University of Texas at Tyler Scholarships 2026-2027 | Cost & Aid

University of Texas–Tyler Scholarships (2026–2027)

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Last Updated on April 1, 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: ~94%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 23
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1100
  • Average GPA: 2.82

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

📌 University of Texas–Tyler at a Glance

🏆 Full tuition available (Hazlewood Exemption & Military Benefits & Patriot Promise (Tuition Guarantee))
Average Net Price
$13,931/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
Up to $2,000/yr
No separate application.
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Jul 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Hazlewood Exemption & Military Benefits & Patriot Promise (Tuition Guarantee)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only

UT Tyler is one of those schools where the value is pretty straightforward if you understand how the pieces fit together. Most students will land in the automatic merit range ($2,000 per year), and for Texas families, the Patriot Promise can eliminate tuition entirely if income requirements are met. On top of that, there’s a real full ride on the table—but it’s tied to a competitive leadership program, not just grades.

This is a strong option for students in the B to A- range who want a clear, affordable path without chasing unpredictable scholarships. If your student is aiming higher, the Honors Scholars program and Presidential Rose award are where the bigger money lives—but those require a different level of involvement and positioning. Use this page to separate what’s automatic from what’s competitive so you don’t overestimate the likely outcome.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Texas–Tyler is test-optional.

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 23; SAT: 1100.

Average net price? About $13,931/yearyear after aid.

Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — institutional waivers available.


💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Texas–Tyler 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) $9,736 $25,184
Housing & Meals (typical) $13,756 $13,756
Total (Direct Costs) $23,492 $38,940

Average Federal Net Price: $13,931 — 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.


Good News for Nonresidents: UT Tyler participates in statewide and limited regional waivers that can significantly reduce the out-of-state price:
  • Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Earn at least $1,000 in UT Tyler institutional scholarships and you can pay the in-state tuition rate. With these updated figures, that’s roughly $13,800 per year in savings. Must be requested by the census date each semester.
  • 100-Mile Waiver: For students living within 100 miles of the Texas border; reduces statutory tuition. Must be requested by the census date.
  • Academic Common Market (ACM): UT Tyler indicates ACM participation for some graduate-level programs only (no current undergraduate majors). See our ACM guide for how ACM works and eligibility steps.

Cost & Waiver FAQs

Who qualifies for the Competitive Scholarship Waiver?
Any nonresident student who earns $1,000+ in UT Tyler institutional scholarships. Submit the waiver request before the census date each semester.

How much does the waiver actually save?
Using tuition schedule numbers, about $13,800 per year compared to paying the nonresident rate for a full-time student (15 credits/term).

Do I need to apply for these waivers?
Yes. They aren’t automatic. Work with the One-Stop/Financial Aid office and file by the official census date.

Sources:
https://www.uttyler.edu/financial-aid/cost/
https://www.uttyler.edu/financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?228802-University-of-Texas-at-Tyler
https://www.highered.texas.gov/
https://www.sreb.org/academic-common-market/

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 Tyler offers the Academic Excellence Scholarship for admitted freshmen based on class rank or GPA. No test scores are required, and students are automatically considered without a separate application if admitted by the stated priority date. Scholarship amounts and renewal criteria are confirmed by UT Tyler financial aid and admissions.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Academic Excellence Scholarship $2,000 per year Top 25% + 3.0 GPA, OR 3.5 GPA if unranked/homeschool/international No Yes; must keep 3.0 GPA & 12 credits per term Admitted freshmen meeting ranking or GPA cutoffs; test scores optional Dec. 1 priority; June 1 final

Criteria and renewal standards established by UT Tyler and published in admissions and financial aid official pages. Funding is first-come, first-served until deadline. Scholarship can be kept for four years, subject to academic progress.

Automatic Merit FAQs

Is there a separate application?
No. Admitted students are automatically reviewed for the Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Does UT Tyler superscore ACT or SAT?
Superscoring is not confirmed for scholarships. Admissions accepts your best scores if submitted.

Can this stack with other aid?
Yes, but nonresidents who exceed $1,000 in UT Tyler awards may qualify for the Competitive Scholarship Waiver to receive in-state tuition. Final stacking is noted on your award letter.

What’s the deadline to be considered?
Priority review deadline for fall scholarship consideration is December 1. Some scholarships remain available until June 1 as funding permits.


