University of Miami Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on May 22, 2026
What 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: ~18%
- Middle 50% ACT: 32
- Middle 50% SAT: 1420
- Average GPA: 4.35
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Treat this as a high reach. You’ll need strong essays, leadership, and a compelling story—and even then, admission is a long shot. Make sure you have solid financial and admissions safeties.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive, but not guaranteed. Apply Early Action, submit strong extracurriculars, and don’t assume merit money will come through—have a financial backup plan.
- Well above the ranges: This is where Miami becomes interesting. You’ll be in the pool for merit and possibly invited for top scholarships—but even high-stat students should not count on Stamps or Singer as “likely.”
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Miami at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Marta S. and L. Austin Weeks Endowed Scholarship & Stamps Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$36,803/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
Up to $28,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
9 opportunities
2 automatic · 4 competitive · 2 hidden gem · 1 honors
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Feb 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Marta S. and L. Austin Weeks Endowed Scholarship & Stamps Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Miami (Read This First)
- Top scholarships (Stamps, Singer) require applying by November 1 (Early Action)—miss that, and you’re out of the running.
- Merit aid is mostly competitive and not guaranteed—many families assume strong stats = big money, but that’s not how Miami works.
- Miami uses the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA, which can impact need-based aid expectations.
- Test policy is shifting—test scores will be required starting Fall 2026, which could change scholarship positioning.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Miami is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 32; SAT: 1420.
Average net price? About $36,803/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Miami 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) |
$65,430 |
$65,430 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$24,840 |
$24,840 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$90,270 |
$90,270 |
Average Federal Net Price: $36,803 — 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.
Florida State Aid Programs: As a private institution, UM does not offer in-state tuition or public reciprocity programs (like the
Academic Common Market), but Florida residents can apply state-funded aid such as
Bright Futures and the
EASE Grant to reduce their costs.
- Bright Futures: FAS ≈ $212 per credit (≈ $6,360 per year); FMS ≈ $160 per credit (≈ $4,800 per year).
- EASE Grant: Valued at $3,500 per year for eligible full-time undergraduates attending private Florida colleges.
- Application: Students must complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by the state deadline.
Heads up for parents: The University of Miami requires the
CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA for financial aid.
This form provides a more detailed look at family finances and is used to determine institutional aid eligibility.
Sources:
University COA page — https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/tuition-and-costs/index.html
Florida Student Financial Aid (EASE & Bright Futures) — https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/
College Scorecard (Average Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?135726-University-of-Miami=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UM automatically considers first-year applicants for merit during admission. Amounts vary based on academic strength, curriculum rigor, and overall application context. Recipients generally may receive only one Undergraduate Admission merit award.
Automatic
President’s Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$28,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students may receive only one Undergraduate Admission merit scholarship from UM; federal, state, and outside aid may stack as long as total aid does not exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists an award of up to $28,000 per year and characterizes typical winners as students with roughly 3.8–4.0 unweighted GPAs, strong AP/IB/Honors coursework, and high test scores when submitted; UM’s official site confirms an automatic, holistically-awarded President’s Scholarship with amounts that can reach the high twenties per year for top applicants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top first-year applicants with very strong academics in a rigorous curriculum and outstanding overall applications; typically among the highest-achieving segment of the UM admitted class.
Automatic
’Canes Achievement Award
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$16,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Mutually exclusive with other UM Undergraduate Admission merit scholarships; need-based and external aid may still be added within cost-of-attendance constraints.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists up to $16,000 per year and associates it with students around the 3.6–3.9 unweighted GPA range and strong activities; UM’s official scholarship page confirms the ’Canes Achievement Award as an automatic, merit-based award with varying amounts determined holistically.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted first-year students with strong but not necessarily top-of-pool academic records and meaningful extracurricular involvement, typically falling below the President’s Scholarship band but still highly competitive.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Range note: Broad ranges reflect holistic review and funding; exact cutoffs are not published. Estimates disclaimer: GPA/test bands based on UM class profile and award history, not official floors.
