University of Tulsa Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit awards for incoming freshmen
- Competitive full-tuition scholarships and honors opportunities
- How to combine aid and maximize affordability
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~70%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24–31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1160–1370
- Average HS GPA: ~3.7
Source: University of Tulsa Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Tulsa at a Glance
The University of Tulsa automatically awards generous merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores, with top awards reaching up to $33,000 per year. Competitive students can also pursue the Presidential Scholarship, a prestigious full-tuition award that includes enrichment and leadership opportunities.
Use this guide to see what’s available, how to qualify, and when to apply. TU’s automatic awards make it competitive with large public universities, while its top merit and honors tracks deliver private-school value for standout students.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — TU is test-optional and superscores ACT/SAT if submitted.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24–31; SAT: 1160–1370 (Common Data Set 2024-25).
What’s the average net price? $25,687 after scholarships and grants (IPEDS 2024).
Does this school offer reciprocity or nonresident waivers? No — TU is a private university, so tuition is the same for all U.S. residents.
Scholarships page – https://utulsa.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Admissions overview – https://utulsa.edu/admission/
Presidential Scholarship details – https://utulsa.edu/presidential-scholarship/
Honors College – https://utulsa.edu/honors/
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?207971-University-of-Tulsa
Common Data Set – https://utulsa.edu/institutional-research/common-data-set/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Tulsa (2025–26)
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $52,090 | $52,090 |
| Housing & