University of Texas at Dallas Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 7, 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: ~65%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24-32
- Middle 50% SAT: 1170-1390
- Average GPA: 3.71
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Admission is still possible, but AES scholarship chances drop off quickly — this becomes more of a cost conversation than a merit strategy.
- In the typical ranges: You’re in play for AES, but not guaranteed top tiers — apply early and consider submitting test scores to strengthen your position.
- Well above the ranges: This is where UTD shines — top students can land major AES awards (sometimes full tuition or more), making it one of the best value plays in Texas.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Texas at Dallas at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Comet Promise Grant & Eugene McDermott Scholars Program)
Average Net Price
$16,094/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$5,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
12 opportunities
2 automatic · 4 competitive · 5 hidden gem · 1 honors
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Mar 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Comet Promise Grant & Eugene McDermott Scholars Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
competitive_scholarship_waiver
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Texas at Dallas (Read This First)
- The December 1 deadline is critical for AES — miss it and your chances at top-tier scholarships drop significantly.
- It’s test-optional for admission, but AES awards are heavily influenced by test scores — strong SAT/ACT can mean thousands more per year.
- Top AES tiers are competitive, not guaranteed — even high-stat students shouldn’t assume full tuition without a strong overall application.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Texas at Dallas is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24-32; SAT: 1170-1390.
Average net price? About $16,094/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in competitive_scholarship_waiver.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Texas at Dallas 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) |
$14,644 |
$40,164 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$15,125 |
$15,125 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$29,769 |
$55,289 |
Average Federal Net Price: $16,094 — 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.
🌎 Residency & Out-of-State Tuition Waivers
- 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.
Sources:
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/
Applying to Texas public universities?
Before you assume how merit works, read the
Texas Merit Scholarship Guidelines.
We break down GPA recalculation, rank rules, “as funds permit,” renewal credit hours, and out-of-state waiver mechanics.
Automatic Merit Scholarships (UT Dallas)
Good to know: UT Dallas automatically considers on-time freshman applicants for Academic Excellence Scholarships (AES). AES review is holistic and requires a completed admission file by December 1. Any level of AES typically confers in-state tuition rates for nonresidents. National Merit packages are administered through the Honors College.
Automatic
Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES)
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is UT Dallas's headline automatic merit award — the one that quietly resets your sticker price. Any AES level automatically qualifies non-Texas residents for in-state tuition charges, which on its own can save tens of thousands of dollars. AES generally coexists with the National Merit and McDermott packages only when those programs allow it, but it stacks naturally with most external scholarships and need-based aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts vary by cohort and are not published as a fixed grid; any AES level confers in-state tuition rates for nonresidents. AES acceptance must be completed by June 1 with no exceptions.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time-in-college freshmen entering the fall term right after high school graduation with strong grades, rigorous coursework, and a polished file submitted by December 1. UT Dallas is explicit that no single score or rank guarantees the award — holistic review of academics, activities, essays, and letters drives the outcome.
Automatic
UT Dallas Top 10% Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1 (recommended for best consideration)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is the safety-net merit award for Texas top-10% students who don't receive AES — it provides $2,500 per semester toward tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight semesters (a $20,000 lifetime cap). It generally stacks with need-based aid and outside scholarships, subject to UT Dallas scholarship and waiver rules.
💡
Strategic Detail
$2,500 per semester for up to eight semesters (maximum $20,000 total). Requires maintaining Texas residency, a 3.0 GPA each term and cumulatively, satisfactory academic progress on a four-year graduation timeline, and full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Texas residents who graduate in the top 10 percent of their Texas high school class, enroll at UT Dallas as first-time freshmen the fall right after graduation, and submit a complete admission file early — the earlier the better, since funds run out.
* 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.
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.
Sources:
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.
App Required
Comet Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Confirm the current cycle on the Comet Scholars Apply page; aligning with the UT Dallas December 1 priority deadline is the safest move.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards $5,000 per year for up to eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study and can be applied to tuition, fees, and housing. Stackable with most other UT Dallas aid up to cost-of-attendance limits, and the program adds dedicated academic-support staff who help recipients transition into college.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to UT Dallas and file the FAFSA or TASFA. Then complete the separate Comet Scholars application — a one-page résumé, the online application, and one letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or counselor. Transfers from community college additionally need a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
$5,000 per year for up to four years (eight semesters) plus academic-support programming and a service-hour expectation. Open to both freshmen and transfers; transfers need a 3.0+ GPA on a 4.0 scale at the community-college level.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Freshmen and community-college transfers with a strong academic record and meaningful financial need — the program is built for students who would benefit from both money and a built-in support network. Recipients agree to attend orientation, participate in regular check-in meetings, and volunteer at least five engagement hours each semester.
Full RideApp Required
Eugene McDermott Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: December 1 (UT Dallas priority admission and AES deadline; required before McDermott can review)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Extremely selective merit program open to high-achieving applicants with a separate McDermott application process.
