🎓 University of Texas at Dallas Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Texas state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit tiers and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~65%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24–32
- Middle 50% SAT: 1170–1390
- Average HS GPA: 3.71 (weighted)
Source: UTD Office of Admissions (2025) and College Scorecard Data 2025.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Texas at Dallas at a Glance
Last verified: October 14, 2025
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) continues to reward academic excellence through its generous Academic Excellence Scholarships (AES). High-achieving students can earn awards that cover partial to full tuition—some even including housing and stipends.
For out-of-state families, these scholarships often unlock in-state tuition rates, dramatically reducing costs. Combined with Texas state aid, UTD offers one of the most affordable paths to a top-tier education in Texas.
FAQ
Does UT Dallas offer automatic merit scholarships? Yes — the AES program awards scholarships automatically based on GPA and test scores.
Can out-of-state students get in-state tuition? Yes — AES recipients automatically qualify for the Competitive Scholarship Waiver.
What’s the average net price? Around $12,965 after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025).
When should I apply? Apply by December 1 for AES priority consideration. Final deadline: June 1.
https://enroll.utdallas.edu/affordability/freshman-scholarships/academic-excellence-scholarship/aes-for-prospective-freshmen/
https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-texas-at-dallas-scholarships/
https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/UT-Dallas-admission-requirements
https://www.acceptancerate.com/schools/the-university-of-texas-at-dallas
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/the-university-of-texas-dallas-9741/applying
https://cs.utdallas.edu/education/scholarships/
https://finaid.utdallas.edu/aid-programs/exemptions-and-waivers/competitive-scholarships/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-texas-at-dallas/admissions
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?228787-The-University-of-Texas-at-Dallas
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Texas at Dallas (2025–2026)
Figures below show direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate living on campus: tuition & required fees plus housing & food.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $14,644 | $40,164 |
| Housing & Food (on-campus) | $15,125 | $15,125 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $29,769 | $55,289 |
Note: Indirect costs (not billed by UTD) typically include Books ~$1,200 and Personal ~$2,250, plus transportation that varies by living situation.
📉 Average Net Price (after aid)
According to federal data, UT Dallas’s average net price—what families actually pay after scholarships and grants—is about $13,300/year for Texas residents. Out-of-state students who qualify for merit or waiver programs typically pay between $24,000 and $32,000/year. Over 80% of UTD freshmen receive some form of financial aid.
- Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Nonresident students who receive at least $1,000 in competitive scholarships from UT Dallas automatically qualify for the nonresident tuition waiver, paying the in-state rate for that year.
- Academic Common Market (Graduate Only): Texas participates in ACM at the graduate level. Eligible graduate students from SREB states may pay in-state tuition if their program is not offered at a public university in their home state.
- Other Waivers: UTD also honors state-authorized exemptions, including military/veteran waivers, Good Neighbor and Mexico Need-Based scholarships, and border/economic development waivers.
Savings Example: Nonresident tuition and fees (~$26,500 difference) can drop to the in-state rate with a qualifying waiver or scholarship, saving families about $13,500 per year.
❓ Cost & Waiver FAQs
How much does UT Dallas really cost?
The sticker price is roughly $30K for Texas residents and $55K for out-of-state students, but most families pay far less thanks to grants, scholarships, and waiver programs.
Can out-of-state students pay in-state rates?
Yes. Any nonresident who earns a qualifying competitive scholarship of $1,000 or more automatically qualifies for the in-state tuition rate, saving about $13,500 per year.
Does Texas offer any undergraduate reciprocity programs?
Texas does not participate in WUE or MSEP, but it does offer limited Academic Common Market access for graduate students. Undergraduate students can still save through merit awards or the competitive scholarship waiver.
https://bursar.utdallas.edu/tuition/tuition-estimates/
https://catalog.utdallas.edu/2025/undergraduate/tuition-and-financial-aid
https://enroll.utdallas.edu/affordability/
https://finaid.utdallas.edu/aid-programs/exemptions-and-waivers/competitive-scholarships/
https://finaid.utdallas.edu/aid-programs/exemptions-and-waivers/
https://catalog.utdallas.edu/2025/graduate/tuition-and-financial-aid/academic-common-market
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?228787-The-University-of-Texas-at-Dallas
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/228787/the-university-of-texas-at-dallas/tuition/
https://housing.utdallas.edu/university-village-pricing-and-floorplans/
Automatic Merit Scholarships (UT Dallas)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (Plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES) | Tiered; roughly $1,000 up to near full tuition (varies by cohort) | First-time freshmen with a completed admission file by Dec 1. UT Dallas evaluates GPA, rigor, test scores (if submitted), and application materials holistically. | No | Yes (up to 8 semesters; meet UTD renewal rules) | Early applicants with strong academics. Any AES level confers in-state tuition charges for nonresidents. | Dec 1 (AES consideration) |
| National Merit Semifinalist | Full tuition (8 semesters) | Recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist; apply and be admitted to UTD by the posted timelines. Package upgrades at Finalist status. | No (handled via NMSC/UTD process) | Yes (8 semesters; see program terms) | Semifinalists who complete UTD steps on time; highly time-sensitive. | UTD admission steps by Dec 1 |
| National Merit Finalist (UTD Package) | Tuition and mandatory fees + on-campus housing + meal plan + annual stipend + book allowance + study-abroad support (package published each cohort year) | Must be a National Merit Finalist, complete UTD admission steps, and list UT Dallas as your first-choice institution with NMSC by their deadline. | No (via NMSC/UTD process) | Yes (8 semesters; see program terms) | One of the nation’s most generous NMF packages; very popular for STEM-oriented students. | UTD steps by Dec 1; NMSC first-choice by NMSC deadline |
| UT Dallas Top 10% Scholarship | $2,500 per semester (up to 8 semesters; $20,000 total) | Texas residents who graduate in the top 10% of their Texas high school class and enroll the following fall. Considered when AES is not awarded. | No | Yes (maintain good academic standing) | Texas top-10% students who apply early and meet residency/timing rules. | Apply by Dec 1 for best consideration |
Notes: AES is holistic (no fixed GPA/test cutoff) and funds are limited each year. Any AES level qualifies nonresidents for in-state tuition charges. National Merit package components are published annually by Honors and may vary by cohort.