Related programs: UM participates in National Merit. The Stamps Scholarship (full cost of attendance) and the Singer Scholarship (full tuition) are invitation-only; Nov 1 deadline for Premier/priority review.
Automatic Merit — Quick FAQ
How do I get considered? All first-year applicants are automatically reviewed; submit by Nov 1 for Premier review and by Jan 5 (final deadline) for remaining merit rounds.
Does UM superscore SAT/ACT? Yes, for both SAT and ACT. Highest section scores across dates are used for admissions/merit review.
Can I stack multiple UM merit awards? No, only one admission merit award is granted per student. State/federal aid may stack if within total cost of attendance.
What are the renewal rules? Maintain ≥12 credits per term and at least a 3.0 UM GPA each year for renewal (check after spring).
Sources:
University of Miami First-Year Scholarships: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/first-year-merit-scholarships/index.html
UM Merit Scholarships FAQ: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/merit-scholarships-faqs/index.html
UM Stamps and National Merit: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/stamps-scholarship/index.html
Official class profile: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/about/class-profile/index.html
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
The University of Miami sets aside a handful of highly selective awards that go beyond automatic merit. These are limited in number, require strong academics and leadership, and often include an invitation-only process with interviews or essays. Applying by November 1 is essential for consideration.
Full RideAutomatic
Stamps Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance plus enrichment
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, and more) plus access to enrichment funds; cannot be combined with other UM admission merit scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes full cost of attendance plus enrichment funds for up to eight semesters, by invitation and interview; UM’s Stamps page confirms that these awards cover the full COA and include extra funding for leadership and enrichment experiences.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National-caliber scholars with exceptional academics in a very rigorous curriculum, significant leadership, and service who stand out at the very top of UM’s applicant pool.
Full TuitionAutomaticpipeline
Isaac Bashevis Singer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition scholarship
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Premier merit award covering 100% of base tuition. Does not cover housing, meals, or fees. Action Required: Most candidates are identified via the Nov 1st Early Action/Early Decision I pool; finalists must submit an additional essay in the spring.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition for up to eight semesters; cannot be combined with other UM admission merit scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists full tuition for up to eight semesters for the highest academic achievers with an invitation-only process after November 1; UM’s Premier Scholarships page confirms that the Singer Scholarship is a full-tuition award for outstanding first-year applicants selected through a competitive review.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-year applicants with near-perfect academic records and very rigorous coursework who perform at the very top of UM’s admitted pool and stand out in the Premier Scholarship review.
Full TuitionApp Requiredpipelinehonors
Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition scholarship
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Very selective Honors scholarship that provides four years of full in‑state tuition at EWU; does not cover housing, meals, or other living expenses.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides full tuition for four years and replaces other UM admission merit awards; may be combined with need-based aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a complete first-year application to UM by November 1, then be nominated through the Hammond nomination form by November 10; nominated students may be asked to submit additional essays and participate in the selection process.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing academic strength, first-generation/underrepresented status, leadership, and service.
✎ Essays🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes full tuition for four years, targeted to first-generation and underrepresented students with a November 1 application and November 10 nomination deadline; UM’s Hammond page confirms eligibility, nomination process, and full-tuition nature of the award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving U.S. citizens or permanent residents, often first-generation and from underrepresented backgrounds, who show strong academics, leadership, and service and are successfully nominated and selected.
Full RideApp Requiredgeographicneed_based
George W. Jenkins Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
comprehensive scholarship (tuition plus support)
✘ Not stackable
⚠ U.S. citizens from AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, or VA with strong academics, significant financial need, and a history of overcoming adversity can be nominated for this scholarship, which covers full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, health insurance, and laptop, plus stipends).
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers tuition and substantial additional support (often including fees, room, board, and other expenses); cannot be combined with other UM admission merit scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to UM by November 1, then be nominated by a high school counselor through the Jenkins nomination process by November 14; nominated students must submit a detailed Jenkins essay and additional materials by December 1.
