Thinking about the University of Houston? This guide breaks down what scholarships your student might actually get, how out-of-state tuition can be reduced, and what the real costs look like—before financial aid even enters the picture. If you’re a Texas resident, don’t forget to also check out the Texas state aid programs your family may qualify for.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Houston (2025–2026)
Expense
In-State
Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees
$11,888
$27,926
Housing & Meals (average)
$10,900
$10,900
Books & Supplies
$1,450
$1,450
Transportation
$1,620
$1,620
Personal Expenses
$2,300
$2,300
Total (Estimated)
$28,158
$44,196
Average Net Price: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average family paid about $13,721 (2021–22) after grants and scholarships — no loans included. This is the real-world cost most families experienced.
💡 Out-of-State Tuition Reduction: At UH, just $1,000 in competitive or automatic scholarships can qualify nonresidents for the in-state tuition waiver — a savings of about $16,000 per year. For example, a student from Louisiana who earns a $1,000 scholarship would see tuition drop from $27,926 to the Texas in-state rate of $11,888.
🎓 Academic Common Market (Graduate Only): Texas participates in the
Academic Common Market at the graduate level. Undergraduate students at UH are not eligible, but graduate students from participating SREB states may qualify for in-state tuition if their UH program is ACM-approved and not offered in their home state.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for the in-state waiver? Any nonresident awarded at least $1,000 in UH competitive or merit scholarships for the year.
How much can families save? Roughly $16,000 annually — the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition/fees.
Is it automatic? Yes. No separate application is required; once the scholarship is posted, the waiver is applied.
📌 Superscore Policy: The University of Houston does not superscore the SAT or ACT. UH uses the highest single-date SAT total or ACT composite for scholarship review.
💰 Automatic Scholarships
These scholarships are considered automatically when your student applies and meets UH’s criteria. No separate application is required unless noted.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility (plain English)
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Academic Excellence Scholarship (Freshmen)
$2,000–$6,000 per year (range varies by profile & funds)
Admitted first-year students reviewed on HS GPA, class rank, course rigor, and (if submitted) single-date SAT/ACT. Apply by the Nov 1 priority date for best consideration.
No
Yes — up to 4 yrs (5 for Architecture)
Profiles around ~3.5+ GPA* with strong rigor; test submitters often ACT 28+/SAT 1300+ see higher awards. (*estimate; UH doesn’t publish bands)
Cougar Promise (Need-Based Tuition Program)
Covers full in-state tuition & required fees (eligibility-based)
Texas residents who submit FAFSA/TASFA by stated deadline; family AGI within published thresholds (full coverage at lower AGIs; partial up to higher AGIs); admitted by Jan 15.
No (via aid filing)
Yes — maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
Texas freshmen with documented financial need and on-time FAFSA/TASFA who plan to enroll full time.
Be named a National Merit Finalist and select UH as your first-choice institution by NMSC deadlines; admission to UH required.
No (via NMSC process)
Yes — meet UH renewal criteria
Finalists who list UH first; students seeking research or study-abroad opportunities benefit most.
Note: Ranges are based on recent recipient patterns; UH does not publish fixed GPA/test grids. Nonresidents who receive $1,000+ in competitive UH scholarships may qualify for the Nonresident Tuition Waiver, lowering tuition to the in-state rate.
❓ FAQ — Automatic Scholarships at UH
Do we need a separate scholarship application?
No. Academic Excellence and Cougar Promise are processed from your admission file and financial aid forms. National Merit is handled through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation once you designate UH first-choice.
Do automatic scholarships reduce out-of-state tuition?
Yes — UH awards can pair with the Nonresident Tuition Waiver when you receive at least $1,000 in competitive UH scholarships, bringing tuition close to the in-state rate.
What academics typically win Academic Excellence?
Competitive first-year profiles often include ~3.5+ GPA* with strong course rigor; test submitters tend to be ACT 28+/SAT 1300+. *Estimates only; UH does not publish thresholds.
Does UH superscore?
