University of Houston–Clear Lake Scholarships (2025–2026)

What This Page Covers:

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

Welcome, Hawk families! This page puts everything in one place—real costs, automatic and competitive awards, tuition waivers, and the “hidden gem” programs that first-gen parents often don’t hear about. New to Texas aid? Start with our plain-English state guide, then use the menu below to jump to what you need.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Houston–Clear Lake

Budget Component (2025–2026)	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees	$9,298	$25,978
Housing & Meals (On-campus avg.)	$12,642	$12,642
Books & Supplies (allowance)	$720	$720
Transportation (allowance)	$1,984	$1,984
Personal/Misc. (allowance)	$2,470	$2,470
Total (before aid)	$29,646	$46,326

Assumptions: 30 credit hours for the year (15 per term). UHCL bills per credit hour (no 12–18 “flat” band). Totals shown use UHCL’s 2025–26 standard allowances and an on-campus housing average; living with parent or off-campus will change the total.

Average Federal Net Price (NCES / IPEDS): Around $10,488.
This reflects what full-time undergraduates actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans included).

Tuition Waivers & Regional Programs

Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Non-Texas residents who earn $1,000+ in competitive scholarships at UHCL can be billed at the in-state tuition rate for 12 months (renewable if re-awarded).
Worked example (real savings): Non-resident tuition & fees $25,978 → in-state $9,298 after waiver = about $16,680 saved on tuition/fees for the year.
Academic Common Market (Graduate Only): UHCL, as part of the University of Houston System and a Texas public university, follows the statewide rule that limits ACM to graduate programs only. Eligible graduate students from participating SREB states may qualify for in-state tuition if their UHCL program is ACM-approved and not offered in their home state.
Note: Undergraduate students are not eligible for ACM at UHCL or any Texas public university. Texas does not participate in WUE, NEBHE, or MSEP for undergraduates.

Quick FAQ

Who qualifies? New non-resident undergrads who receive $1,000+ in competitive scholarships at UHCL within an academic year.
How much can we save? The waiver switches you to the resident tuition rate. For 2025–26, that’s roughly $16.7k off tuition/fees on a 30-credit load.
Do we apply? No separate application. UHCL processes the waiver once qualifying scholarships are awarded (watch award terms and timing).

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

UHCL offers two admission-based automatic awards: one for high-achieving transfer students and one for National Merit Finalists. These do not require a separate application beyond admission or National Merit designation.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Automatic Transfer Scholarship	$1,000 per semester (up to 4 semesters total).	New undergraduate transfer students with a 2.75+ transfer GPA and at least 12 credit hours enrolled each term.	No — considered automatically at admission.	Yes, up to three additional semesters if GPA and enrollment are maintained.	Transfers with solid grades (GPA ≥ 2.75) who enroll full-time.
National Merit Scholarship	Institutional support (amount varies by finalist package).	National Merit Finalists who select UHCL as their first-choice institution.	No — automatic for eligible finalists.	Yes, per National Merit terms and UHCL continuation requirements.	High school seniors designated as National Merit Finalists who commit to UHCL.

Automatic merit awards at UHCL are limited. Freshman awards like the President’s Excellence Scholarship are competitive and listed in the next section.

FAQ — Automatic Merit at UHCL

Do I need a separate application? No. Both the Automatic Transfer Scholarship and National Merit award are processed automatically once you’re admitted and meet the criteria.
What GPA do I need? Transfer students must bring a 2.75+ GPA from prior college coursework. National Merit eligibility is based on PSAT/NMSQT performance and finalist status.
Does UHCL superscore SAT or ACT? No. UHCL uses the best single test date score. They do not combine section scores across dates.
Can these stack with other aid? Yes, up to your federal Cost of Attendance. Nonresidents with $1,000+ in competitive awards may also qualify for the Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver to pay in-state tuition.
When should I apply? Apply for admission early. Automatic awards are tied to your admission file, and funds can be limited.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These scholarships require more than just admission — they involve essays, higher GPA cutoffs, or early applications. Awards are limited and competitive, so strong academics, leadership, and timely applications matter.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
President’s Excellence Scholarship	$3,000 per year ($1,500 each semester, up to 4 years)	Incoming freshmen with a 3.5+ high school GPA and admission to UHCL.	Yes — via UHCL scholarship portal.	Yes — renewable up to 4 years if GPA and credit load maintained.	Freshmen with strong academics (typically 3.7+ GPA) and timely applications.
New Hawk Scholarship	Ranges from full ride (tuition, fees, books, housing) to smaller awards ($1,000).	First-time freshmen; must apply to UHCL and submit essay(s). Limited slots.	Yes — via UHCL scholarship portal, with essays.	Varies by award; renewable if GPA/enrollment met.	Top freshmen with 3.6–4.0 GPAs, rigorous courses, and leadership/service involvement. Estimate based on award size/selectivity.
Hawk Scholars Scholarship (HSS)	$2,000 first semester + $1,000 per term (renewable for 2 more semesters).	New non-Texas resident or international students admitted to UHCL. Award priority given to early admits with strong GPA.	Yes — via UHCL scholarship portal. Priority deadline: Sep 15; Final: Nov 1 (Spring cycle example).	Yes — renewable for 2 more terms with GPA ≥ 3.0 and 6+ credits/term.	Nonresident/international students with 3.3+ GPA* who apply early. *Estimate based on selection factors.
Cullen Leadership Scholarship	$1,000 (renewable).	New transfer students with an associate’s degree from a Houston/Galveston community college within the past 12 months.	Yes — via UHCL scholarship portal.	Yes — if GPA/enrollment maintained.	Transfer students with leadership/service and GPA ~3.2+. Estimate based on award profile.

