What are the renewal requirements for automatic merit?

Maintain full-time enrollment, earn 24 credit hours each academic year, and keep a 3.0 cumulative college GPA. Specific pages may list additional conditions.

Why is the competitive scholarships section empty?

ULM does not advertise university-wide competitive scholarships beyond automatic merit. Most non-automatic awards come through donor and departmental scholarships covered under Hidden Gems.

University of Louisiana at Monroe Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: Does ULM accept superscores or the highest single test?

ULM uses the highest ACT Composite, SAT Total Score, or the Superscore received by the published score-receipt deadline.

Q: Can automatic merit stack with TOPS, housing awards, and the Out-of-State Warhawk?

Generally yes. One ULM freshman academic scholarship and a housing award can combine with TOPS for LA residents, and eligible non-residents can also receive the Out-of-State Warhawk. Aid cannot exceed the federal Cost of Attendance.

Q: Does this mean my student has fewer opportunities?

Not necessarily. Donor scholarships can still add meaningful dollars, but they aren’t selective full-ride competitions like at larger flagships.

Q: Where should we look for additional opportunities?

See the Hidden Gems section for Foundation and talent awards, ROTC benefits, and other niche funding options.

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

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

Paying for college in Louisiana can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re the first in your family to navigate it all. The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) keeps things straightforward with automatic scholarships, housing awards, and even out-of-state waivers that make costs more predictable. This page breaks down what families really need to know, alongside our Louisiana state aid guide and the full College Scholarships Hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Louisiana at Monroe

Expense	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits)	$9,190	$21,290
Housing (average)	$5,000–$6,500	$5,000–$6,500
Meal Plan (average)	$3,800–$4,600	$3,800–$4,600
Books & Supplies (Warhawk Bundle)	$750 (30 credits × $25/hr)	$750 (30 credits × $25/hr)
Travel & Personal	$3,000 (est.)	$3,000 (est.)
Total (before aid)	~$21,700–$23,900	~$33,800–$35,900

Average Net Price: $11,633 (2022–23). This is what families actually paid on average after grants and scholarships — no loans included.

Out-of-State Savings: ULM’s “Out-of-State Warhawk” scholarship waives 100% of the non-resident fee if your GPA/ACT meets the line. That means many out-of-state students pay in-state rates.

Example: Instead of ~$34,000, a qualifying non-resident could pay closer to ~$22,000 in-state cost.

Other Options: ULM also participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which lets certain out-of-state students pay in-state tuition if their chosen major isn’t offered back home.

Cost & Waiver FAQ

Who qualifies for the Out-of-State Warhawk?
Freshmen with the GPA and ACT/SAT scores shown on ULM’s scholarship grid. It’s automatic once you’re admitted if you meet the line.

How much does it save?
About $12,000 per year — the difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition/fees.

Do I need to apply separately?
No. Consideration comes automatically with your admissions application, as long as you apply before the priority deadline.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

ULM awards automatic (admission-based) scholarships using high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Amounts below are annual. Housing awards require living on campus. Louisiana residents may also receive TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students). Qualified non-residents may add the Out-of-State Warhawk (non-resident fee waiver).