No. UH uses your best single-date SAT total or ACT composite.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards require steps beyond admission (essays, interviews, or official designations). They’re limited and highly selective—winning one can dramatically cut the bill. Any competitive UH scholarship of $1,000 or more can also trigger the Nonresident Tuition Waiver for out-of-state students.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility (plain English)
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Tier One Scholarship (UH Institutional Flagship)
Full tuition & required fees (4 yrs; 5 for Architecture) + first-year housing & meal plan + research & study-abroad stipends (~$2,000 each typical)
Incoming freshmen with exceptional GPA, rigor, leadership, service, and strong essays; finalist interviews common
Yes — UH scholarship portal (fall deadlines)
Yes — full-time + program GPA/participation
Small cohort with ~3.8+ GPA*, rigorous curriculum, and competitive single-sitting scores if submitted (ACT ~31+ / SAT ~1400+*). (*estimate; UH doesn’t publish cutoffs)
National Merit Finalist Scholarship (UH Package)
Tuition & required fees + $1,000 research stipend + $2,000 study-abroad stipend (typically up to 4 years)
Be named a National Merit Finalist and select UH as your first-choice institution by NMSC deadlines; admitted to UH
No — via NMSC designation + first-choice
Yes — meet UH renewal criteria
Finalists who officially list UH first; students planning research or learning abroad gain extra value
Terry Foundation Scholarship (need-based; highly selective; UH partner)
Large multi-year package; can approach full cost of attendance (exact amount set by Terry Foundation)
Texas residents; graduate from a Texas high school; leadership, strong academics, and documented financial need; first-year on-campus living required
Yes — UH/Terry application (early Dec. typical)
Yes — maintain program GPA/requirements
Leaders with ≈3.5+ GPA*, robust service, compelling need, and a strong interview fit. (*estimate)
Note: UH may adjust smaller institutional awards when a scholarship already covers tuition/fees (e.g., Tier One, National Merit). Always follow the instructions and deadlines in your award portal.
❓ FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at UH
How are competitive scholarships different from automatic merit?
Automatic merit is awarded from your admission file; competitive scholarships require extra steps (essays, interviews, or designations) and have limited slots.
Do competitive awards lower out-of-state tuition?
Yes. Earning at least $1,000 in competitive UH scholarships can trigger the Nonresident Tuition Waiver, reducing tuition to the in-state rate.
Are test scores required?
Tier One is holistic; strong single-date ACT/SAT can help but isn’t always required. National Merit follows NMSC rules based on the PSAT. Terry emphasizes leadership, academics, and financial need.
What timelines should families expect?
Apply to UH early in the fall of senior year. Competitive applications/interviews typically run late fall through winter; National Merit first-choice deadlines are set by NMSC; Terry’s freshman deadline is usually early December.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These niche awards don’t always get advertised widely, but they can add up. Many are tied to first-gen status, marching band, leadership, clubs, donor support, or ROTC. Most require a separate application and have spring deadlines.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility (plain English)
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
UH Legacy Scholarship
$1,500/yr (up to $6,000)
Child/grandchild of UH alum; GPA ≥2.5 first year, ≥3.0 later
Dean’s Artistic Excellence (Moores School of Music)
$4,000/yr
Music majors with strong audition and performance history
Yes — audition required
Yes
Talented freshmen with top auditions; often performance or education majors
Spirit of Houston Marching Band Scholarships
$500–$2,500/yr
Admitted freshmen who audition and join the Spirit of Houston marching band/spirit groups; GPA ≥3.0
Yes — audition & application
Yes — must remain active
Band members with strong audition scores; section leaders or dedicated members
Leadership & Involvement Awards
$500–$2,000
Active in UH clubs, leadership roles, or student government
Yes — via Student Affairs
Varies
Students holding officer roles or strong club leadership
Army & Air Force ROTC Scholarships
Full tuition + fees + $420/mo stipend + $1,200/yr books
Freshmen who contract with Army or Air Force ROTC; meet GPA, fitness, and service standards
Yes — ROTC board selection
Yes — with service obligation
Cadets serious about commissioning as officers; STEM or leadership majors have an edge
Note: Most hidden gem awards require separate applications through UH’s Scholar portal (open March–April), auditions, or departmental nominations. Award ranges reflect typical past packages, not guarantees.
❓ FAQ — Hidden Gem Scholarships at UH
Are there scholarships just for first-generation students?
Yes. UH has dedicated first-gen awards like Martinez Family and Hegenbarth, requiring 3.0 GPA+, FAFSA/TASFA, and program participation.
Can my student earn money for marching band?
Yes. Spirit of Houston Marching Band awards provide $500–$2,500/yr depending on role and commitment. Section leaders usually earn higher stipends.
Do leadership roles or clubs help?