FAQ: Automatic Merit at UT Dallas
Is AES truly automatic?
Yes. Completed freshman applications received by the AES deadline (Dec 1) are automatically reviewed; no separate AES application. Awards are competitive and vary by cohort.
Do test scores help?
UT Dallas will use official SAT/ACT scores submitted by Dec 1 in the AES review, but admission may be possible without scores. Submitting strong scores can strengthen AES consideration.
Do nonresidents pay in-state with AES?
Yes. Any AES level qualifies the student to be charged at the Texas resident tuition and fee rate.
How generous is the National Merit package?
Very. Finalists who list UTD first-choice receive tuition and fee coverage plus housing, meal plan, and additional stipends/support (see current cohort package).
What’s the key date?
December 1 to complete your admission file for AES (and to stay on track for National Merit timelines). After an award, follow UTD’s steps to accept by June 1.
https://enroll.utdallas.edu/affordability/freshman-scholarships/academic-excellence-scholarship/aes-for-prospective-freshmen/
https://finaid.utdallas.edu/aid-programs/exemptions-and-waivers/competitive-scholarships/
https://enroll.utdallas.edu/affordability/freshman-scholarships/academic-excellence-scholarship/aes-for-current-recipients/
https://enroll.utdallas.edu/affordability/freshman-scholarships/
https://honors.utdallas.edu/national-merit-scholars-program/scholarship-package-benefits/
https://blog.collegevine.com/national-merit-scholarship-full-ride
https://www.reddit.com/r/utdallas/comments/1gt1cpv/questions_about_national_merit_finalist_benefits/
https://catalog.utdallas.edu/2025/undergraduate/policies/admission-policies
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
UT Dallas offers a handful of extremely competitive scholarships for high-achieving students who go beyond GPA and test scores. These awards often require separate applications, nominations, or interviews and are limited to small cohorts each year.
Many top recipients combine these with UT Dallas’s automatic merit scholarships, reducing their total cost to nearly zero. Competitive programs like McDermott Scholars and Terry Foundation are among Texas’s most prestigious awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McDermott Scholars Program | Full cost of attendance + stipends, study abroad, and research funding | Top 1–2% nationally; ACT 34+ / SAT 1500+; essays, résumé, and interview required | Yes | Yes (4 years) | Academic leaders, STEM researchers, and high-impact service or student government leaders | Nov 1 (priority) |
| National Merit Finalist Package | Full tuition + housing + $4,000 annual stipend | National Merit Finalist; UT Dallas listed as first-choice school | No (automatic via NMSC) | Yes | National Merit students who meet NMSC requirements and designate UTD as their first choice | March 1 (NMSC) |
| Terry Foundation Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (tuition, housing, meals, and books) | Texas residents with financial need, leadership, and strong essays/interviews | Yes | Yes | First-generation or Pell-eligible students with exceptional service and leadership | Dec 1 |
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
How do students apply for McDermott?
Apply directly through the McDermott Scholars website. Essays, recommendations, and a résumé are required. Finalists are invited for interviews each spring.
Do National Merit Finalists need to apply separately?
No. Listing UT Dallas as your first-choice institution with NMSC automatically qualifies you for the award package.
What makes a strong Terry Foundation applicant?
Texas residents with clear financial need, a record of leadership, and compelling personal stories supported by interviews and recommendations.
Can out-of-state students qualify?
Yes. McDermott and National Merit awards both grant in-state tuition status to nonresidents.
https://provost.utdallas.edu/mcdermott-programs/eugene-mcdermott-scholars/
https://provost.utdallas.edu/mcdermott-programs/eugene-mcdermott-scholars/emsp-award/
https://honors.utdallas.edu/national-merit-scholars-program/scholarship-package-benefits/
https://blog.collegevine.com/national-merit-scholarship-full-ride
https://terryfoundation.org/apply/traditional-scholarship-faqs/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/the-terry-foundation-scholarship-at-the-university-of-texas-at-dallas
https://finaid.utdallas.edu/aid-programs/exemptions-and-waivers/competitive-scholarships/
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/guidelines-manuals/competitive-scholarship-waiver-fact-sheet/
Honors College at the University of Texas at Dallas (Collegium V)
UT Dallas’s primary honors program is called Collegium V. Open to high-achieving students in any major, it offers smaller, discussion-based classes, early course registration, and personalized mentoring from faculty and staff. Admission is by invitation or application, based on a holistic review of academics, essays, and extracurricular engagement.
