University of Detroit Mercy Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At University of Detroit Mercy, families can tap into a mix of automatic merit awards, competitive scholarships, and need-based help that make a private education more affordable. If you live in Michigan, don’t forget to check our Michigan state aid guide alongside this page to see how state and school scholarships can work together.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Detroit Mercy
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $33,940 | $33,940 |
| Housing & Meals | $11,460 | $11,460 |
| Books, Travel, Personal | $4,200 | $4,200 |
| Total (before aid) | $49,600 | $49,600 |
Reciprocity & Regional Programs: As a private university, Detroit Mercy does not participate in state tuition-reciprocity exchanges like WUE or MSEP. All students are billed the same tuition, but significant automatic merit awards often reduce the out-of-pocket cost to levels similar to public universities.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state rates?
Since Detroit Mercy is private, there is no in-state discount — all students are charged the same tuition.
How much do families really pay?
The average family paid about $18,600 after scholarships and grants (latest federal data). Your net price could be higher or lower depending on academics and need.
Do I need to apply separately for tuition discounts?
No — tuition is the same for everyone, but merit scholarships are awarded automatically with admission review. Filing the FAFSA ensures you’re considered for need-based aid as well.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Up to $15,000 per year | Strong GPA and curriculum | No | Yes — maintain 2.0 GPA, full-time | Top applicants with GPAs 3.7+* |
| Dean’s Scholarship | Up to $12,000 per year | Solid academic record | No | Yes — maintain 2.0 GPA, full-time | Students in the 3.4–3.6 GPA range* |
| Recognition/General Merit Awards | $5,000–$10,000 per year | Admitted students with good GPA | No | Yes — maintain 2.0 GPA, full-time | Students in the 3.0–3.3 GPA range* |
| Commerce Academic Scholarship (Business majors) | Up to $16,000 per year | Business majors with strong GPA/test profile | No | Yes — maintain 2.0 GPA, full-time | Business admits with GPAs above ~3.5* |
*GPA ranges are estimates based on past award patterns and public student profile data. Actual thresholds vary each year with the applicant pool and funding.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply separately for these awards?
No. All applicants are automatically considered during the admission review.
Does Detroit Mercy superscore ACT or SAT?
No. They use your highest composite score from a single sitting if you submit test scores.
Is Detroit Mercy test-optional?
Yes. You do not need test scores to be considered for scholarships — GPA and curriculum are enough.
Can I combine merit with other aid?
Often yes — merit can be combined with federal and state aid. But some Detroit Mercy merit awards cannot be stacked with other university grants or discounts. Always confirm with your financial aid package.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Detroit Mercy does not publicly list additional first-year, university-wide competitive scholarships beyond general merit. In keeping with CRP transparency, the table below is intentionally left blank.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | No first-year university-wide competitive scholarships publicly listed | — | — | — |
Competitive Scholarships FAQ
Are there invite-only or interview-based awards for first-years?
None are publicly listed at the university-wide level. Check your academic department and the Honors section for selective opportunities tied to majors or programs.
Do test scores matter for competitive awards?
Detroit Mercy is test-optional. If you submit scores, the university reviews the highest single-test composite (they do not superscore).
Can competitive awards (if offered) stack with merit or need-based aid?
Often yes with federal/state aid, but some institutional awards cannot be combined with other university discounts covering the same charges. Always confirm stacking rules in your offer.
Where should I look next?
See 💎 Hidden Gems for niche programs (including transfer-only competitions) and 🎖️ Honors College for program-specific opportunities.
⭐ College Specialty
Detroit Mercy blends its Jesuit and Mercy traditions with professional programs that punch above their weight. While it’s a small private university, it has a big reputation in areas like dentistry, nursing, and law—fields that open direct pipelines to Michigan’s workforce. Families looking for a practical, career-ready education often choose Detroit Mercy because of these standout programs.
The School of Dentistry at Detroit Mercy is one of only two dental schools in Michigan and is consistently recognized statewide for producing practice-ready dentists. Its clinical training reputation makes it a destination program for healthcare-focused students.
- Nursing: Ranked among the top nursing schools in Michigan, with strong NCLEX pass rates and a well-respected graduate program.
- Law (Detroit Mercy Law): Nationally recognized for its dual U.S. and Canadian JD program—the only one of its kind in North America.
- Engineering: Offers long-standing co-op and industry partnerships; known statewide for placing graduates directly into automotive and tech careers.
- Architecture: Detroit Mercy’s School of Architecture is one of the oldest in Michigan, with a strong urban design focus tied to the city of Detroit.
🎖️ Honors College
Detroit Mercy’s Honors Program is designed for students who want an extra layer of challenge and community. It combines small, discussion-driven classes with service-learning, leadership opportunities, and faculty mentorship. Admission is selective, but the focus is on finding students eager to push themselves both academically and personally.
GPA around 3.6+ in high school (sometimes higher), evidence of rigorous coursework, strong writing ability, and a demonstrated commitment to community service or leadership.
- Priority registration for classes
- Special Honors seminars and smaller class sizes
- Faculty mentorship and research opportunities
- Dedicated Honors advising and community service projects
- Honors housing option available
Honors Program FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No — students must apply or be invited. Applications are reviewed based on GPA, essays, and overall academic potential.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors courses are designed to integrate into your regular degree plan, not extend it.
Are there scholarships tied directly to Honors?
Detroit Mercy does not publish dedicated Honors-only scholarships. Honors students typically combine their program experience with automatic merit and departmental awards.
When should I apply?
It’s best to apply when you submit your admission materials or shortly after. Priority deadlines vary by year, but early application maximizes consideration.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Navigating scholarships at University of Detroit Mercy can feel like a lot, but the good news is that most families qualify for significant automatic merit right at admission. On top of that, hidden-gem programs like TRIO, Performing Arts, and transfer-based full-tuition scholarships open the door to even more savings. Pair that with strong programs in healthcare, business, and engineering, and Detroit Mercy offers a powerful mix of affordability and opportunity for students ready to dive in.
✅ Last updated: September 16, 2025