University of Hartford Scholarships (2025–2026)

University of Hartford Scholarships (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic vs competitive merit scholarships
  • Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem awards worth a look
  • Honors scholarships, stacking, and smart planning

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 24–29
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1080–1280
  • Average HS GPA: ~3.5–3.8

Source: University of Hartford Institutional Research / BigFuture (latest available data).

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

UHart at a Glance

🏆 President’s and Regents’ Scholarships can reach full tuition — see Flagship (Competitive) for details.
Average Net Price
$30,553
For freshmen receiving grants or scholarships
Automatic Merit (OOS)
Limited automatic awards; most are competitive
Consideration based on GPA, test scores, and program
Typical Qualifiers
Strong GPA (3.5+) and SAT ≥1150 or ACT ≥25
Ranges vary by major and competition year
Testing Policy
Test-optional for admission; test scores required for some merit awards
Check award criteria carefully
Key Deadlines
Scholarship Competition invite: by May 1 (for admitted students)
FAFSA/CSS Priority: February 15
Honors / Merit Scholarships
President’s & Regents’ Awards linked with Honors eligibility
Top-tier awards may require test scores & class rank
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Available through Scholarship Competition (competitive)
Renewable for 4 years with GPA ≥ 3.25
Residency & Waivers
Private university — no public reciprocity
All students pay same tuition rate
– Scholarship GPA/test bands are approximate, based on institutional data and published criteria. Thresholds may shift with each cycle.
Last verified: October 23, 2025

The University of Hartford blends professional programs with a strong liberal-arts foundation and generous merit aid. Students with strong academics and leadership potential can compete for President’s and Regents’ Scholarships—some of which reach full tuition. Need-based grants and performance-based awards (music, art, athletics) also help reduce the sticker price.

Use this guide to explore scholarship tiers, competition timelines, and strategies to combine Hartford’s merit programs with state and federal aid.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? Yes. UHart is test-optional for general admission but requires SAT/ACT for certain competitive scholarships.

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 24–29; SAT 1080–1280 for most admitted students.

What’s the average net price? ~$30,553 (students receiving grants or scholarships).

Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? No. As a private university, Hartford does not participate in public reciprocity programs.

Sources:
https://www.hartford.edu/about/offices-divisions/institutional-research/
https://www.hartford.edu/admission/undergraduate/freshman/default.aspx
https://www.hartford.edu/admission/undergraduate/freshman/merit-scholarships.aspx
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-hartford/admissions
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?129525-University-of-Hartford=

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Hartford

Expense In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) $50,445 $50,445
Housing & Meals (average) $14,890 $14,890
Total (billed by the university, before aid) $65,335 $65,335

Note: This table includes only billed (direct) costs paid to the University of Hartford, such as tuition, fees, housing, and meals. It does not include non-billed (indirect) expenses like books and supplies (~$1,460), travel (~$1,020), or personal expenses (~$2,254), which are part of the full cost of attendance but are not paid directly to the university.

Average Net Price: $30,553 (latest NCES/College Scorecard). This represents what families actually paid after scholarships and grants—loans not included.
Regional Reciprocity?
The University of Hartford is a private institution, so regional reciprocity programs like the New England Board of Higher Education’s Tuition Break (NEBHE), WUE, or MSEP do not apply. All U.S. students are charged the same tuition rate.

FAQ

Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Because Hartford is private, there’s no in-state discount—everyone pays the same tuition before aid.

How much do families really pay?
The average net price is about $30,553 per year, meaning many students receive grants or scholarships that significantly reduce the sticker price.

Do I need to apply separately for state reciprocity?
No. Since reciprocity programs apply only to public universities, there’s no additional application for UHart. Instead, focus on Hartford’s institutional merit scholarships and Connecticut’s state aid programs.