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
President’s Distinguished (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 33–36)	$6,000 tuition award/yr $5,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA residents: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: add Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible	HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 33–36 (or SAT equivalent). Superscore accepted.	No (automatic with admission; meet priority dates)	Yes — typically up to 8 semesters with 24 hrs/yr, full-time, 3.0 college GPA	Top testers with 33–36 ACT (or SAT 1450–1600) and strong GPA/rigor. Also receives laptop + study abroad stipend up to $4,500.
President’s Distinguished (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 30–32)	$6,000 tuition award/yr $4,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA residents: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: add Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible	HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 30–32 (or SAT ~1360–1440). Superscore accepted.	No	Yes — same renewal rules	High achievers just below 33 ACT; strong academics and coursework.
Academic Excellence (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 27–29)	$3,500 tuition award/yr $3,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA residents: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: add Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible	HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 27–29 (SAT ~1260–1350). Superscore accepted.	No	Yes — same renewal rules	Solid testers with strong grades; many resident students also carry TOPS.
Academic Merit (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 23–26)	$2,000 tuition award/yr $2,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA residents: TOPS est. ~$6,188/yr Non-residents: add Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible	HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 23–26 (SAT ~1130–1250). Superscore accepted.	No	Yes — same renewal rules	B+ students with mid-20s ACT and consistent coursework.
Ace’s Award (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 20–22)	$1,000 tuition award/yr (no housing award) LA residents: TOPS est. ~$5,788/yr Non-residents: add Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible	HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 20–22 (SAT ~1030–1120). Superscore accepted.	No	Yes — same renewal rules	Students meeting baseline test scores with strong GPA.
President’s Distinguished (GPA 3.0–3.49; ACT 30–36)	$5,000 tuition award/yr $3,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA residents: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: add Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible	HS GPA 3.0–3.49 and ACT 30–36 (SAT ≥1360). Superscore accepted.	No	Yes — same renewal rules	High testers with slightly lower GPA; strong rigor helps.
Academic Excellence (GPA 3.0–3.49; ACT 27–29)	$3,000 tuition award/yr $2,500 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA residents: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: add Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible	HS GPA 3.0–3.49 and ACT 27–29 (SAT ~1260–1350). Superscore accepted.	No	Yes — same renewal rules	Solid testers; on-campus housing boosts total value.
Academic Merit (GPA 3.0–3.49; ACT 23–26)	$2,000 tuition award/yr $1,500 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA residents: TOPS est. ~$6,188/yr Non-residents: add Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible	HS GPA 3.0–3.49 and ACT 23–26 (SAT ~1130–1250). Superscore accepted.	No	Yes — same renewal rules	Mid-20s testers with consistent academics.
Ace’s Award (GPA 3.0–3.49; ACT 20–22)	$1,000 tuition award/yr (no housing award) LA residents: TOPS est. ~$5,788/yr Non-residents: add Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible	HS GPA 3.0–3.49 and ACT 20–22 (SAT ~1030–1120). Superscore accepted.	No	Yes — same renewal rules	Students meeting baseline test scores with solid GPA.
Out-of-State Warhawk (Non-Resident Fee Waiver)	$12,100/yr waiver (valued at ~$6,050/semester)	Non-residents who meet published GPA/ACT (minimum ACT 21 noted), enrolled full-time	No (awarded with admission if criteria met)	Yes — maintain full-time and meet waiver retention rules	Non-residents with qualifying academics; effectively brings tuition/fees near in-state levels.

Note: “Award Amount” lists the institutional tuition award plus any housing award (requires on-campus housing). Louisiana residents may also receive TOPS (state-funded; amounts shown by ULM are estimates). Qualified non-residents can also receive the Out-of-State Warhawk (non-resident fee waiver).

Automatic Merit FAQ

How do I apply?
No separate application. You’re automatically considered when you apply for admission by the priority date (ULM lists April 30, 2025). Offers are annual and typically for up to 8 semesters.

Do you accept superscores or the highest single test?
ULM uses the highest ACT Composite, SAT Total Score, or the Superscore received by the published score-receipt deadline (ULM notes May 31, 2025 for 2025–26).

What are the renewal requirements?
Maintain full-time enrollment (12+ hours in fall and spring), earn 24 credit hours each academic year (fall–summer), and keep a 3.0 cumulative college GPA. Specific scholarship or waiver pages list any additional conditions.

Can I stack with TOPS, housing awards, and the Out-of-State Warhawk?
Generally yes: one ULM freshman academic scholarship + housing award (if living on campus) can combine with TOPS for LA residents, and eligible non-residents can also receive the Out-of-State Warhawk. Aid cannot exceed the federally defined Cost of Attendance; if it does, ULM will reduce aid per policy.

