University of Louisiana at Monroe Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026What This Page Covers:
- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~91%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1080
- Average GPA: 3.5
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Louisiana at Monroe at a Glance
🏆 Full Tuition Opportunity Available
Average Net Price
$11,633/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$12,100/yr
No separate application.
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 20+ / SAT 1030+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Feb 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Available for top qualifiers
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
ACM
ULM is one of those schools where the math can work surprisingly well—especially for out-of-state families. Between automatic merit scholarships and built-in out-of-state fee waivers, a lot of students end up paying close to in-state pricing without having to chase complicated awards. If your student is sitting around a 3.25+ GPA, this is a school where they’re likely to see real, predictable aid without extra applications.
The students who get the most out of ULM are the ones looking for value and a straightforward path—not prestige chasing. It’s a strong fit for families who want affordability, smaller class environments, and clear scholarship rules. Use the sections below to see how far your student’s GPA and test scores can take them automatically—and whether it’s worth aiming for the full-tuition President’s Distinguished Scholarship as a bonus, not a plan.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Louisiana at Monroe is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1080.
Average net price? About $11,633/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in ACM.
Sources:
ULM Freshman Scholarship page: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/freshmen.html
ULM Freshman scholarship grid (PDF): https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/25-26-sat-domestic.pdf
ULM freshman scholarships page: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
ULM Bands site: https://www.ulm.edu/bands/
ULM Foundation scholarships portal: https://ulm.academicworks.com/
George and Ruth Smith Memorial Honors Scholarship page: https://ulm.academicworks.com/opportunities/20775
ULM Out-of-State Warhawk information: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/outofstate.html
ULM Cheer/Hawkline information: https://www.ulm.edu/cheer/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
ULM Freshman Scholarship page: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/freshmen.html
ULM Freshman scholarship grid (PDF): https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/25-26-sat-domestic.pdf
ULM freshman scholarships page: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
ULM Bands site: https://www.ulm.edu/bands/
ULM Foundation scholarships portal: https://ulm.academicworks.com/
George and Ruth Smith Memorial Honors Scholarship page: https://ulm.academicworks.com/opportunities/20775
ULM Out-of-State Warhawk information: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/outofstate.html
ULM Cheer/Hawkline information: https://www.ulm.edu/cheer/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Louisiana at Monroe 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $9,190 | $21,290 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $10,500 | $10,500 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $19,690 | $31,790 |
Average Federal Net Price: $11,633 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-State Savings: The Out-of-State Warhawk Scholarship waives 100% of the nonresident fee for qualifying students based on GPA and ACT/SAT. Many out-of-state students therefore pay in-state tuition rates.
Example: Instead of paying roughly $31,790, a qualifying nonresident could pay about $19,690—the same as Louisiana residents.
Other Options: ULM also participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which allows students to pay in-state tuition for certain majors not offered in their home state.
Who qualifies for the Out-of-State Warhawk?
Freshmen who meet the GPA and test score minimums on ULM’s scholarship grid—awarded automatically upon admission.
How much does it save?
Around $12,000 per year, the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees.
Do I need to apply separately?
No. The scholarship is automatic with admission if you meet eligibility requirements by the priority deadline.