Absolutely. Frontier Fiesta, Leadership Awards, and departmental scholarships value students with service or campus leadership experience.
What about ROTC?
Both Army and Air Force ROTC at UH award full tuition, fees, stipends, and book allowances to selected cadets who meet fitness and service requirements.
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Houston (an R1 research university) is known for turning its big-city setting into opportunities for students—especially in fields tied to Houston’s global energy hub, health sector, and thriving arts scene. Families can feel confident that UH offers nationally recognized programs that directly connect students to jobs and internships in the region.
🏆 Top Program Spotlight: Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership
Ranked among the Top 10 hospitality programs nationwide (QS World University Rankings, 2023), UH’s Hilton College is considered the premier program in Texas. Students benefit from direct pipelines to Houston’s convention, tourism, and hotel industries.
Law Center — Consistently ranked among the Top 60 law schools nationally and #7 in Health Law (U.S. News & World Report, 2024).
Energy & Petroleum Engineering — UH is known as “the Energy University,” with #1 national rank in petroleum engineering research funding (UH Energy, 2024).
Creative Writing Program — Widely regarded as one of the Top 10 MFA programs in the U.S. (Poets & Writers ranking, 2023).
Health & Nursing Programs — UH College of Nursing named among the Top 100 BSN programs nationwide (U.S. News, 2024), feeding directly into Houston’s Texas Medical Center—the largest in the world.
🎖️ Honors College
UH’s Honors College is built for curious, motivated students who want small seminars, faculty attention, and hands-on experiences in Houston. You don’t need a special invite—strong applicants can apply directly after they’re admitted to UH.
Admission model: Self-apply (no invitation required). Apply via the Honors College after you apply to UH. Priority consideration is in the fall/early winter of senior year.
What a Typical UH Honors Student Looks Like
Strong academics (≈ 3.7+ GPA*, top 10–15% of class)
Rigorous coursework (AP/IB/dual credit) and clear intellectual curiosity
Leadership and service (clubs, band/arts, community groups)
Test scores optional; single-date ACT/SAT can support the file
*Estimates based on common profiles; UH does not publish fixed cutoffs.
Honors Perks that Matter
Small seminars & dedicated advising
Priority registration and early access to opportunities
Honors housing community (first-year options available)
Faculty-mentored research, internships, and Houston-connected projects
Honors-Specific Scholarships & Programs
Scholarship / Program
Award Amount
Eligibility (plain English)
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Honors College Scholarships (general)
$1,000–$1,500 per year
Incoming Honors freshmen; selection based on academics, leadership, and (if applicable) financial need
Yes — Honors app/portal
Often — maintain GPA/participation
Admits with ~3.7+ HS GPA* and active engagement (clubs, service, arts/band). *estimate
Houston Scholars (experiential funding)
$1,000–$4,000 in stipends (research, internships, or global learning)
Current Honors students with strong academic record and project proposal/mentor
Yes — program application
No (project-based)
Honors students who proactively pitch a research, service, or global project with faculty support
Honors Research / Study Abroad Mini-Grants
$500–$2,000 one-time (typical)
Honors freshmen/sophomores pursuing faculty-mentored research or approved study abroad
Yes — Honors/college unit
No (one-time)
Students who secure mentors early and submit clear budgets/timelines
Note: UH’s Tier One Scholarship is UH’s flagship competitive award coordinated closely with Honors, but it lives in the Competitive Scholarships section of this guide to avoid double-counting.
Honors College FAQs
Is admission automatic or by application? By application. High achievers may receive invitations to apply, but any admitted UH student with a strong record can apply to Honors.
Does Honors add time to degree? No—Honors coursework is designed to fit within your major. Many students graduate on time with added research or thesis experience.
Are there Honors-specific scholarships? Yes—general Honors awards (~$1,000–$1,500/yr) plus program stipends (e.g., Houston Scholars) and mini-grants for research or study abroad.
Key deadlines? Apply to UH in early fall; submit the Honors College application soon after for priority review (late fall to early winter). Funding programs often have separate spring or rolling deadlines.
The University of Houston may not have the same name recognition as some flagship campuses, but it’s an R1 powerhouse with nationally ranked programs and a strong scholarship pipeline. From automatic merit to hidden gems like first-gen and marching band awards, there are real ways to cut the price down. Add in the competitive Tier One Scholarship, and UH can be an affordable—and opportunity-rich—choice right in the heart of Houston.
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