Selection criteria: Holistic assessment of academic achievement, leadership, service, financial need, and adversity overcome, among nominated students from the eligible region.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table describes this as a comprehensive award for students from Florida and the Southeast with significant adversity and leadership, requiring nomination by November 14 and a finalist essay by December 1; UM’s Jenkins page confirms regional focus, adversity and leadership criteria, and the multi-step nomination and essay process.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Exceptionally resilient students from Florida and nearby Southeastern states who have overcome significant adversity, show strong academics, leadership, and service, and present compelling nomination and essay materials.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Are these automatic? No. You must apply by November 1 to be considered, and finalists are invited to interviews or additional steps.
How many students get them? Very few. Stamps, Singer, Hammond, and Jenkins are awarded to a small fraction of admitted students each year.
Can I combine these with other UM awards? No. If you earn one of these Premier scholarships, it replaces other automatic merit awards from admission.
What kind of student wins? Those with top academics, leadership, service, and unique impact. Think students at the very top of the applicant pool nationally.
Sources:
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/stamps-scholarship/index.html
Isaac Bashevis Singer Scholarship: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/premier-scholarship-programs/index.html
Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship info/nomination: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/ronald-a-hammond-scholarship/index.html and https://apply.miami.edu/register/hammond-nomination
George W. Jenkins Scholarship: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/george-w-jenkins-scholarship/index.html
Premier/early deadlines confirmation: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/merit-scholarships-faqs/index.html
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Not every scholarship at the University of Miami comes through admission. Some awards come from the state of Florida or from military service pathways, and they can make a real difference when stacked with UM merit.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Frost Band of the Hour Stipend
📅 Deadline: Before August band camp (registration and participation required)
✓ Renews
$2,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Annual participation stipend that can be combined with UM merit, Bright Futures, and other aid; amount and availability may vary by year and student role in the ensemble.
📄
How to Apply
Register for the Frost Band of the Hour course, complete any required audition or placement steps, and commit to full participation in rehearsals and performances starting with band camp in August.
Selection criteria: Based on successful membership and continued participation in the Frost Band of the Hour.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table cites typical stipends of $2,000–$3,000 per year for band participants; the Frost Band site notes that members receive stipends for participation, with details and amounts communicated directly to students each year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Committed musicians—UM or eligible South Florida college students—who join and remain active in the Frost Band of the Hour for the full season.
App Required
Florida Bright Futures (FAS & FMS)
📅 Deadline: August 31 after high school graduation
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
$4,800–$6,300/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Bright Futures is a state program that pays a per-credit amount toward tuition and fees at UM and can stack with UM merit and federal aid as long as total aid does not exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Florida high school seniors must submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by August 31 after graduation, meet required high school GPA, course, and test or service benchmarks, and list the University of Miami as a postsecondary institution to receive funding there.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based state award using GPA, coursework, and test or community service criteria; not competitively ranked beyond meeting thresholds.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table cites approximate annual values of about $6,300 for FAS and $4,800 for FMS; the Florida Bright Futures site publishes the exact per-credit award rates for FAS and FMS each year and confirms that eligible students can use funds at participating private institutions like UM.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Florida high school graduates who meet the state’s GPA, course, and test or service criteria for Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) or Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) and file the FFAA by the deadline.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 10 (national high school board); campus-based deadlines vary by term
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition or room and board plus stipend and books
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition and fees, a book allowance, and a monthly stipend; generally cannot fully stack with UM merit for tuition, so students often choose which award pays tuition while other aid may help with room, board, or remaining costs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to UM, enroll in Army ROTC, and complete the national Army ROTC scholarship application or campus-based ROTC scholarship process; meet Army academic, medical, fitness, and service-commitment standards to contract.
