University of Tennessee–Martin Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- 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 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At UT Martin, families can combine Tennessee’s state aid programs with the university’s own scholarships to bring the net price down—sometimes by thousands each year. This guide walks first-gen parents step-by-step through costs, automatic awards, competitive options, and hidden gems, with plain-English answers and links to the Tennessee aid guide and our full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at UT Martin
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $10,864 | $16,904 |
| Housing & Meals (average) | $9,584 | $9,584 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Transportation & Personal Expenses | $6,890 | $6,890 |
| Total (before aid) | $28,838 | $34,878 |
• Kentucky Border County Waiver: Residents of Fulton, Hickman, or Graves Counties pay in-state rates instead of out-of-state — a savings of about $6,000/year.
• Academic Common Market (ACM): UT Martin participates in the ACM program, which allows out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition if their major isn’t offered in their home state.
Example: A Kentucky student from Graves County saves about $6,000/year on tuition with the border waiver. An out-of-state student in an ACM-approved major pays the in-state $10,864 instead of $16,904 — again about $6,000/year in savings.
FAQ
Who qualifies? Border-county residents in KY qualify automatically. ACM eligibility depends on your home state and chosen major.
How much can you save? Around $6,000 per year — the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition.
Do you need to apply? Border-county waivers are automatic with proof of residency. ACM requires an application through your state’s higher-ed agency and approval from UT Martin.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achieve Scholarship | $1,000/year | Automatic with admission; awarded based on GPA/test profile | No | Yes — maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress | *~3.0+ GPA, ACT ~21 (estimate) |
| Dean’s Scholarship | $3,000/year | Automatic with admission; GPA/test thresholds | No | Yes — maintain SAP | *~3.5+ GPA, ACT mid-20s (estimate) |
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | $4,000/year + $2,500 travel stipend; Out-of-state tuition waiver | Automatic with admission; top academic profile | No | Yes — 2.75 UT GPA | *High-3’s GPA, ACT upper-20s (estimate) |
*Eligibility bands are estimates based on past award ranges and peer patterns. Exact GPA/ACT thresholds may vary year to year.
FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No — all three awards are automatic when you apply for admission by the priority deadline.
Does UT Martin superscore? Yes. UT Martin considers your highest section scores across ACT attempts when calculating eligibility, which can boost your award level.
Can these stack with other aid? They stack with HOPE, UT Promise, and most need-based aid. For out-of-state students, note that the Chancellor’s Scholarship includes the waiver, so it replaces the Voyager award rather than stacking with it.
Are these renewable? Yes, as long as you meet GPA and progress requirements. For the Chancellor’s Scholarship specifically, students must maintain at least a 2.75 UT GPA.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (highly competitive, limited slots)
These are the university’s top, selective (competitive) awards that usually require extra steps beyond admission (essays, interviews, portfolios) and have limited numbers. They are different from automatic merit listed above.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
No university-level flagship (selective/competitive) scholarships were publicly listed for 2025–2026 beyond admission-based awards. We’ll recheck during Phase 2. Departmental and Honors awards will appear in their own sections.
FAQ
What’s the difference between automatic merit and flagship (competitive) scholarships? Automatic merit is awarded with admission when you meet GPA/test criteria. Flagship scholarships are selective (competitive), usually need an extra application/interview, and have limited spots.
Are there UT Martin scholarships that feel “flagship” but are automatic? Yes. The Chancellor’s Scholarship is a top automatic award with a travel-study stipend and (for nonresidents) an out-of-state tuition waiver. It is competitive by profile but does not require a separate application.
Can flagship (competitive) awards stack with automatic merit? Often yes, but stacking rules vary by scholarship. We’ll list specific stacking notes if UT Martin posts any selective awards in the current cycle.
⭐ College Specialty
UT Martin has a strong reputation across West Tennessee for preparing graduates who are ready to step directly into careers and community leadership. It’s a smaller public university in the University of Tennessee System, which means students get the resources of a state school but in a more personal setting. Families often choose UTM because it offers affordable pathways in high-demand fields and deep ties to regional employers.
- Business & Accounting: Accredited by AACSB; regional employers recognize UT Martin’s graduates for practical preparation in accounting and management.
- Education: Long-standing teacher education programs with strong placement rates in Tennessee schools, especially in rural and West Tennessee districts.
- Engineering & Computer Science: ABET-accredited engineering technology and computer science degrees; praised for applied, hands-on learning and job-ready graduates.
- Veterinary Health Technology: One of the few four-year bachelor’s degrees in Veterinary Technology offered in Tennessee, drawing statewide interest.
🎖️ Honors College
UT Martin’s Honors Programs give high-achieving students the chance to go deeper in their studies through small seminars, faculty mentorship, and research opportunities. It’s a self-apply program — students submit an application and, if invited, complete an interview. Families appreciate that Honors at UTM is designed to enrich a degree, not extend the time to graduate.
• High school GPA in the 3.7–4.0 range*
• ACT scores in the high 20s*
• Strong record of leadership and service
• Willing to interview and commit to small, discussion-based courses
*Estimates based on prior admission cycles; UTM does not publish strict GPA/ACT cutoffs.
• Priority registration and small-class seminars
• Faculty mentorship and research opportunities
• Honors housing and special community activities
• Thesis or capstone project experience for motivated students
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Scholars Scholarship | $2,500/year (renewable up to 4 years; 5th year possible for double majors) | Incoming freshmen with strong academic profiles; application packet + interview required | Yes — University Scholars application & interview | Yes — maintain GPA (3.3–3.5 by year), service hours, cultural activities, Honors curriculum | High-achieving applicants with ~3.5+ GPA and ~28 ACT or higher*, strong leadership, and service record |
*GPA/ACT bands are based on prior reports; exact minimums not currently published by UTM.
- Chancellor’s Scholarship Pathway: Recipients of the Chancellor’s Scholarship (automatic merit) may apply as rising sophomores for the Honors Scholars Program, giving continuing students a second on-ramp into Honors.
FAQ
Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply and, if invited, interview for a spot. Only a limited number are selected each year.
Does Honors add extra time to my degree? No. The Honors curriculum is built to integrate with your regular coursework and should not extend time to graduate.
When do I apply? Applications typically open in the fall for incoming freshmen, with interviews in January–February and decisions released by March.
Does Honors come with extra scholarship money? Yes — the University Scholars Scholarship provides $2,500 annually for those selected. Other automatic scholarships may combine, but departmental awards are separate.
How does the Chancellor’s Scholarship connect to Honors? The Chancellor’s Scholarship itself is an automatic merit award (covered earlier). Many recipients are invited or encouraged to join Honors, and as rising sophomores they can apply for the Honors Scholars Program to deepen their academic experience.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
UT Martin is one of those schools that can surprise families with how affordable it becomes once state aid, UT Promise, and automatic scholarships stack together. For Tennessee residents, the combination of HOPE and UT Promise often drives tuition and fees close to zero. Out-of-state students may find strong value through the border-county waiver or Academic Common Market. And for high-achievers, the Honors Program adds an extra layer of challenge, mentorship, and community. If you’re a parent helping your student weigh options, UT Martin deserves a close look for both cost and opportunity.
✅ Last updated: September 26, 2025