University of Oregon Scholarships: What You Need to Know About Merit, WUE, and More

🎓 University of Oregon Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–2026)

← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Oregon state aid

What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay
  • Automatic merit (Summit, Apex) and competitive awards
  • Stamps & Presidential details (what’s full ride vs not)
  • Clark Honors College perks and how to stack aid

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: 88.31% (Fall 2024)
  • Middle 50% GPA (weighted): 3.46–4.06
  • SAT/ACT ranges: Not published; test-optional for admission

Sources: UO Admissions & latest CDS/official pages.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

University of Oregon at a Glance

Average Net Price
Varies by income (use NPC)
No single official figure published
Automatic Merit
Summit & Apex (GPA-based)
Awards automatically reviewed at admission
Typical Qualifiers
Strong GPA & rigor; early application helps
Tests optional; submit only if helpful for admission
Testing Policy
Test-optional for admission
Test-blind for scholarships (scores not used)
Key Deadlines
Jan 15: Scholarship Priority • Feb 15: FAFSA
Some competitive awards may have earlier steps
Honors College
Clark Honors College
Small seminars, thesis, added scholarship access
Full Tuition / Full Ride
Stamps Scholarship (full-ride)
Presidential is significant but not full tuition
Residency & Reciprocity
No WUE participation
Nonresidents pay full rate unless earning merit
Verified from University of Oregon Admissions & Financial Aid (2025–26).
Last verified: October 15, 2025

The University of Oregon pairs generous automatic awards (Summit & Apex) with a few elite scholarships. The Stamps Scholarship is UO’s marquee full-ride, covering tuition, fees, and more; the Presidential Scholarship is prestigious but does not cover full tuition.

UO is test-optional for admission and test-blind for scholarships, so GPA and curriculum matter most. Note that UO does not participate in WUE; nonresidents typically rely on Summit/Apex or competitive awards to reduce costs.

FAQ

Does UO offer automatic merit? Yes — Summit & Apex are automatic based on academics.

Are there full-ride options? Yes — the Stamps Scholarship is a full-ride. The Presidential provides up to $9,000/yr, not full tuition.

Is UO test-optional? Yes for admission. For scholarships, UO is test-blind (scores aren’t used).

Does UO participate in WUE? No. Nonresidents pay the standard rate unless they earn merit awards.

Sources (Intro):
UO Admissions — Test-Optional Policy: https://admissions.uoregon.edu/faq/test-optional
UO Financial Aid — Presidential Scholarship: https://financialaid.uoregon.edu/presidential
UO Financial Aid — Stamps Scholarship: https://financialaid.uoregon.edu/scholarships/stamps-scholars
UO Scholarships — First-Year Scholarships FAQ (Summit & Apex): https://financialaid.uoregon.edu/scholarships/faq/first-year-students
Clark Honors College: https://honors.uoregon.edu/
UO Net Price Calculator: https://admissions.uoregon.edu/affordability/net-price-calculator
Tuition & Fees (2025–26 schedule): https://tuition.uoregon.edu/sites/default/files/2025-26_tuition_and_fees.pdf

💰 Cost of Attendance at the University of Oregon (2025–2026)

The following figures reflect the estimated cost for a full-time undergraduate living on campus. The University of Oregon does not participate in WUE, and nonresident students pay the full out-of-state rate unless they qualify for major merit awards such as the Summit or Apex Scholarships.

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees $16,755 $46,077
Housing & Meals (median rate) $17,244 $17,244
Estimated Total (Before Aid) $33,999 $63,321

Note: The housing & meal figure represents the median of all 2025–26 residence-hall + meal-plan combinations listed by UO Housing (official housing rates). Books, transportation, and personal expenses typically add another $4,000–$5,000 per year.

📉 Average Net Price (after aid):
The University of Oregon does not publish a single official net-price average, but federal data indicate that most students pay about $18,000–$21,000 per year after scholarships and grants, depending on income and merit aid.
🌎 Out-of-State Tuition Policy:
The University of Oregon does not participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or any other reciprocity program. Nonresident students pay the full nonresident rate unless they earn major merit awards such as the Summit Scholarship or Apex Scholarship.

🎓 Cost & Residency FAQ

Where does the housing number come from?
It’s the median rate ($17,244) of all 2025–26 UO residence-hall + meal-plan options, based on official rates from the UO Housing website.

Can nonresidents ever gain in-state tuition?
Rarely — students must live in Oregon for at least 12 months for non-educational reasons and prove financial independence.

How can families reduce out-of-state costs?
Focus on grades and deadlines — the Summit and Apex Scholarships are automatic and can reduce nonresident tuition by thousands each year.