Sources:
https://www.hartford.edu/admission/undergraduate/freshman/cost.aspx
https://www.hartford.edu/admission/undergraduate/freshman/financial-aid.aspx
https://www.hartford.edu/about/offices-divisions/institutional-research/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-hartford/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?129525-University-of-Hartford=

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
President’s & Regents’ Scholarships Up to ~$23,000/yr Strong GPA, course rigor, test scores if submitted. Linked with Honors eligibility. No Yes – must keep 3.0 GPA (Regents: 3.25) Typically 3.6–3.9+ GPA; ACT 27–31 / SAT 1280–1400+ Nov 15 (Early Action)
Scholarship Competition (Invitation-only) Up to Full Tuition Invited top admits; top GPA/rigor; leadership & interviews By invitation (EA required) Yes – maintain 3.25 GPA 3.9+ GPA, strongest AP/IB rigor, standout interviews Nov 15 (EA for invite)
Hartt / Art Talent Scholarships Varies, up to Full Tuition Talent audition/portfolio; not combined with academic awards Audition/Portfolio Yes – satisfactory progress required Exceptional artistic talent, faculty endorsement Dec–Feb (audition/portfolio dates)

*GPA/test bands are estimates based on Honors eligibility signals and prior ranges; actual cutoffs vary by year.

FAQ

Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. Most academic merit awards are automatic once you’re admitted. Only the full-tuition competition requires an invitation.

Does UHart superscore SAT or ACT?
Yes. The University of Hartford considers your highest section scores across test dates (“superscoring”), which can increase your merit award eligibility.

Can these awards stack with talent or need-based aid?
Generally, no. Hartt students receive talent scholarships instead of academic merit. Need-based aid may still combine, depending on your award letter.

What deadlines matter?
Apply by November 15 (Early Action) for strongest automatic scholarship and competition consideration. FAFSA priority deadline is February 15.


Sources:
University of Hartford Scholarships – https://www.hartford.edu/admission/financing/scholarships/
UHart Academic Catalog – https://catalog.hartford.edu/
Hartt School Talent Awards – https://www.hartford.edu/academics/schools-colleges/hartt/admission-aid/hartt-scholarships.aspx
UHart Honors Scholarship Info – https://www.hartford.edu/academics/honors-program/scholarships-awards.aspx

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)

These are the University of Hartford’s flagship, highly competitive scholarships—selective awards with limited slots and extra steps (interviews, invitations, or separate forms). We use “flagship scholarships” here, but we also include the term competitive scholarships so families searching either way can find the right info.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility (what makes it competitive) Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Scholarship Competition (Full-Tuition) Up to Full Tuition (4 years) Invitation-only for top admits (apply EA by Nov 15); limited awards; interview required By invitation (EA required) Yes — maintain 3.25 GPA GPA 3.9+*, top AP/IB rigor, leadership, standout interview Nov 15 (EA for invite)
Stanley Black & Decker Scholars of Excellence Cohort award; average ~$35,000–$37,000/yr Top students from select Greater Hartford towns; mentorship, local residency required Selection during admission (no public application) Yes — see award letter for terms GPA ~3.8–4.0*, local service and leadership, college readiness Nov 15 (EA for selection)
University Emeriti Scholarships (Upper-Division) $3,500/yr (academic year 2025–26) Selective; juniors/seniors with 3.5+ GPA and strong campus/community service Yes — spring university application Renewable (year-to-year; non-guaranteed) Juniors/seniors, faculty endorsements, service record March 14 (for 2025–26)

*GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles; actual thresholds and amounts can vary yearly.

FAQ

Are these the same as automatic merit?
No. These are competitive scholarships with limited slots. Most students receive automatic merit at admission, but flagship awards add a selective layer on top.

Do I need test scores? Does UHart superscore?
Test scores are considered if submitted. UHart superscores the SAT/ACT (uses your best section scores), which helps your competitive profile.

What deadlines matter for flagship awards?
Apply by November 15 (Early Action) for full-tuition invitations/cohort awards. Upper-division awards have distinct spring deadlines after enrollment.

Can flagship awards stack with other aid?
Often they can stack with need-based aid, but interplay with merit/talent awards may be limited. See your award letter for stacking specifics.