Sources:
UT Tyler New Freshman Scholarships – https://uttyler.edu/scholarships/
UT Tyler Academic Excellence criteria – https://uttyler.edu/financial-aid/new-freshman-scholarships/
UT Tyler Scholarships FAQ – https://uttyler.edu/scholarships/faq/
UT Tyler Scholarship Application Deadlines – https://uttyler.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/application-deadlines/

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (university-level, highly competitive)

These are UT Tyler’s flagship awards—selective, university-level competitive scholarships with limited slots and extra application steps or review. They are distinct from automatic merit and from Honors/departmental awards (covered later).

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Rose Scholar Program Full tuition & fees + on-campus housing + book stipend (select cohort) First-time freshmen or current students with exceptional academics and leadership; extra materials/interview required Yes (application + in-person interview) Yes (minimum 2.5 GPA and continued engagement) Top applicants with outstanding grades, activities, communication, and service April 11 (application); in-person interviews late April
Patriot Scholarship $1,000–$5,000 High school GPA 3.5+ (or ACT 26+/SAT 1240+); competitive holistic review upon admission No separate app (awarded during admissions cycle) Yes (GPA and credit standards in offer) Strong academics, record of leadership; funding is limited Dec. 1 priority

Notes: Specific renewal, interview, separate app, and engagement rules are set with the university’s official scholarship offer. Competitive flagship awards require strong academic records and early application for full consideration.

Flagship & Competitive Scholarship FAQs

What makes these different from automatic merit?
Flagship awards are highly selective—essays, interviews, and holistic review count. Automatic merit is based only on meeting the published GPA/rank cutoffs and does not require extra materials.

Do I need a separate application?
The Presidential Rose Scholar requires its own application and interview. The Patriot Scholarship is competitive and awarded via the admission review.

Are there important deadlines?
Yes: for flagship scholarships, apply early (Dec. 1 for Patriot, April 11 for Presidential Rose) and carefully follow any interview instructions sent by the university.

Can flagship awards stack with the Competitive Scholarship Waiver?
Nonresidents who win $1,000+ in institutional scholarships can submit the waiver to qualify for in-state tuition rates, but stacking is subject to UT Tyler’s specific rules on award letters.

Do test scores and superscoring matter?
UT Tyler accepts and considers your best scores, but GPA/rank/activities are most influential; superscoring is accepted for admission review.


Sources:
UT Tyler Presidential Rose Scholar Program – https://uttyler.edu/scholarships/presidential-rose-scholar/
UT Tyler Patriot Scholarship – https://uttyler.edu/financial-aid/new-freshman-scholarships/
UT Tyler Scholarships FAQ – https://uttyler.edu/scholarships/faq/
UT Tyler Scholarship Application Deadlines – https://uttyler.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/application-deadlines/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These awards don’t usually show up on the main admissions page, but they can make a big difference for the right student. They include need-based guarantees, study abroad stipends, and state or military benefits that offset tuition and fees.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Patriot Promise (Tuition Guarantee) Full tuition & mandatory fees (last-dollar; up to 30 credits) Texas residents; household income ≤ $100,000; FAFSA filed; admitted No Yes — up to eight terms pending eligibility Freshmen and transfers from moderate-income families with timely FAFSA July 1
International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS) $500–$2,000 (study abroad stipend) UT Tyler study abroad program; 2.5+ GPA; essay & résumé Yes — Study Abroad App No Students with study abroad plans and competitive essays May 1
Dorothy Bradley Brown International Studies Endowed Scholarship $500–$2,500 Junior status (60+ credits); 2.5+ GPA; study abroad requirements; essay Yes — Study Abroad App No Upper-division students planning international study programs May 1
Hazlewood Exemption & Military Benefits Covers tuition (and sometimes fees) Texas veterans, spouses, and dependents meeting residency/service Yes — documents must be submitted to financial aid Yes, ongoing if eligibility maintained Eligible veterans and dependents submitting proof by census date Census date of each semester (see academic calendar)
Bonnie & Scott Palmer Community Service Scholarship $500–$1,500 (varies) Documented service/leadership; recommendation from faculty/staff/community Yes — scholarship portal No (one-time) Service-oriented students with faculty/community endorsements May 1

Award ranges are based on published UT Tyler cycles; families should check current program and department pages for final amounts and deadlines.

  • General need-based aid and grants (FAFSA required)
  • Departmental and talent scholarships (Music, Pharmacy, Engineering) — check official department sites
  • Campus and organization awards may be available throughout the year

Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs

Are these awards automatic?
No. All require an application or verification of eligibility (FAFSA, paperwork, etc.).

Do study abroad scholarships stack with financial aid?
Yes; they lower costs and may adjust loans, but typically stack with merit awards.