👥 ~Approximately 20 new scholars per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
McDermott is one of the most generous undergraduate merit packages in the country — full tuition and fees, housing and meal plan stipends, books, study abroad funding, internship and enrichment support, and 11 semesters of cohort programming. Because the package is built to cover essentially all costs, it generally does not stack with other major institutional merit awards. Outside scholarships and need-based aid may still be coordinated within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
First, submit a complete UT Dallas freshman admission file (apply early so you can receive your NetID, which is required to start the McDermott application). Then complete the separate McDermott Scholars application via the program portal — essays, résumé, two letters of recommendation, and academic credentials. Finalists are invited to a virtual event and on-campus interviews in late winter and spring.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Award package covers essentially the full four-year cost of attendance plus enrichment funding for study abroad, internships, and cultural experiences. Scholars are automatically admitted to the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College and the Collegium V program. Eligibility requires being in the top academic 10th of the incoming class and having received an AES offer.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly 20 scholars per year drawn from the top academic tenth of UT Dallas's incoming class — students who already received AES and who pair near-flawless academics with sustained, substantive leadership and service. Selection is highly holistic; the program welcomes students from all states and countries and all majors.
Full RideAutomaticconditional
National Merit Scholars Program — Scholarship Package
📅 Deadline: December 1 (UT Dallas priority admission deadline)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Available to National Merit Finalists who designate UT Dallas as first choice and enroll, with limited spaces and state residency affecting overall COA coverage
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is one of the most comprehensive National Merit packages in the country — full UT Dallas tuition for up to eight semesters, on-campus housing (University Commons or a University Village apartment), the COMET 14 meal plan, a book and supplies stipend, a study abroad stipend, a one-time summer research stipend, and automatic admission to Collegium V Honors. Because the package is designed to cover essentially all major costs, it generally does not stack with other large institutional merit awards, but outside scholarships and need-based aid can layer in for non-tuition expenses.
💡
Strategic Detail
Package benefits — based on availability — include full UT Dallas tuition for up to eight semesters, on-campus housing, the COMET 14 meal plan, a book stipend, a study abroad stipend, a one-time summer research stipend, automatic admission to Collegium V Honors, and dedicated National Merit social and cultural programming. If unused for undergraduate study, tuition coverage can be applied to graduate work at UT Dallas.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National Merit Finalists who get admitted to UT Dallas, lock in UT Dallas as their first choice with NMSC before the NMSC deadline, and apply early — the program notes that space is limited.
Full RideApp Required
Terry Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: December 1 (recommended — aligns with UT Dallas priority admission deadline)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
One of the most generous private scholarships in Texas — covers the full cost of attendance for up to eight semesters, including tuition, fees, housing, meal plan, books, and educational expenses, plus a $5,000 study abroad stipend from the Terry Foundation. Because it's a true full-ride, it generally does not stack with other major institutional merit packages, but it can coordinate with need-based aid within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to UT Dallas as a Texas resident freshman and complete the separate Terry Scholars application through the UT Dallas Honors College — essays, letters of recommendation, résumé, and financial information are required. Selected semifinalists are invited to interviews coordinated with the Terry Foundation each spring.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Four-year cohort experience funded by the Terry Foundation with mentoring, leadership development, retreats, service activities, and a $5,000 study abroad stipend. Selection is need-informed but not need-only — strong academics, leadership, service, and family income context all factor in.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Texas residents with strong academic records, demonstrated leadership and service, and meaningful financial need who shine in the Terry Foundation's interview process. The Terry Foundation's mission centers on developing future Texas leaders, so authentic community engagement matters as much as grades.
* 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
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.
Sources:
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/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UT Dallas
Beyond AES and the big-name competitive programs, UT Dallas has a wide range of smaller or less-advertised scholarships that can make a real difference. These are worth a look—especially for first-gen, service-minded, or need-based students.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Carolyn Galerstein Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: 2026-03-01
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable unless otherwise noted in Artemis.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Artemis portal; select Interdisciplinary Studies majors.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Interdisciplinary majors; often first-gen or service-oriented students
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ All Undergrad Onlygeographicneed_based
Comet Promise Grant
📅 Deadline: March 15
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
need_based_grant
✔ Stackable
⚠ Last‑dollar program for Texas residents under the income cap that guarantees full tuition and mandatory fees when stacked with other gift aid.
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Last-dollar program — Comet Promise fills the gap between other gift aid (federal Pell, TEXAS Grant, AES, outside scholarships) and full UT Dallas tuition and mandatory fees. Outside scholarships push your other aid further and don't reduce the Promise benefit dollar-for-dollar.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full tuition and mandatory fees after other gift aid is applied; requires maintaining the published GPA standard and completing at least 30 credit hours per academic year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Texas residents whose family income falls under the published Comet Promise threshold and who file FAFSA or TASFA on time. Most low- and middle-income Texas families who file early qualify automatically.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental & Program Awards
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Usually stackable; check program terms in Artemis portal.