*Estimated GPA bands are based on UHCL’s descriptions and award selectivity. Replace with official tiers if UHCL publishes them for 2025–26.

FAQ — Competitive Scholarships

When are the deadlines? Most UHCL scholarships require applications through the online portal. Priority deadlines are typically in mid-January for fall and mid-September for spring, with final deadlines a few weeks later. Always check the current cycle dates in the portal.
How much money is available? Awards range widely — from $1,000 per year (Cullen Leadership) up to a full ride covering tuition, fees, housing, and books (New Hawk Scholarship). President’s Excellence is a steady $3,000/year renewable up to 4 years.
How many students win? UHCL does not publish an exact number of recipients for each scholarship. Full-ride awards like the New Hawk are very limited, while $1,000–$3,000 awards are more common.
What do they look for? Beyond GPA cutoffs (3.5+ for President’s Excellence, strong 3.6–4.0 for New Hawk), reviewers weigh essays, leadership roles, service, and application timing. For Hawk Scholars, early submission and a strong GPA (3.3+ est.) make a big difference.
Can I combine these with other scholarships? Yes, up to your Cost of Attendance. Nonresidents who earn $1,000+ in competitive scholarships also qualify for the Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver (in-state tuition rates).

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These are the “off-the-radar” awards that can make a big difference — need-based tuition programs, housing help, or scholarships tied to research, ROTC, or identity. They often stack with other aid if you qualify.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Hawk Promise	Covers tuition & fees if family income ≤ $65,000.	Texas residents; new freshmen; FAFSA/TASFA by Jan 15.	No	Yes, if criteria met each year.	Pell-eligible Texans who file early and enroll full-time.
Hawk Advantage Scholarship	Need-based; varies (tuition support).	Texas residents; recent high school graduates; FAFSA/TASFA required.	Yes — UHCL scholarship portal.	Yes, if income/enrollment standards remain.	First-time freshmen from low-income families.
Hawk Housing Scholarship	$1,000 per semester (applied to Hunter Hall).	New UHCL undergrads/grads, including international, who live on campus.	Yes	One year; may reapply.	Students committing to campus housing.
University Endowment Scholarship	Varies ($1,000+ typical).	Undergrad/grad students; must show leadership, service, honors/awards.	Yes	Yes	Students with strong service/leadership and solid academics.
College of Education Alumni Scholarship	Varies; merit-based.	UHCL Education majors; leadership qualities considered.	Yes	Yes	Strong academic performers in Education with leadership/service.
Chhavi Bhatia Memorial Scholarship	Varies.	Grad students in Clinical Psych or Family Therapy; preference for those serving Asian Indian female communities.	Yes	Yes	Identity-focused candidates in mental health fields.
First-Gen Preference Scholarships	Varies ($500–$2,000 typical).	Departmental scholarships across colleges often give preference to first-generation students.	Yes	Yes	First-generation undergrads applying through the UHCL portal.
Army ROTC (cross-enroll at UH)	Full tuition/fees OR housing/meal allowance, plus stipends.	U.S. citizens; fitness/service commitment; apply via GoArmy.	Yes	Yes	Strong academics, fitness, and leadership potential.
Air Force ROTC (Detachment 003 at UH)	Tuition/fees (Type 1/2/7 awards), plus stipends.	U.S. citizens; academic/fitness/service standards; apply via AFROTC.	Yes	Yes	Cadets with strong GPA, fitness, and leadership.
Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver	Nonresident tuition reduced (~$25,978 → $9,298) if $1,000+ in competitive scholarships.	Nonresident undergrads with qualifying awards.	No — automatic with awards.	Yes, if re-awarded.	Nonresidents securing $1,000+ in competitive UHCL scholarships.