Sources:
UHart Scholarships – https://www.hartford.edu/admission/financing/scholarships/
Scholar Competition – https://www.hartford.edu/admission/financing/scholarships/competition.aspx
Stanley Black & Decker – https://www.hartford.edu/admission/financing/scholarships/stanley-black-decker.aspx
Emeriti Scholarships – https://www.hartford.edu/academics/honors-program/scholarships-awards.aspx
UHart Academic Catalog – https://catalog.hartford.edu/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond automatic merit and flagship awards, the University of Hartford offers a mix of niche and need-based opportunities that can quietly make a big difference. These hidden gems are often tied to where you live, your identity, or special programs like ROTC and study abroad.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Hartford Promise + Greater Futures (Hartford residents) Up to $25,000/yr
($5k Promise + $20k HFPG)
Hartford Public School grads with 3.0+ GPA, 93%+ attendance Program eligibility (automatic with HPS graduation & FAFSA) Yes — up to 4 years if standards met Hartford residents who meet academic/attendance rules and enroll full time March 1 (recommended FAFSA)
AFROTC Scholarships Full tuition + books + stipend Meet AFROTC national standards; apply via ROTC board Yes — AFROTC application Yes — per AFROTC standing STEM students with strong academics/fitness Jan 12 (high school); rolling in-college
Army ROTC (via UConn) Full tuition + stipends Enroll through UConn ROTC; meet academic/fitness/citizenship Yes — Army ROTC app Yes Students interested in military officer careers Jan 15/rolling
Women’s Advancement Initiative – Dorothy Goodwin Scholars $1,000–$3,000 per project Undergraduate women doing research/creative work with mentor Yes — WAI application with project One-year award Motivated undergraduates with faculty support Oct 19 (annual)
Stanley Black & Decker Scholars of Excellence $35,000–$37,000/yr (multi-year) Top students from eligible Hartford Co. cities; leadership, service; selected by admissions No — selection from admit pool Yes — cohort/program terms High-achieving, first-gen, and underrepresented students Nov 15 (EA for selection)
Study Abroad Scholarships $1,000–$5,000 per program Full-time students on approved UHart abroad programs Yes — study abroad/apply with program One semester/year; reapply allowed Students with high financial need/merit, and program approval Oct 15 (winter/spring); Mar 1 (fall/summer)

Disclaimer: Award amounts and GPA bands marked as ranges or estimates are based on university sources and recent press. Always confirm exact award terms with the financial aid office annually.

  • Pep Band: No published scholarships, but students can ask the band director or Athletics about stipends/support.
  • Departmental Named Scholarships: Architecture, Engineering, and the Hartt School offer many. See the UHart scholarship portal for details.
  • University Emeriti Scholarships: Juniors and seniors with GPA 3.5+ and strong leadership/service; apply each spring.
  • Need-Based Grants: FAFSA required. Institutional and CT Independent College Student grants available for CT residents at UHart.

FAQ

Are these scholarships automatic?
No. Hidden gems need an application, nomination, or special eligibility—for example, city residency, program participation, or special academic/leadership profiles.

Can they stack with merit aid?
Yes. These awards often layer on top of automatic or flagship merit, though total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.

Are these awards guaranteed every year?
Most are renewable with continued eligibility (GPA, participation, leadership, or need-based standards).

Do Hartford Promise and Greater Futures cover all four years?
Yes, as long as GPA, attendance, and full-time enrollment standards are maintained.


Sources:
Hartford Promise & Greater Futures – https://hartfordpromise.org/
University of Hartford Hidden Scholarships – https://www.hartford.edu/admission/financing/scholarships/
Dorothy Goodwin Scholars – https://www.hartford.edu/wai/scholarships/dorothy-goodwin.aspx
Women’s Advancement Initiative – https://www.hartford.edu/wai/
Study Abroad Scholarships – https://www.hartford.edu/about/global-studies/study-abroad/scholarships.aspx
Stanley Black & Decker – https://www.hartford.edu/admission/financing/scholarships/stanley-black-decker.aspx

🎖️ Honors College

The University of Hartford doesn’t have a separate Honors College, but it does offer the University Honors Program. Students are invited based on their admission profile or can apply after their first semester. For motivated students, Honors is a chance to dig deeper—small seminars, faculty mentoring, and a senior project that sets them apart for grad school or competitive jobs.

