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🎓 University of North Texas Scholarships

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

UNT might not be the flashiest school in Texas, but it quietly offers some of the most generous automatic merit scholarships—especially for students with solid grades and test scores. Whether your son or daughter is aiming for music, biology, or business, this page breaks down exactly what aid is available and what it takes to qualify.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Texas (2025–26)

Here’s the published cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate living on campus at UNT. These numbers are before scholarships, waivers, or grants.

Cost Category	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$12,092	$24,392
Housing & Meals	$11,194	$11,194
Other Expenses (books, personal, travel)	$5,208	$5,208
Total Estimated Cost	$28,494	$40,794

📉 What Families Actually Pay
The average net price—what families pay after scholarships and grants, not including loans—for full-time on-campus students:

In-State: ≈ $13,800/year
Out-of-State (with waiver): ≈ $14,000–$15,000/year

About 70% of UNT undergraduates receive aid. Institutional grants average around $3,900/year, cutting net costs well below the published sticker price. 🎯 Use UNT’s Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

💡 Non-Resident Tuition Waivers & ACM:

Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Out-of-state students who earn at least a $1,000 competitive UNT scholarship qualify for the non-resident tuition waiver, which drops tuition to the in-state rate. This is one of the most common ways nonresidents save at UNT.
Academic Common Market (Graduate Only): UNT participates in the Academic Common Market for graduate programs. Eligible students from participating SREB states may qualify for in-state tuition if their UNT program is ACM-approved and not offered in their home state. Undergraduate students are not eligible for ACM anywhere in Texas.
Other UNT Waivers: Nonresidents may also qualify through military/veteran exemptions (Hazlewood Act, GI Bill, etc.), the Border Nations waiver for certain Mexican citizens, the Economic Development waiver for relocating families, or Texas Tomorrow Fund/Tuition Promise Fund participation.

Savings Example: Out-of-state tuition & fees are about $26,500 vs. $12,000 in-state — a difference of roughly $14,500 per year if you qualify through a waiver or ACM.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

UNT awards several levels of automatic merit aid when your student is admitted—no extra scholarship application required. These awards are tied to GPA and ACT/SAT scores, and out-of-state recipients who qualify also receive the non-resident tuition waiver. Important: UNT does not superscore. Only the highest composite from a single test date counts.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Eagle Elite	$12,000/year	ACT 30+ (SAT 1360+) and GPA 3.5+	No	Yes, 4 years	Top academic admits; often in Honors consideration as well
Eagle Distinction	$8,000/year	ACT 27–29 (SAT 1220–1350) and GPA 3.5+	No	Yes, 4 years	Strong students with above-average test scores and grades
Eagle Excellence	$5,000/year	ACT 24–26 (SAT 1110–1210) and GPA 3.5+	No	Yes, 4 years	B+/A− students who meet GPA but have mid-range scores
Eagle Achievement	$2,000/year	ACT 21–23 (SAT 1060–1100) and GPA 3.0+	No	Yes, 4 years	Solid admits who meet the minimum GPA/test benchmarks

🎯 Strategy Tip: Since UNT does not superscore, encourage your student to prep and retake if they’re close to the next cutoff. A 1–2 point jump on the ACT (or 40–50 SAT points) can mean thousands more per year—and unlock the out-of-state tuition waiver.

Note: GPA and test score ranges reflect UNT’s published 2025–26 criteria. Actual cutoffs may shift depending on applicant pool and available funding.

Automatic Scholarship FAQs

Are these scholarships really automatic?
Yes. If your student meets the GPA and test requirements and applies by the priority deadline, the award is automatically applied.

Do students need to submit test scores?
UNT is test-optional for admission, but ACT/SAT scores are required for most merit awards. Higher scores = larger scholarships.

When is the deadline?
To be considered, students should apply by March 1 (earlier in fall is safer). Submitting test scores and transcripts early helps lock awards.

Can these stack with other aid?
Yes. Automatic awards can stack with need-based aid, state grants, and departmental or competitive scholarships (up to total cost of attendance).

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These awards require UNT’s General Scholarship Application. One form places students into the pool for dozens of scholarships tied to academics, leadership, financial need, or major.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
President’s Elite Scholarship	Full tuition + mandatory fees	Top 10% of class, ACT 32+ / SAT 1450+, GPA 3.8+	Yes	Yes, 4 years	Only the very top applicants—high test scores plus leadership or service record
UNT Excellence Scholarship	$1,000–$6,000	GPA 3.4+ and ACT 24+ / SAT 1160+	No (auto-reviewed with admission)	Yes, 4 years	Solid B+/A− students who apply early; higher scores = larger awards
UNT Foundation Scholarships	$500–$5,000	Varies by donor; GPA 3.0+ often required; may be need-based	Yes (via general application)	Some renewable	Students who match donor intent (STEM, teaching, first-gen, identity-based)

Note: GPA/test score criteria reflect UNT’s published guidelines and typical past recipients. Cutoffs and funding can shift each year.

No True Full Ride: UNT’s top award (President’s Elite) covers tuition and mandatory fees, but not housing, meals, books, or personal expenses. Students will likely still have remaining costs unless they combine with need-based or outside aid.

Strategy That Works:
Students who combine the President’s Elite Scholarship (tuition + fees) with Pell Grants, Texas state grants like the TEXAS Grant, departmental awards, and outside scholarships can get close to a true full ride. It takes planning, but it’s realistic for strong applicants.

Competitive Scholarship FAQs

Does UNT offer a true full ride?
Not by default. The President’s Elite covers tuition and fees, but not room, board, or extras.