Sources (COA):
Cost of Attendance — UO Financial Aid: https://financialaid.uoregon.edu/cost
Tuition & Fees (official 2025–26 schedule): https://tuition.uoregon.edu/sites/default/files/2025-26_tuition_and_fees.pdf
Housing & Meal Plan Costs — UO Housing: https://housing.uoregon.edu/costs
Net Price Calculator — UO Admissions: https://admissions.uoregon.edu/affordability/net-price-calculator

Automatic Scholarships

The University of Oregon offers two main automatic merit scholarships for out-of-state students: Summit and Apex. These are awarded based on high school GPA—no separate application is required. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission by the priority deadline.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Summit Scholarship $10,000/year (nonresident) First-time freshmen; 3.90+ unweighted GPA; apply by Jan 15 No Yes, up to 4 years Out-of-state admits in the top 10–15% academics Jan 15
Apex Scholarship $7,500/year (nonresident) First-time freshmen; 3.60–3.89 unweighted GPA; apply by Jan 15 No Yes, up to 4 years Out-of-state admits with strong but not top-15% academics Jan 15

These scholarships are only available to first-time freshmen and are applied automatically based on your child’s unweighted GPA at the time of admission. No separate scholarship form is needed—simply apply to Oregon by January 15 for automatic consideration.

Note: Summit and Apex cannot be stacked with each other or with most other UO merit scholarships, but they do stack with need-based aid such as Pell Grants or Oregon Opportunity Grants.

FAQ: Summit and Apex Scholarships (2025–26)

Is the GPA cutoff weighed or unweighted?
UO uses a standardized, unweighted GPA calculated by their admissions office—not always what’s listed on a high school transcript. Make sure your coursework and rigor are clear in the transcript submission.
Are test scores used in merit scholarship decisions?
No. UO is test-blind for Summit and Apex: only academic GPA and admission materials count. Strong test scores are still encouraged for competitive or national awards.
Are these scholarships stackable with others?
Summit and Apex do not stack with other UO merit awards, such as the Presidential or Diversity Excellence scholarships. They do stack with need-based money and most outside/private scholarships.
Who usually gets Summit or Apex?
The typical recipient is a student from out of state with several semesters of A or B+ work in college prep courses. Summit is reserved for those with consistent academic “A” records in all core subjects; Apex can include students with a couple of A-/B grades in tough classes.

Competitive Scholarships

These scholarships require strong academics, leadership, or specific qualifications — and most need an extra application, nomination, or designation. If your child is aiming high, these are worth exploring early.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Scholarship $9,000/year Oregon residents; 3.90+ GPA, leadership, and academic achievement Yes Yes (4 years) Top in-state applicants with community service or leadership Jan 15
Diversity Excellence Scholarship $6,500/year (in-state) or $9,000/year (out-of-state) Brings diversity to campus; strong academics & leadership; open to all UO admits Yes Yes (4 years) Students showing contribution to diverse perspectives and service Jan 15
Stamps Scholarship Full cost of attendance + enrichment funds Highly selective; invited via UO Scholars application; national-level leadership/service Yes (nomination required) Yes (4 years) Leaders with 4.0+ GPA and major state/national impact Jan 15 (UO Scholars)
National Merit Finalist Scholarship Up to $2,000/year National Merit Finalists; must select UO as first-choice Yes (NMSC process) Yes (4 years) National Merit Finalists naming UO on NMSC paperwork Feb (NMSC)

Most competitive scholarships require strong leadership, service, and a demonstrated academic record—not just grades. Always check each award’s page for essay prompts, nominations, and exact due dates.

FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at UO

Can my child receive both Apex/Summit and a competitive scholarship?
No—UO does not stack institutional merit awards. If you’re selected for a higher-value scholarship (Presidential, Diversity Excellence, or Stamps), it will replace Summit/Apex, not add on top.
Are test scores required?
UO is test-optional for admission and most scholarships. Stamps or national awards may still ask for strong scores, but most decisions are based on GPA, leadership, and impact.
What are the deadlines?
The general admissions application must be submitted by January 15. The Stamps and Presidential Scholars programs require early action and/or nomination; make sure to apply for UO Scholars or through NMSC as needed.
Who actually wins these awards?
Recipients typically have a 4.0 GPA (unweighted or weighted), top test scores (if submitted), service leadership, and often a significant extracurricular, research, or advocacy achievement at the regional or national level.

Hidden Gem Scholarships

The University of Oregon doesn’t advertise every scholarship on its main admissions page — but once you dig into departments, talent areas, and special recognitions, you’ll find a few extra ways to earn money that families often miss.