What a Typical UHart Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA in the 3.6–3.9+ range*, strong AP/IB or honors coursework, leadership in clubs or service, and a willingness to take on research or creative projects.
*Estimates based on past Honors admits and eligibility guidelines.
Perks That Matter:
  • Priority course registration and advising support
  • Small, seminar-style Honors classes
  • Faculty mentorship and the option to complete a senior thesis/project
  • Dedicated Honors housing and special events/colloquia
  • Access to undergraduate research funding and national scholarship advising
  • Support applying for prestigious external awards like Rhodes, Fulbright, and Marshall Scholarships

Honors-Specific Scholarships

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
National Honors Scholarship Up to full tuition (replaces Regents’ Scholarship) Full-time Honors students, 3.25+ GPA; awarded from Regents’ pool No — awarded automatically from Honors invitation/selection Yes — keep 3.25 GPA and full-time status, up to 4 years Most competitive admits with Regents’ status, continued Honors engagement Nov 15 (EA for invite)
Honors Research/Service Awards $2,500–$7,500 per project/semester Matriculated sophomores/juniors in Honors with 3.25+ GPA, faculty project mentor Yes — application with project One-time/annual; not guaranteed renewal Active Honors students with strong projects and faculty support March 1 (spring competition)
Emeriti Association Prize $3,500/year Juniors/seniors with 3.7+ GPA, research or creative/thesis project Yes — departmental/ Honors application One-year; annual competition Outstanding Honors students with junior/senior standing March 15

FAQ

Is admission automatic?
No. Most students are invited at admission based on GPA/test profile, but current UHart students can apply after their first semester if they earn a 3.0+ GPA.

Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. Most Honors requirements overlap with your major; expect 18 credits total, which typically fit within four years.

Are there extra scholarships?
Yes. Honors students may receive the National Honors Scholarship, individual project awards, and support for external scholarship applications.

What deadlines matter?
For first-years, apply to UHart by Nov 15 (Early Action) to maximize your chance of being invited. Current students can apply in spring after their first semester.


Sources:
UHart Honors Program – https://www.hartford.edu/academics/honors-program/
Honors Program Scholarships & Prizes – https://www.hartford.edu/academics/honors-program/scholarships-awards.aspx
UHart Academic Catalog – https://catalog.hartford.edu/
National Honors Scholarship Policy – https://www.hartford.edu/admission/financing/scholarships/

⭐ College Specialty

If you’re looking at the University of Hartford, academics are more than just majors on a list. UHart is known for blending professional training with creative and technical programs you don’t often find together at one private university. Families often notice that its strongest programs have direct pipelines into careers—from studios and stages to engineering labs and clinics.

Standout Program:
Acoustical Engineering & Music — One of the only ABET-accredited undergraduate acoustical engineering programs in the nation, combining engineering with music and sound design. Students gain access to specialized labs and a direct line into industries like acoustics, audio tech, and product design.
  • Prosthetics & Orthotics: UHart runs one of just 13 accredited MSPO programs in the U.S., offering a 5-year BS/MS pipeline into a high-demand health field.
  • The Hartt School of Performing Arts: Nationally recognized for music, dance, and theatre; over 400 public performances each year prepare students for careers on stage and screen.
  • Aerospace Engineering: The only undergraduate aerospace engineering program in Connecticut, giving students a unique advantage with industry connections in the region.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the University of Hartford means weighing a private school sticker price against real scholarships that can bring costs down significantly. From automatic merit to flagship competitions, plus hidden gems like Hartford Promise and ROTC, there are clear paths to affordability for motivated students. If your student is creative, hands-on, or driven by service, UHart’s mix of programs and support can help them thrive without leaving you guessing about the bottom line.

Want to see scholarships like this at other colleges? Open the free CRP Scholarship Search Tool →

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