deadlines?
The UConn application and every required document must be in by November 1. The supplemental application for Stamps, Nutmeg, or Day of Pride opens in the applicant portal after your student applies and is due November 8. Decisions come out in early February.
Can my student apply for Stamps and Nutmeg at the same time?
No. UConn makes students choose one of the three. Out-of-state students only have one option (Stamps). Connecticut students should pick the one that best fits their story: Nutmeg rewards top academics and service, while Day of Pride also requires documented financial need.
Is the Stamps Scholarship open to out-of-state students?
Yes. Stamps is the only UConn full ride open to students from outside Connecticut. Selected applicants interview with the Admissions Committee and the Stamps Scholars Program, and winners get a $12,000 enrichment award for research or experiential learning on top of full cost of attendance.
How competitive is the Nutmeg Scholarship?
Very. UConn limits Nutmeg and Day of Pride to about 20 recipients each statewide, and only Storrs applicants who are Connecticut residents graduating from a Connecticut high school are eligible.
What does Day of Pride look for?
Proven academic ability shown through grades, optional test scores, class rank if available, and letters of recommendation, plus leadership, community contribution, and documented financial need.
We’re applying Early Decision. How does that work with the full rides?
Carefully. Early Decision admits must pay the enrollment fee by January 15, but full-ride decisions don’t come until early February. If Stamps is make-or-break for your family, think hard before binding your student.
How does my student keep a full ride?
Stay full-time and keep a 3.0 cumulative GPA, which is higher than the 2.5 required for other UConn merit.
How should my student prepare the supplement?
Start before November. Our Essay Toolkit and Brag Sheet Builder help organize activities, leadership, and service into a clear story.
🧠 Parent Strategy: There’s No “One Big Scholarship Application” at UConn
Some schools have one portal where students apply for everything. UConn doesn’t. After the admissions merit decision, the rest of the money is spread across the financial aid office, each school and college, the Honors Program, and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
File the FAFSA by February 15 every year. That’s the door to University Grants and Connecticut’s Willis program.
Bookmark the scholarship page for your student’s school (engineering, business, nursing, and so on) and check it every fall and spring.
Once on campus, look at the Office of Undergraduate Research. IDEA Grants and SURF awards pay students real money for projects.
Save confirmation emails for everything your student submits.
Parent translation: the admissions scholarship is the big check, but the smaller awards go to the students who keep applying after they arrive.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards aren’t automatic, but most of them sit on top of merit and need-based aid. A few are for Connecticut residents or specific programs, and several are for students already enrolled at UConn.
Automatic
UConn Promise Grant
📅 Deadline: Feb 15 ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, or Waterbury Promise Scholars only
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
If a student also earns a UConn admissions scholarship worth more than the Promise Grant, UConn applies the higher of the two, not both.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable fixed-amount grant for four years of full-time study, reserved for students in the Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, or Waterbury Promise programs. Recipients must file the FAFSA by February 15 each year and meet UConn's renewal and academic progress rules. Promise Grants do not apply while a student is in the Verto Huskies Pathway.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who are already Promise Scholars in one of the four participating Connecticut cities.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Roberta B. Willis Scholarship (Connecticut)
📅 Deadline: Feb 15 ✓ Renews
Varies
✔ Stackable
⚠ Connecticut residents with financial need
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Often shows up first as part of a University Grant, then gets relabeled on the fee bill as the Willis award during the year.
💡
Strategic Detail
Connecticut's state program has two parts. The Need-Merit Scholarship recipients are picked by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. The Need-Based Grant goes to full-time students pursuing a first bachelor's degree whose FAFSA arrives by UConn's February 15 deadline. Funds cover tuition, fees, and up to $1,200 for books and supplies. Amounts depend on need and available funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Connecticut residents with real financial need who file the FAFSA on time. Late filers usually miss it because funds are limited.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
UConn IDEA Grant
📅 Deadline: Varies by cycle (check the Office of Undergraduate Research) Non-Renewable
$6,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Project funding, separate from tuition aid. A student cannot hold an IDEA Grant and a SURF award for the same summer.
📄
How to Apply
Develop a project proposal, meet with Office of Undergraduate Research staff, and apply through the UConn Quest portal during an open cycle.
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $6,000 for a self-designed project: original research, creative work, an early-stage business, or a service initiative. Open to undergraduates in all majors at all campuses, individually or in small groups.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a clear, specific project idea and a faculty mentor who can vouch for it.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) Award
📅 Deadline: Early February (Feb 2 in the 2026 cycle) Non-Renewable
$5,500
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot overlap with other summer funding for the same weeks, such as an IDEA Grant, McNair, or a Health Research Program stipend.