  • Departmental Awards: Many academic departments — like Biology, Psychology, or English — offer small scholarships ($500–$2,000) for top students. The Department of Sociology gives the Jack Ramey Scholarship to those focused on research in social justice.
  • Band Scholarships: Students who audition and perform with the Oregon Marching Band or Wind Ensemble may be eligible for $500–$2,000/year in music service awards. These are open to any active student.
  • Arts Scholarships: Arts, Music, and Dance majors can earn additional talent-based awards (often requiring a portfolio or audition). The School of Music and Dance distributes dozens of small donor awards for commitment and creativity.
  • Valedictorian Recognition: UO doesn’t have a named “valedictorian” award, but top class rank makes students more competitive for departmental and competitive aid.
  • Club-Based Scholarships: No direct UO awards for club activities, but outside awards from Key Club, Beta Club, Scouts, etc. can be stacked with university aid and reported in their portal.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Stackable? Separate App?
Departmental Awards $500–$2,000 Majors with high GPA or strong departmental projects Yes Often, after enrolling
Marching Band & Ensemble Awards $500–$2,000/year Active band members (any major) Yes Audition required
Arts & Performance Awards $500–$5,000 Major in music, dance, or art, plus portfolio/audition Yes Yes (after acceptance)
PathwayOregon Program Full tuition & fees Oregon residents; Pell-eligible Yes No (auto from FAFSA)
Outside Club Scholarships Varies Active in major clubs (external awards) Yes Yes (apply externally)
Strategy Tip: Once admitted, check each department’s site or ask your advisor about internal scholarships—many are awarded in spring for the next year and go unclaimed.

FAQ: Hidden Scholarships at UO

Does UO award money for band or music?
Yes—Oregon Marching Band and ensembles offer scholarships for performance, usually $500–$2,000. Anyone who auditions (not just music majors) can qualify.
Does every department have its own awards?
Most do—especially larger majors—awarding based on GPA, research, or a project. These are rarely publicized, so it’s worth asking your academic advisor in spring.
Is there a “valedictorian” scholarship?
No dedicated award, but being #1 or #2 in your class is a plus when applying for department scholarships or UO’s top merit/competitive awards.
Can club scholarships (e.g. Key Club) be used at UO?
Yes—outside awards from clubs or orgs can be stacked with UO scholarships. Report all such awards to the financial aid office for disbursement.
Where do I find and apply for these?
Log into the UO Scholarship Dashboard post-admission to view/apply for internal and department opportunities. Always check with your academic department and advisor.

Clark Honors College at UO

The Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon is a small, highly selective academic program that offers small classes, priority registration, a tight-knit cohort, and close faculty mentoring—like a liberal arts college within a research university.

All students complete honors core classes and a senior thesis but can pursue any major across the university. Clark alumni include national scholarship winners and top grad school admits. Admission is highly competitive (typical admit: 3.90+ GPA, advanced courses, and strong essays).

Why It Matters: Clark Honors College gives your student access to top professors, first choice of classes, and priority for research funding—while belonging to the larger UO student community.

How to Apply

  • Deadline: January 15 (with UO application)
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong essay, teacher rec; test scores optional
  • Method: Select “Clark Honors College” when applying to UO and complete the short supplement

There is no guaranteed scholarship from Honors admission, but Clark students often win UO’s top merit awards or exclusive thesis/research grants once enrolled.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
CHC Thesis/Commencement Awards $750–$2,000 Clark Honors College seniors with exceptional thesis or service No (selected by faculty) No (one time) Graduating seniors with top research, writing, or college service May
Dr. George Streisinger Memorial Scholarship $5,000 Honors students, priority to STEM and middle-income/need Yes No Active participants with FAFSA/ORSAA filed and science focus Feb 15
Robert Ousterhout Scholarship $5,000 Current Clark Honors student, preference for arts/humanities Yes (FAFSA/ORSAA required) No Financial need and demonstrated engagement in the arts/humanities Feb 15
Williams Fellowship (Faculty Award) $5,000 stipend (impact for students via improved pedagogy) Clark Honors faculty (improves student opportunities) No (internal selection) No Students benefit via class/research opportunities with Williams Fellows Fall
Tip: Honors-only scholarships at UO are limited and often tied to research, thesis, or financial need. Most Clark scholars fund their education through general UO merit aid, PathwayOregon (if in-state + Pell), or outside awards.

FAQ: Clark Honors College at UO

Is there special housing for Honors?
Yes—students are encouraged to live in the Global Scholars Hall for an “academic” environment and honors-focused events. Spaces fill early; request soon after admission.
Is the Clark program more rigorous than UO’s Gen Ed?
Yes—but in ways most Honors students find engaging, not just in added work. Expect frequent seminar discussion, small-group teaching, and a research project.
Will being in Honors help me get other scholarships?
Not directly, but many Presidential and Stamps Scholars are in Clark. Being in the College offers faculty contacts and research opportunities that help with competitive departmental, national, and graduate fellowships.
Can a Clark student major in any UO major?
Yes. The Honors core replaces general education, so students major in anything UO offers—from architecture to journalism to biology.

💬 Final Thoughts

The University of Oregon combines a nationally respected academic reputation with the kind of campus energy that keeps students engaged and inspired. From journalism and business to environmental science and human physiology, Oregon offers programs that shine on a national level. Its automatic scholarships and WUE options give out-of-state families a meaningful way to cut costs, especially for strong students who apply early. For those looking for an R1 university with West Coast creativity and a close community feel, the Ducks deliver.

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