Sources:
Tuition & Fees – https://www.ulm.edu/admissions/tuition.html
Housing & Meal Rates – https://www.ulm.edu/reslife/rates.html
Out-of-State Warhawk Scholarship – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/outofstate.html
Freshman Scholarships Grid – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/freshmen.html
College Scorecard (Net Price) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?159993-University-of-Louisiana-at-Monroe
Tuition & Fees – https://www.ulm.edu/admissions/tuition.html
Housing & Meal Rates – https://www.ulm.edu/reslife/rates.html
Out-of-State Warhawk Scholarship – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/outofstate.html
Freshman Scholarships Grid – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/freshmen.html
College Scorecard (Net Price) – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?159993-University-of-Louisiana-at-Monroe
✅ 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Distinguished (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 33–36) | $6,000 tuition award/yr $5,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr if eligible |
HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 33–36 (SAT 1450–1600), superscore accepted | No (auto with admission—priority date applies) | Yes — 8 semesters, 24 hrs/yr, full-time, 3.0 GPA | Top testers with 33–36 ACT/SAT 1450–1600, strong GPA/rigor. Receives laptop + up to $4,500 study abroad stipend | Apply by Jan 31, scores by May 31 |
| President’s Distinguished (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 30–32) | $6,000 tuition award/yr $4,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr |
HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 30–32 (SAT 1360–1440), superscore accepted | No | Yes — 8 semesters, same renewal rules | Strong academics just below top test tier; laptop included | Apply by Jan 31, scores by May 31 |
| Academic Excellence (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 27–29) | $3,500 tuition award/yr $3,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr |
HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 27–29 (SAT 1260–1350), superscore accepted | No | Yes — 8 semesters, same renewal rules | B+ students with mid-upper ACT/SAT and strong grades | Apply by Jan 31, scores by May 31 |
| Academic Merit (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 23–26) | $2,000 tuition award/yr $2,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA: TOPS est. ~$6,188/yr Non-residents: Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr |
HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 23–26 (SAT 1130–1250), superscore accepted | No | Yes — 8 semesters, same renewal rules | B+ students, consistent coursework | Apply by Jan 31, scores by May 31 |
| Ace’s Award (GPA 3.5–4.0; ACT 20–22) | $1,000 tuition award/yr LA: TOPS est. ~$5,788/yr Non-residents: Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr |
HS GPA 3.5–4.0 and ACT 20–22 (SAT 1030–1120), superscore accepted | No | Yes — 8 semesters, same rules | Meets baseline; generally top third of applicants | Apply by Jan 31, scores by May 31 |
| President’s Distinguished (GPA 3.0–3.49; ACT 30–36) | $5,000 tuition award/yr $3,000 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr |
HS GPA 3.0–3.49 and ACT 30–36 (SAT ≥1360), superscore accepted | No | Yes — 8 semesters, same renewal rules | High testers with slightly lower GPA; rigorous applicants favored | Apply by Jan 31, scores by May 31 |
| Academic Excellence (GPA 3.0–3.49; ACT 27–29) | $3,000 tuition award/yr $2,500 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA: TOPS est. ~$6,588/yr Non-residents: Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr |
HS GPA 3.0–3.49 and ACT 27–29 (SAT 1260–1350), superscore accepted | No | Yes — 8 semesters, same rules | Solid testers; on-campus residency boosts total value | Apply by Jan 31, scores by May 31 |
| Academic Merit (GPA 3.0–3.49; ACT 23–26) | $2,000 tuition award/yr $1,500 housing award/yr (on-campus) LA: TOPS est. ~$6,188/yr Non-residents: Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr |
HS GPA 3.0–3.49 and ACT 23–26 (SAT 1130–1250), superscore accepted | No | Yes — 8 semesters, same renewal rules | ACT/SAT 23–26 with steady GPA; on-campus residency required for housing | Apply by Jan 31, scores by May 31 |
| Ace’s Award (GPA 3.0–3.49; ACT 20–22) | $1,000 tuition award/yr LA: TOPS est. ~$5,788/yr Non-residents: Out-of-State Warhawk $12,100/yr |
HS GPA 3.0–3.49 and ACT 20–22 (SAT 1030–1120), superscore accepted | No | Yes — 8 semesters, same rules | Baseline ACT/SAT eligible students | Apply by Jan 31, scores by May 31 |
| Out-of-State Warhawk Waiver | $12,100/yr (waiver, valued at ~$6,050/semester) | Non-residents with GPA ≥3.0 and ACT ≥21 (or SAT equiv.), enrolled full-time | No (auto if eligible at admission) | Yes — must maintain full-time status, meet minimum GPA for renewal | Out-of-state admittees meeting criteria; brings total tuition close to in-state | Apply by Jan 31 |
Note: The “Award Amount” column shows annual tuition and housing awards (housing is only for those living on campus). Louisiana residents may also receive separate TOPS funds. Non-residents can receive both academic awards and the Warhawk Waiver; institutional aid cannot exceed Cost of Attendance.
Automatic Merit FAQ
How do I apply?
No extra application. All admitted students who meet priority application deadlines (Jan 31) and score receipt deadline (May 31) are automatically considered.
Does ULM accept superscore?
Yes—strongest ACT Composite, SAT Total, or official Superscore is accepted through the score deadline.
Can I stack awards?
Yes, you may stack one academic scholarship, one housing award, and either TOPS (LA resident) or Warhawk Waiver (non-resident). Federal law caps aid at the Cost of Attendance.
Are there renewal requirements?
Maintain full-time (12+ credits in fall/spring), earn 24 credits/year (fall–summer), and keep a 3.0 cumulative college GPA. See ULM’s scholarship policy for specific terms per award.