Anything else to know?
Students with 30–32 ACT are awarded a laptop; 33–36 ACT also receive a study abroad stipend (up to $4,500) via the President’s Top Hawks Fund. Housing awards do not refund; they apply only to residence hall and meal plan charges.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Unlike some universities, ULM does not advertise major university-wide competitive scholarships beyond its automatic merit awards. Most selective awards here come through donor or departmental funds, which we cover in the Hidden Gems section.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
No university-level competitive scholarships are listed for 2025–2026.

ULM does not participate in the National Merit Scholarship or the Stamps Scholarship programs at this time.

Competitive Scholarship FAQ

Why is this section empty?
At ULM, most non-automatic awards come through donor and departmental scholarships. We cover those under Hidden Gems so parents know exactly where to find them.

Does this mean my student has fewer opportunities?
Not necessarily — it just means the awards are packaged differently. Donor scholarships can still add meaningful dollars, but they aren’t selective “full-ride” competitions like at larger flagships.

So where should we look next?
Check the Hidden Gems section for Foundation and talent awards, ROTC benefits, and other niche funding options.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the automatic awards, ULM has a variety of smaller programs that can make a real difference — from donor-funded Foundation scholarships to talent and spirit awards, plus ROTC options for future officers.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
ULM Foundation Scholarships	$500–$3,000/yr (varies by donor fund)	Criteria set by donor: GPA, major, parish, leadership, or financial need	Yes — one central application (February window)	Varies; many are one-year, some renewable if GPA/standing maintained	Students who closely match donor criteria; strong GPA, service, or local ties
Merlin Reiser Super First Generation Scholarship	~$1,000–$2,000/yr*	Louisiana residents who are first-generation college students with demonstrated financial need	Yes — Foundation application (February)	Yes — maintain satisfactory progress and financial need	Low-income first-generation Louisiana students who submit FAFSA and meet Foundation criteria
First Generation Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship	~$1,000–$2,500/yr*	Louisiana residents; first-generation and low-income status required	Yes — Foundation application (February)	Yes — renewable if GPA and financial need maintained	Students whose parents did not attend college and who qualify for need-based aid
Band Talent Grant (Sound of Today Marching Band)	$250–$2,500 per semester (up to $5,000/yr)	Full-time students who audition and are accepted into marching band or ensembles	Yes — audition required	Yes — renewable with continued participation	Musicians who pass audition and commit to band participation throughout the year
Spirit Scholarships (Cheer, Hawkline Dance, Mascot)	$500–$2,000/yr*	Students selected for cheerleading, dance, or mascot through tryouts	Yes — team tryouts required	Yes — renewable while on team	Strong performers with prior team experience and continued commitment
ROTC Scholarships & Benefits	Covers tuition + fees + monthly stipend (federal program)	Students who apply to Army/Air Force ROTC and meet fitness, GPA, and service standards	Yes — apply through ROTC boards	Yes — renewable with performance and service commitment	Cadets who maintain GPA/fitness and commit to serve after graduation

*Award amounts are based on historical ranges or peer program data where ULM has not published exact figures for 2025–26. Actual awards may vary by funding availability and applicant pool.

ULM Ambassadors: Members of this student organization may be eligible for endowed awards like the Carol Ann and Glynn Tubbs Fund or Don Weems Ambassador Scholarship.
Student Government Association (SGA): Recognized student organizations (RSOs) can apply for up to $500 per semester to support their members’ activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many ULM colleges and departments (e.g., Criminal Justice, Education) manage their own named funds. These are competitive within the department and amounts vary.

Hidden Gems FAQ

When can I apply for Foundation Scholarships?
The portal is open only in February each year. One application matches you to every donor-funded award you qualify for.

Can I stack these with automatic merit or the Out-of-State Warhawk?
Yes. Most donor, talent, and spirit awards can be combined with ULM’s automatic scholarships, TOPS, and fee waivers, up to the federal cost of attendance cap.