FAQ — Hidden Gems

Are these automatic? Some are (like Hawk Promise), while others require an application through the portal or a specific department.
Do they stack? Yes, most can be combined with merit awards, up to your Cost of Attendance. ROTC scholarships usually cover tuition, freeing other funds for housing or meals.
What deadlines matter? Hawk Promise requires FAFSA/TASFA by Jan 15. Departmental and donor scholarships have their own posted deadlines. ROTC has national board timelines.
Who should pay attention? First-gen families, Education/Family Therapy majors, nonresidents chasing waivers, and students interested in military service.

⭐ College Specialty

UH–Clear Lake isn’t a massive flagship, but it has carved out some impressive niches. Because of its unique location next to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the university blends classroom learning with hands-on opportunities that few other schools can match. For first-gen families looking for career pipelines into Houston’s booming industries — aerospace, energy, education, and healthcare — UHCL’s specialties make it a smart option.

🚀 Space Studies & Aerospace Connections: UHCL is best known statewide for its deep partnership with NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Students access internships, research archives, and cooperative programs tied directly to human spaceflight and aerospace careers.

Environmental Science & Coastal Research: Through the Environmental Institute of Houston, UHCL is a state leader in wetlands, fisheries, and Gulf Coast sustainability studies (recognized in Texas Higher Ed environmental research reports).
Cybersecurity & Computing: UHCL is aligning its curriculum with National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NSA/DHS framework). Its Computer Science & Software Engineering programs are noted statewide for workforce preparation in Houston’s energy and tech sectors.
Education & Teacher Prep: The College of Education is among the top regional producers of certified teachers in the Houston metro area, with strong pipelines into Clear Creek, Pasadena, and Houston ISD school districts.
Psychology & Family Therapy: Graduate programs in Clinical Psychology and Marriage & Family Therapy are accredited and recognized within Texas for professional licensure preparation and community impact.

Note: UHCL is not classified as an R1 or R2 research university; its distinction lies in targeted program strengths and its NASA partnership.

🎖️ Honors College

Unlike UH’s main campus, UH–Clear Lake does not operate a stand-alone undergraduate Honors College. Instead, motivated students can still access “honors-style” opportunities — small seminars, leadership cohorts, undergraduate research through the Environmental Institute of Houston, and special projects tied to NASA partnerships. For first-gen families, this means your student won’t miss out on challenging courses or mentorship, but there’s no separate application-only college with its own housing or differential tuition.

What a Typical Honors-Track UHCL Student Looks Like:
GPA in the 3.5–4.0 range, strong interest in undergraduate research, and active involvement in service or leadership on campus. Many are first-gen students who take advantage of small-class environments and faculty mentorship.

Perks that Matter:

Priority access to undergraduate research with UHCL faculty and NASA/JSC partners
Smaller, discussion-based classes within core programs
Close mentoring relationships with professors
Opportunities for leadership development and service projects

Because there is no centralized Honors College, UHCL does not advertise Honors-specific scholarships. Instead, ambitious students should apply broadly through the UHCL scholarship portal and highlight leadership, GPA, and research interests — the same qualities that competitive donors and departmental committees reward.

FAQ — Honors at UHCL

Is there a separate application? No — there is no formal undergraduate Honors College. Students are invited into smaller honors-style classes through departments.
Does it add time to my degree? No. Honors courses are integrated into existing requirements.
Are there extra scholarships? Not centralized. Strong applicants may qualify for competitive departmental or donor scholarships instead.
What’s the best perk? Access to research and faculty mentorship, especially through UHCL’s NASA and environmental science ties.

📎 Official Links

✅ Final Thoughts

UH–Clear Lake may not have the name recognition of a flagship, but for the right student it delivers real value. Between tuition waivers for nonresidents, automatic transfer scholarships, and hidden gems like Hawk Promise and departmental awards, families have multiple paths to make a degree more affordable. And for students drawn to Houston’s aerospace, teaching, or environmental fields, UHCL’s partnerships create opportunities you won’t find everywhere.

If you’re a first-gen parent or just starting the scholarship search, remember: apply early, file the FAFSA/TASFA by priority dates, and don’t skip the smaller awards — they often stack to make the biggest difference.

✅ Last updated: September 1, 2025