What deadlines matter most?
Patriot Promise, Palmer, and Study Abroad awards require applications and/or FAFSA by May 1. Hazlewood and military benefits must be requested before the census date for each term.

Are these awards renewable?
Patriot Promise can renew for up to eight terms if GPA, income, and credits remain eligible. Most study abroad and Palmer awards are one-time only. Hazlewood renews while eligibility persists.


Sources:
UT Tyler Patriot Promise Program – https://uttyler.edu/promise/
UT Tyler Study Abroad Scholarships – https://uttyler.edu/international/programs/scholarships/
UT Tyler Hazlewood Exemption – https://uttyler.edu/veterans/
UT Tyler General Scholarship Deadlines – https://uttyler.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/application-deadlines/
UT Tyler Community Service Scholarship – https://uttyler.academicworks.com/

🎖️ Honors College

For students looking for more than just a degree, UT Tyler’s Honors College provides a small, tight-knit academic community within a larger university. It’s not just about tough classes—it’s about mentorship, priority perks, and standing out when it’s time for grad school or the job market.

What a Typical UT Tyler Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA in the 3.75+ range, AP or dual-credit rigor, strong writing for essays, and a record of service or leadership.

Eligibility is competitive, based on published criteria and prior scholars’ profiles.

Perks That Matter:
  • Priority registration
  • Small, intensive seminars with faculty mentors
  • Leadership, service, and travel programs
  • Dedicated advising and customized research opportunities
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Honors Scholars Scholarship $10,000 per year Incoming freshmen admitted to Honors College; 3.75+ high school GPA, or 29+ ACT, or 1350+ SAT; interview may be required Yes — included with Honors application Yes — up to four years if maintaining 3.2 GPA and Honors standing Top Honors admits with competitive stats, excellent essays, and service/leadership background Dec. 1 priority
Honors Endowed Scholarship $2,000 per year Incoming freshmen, transfers, and continuing students admitted to Honors; must remain in good standing No — awarded with Honors admittance Yes — up to three years for non-freshman admits; four years for freshman recipients if MGS maintained Honors College admits with leadership/service and academic commitment Dec. 1 priority

Honors College FAQs

Is admission automatic?
No. Students must submit a separate Honors College application. Priority consideration is December 1 each year.

Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No, Honors courses fit into your core or major requirements, so graduation stays on track.

Are there scholarships tied to Honors?
Yes, Honors Scholars and Honors Endowed Scholarships are awarded based on Honors College admission and remain renewable as long as you maintain the GPA and standing required by the program’s handbook.

What makes a strong applicant?
Strong essays, a record of leadership/service, and evidence of academic rigor are key.


Sources:
UT Tyler Honors College – https://uttyler.edu/honors/
UT Tyler Honors College Scholarships – https://uttyler.edu/honors/scholarships/
UT Tyler Honors Endowed Scholarship – https://uttyler.edu/honors/admissions/
UT Tyler Honors College Handbook – https://uttyler.edu/honors/handbook/
UT Tyler Scholarship Deadlines – https://uttyler.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/application-deadlines/

⭐ College Specialty

UT Tyler isn’t a massive flagship, but it has carved out statewide and even national recognition in fields that matter for parents thinking about future careers. From health programs with direct ties to UT Health East Texas to engineering pathways that compete with much larger universities, UT Tyler quietly delivers standout value in areas that students care about.

🏥 Nursing — Nationally Recognized
UT Tyler’s School of Nursing is one of the largest in Texas and consistently posts NCLEX pass rates above state and national averages (96% in 2024). This makes it a clear flagship program for the university and a trusted pipeline for health care careers statewide.
  • Undergraduate Engineering: ABET-accredited programs ranked among the Top 50 Undergraduate Engineering Programs (no doctorate) by U.S. News, with UT Tyler noted as the highest-ranked Texas public on that list.
  • Pharmacy (Fisch College of Pharmacy): The only Pharm.D. program in East Texas, with strong community partnerships and clinical placements.
  • Business & Healthcare Management: Recognized regionally for MBA and healthcare leadership programs with industry ties to UT Health East Texas.

Note: UT Tyler is classified as an R2 Research University (high research activity), not R1.


Final Thoughts

UT Tyler may not have the name recognition of Texas’s biggest flagships, but for families who dig a little deeper, it offers strong value. Between automatic awards, flagship-level competitive scholarships, hidden gems like Patriot Promise, and a respected Honors College, there are clear pathways to bring the cost down. Pair those savings with UT Tyler’s strengths in nursing, engineering, and health fields, and you’ve got a public university that can open doors without breaking the bank.

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