Any special perks?
President’s Distinguished recipients (ACT 33–36) receive a laptop and up to $4,500 in study abroad funding via the Top Hawks Fund. Housing awards only offset residence hall/meal plan charges—no refunds or cash payment.
Sources:
ULM Scholarships – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/
Freshman Scholarship Matrix – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
Out-of-State Waiver – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/outofstate.html
Score receipt, renewal rules – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/maintain.html
TOPS Info (LA Residents) – https://www.ulm.edu/finaid/louisiana_tops.html
ULM Catalog Scholarship Policy – https://catalog.ulm.edu/content.php?catoid=42&navoid=7790
ULM Scholarships – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/
Freshman Scholarship Matrix – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
Out-of-State Waiver – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/outofstate.html
Score receipt, renewal rules – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/maintain.html
TOPS Info (LA Residents) – https://www.ulm.edu/finaid/louisiana_tops.html
ULM Catalog Scholarship Policy – https://catalog.ulm.edu/content.php?catoid=42&navoid=7790
🏆 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. | |||||
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.
Sources:
Scholarship Programs – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/
Foundation & Departmental Scholarships – https://ulm.academicworks.com/
ULM National Scholarships – https://ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
ULM Catalog/Policy – https://catalog.ulm.edu/content.php?catoid=42&navoid=7790
Scholarship Programs – https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/
Foundation & Departmental Scholarships – https://ulm.academicworks.com/
ULM National Scholarships – https://ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
ULM Catalog/Policy – https://catalog.ulm.edu/content.php?catoid=42&navoid=7790
🎖️ 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 (27+ recommended), rigorous coursework (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), and clear evidence of leadership or service.
High school GPA around 3.5 or higher, ACT scores in the upper 20s or better (27+ recommended), 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 honors seminars
- Honors housing and a tight-knit cohort of motivated peers
- Faculty mentoring and support for undergraduate research or creative scholarship
- Capstone project or thesis option recognized on your transcript
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George and Ruth Smith Memorial Honors Scholarship | Typically $1,000–$2,000/yr* | Admitted ULM Honors students with strong GPA and service. Some awards reserved for juniors/seniors in humanities, but incoming freshmen may be considered. | Yes — Honors/ULM Foundation app (February) | Yes — if GPA and Honors standards are maintained | Honors students demonstrating academic excellence, service, and financial need | February 28 (Foundation portal) |
| Study Abroad Stipend (President’s Top Hawks Fund) | Up to $4,500 (one-time) | ULM Honors students who also qualify for President’s Distinguished (ACT 33–36/SAT 1450+); see automatic merit tier | No — awarded with qualifying merit + Honors status | No — one-time award | Top-performing Honors students who meet test and merit criteria | By Jan 31 (admission/ACT) and Honors enrollment |
*Award range based on ULM and Foundation archives; amounts may fluctuate per endowment income.
Honors FAQ
Is Honors automatic if I hit the GPA or ACT?
No, a separate Honors application is required (with essay, sometimes with recommendations). Selection is holistic and limited by class size.
Will Honors slow down my graduation?
No. The Honors sequence fits core gen ed and major classes. Capstone or thesis adds depth, not extra years, for most students.
What deadlines matter?
Priority consideration aligns with ULM’s scholarship deadlines (Jan 31/Feb 28). Early application maximizes chances for Honors, campus housing, and scholarships.
Is there a guaranteed scholarship for all Honors admits?
Not for all students; select Foundation/donor scholarships are tied to Honors status. The Smith Endowed Scholarship and Top Hawks Study Abroad stipend are the main published extras.
Sources:
ULM Honors Program – https://ulm.edu/honors/
George & Ruth Smith Award – https://ulm.academicworks.com/opportunities/20775
Foundation Scholarships – https://ulm.academicworks.com/
Top Hawks Stipend – https://ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
Honors Catalog Policy – https://catalog.ulm.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=42&poid=13147
Freshman Scholarships – https://ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
ULM Honors Program – https://ulm.edu/honors/
George & Ruth Smith Award – https://ulm.academicworks.com/opportunities/20775
Foundation Scholarships – https://ulm.academicworks.com/
Top Hawks Stipend – https://ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
Honors Catalog Policy – https://catalog.ulm.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=42&poid=13147
Freshman Scholarships – https://ulm.edu/scholarships/freshman.html
⭐ 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.