📄
How to Apply
Complete Artemis portal general application; apply to college/department-specific awards as matched.
💡
Strategic Detail
Varies by school—including Business, NSM, A&H, ECS, etc.; merit + involvement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who complete both general and major-specific Artemis applications
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ROTC Scholarships + UTD Housing/Meal Waiver
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
national
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
UTD adds housing/meal plan to national ROTC package.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for national Army or Air Force ROTC scholarship; sign campus contract for UTD waiver.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes $420 monthly stipend, books, plus unique UTD housing/meal waiver.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: ROTC cadets selected nationally and committed to ROTC track at UTD
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
TEXAS Grant
📅 Deadline: 2026-03-15
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable up to cost of attendance.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Low-income Texas students filing FAFSA early; funds limited annually.
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographicneed_basedpipeline
Texas Leadership Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Application window typically runs December through January; confirm the current cycle on the THECB Texas Leadership Scholars page.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
merit_need
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Statewide Texas Leadership Scholars program for TEXAS Grant–eligible Texas students, with funding capped by demonstrated need and limited cohort slots at each campus.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Statewide scholarship designed to cover tuition, fees, housing, and meals up to the level of demonstrated financial need; layers with other gift aid within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the statewide Texas Leadership Scholars Program (TLSP) application coordinated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. UT Dallas is a participating campus; selected scholars are notified and matched with their institution.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers tuition, fees, housing, and meals up to demonstrated financial need across four years; recipients participate in statewide leadership programming alongside their UT Dallas experience.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Texas seniors who qualify for the TEXAS Grant and show strong academic potential and leadership — first-generation students are particularly encouraged. The program is selective and cohort slots at each participating campus are limited.
* 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.
Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs (UT Dallas)
Where do I find these?
All UTD departmental and donor-funded scholarships live in the Artemis scholarship portal. Complete the general app first, then apply to matches individually.
Are these stackable with AES or Comet Promise?
Usually yes, as long as total aid doesn’t exceed cost of attendance. Always check terms within Artemis or Financial Aid.
When do deadlines fall?
Most UTD scholarships close between February and early March, but state and ROTC awards may require fall or winter applications.
Any other overlooked awards?
Yes—there are donor funds for study abroad, leadership, and underrepresented majors. Search keywords like “diversity,” “transfer,” or “undergraduate research” in Artemis to uncover extras.
Sources:
https://oue.utdallas.edu/programs/comet-scholars-program/
https://www.utdallas.edu/costs-scholarships-aid/costs/tuition/promise/
https://finaid.utdallas.edu/aid-programs/grants/
https://services.utdallas.edu/download/Meal_Plan_Terms_and_Conditions.pdf
https://catalog.utdallas.edu/2025/undergraduate/tuition-and-financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid
https://www.highered.texas.gov/tx-leadership-scholars-program/
https://utdallas.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/CMXAdmin/Cmx_Content.aspx?cpId=1778
https://is.utdallas.edu/about-us/scholarships/
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
McDermott Scholars Program
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.
App Required
Collegium V Honors Admission Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Confirm the current freshman cycle on the Honors College Apply page — the high-school applicant window typically opens August 1.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Honors-linked award that typically layers on top of AES or the National Merit package for students admitted to Collegium V. The Collegium V program itself charges no extra tuition or fees, so this small scholarship is purely additive.
📄
How to Apply
After being admitted to UT Dallas, submit the separate Collegium V Honors application through the Honors College portal (Galaxy/Orion) by the posted deadline — required essays, demographic info, and letters of recommendation are part of the file. The high-school freshman application window typically opens August 1 each year; check the Honors College Apply page for the current cycle.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Collegium V is the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College's flagship undergraduate honors program. Small admission scholarships in the roughly $1,000–$2,500 per year range have historically been offered to selected Collegium V admits — exact award levels and availability are not published on the program's public page and can vary by cohort, so treat the figures as an internal benchmark rather than a guarantee.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming freshmen with very strong high school records and compelling honors applications who are selected for Collegium V — many recipients also hold AES or are National Merit-bound.
* 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.
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.
Sources:
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/
⭐ 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.
💡 Standout Program: Computer Science
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.
✨ Final Thoughts on UT Dallas Scholarships
UT Dallas may not have the household name of UT Austin, but for many families it’s the smarter financial choice. With automatic merit like AES, generous National Merit packages, and hidden programs like Comet Promise or ROTC support, UTD makes it possible for high-achieving students to get a world-class education in STEM, business, and health fields without drowning in debt.
If your student is motivated and looking for research opportunities, internships, and a pathway into Dallas’s booming job market, UTD is worth a serious look. And even if you’ve never heard of Collegium V or McDermott before this guide, now you know what’s possible — and how the right timing on an application can make all the difference.
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