Selection criteria: National Army ROTC scoring rubric incorporating academics, leadership, physical fitness, and interview performance.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes full tuition and fees or room and board plus a stipend; UM’s Army ROTC site outlines federal ROTC scholarships that cover full tuition at UM and include a book allowance and monthly stipend, with service obligation after commissioning.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizens preparing for an Army officer career who show strong academics, physical fitness, and leadership potential and successfully compete in national or campus ROTC selection.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Navy/Marine Option ROTC Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 31 (typical national NROTC deadline)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition scholarship with stipend and books
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
NROTC scholarships generally cover full tuition and fees plus a stipend and book allowance; typically, students may need to choose between NROTC funding and UM tuition merit, but may still stack state/federal aid for non-tuition costs.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the national NROTC scholarship application listing UM as a host or crosstown institution, meet academic, fitness, and medical standards, and participate in interviews as required for Navy or Marine Option selection.
Selection criteria: NROTC selection based on academic strength, fitness, leadership, and officer potential.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes full tuition and fees plus stipend and book allowance with a January 31 national deadline; UM’s NROTC site directs prospective students to the national NROTC scholarship, which covers full tuition at participating universities and includes a monthly stipend and book compensation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizens with very strong academics, physical fitness, and leadership who commit to serve as Navy or Marine Corps officers after graduation.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Air Force ROTC Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Around January 12 for national high school scholarship boards
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition scholarship with stipend and books
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Type 1 scholarships can cover full tuition; Type 2 may cover up to $18,000 per year with a stipend and book allowance; typically cannot fully stack with UM merit for tuition but may combine with other aid for non-tuition costs.
📄
How to Apply
Join AFROTC and complete the national AFROTC High School or In-College Scholarship application, listing UM and Detachment 155; meet Air Force academic, physical fitness, and medical standards for officer candidates.
Selection criteria: AFROTC national selection weighs academics, fitness, leadership, and officer potential.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table cites Type 1 full tuition and Type 2 up to $18,000 per year plus a stipend; AFROTC’s official site confirms the structure of national scholarships, including tuition coverage, stipends, and book allowances.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving, leadership-oriented students—often in STEM—who are competitive nationally and commit to an Air Force officer career through AFROTC.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award amounts, requirements, and deadlines reflect 2026–2027 guidance. Deadlines may update annually; always confirm on Florida DOE, DoD, or department/band program sites.
- Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UM offer separate merit/major awards. Check with departments for their forms and internal deadlines (often late winter or early spring).
- Campus Groups/Athletics: Additional club, Greek, and athletic aid may be available; check group/coach for deadlines and application steps as these vary widely.
Hidden Gem FAQ
Can Florida Bright Futures be used at UM? Yes—from Florida DOE, file FFAA by August 31 after senior year for eligibility in private/inst. schools.
Do ROTC scholarships cover everything? Tuition, fees, stipend, and books are included. Room/board generally covered only if you don’t use tuition benefit.
Can ROTC stack with UM merit? Usually not a full stack—most students must choose which award funds tuition; state/federal aid can offset other costs but check with Financial Aid.
When should a student apply for Bright Futures? October 1 through August 31 after HS graduation is the Florida window for state aid filing.
Sources:
Florida Bright Futures: https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPHome/SAPHome
Army ROTC at UM: https://armyrotc.miami.edu/scholarships/index.html
AFROTC: https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/
NROTC at UM: https://nrotc.miami.edu/prospective-students/scholarships/index.html
George W. Jenkins Scholarship: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/george-w-jenkins-scholarship/index.html
Frost Band of the Hour: https://bandofthehour.miami.edu/
🎖️ Honors College
At the University of Miami, the Foote Fellows Honors Program is one of the most distinctive academic pathways. Admission is by invitation at the time of acceptance, and it’s designed for students who want flexibility and access to the university’s top opportunities. There are no extra tuition costs, but there are real perks that set Foote Fellows apart.
What a Typical UM Foote Fellow Looks Like:
High school GPA near the top of the class, a rigorous AP/IB/AICE curriculum, strong leadership or service, and—if submitted—test scores at or above UM’s middle-50% range.