Do I need to be a music or art major to get a Talent Grant?
Not always — many band, choir, and dance awards are open to any major as long as you audition and participate.

Are ROTC scholarships worth it?
For students who want a military career, yes. They often cover tuition, fees, and provide a monthly stipend, but require a post-graduation service commitment.

⭐ College Specialty

Families often ask: what does ULM stand out for? While it may be a smaller public university compared to Louisiana’s flagships, it’s carved out strong reputations in a few key areas — programs that not only serve the region, but also carry national recognition in their fields.

Pharmacy: ULM’s College of Pharmacy is the only publicly supported pharmacy program in Louisiana. It’s accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and consistently recognized statewide for producing the majority of Louisiana’s practicing pharmacists.

Aviation: ULM offers one of the only four-year aviation programs in Louisiana, including an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Management concentration — among the first of its kind nationwide.
Nursing: The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and regularly ranks among the top nursing programs in Louisiana for licensure pass rates.
Speech-Language Pathology: The master’s program is accredited by the CAA of ASHA and is highly regarded statewide for preparing speech therapists in schools and clinics.
Occupational Therapy: ULM’s OT program holds ACOTE accreditation and is one of only a handful of accredited OT pathways in Louisiana, feeding directly into the region’s healthcare system.

🎖️ Honors College

ULM’s Honors Program is designed for students who want a more personalized, challenging academic experience. It’s not automatic — students apply separately and are selected based on academics and essays. Once admitted, Honors students get access to smaller classes, closer faculty mentoring, and a supportive community that values leadership and service.

What a Typical ULM Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA around 3.5 or higher, ACT scores in the upper 20s or better*, rigorous coursework (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), and clear evidence of leadership or service.

Perks That Matter:

Priority registration and access to smaller, discussion-based seminars
Honors housing and a tight-knit community of motivated peers
Faculty mentoring and research opportunities
Capstone project or thesis option that strengthens grad school or career prep

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
George and Ruth Smith Memorial Honors Scholarship	Varies; typically $1,000–$2,000/yr*	Full-time students admitted into the ULM Honors Program who demonstrate strong academic achievement	Yes — Honors Program/ULM Foundation application required	Yes — contingent on GPA and Honors participation	Honors students with solid academics, leadership, and service who submit the Foundation application
Study Abroad Stipend (President’s Top Hawks Fund)	Up to $4,500 (one-time)	Honors Program students with ACT 33–36 (or SAT equivalent) who qualify for the President’s Distinguished Scholarship	No — awarded automatically with qualifying merit + Honors status	No — one-time stipend for study abroad	Top academic performers in Honors who also qualify for the highest automatic merit tier

*Award ranges for the George and Ruth Smith Memorial Honors Scholarship are based on historical averages; exact amounts vary by funding and year.

Honors FAQ

Is admission automatic if I qualify?
No. You must submit a separate Honors application with essays. Admission is selective and space is limited.

Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
Usually no. Honors courses count toward your general education requirements. The thesis or capstone adds depth, not extra semesters, if you plan well.

What deadlines should I know?
Priority consideration is usually tied to ULM’s general scholarship deadlines in the spring. Apply early to maximize chances for both admission and housing options.

Do Honors students receive extra scholarships?
ULM does not publish separate, guaranteed Honors scholarships for 2025–26. However, some Foundation or donor-funded awards may give preference to Honors students.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

For many families, ULM hits the sweet spot: affordable costs, automatic scholarships that don’t require extra essays, and hidden gems like first-generation awards, talent grants, and ROTC options. If your student qualifies for the Out-of-State Warhawk, the value gets even stronger — bringing costs close to Louisiana’s in-state rate. And with standout programs in Pharmacy, Aviation, and Nursing, ULM can be a smart pick for both academics and affordability.

✅ Last updated: September 8, 2025