📄
How to Apply
Find a faculty supervisor, meet with an OUR advisor, and submit the application with a proposal, timeline, budget, and one faculty letter through the Quest portal.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $5,500 for a summer research or creative project: a $5,000 student stipend plus up to $500 for project supplies. Open to full-time undergraduates in all majors at all campuses. A student can receive SURF only once.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who line up a UConn faculty mentor early and write a specific, well-planned proposal with a realistic budget.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Krenicki Arts & Engineering Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies (posted by the School of Fine Arts) Non-Renewable
$5,000
✔ Stackable
⚠ School of Engineering or School of Fine Arts students
👥 ~4 winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Paid as a scholarship for the academic year; confirm with financial aid how it fits alongside other aid.
📄
How to Apply
Upload work samples, a professor's recommendation, and a personal statement through the UConn Scholars online portal.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
$5,000 for one academic year. Four recipients each year: two from the School of Fine Arts and two from the School of Engineering. Applicants submit work samples, a faculty letter, and a personal statement about combining art and engineering.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who can show real crossover work, like design projects, models, or creative engineering, not just an interest in both fields.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
100 Years of Women Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Early April (April 4 in the most recent posted cycle) Non-Renewable
$750–$1,000
✔ Stackable
⚠ Demonstrated commitment to gender equity; financial need
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Small, one-time award that sits on top of other aid.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the Women's Center form (separate forms for incoming and current students) with two recommendation letters, a resume, and an unofficial transcript.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
$750 to $1,000 from the UConn Women's Center. Open to current UConn students and to high school seniors planning to enroll at UConn. Applicants need a record of service advancing women's issues or gender equity, financial need, and strong grades.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a documented track record of advocacy or service around gender equity, backed by two strong recommendation letters.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental Scholarships (by School or College)
📅 Deadline: Varies by school or college Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Department awards generally layer on top of merit and need-based aid, up to the cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Bookmark your intended school's scholarship page from the financial aid office's departmental list and apply every cycle.
💡
Strategic Detail
UConn has no single scholarship application. Each school and college (agriculture and health, business, engineering, liberal arts and sciences, education, nursing, pharmacy, fine arts, and Ratcliffe Hicks) runs its own scholarship page, deadlines, and forms. Most awards target continuing students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who check their school's scholarship page every fall and spring and actually apply. Many awards get few applicants.
Data last verified Sep 27, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Hidden Gems FAQ
What is the UConn Promise Grant?
It’s a renewable grant for students in the Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, or Waterbury Promise programs. Recipients must file the FAFSA by February 15 every year. If your student also earns an admissions scholarship worth more, UConn applies the bigger one instead of both.
What is the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship?
Connecticut’s state aid program. The need-based grant goes to full-time Connecticut students with financial need whose FAFSA arrives by February 15. It often shows up first as a University Grant and gets relabeled on the bill during the year.
Can my student get paid to do research at UConn?
Yes. IDEA Grants fund self-designed projects up to $6,000, and SURF awards pay up to $5,500 for a summer research or creative project. Both are open to all majors on all campuses, but a student can’t hold both for the same summer.
Are there scholarships an incoming freshman can apply for right now?
The 100 Years of Women Scholarship ($750 to $1,000) accepts high school seniors planning to enroll at UConn who have a record of service on gender equity and financial need. The deadline has been in early April.
Where are the music, art, and engineering scholarships?
At the school level. The School of Fine Arts runs project awards and co-hosts the Krenicki Arts and Engineering Scholarship ($5,000, four recipients a year, split between Fine Arts and Engineering students). Every other school and college keeps its own list.
Can current UConn students still find money?
Yes, and most department awards are built for continuing students. Merit can’t be added later, so these smaller awards are the main way to close a gap after freshman year.
UConn calls it the Honors Program, not an Honors College, and getting in is simpler than at most schools. There is no separate Honors application. Every first-year applicant to Storrs, Hartford, Stamford, or Waterbury is automatically considered, and the Honors invitation shows up in the applicant portal with the admission decision. About 550 students entered the program at Storrs in the most recent class.
How to apply: Submit the regular UConn application. That’s it.
Deadline that matters: December 1, UConn’s priority date for both merit and Honors consideration.
Automatic Honors spots: Stamps winners are guaranteed Honors admission, and STEM Scholarship winners join Honors and must stay in the program their first two semesters.
Straight talk on Honors money: The Honors Program says outright that it doesn’t award funding to first-year students. Most Honors students hold one of UConn’s admissions merit scholarships instead. The Honors-specific money below is for students already enrolled.
Honors Scholarships & Funding
App Required
Holster Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Nov 12 of the first year at UConn Non-Renewable
$4,400
✔ Stackable
⚠ First-year Honors students at Storrs or Stamford
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Project funding that sits on top of merit aid. Scholars must stay in good standing in the Honors Program.
📄
How to Apply
Apply by November 12 of freshman year with a personal statement, research proposal, a letter from a high school teacher or mentor, and a preliminary UConn faculty recommendation.
🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Selective program for first-year Honors students at the Storrs and Stamford campuses. Finalists take a spring proposal course (UNIV 1730), interview after spring break, and selected scholars receive up to $4,400 to carry out an independent research, design, or creative project the summer after freshman year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Curious first-years with a specific project idea who start early: attend the fall symposium and application workshop, and line up a UConn faculty recommender in the first semester.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Oaklawn Foundation Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Spring (details posted around February or March) ✓ Renews (2 yrs)
$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
⚠ Honors students entering junior year who got no merit aid at admission
🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed for students who got no admissions merit, so there is no merit award to conflict with.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the UConn Quest portal during the spring cycle; watch the Honors Program site around February and March.
💡
Strategic Detail
$2,000 for the academic year for full-time Honors students who will be juniors by fall, did not receive a merit scholarship when admitted to UConn, and are US citizens. Can be renewed for one more year under the same criteria.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students who were passed over for merit at admission but have since built strong grades, Honors involvement, and leadership.
Data last verified Sep 27, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
What Honors Opens Up
Holster Scholars: First-year Honors students at Storrs or Stamford can compete for up to $4,400 to run their own summer research or creative project. Applications are due in November of freshman year.
Oaklawn Foundation Scholarship: $2,000 a year for Honors juniors who didn’t get merit aid at admission. It’s a second chance for late bloomers.
National scholarship advising: Honors connects students to UConn’s office for national scholarships and fellowships.
Honors housing and priority perks: Honors has its own housing and a community of students with similar goals.
Honors Program FAQs (UConn)
Does my student have to apply separately to UConn Honors?
No. First-year applicants are reviewed for Honors automatically as part of the admissions application, whether they apply Early Decision or Regular Decision. UConn strongly recommends applying by December 1.
Does getting into Honors come with a scholarship?
Not by itself. The Honors Program doesn’t fund first-year students. Most Honors students do receive an admissions merit scholarship because their profiles are strong, but it’s not guaranteed.
Can my student join Honors later?
Yes. Students at any UConn campus can apply for Honors for their second year, and transfer students can apply too.
What’s the connection between Honors and the STEM Scholarship?
STEM Scholarship winners are placed in Honors and the STEM Scholars community. If they leave Honors during the first two semesters, the scholarship drops to a lower-value award.
Can out-of-state students be in Honors?
Yes. Honors consideration is the same for everyone, and Stamps, the only full ride open to out-of-state students, guarantees Honors admission.
UConn is Connecticut’s flagship public university and a top-tier research university. Most families picture Storrs and the basketball banners, but what makes UConn different is how many health-care and professional pathways start right at the undergraduate level, plus five campuses that give students more than one way in.
Signature Opportunity: Special Programs in Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Law: high-achieving freshmen can apply for early-assurance pathways into UConn’s medical, dental, or law schools. The application deadline is November 1 of senior year, and decisions come out in early March.
Health Care Pipelines: The Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing and the School of Pharmacy (with a Pharm.D. track) are two of UConn’s most popular direct routes into a career. Nursing applicants need high school chemistry and biology.
Engineering: Wide range of majors, including biomedical, chemical, environmental, materials science, robotics, and data science and engineering. Engineering applicants need high school chemistry or physics.
School of Business: Strong in finance, accounting, and analytics, plus majors like real estate and health care management.
Actuarial Science: A well-established math and actuarial science program, including a combined track with finance.
Only-at-UConn Majors: Puppetry (through the School of Fine Arts), marine sciences at the Avery Point campus on the coast, and animal science through the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture.
Biology and Psychology: Two of the largest undergraduate majors, with plenty of paid research through IDEA Grants and SURF.
🔗 Official University of Connecticut Links
Use UConn’s official pages below to confirm scholarship rules, costs, and deadlines. Always rely on these pages for the final word on award terms and dates.
UConn is a school where the calendar decides a lot of the money. The big awards happen in November, the rest of the merit is decided by December 1, and a family that treats January 15 as the real deadline can leave real dollars on the table. It’s also a school that keeps its merit amounts private, so you won’t know your number until the offer arrives. That’s why the net price calculator and a backup plan matter here.
For Connecticut families, UConn is hard to beat: two statewide full rides, need-based aid protected by state law, and regional campuses that cut the cost of a UConn degree nearly in half. For out-of-state families, the math is tighter. Stamps is the one full ride you can reach, and New England families should check whether their student’s major qualifies for the regional discount, remembering that it comes with a smaller merit award. Either way, apply by December 1, file the FAFSA by February 15, and keep hunting for department and research money once your student is on campus.
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Leo Dimilo is the founder of CollegeReadyParent. He went through the college process with his daughter and built this site to give middle-income and first-generation families plain-English answers about paying for college, with no paywall and no lead generation.
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