There’s no published cutoff for GPA or test scores, but most admitted students have a weighted GPA ≥ 4.2 and strong test scores (ACT 30+ / SAT 1350+). UT Dallas values curiosity, leadership, and service as much as numbers, so a well-rounded profile can still stand out.
Collegium V is ideal for students interested in research, national fellowships, or graduate school preparation. The program connects students with faculty mentors, writing workshops, and opportunities to compete for awards like Truman, Goldwater, and Fulbright.
Key Benefits
- Small, discussion-based Honors seminars (≈ 20 students per class)
- Priority registration each semester
- Faculty-mentored research and thesis opportunities
- Dedicated advising for fellowships, internships, and study abroad
- Community and leadership programming within the Honors Lounge
- No additional tuition cost or separate housing fees
UT Dallas’s most prestigious award. Covers full tuition & fees, housing, meals, books, and enrichment stipends—including funding for study abroad and internships. McDermott Scholars automatically join Collegium V but must apply separately through an intensive essay + interview process.
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegium V Admission Scholarship | Varies ($1,000–$2,500 / yr) | High GPA and test scores with Honors application | Yes – included with Honors App | Yes – maintain GPA and Honors standing | Incoming students with 4.2+ GPA and strong essays | Feb 1 |
| McDermott Scholars Program | Full ride + stipends + study abroad funding | Invitation and application; 3.9+ GPA; ACT 32+ / SAT 1450+; essays and interview | Yes – separate national application | Yes – 4 years with academic progress | ≈ 25–30 students nationwide; exceptional academic and service records | Nov 1 |
| National Merit / AES Integration | Up to Full Tuition + Housing + Stipend (combined) | Automatic via UTD admission; Honors students often qualify for stacking | No – automatic if eligible | Yes | Top applicants admitted to UTD and Honors; National Merit Finalists especially | Dec 1 |
UT Dallas Honors College (Collegium V) FAQs
Does Collegium V cost extra?
No — there’s no additional tuition or fee. Honors students simply take enriched courses and participate in Honors events.
Do Honors students get more money?
Not directly. Collegium V itself is an academic program, but many students also receive AES or National Merit aid that stacks with Honors benefits.
What’s the difference between Collegium V and McDermott Scholars?
Collegium V = Honors courses and community (open to many). McDermott = elite full-ride scholarship (separate national competition). Most McDermotts are also Collegium V students.
Is it worth applying?
Yes — for students who want research mentorship, smaller classes, and a path toward graduate school or national fellowships. It’s a value-add program without extra cost.
https://honors.utdallas.edu/collegium-v/
https://honors.utdallas.edu/apply/
https://provost.utdallas.edu/mcdermott-programs/eugene-mcdermott-scholars/emsp-award/
https://honors.utdallas.edu/national-merit-scholars-program/scholarship-package-benefits/
https://www.petersons.com/scholarship/eugene-mcdermott-scholars-program-111_277004.aspx
https://honors.utdallas.edu/collegium-v/requirements/
https://honors.utdallas.edu/collegium-v-honors-currentapp/
https://www.reddit.com/r/utdallas/comments/y1hmco/benefitsopportunities_you_get_from_being_in/
https://www.reddit.com/r/utdallas/comments/k1my8m/collegium_v_advantagesdisadvantages/
📎 Official Links
⭐ What UT Dallas Is Known For
UT Dallas has built a reputation as one of the fastest-rising public universities in Texas. Families who know the school often talk about its strength in STEM fields, computer science, and business. It’s also an R1 Research University, meaning it ranks among the top U.S. schools for research activity — an important signal for grad schools and employers.
UT Dallas is nationally recognized for Computer Science. U.S. News ranks its graduate CS program in the top 70 nationally, and within Texas it competes head-to-head with UT Austin and Texas A&M. The program is especially strong in artificial intelligence, data science, and software engineering — making it one of the top feeders into the booming Dallas tech job market.
- Engineering: UT Dallas’s Erik Jonsson School of Engineering is ranked among the top 75 graduate engineering schools in the U.S. (U.S. News).
- Business: The Naveen Jindal School of Management is highly regarded, with programs in Accounting, Information Systems, and Supply Chain consistently ranked in the top 30 nationally.
- Audiology: UTD’s Doctor of Audiology program is ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News — one of its strongest health-related specialties.
- Speech-Language Pathology: Also nationally ranked in the top 15.
- Natural Sciences: The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is competitive statewide, with growing national recognition in physics and chemistry research.
- Arts & Technology (ATEC): A unique Texas program blending design, animation, and interactive media, increasingly recognized nationwide.