Is stacking possible to cover everything?
Yes. Combining competitive awards with state/federal grants and outside aid can cover most or all costs.

Do middle-income families benefit?
Absolutely. Many receive $5K–$12K per year in merit alone, often combined with other aid.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These awards don’t always make UNT’s front-page scholarship list, but they can make a big difference—especially when stacked with automatic merit aid. Most require a separate application or audition, but they’re realistic opportunities for the right students.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
College of Music Awards	$500–$4,000	Audition required; open to majors and non-majors in ensembles	Yes (audition + resume)	Yes	Talented marching band and ensemble musicians; not limited to music majors
Departmental Scholarships	$500–$2,500	Declared major in specific departments (e.g., biology, business, education)	Yes (via General App or department)	Some renewable	Students who stand out in their college or department; GPA 3.0+ is typical
Emerald Eagle Scholars	Up to $2,000 + mentoring support	First-gen and Pell-eligible students with financial need	Yes (program application)	Varies	High-need students who also engage in mentoring, workshops, and coaching
Terry Transfer Scholarship	Full ride	Transfer students; leadership + community service record	Yes (competitive statewide process)	Yes, 2 years	Exceptional transfer admits from Texas community colleges with top academics
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship	$1,000 (one-time)	Top 2 graduates of a Texas high school	Yes (high school verification)	No	Texas students graduating #1 or #2 in their class who enroll at UNT
Alumni Legacy Scholarship	$1,000–$2,000	Children of UNT alumni	Yes (proof of legacy)	Varies	Students with a parent or guardian who graduated from UNT

Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs

Are these scholarships automatic?
No. Most require a separate application, audition, or department form. They aren’t automatic, but they are very achievable.

Can my student stack these with merit aid?
Yes. These awards typically stack with UNT’s automatic scholarships and state/federal grants, helping reduce the final bill.

How do we apply for music or departmental scholarships?
Many are linked to UNT’s General Scholarship Application. For music, auditions are required. For others, check with the specific college or department.

When are these awarded?
Most are awarded in spring for the upcoming fall term, though some (like band or first-gen programs) may award on a rolling basis. Applying early to UNT keeps doors open.

Specialty Programs & National Strengths

UNT stands out in Texas (and beyond) not just for its size, but for its **Tier One R1 research status**, meaning it’s in the top tier of universities in research output. Parents should especially know about its deep strengths in music, data science, and public affairs—programs where UNT punches above its weight.

Nationally Recognized: UNT’s College of Music consistently ranks among the best for value and quality—listed among the top 10 music programs nationally, with jazz studies ranked 19th in the U.S., and music theory ranked 34th nationwide. It’s an R1 institution—one of only ~140 “Tier One” universities in the country.

Online Data Science & Analytics (MS): Ranked 17th in the nation among online master’s programs.
Undergraduate Mathematics (Value): UNT ranks 27th nationally for best value in undergraduate math.
Strong Online Bachelor’s Programs: Ranked 41st nationally—great for parents considering flexibility.
Physics & Engineering Research: Home to the Ion Beam Laboratory, a standout facility for materials science research.
Journalism Excellence: UNT’s journalism school—Mayborn School—boasts multiple Pulitzer Prize–winning alumni and long accreditation.

🎖 Honors College at UNT

UNT’s Honors College is for motivated students who want smaller classes, priority registration, faculty mentoring, and a tight-knit academic community. It’s not about extra busywork—it’s about discussion-based learning, research, and opportunities that can also unlock additional scholarships.

Admission Process: Invitations are commonly extended to students with about a 3.5+ unweighted GPA and/or 26+ ACT (≈1240 SAT), but admission is not automatic. Students who aren’t invited can still apply with a short form and essay after they’re admitted to UNT.

Housing perk: Honors students can apply to live in Honors Hall (suite-style housing with study lounges and community programs).

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Honors College Scholarship	$1,000–$2,000	New Honors admits; ~3.5+ HS GPA; short essay	Yes	Yes	Students admitted to Honors who submit a strong application/essay
Dean’s List Award	$500–$1,000	Continuing Honors students; ~3.75+ UNT GPA	Yes	Yes	Active Honors students who maintain high GPAs each year
Honors Day Research Scholarship	Up to $1,500	Presenting research at Honors Day; faculty endorsement typical	Yes	No	Honors students engaged in research with a polished presentation

Notes: Criteria and amounts above are typical ranges and may vary year to year based on funding and applicant pool.

Honors College FAQs

Will my student be invited automatically?
Possibly. Many students around a 3.5+ unweighted GPA and/or 26+ ACT (≈1240 SAT) receive invitations, but students can also apply directly after admission.

What are the biggest perks?
Priority registration, smaller seminar-style classes, mentorship, research opportunities, Honors Hall access, and eligibility for additional scholarships.

Is Honors only for straight-A students?
No. Strong academics help, but curiosity, engagement, and a thoughtful essay are important. Honors looks for motivated learners, not just perfect transcripts.

When should we apply?
As soon as possible after admission to UNT. Early applicants have the best shot at Honors housing and scholarships.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

At the University of North Texas, the published sticker price rarely tells the real story. Automatic Eagle awards, competitive scholarships like the President’s Elite, and hidden gems such as Emerald Eagle and alumni legacy aid can bring costs down dramatically. Add in the Honors College experience, research opportunities, and strong programs in music, business, and the arts, and UNT delivers a big-university feel with plenty of value for families. For first-generation or budget-minded parents, the key is stacking aid early and aiming for that $1,000 scholarship trigger that unlocks in-state rates for out-of-state students. With some planning, UNT can be one of the most affordable major universities in Texas.

✅ Last updated: September 1, 2025