Honors Perks that Matter:
- Waived general education requirements in many areas, giving more freedom to double-major or explore electives
- Priority registration and small, discussion-based seminars
- Faculty-mentored research projects and guidance for national fellowships
- Special lectures, advising, and recognition on the transcript at graduation
Full TuitionApp Requiredpipeline
Marta S. and L. Austin Weeks Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition scholarship
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Extremely selective merit scholarship in which Weeks Scholars receive four years of full tuition (five for Architecture); automatic consideration for early applicants, but families still pay room and board.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition for up to eight semesters; cannot be combined with other UM Undergraduate Admission merit awards but may be paired with need-based aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a complete first-year application to UM by November 1; top applicants are invited to compete for the Weeks Scholarship and must complete any requested supplemental essay or materials as part of the Premier Scholarship review.
Selection criteria: Premier-level holistic review of academics, rigor, leadership, service, and supplemental essay quality among top applicants.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table describes the Weeks Scholarship as a full-tuition award for up to eight semesters for exceptional incoming freshmen, selected from the same pool as Premier and Honors candidates and requiring an extra essay at the finalist stage; UM’s Premier Scholarships information lists the Marta S. and L. Austin Weeks Endowed Scholarship among its named full-tuition awards administered through the Premier process.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Exceptionally accomplished incoming freshmen with outstanding academics, leadership, and service who rise to the top of the Premier and Honors consideration pool and submit strong supplemental essays when invited.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: The Weeks Scholarship uses the same pool as Premier and Honors candidates. Winners are chosen based on holistic review, leadership, and an extra essay when invited.
Honors Program FAQ
Is admission automatic? No. Students are invited based on their admission application; there is no separate application, but some colleges allow “earn-in” routes after the first year.
Does Honors add time to graduation? No. Many Foote Fellows finish on time or early, since gen ed waivers create more schedule flexibility.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors? Not through the Foote Fellows Program itself. Premier scholarships and Weeks are managed as separate merit competitions by Undergraduate Admission.
When will I know if I’m invited? Honors invitations are sent with your admission letter, especially if you applied by Nov 1 for Premier review.
Sources:
Foote Fellows Honors Program: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/academics/honors-programs/foote-fellows/index.html
UM Academic Bulletin: https://bulletin.miami.edu/undergraduate-academic-programs/university-honors-programs/foote-fellows/
Office of Academic Enhancement: https://oae.miami.edu/honors/foote-fellows-program/index.html
Weeks Scholarship: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/premier-scholarship-programs/index.html
Additional reference: https://myredkite.com/scholarship/marta-s-and-l-austin-weeks-endowed-scholarship/ and https://scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-college/university-of-miami-scholarships/marta-s-and-l-austin-weeks-endowed-scholarship/
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Miami is a private R1 Research University with a reputation that stretches from the sciences to the arts. Families often hear about its sunny location and spirited student life, but what truly sets UM apart are its nationally ranked programs and the career pipelines they create. Here’s where Miami stands out most.
Top Highlight: Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science — Consistently recognized among the nation’s leading programs for oceanography, climate research, and marine biology, with direct access to coastal labs and NOAA partnerships.
- Frost School of Music — Ranked among the top music schools nationally for performance, music business, and engineering; graduates often work in the music industry hub of Miami.
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute — Ranked #1 in the U.S. for ophthalmology by U.S. News & World Report for nearly two decades; offers undergraduate research access in vision science and pre-med pipelines.
- Miami Herbert Business School — Recognized for global business and finance programs, leveraging Miami’s role as a hub for international trade and Latin American markets.
- Health Sciences (UHealth and Miller School of Medicine) — UM’s research hospitals and labs provide undergraduates unique opportunities for hands-on experience in medicine and public health.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the University of Miami is about more than just the sunshine—it’s about investing in a school that offers serious academics, nationally known programs, and scholarships that can make the cost more manageable. From automatic awards to big-name competitive scholarships and Florida Bright Futures, families have multiple ways to bring the price down. Remember: the earlier your student applies, the better the odds of being considered for UM’s top opportunities.
💡 Comparing Florida college offers? See our guide:
How to Compare Florida College Offers (Public vs Private + Bright Futures)
.
If you’re new to Florida financial aid, start with the
Florida College Aid Series overview
.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
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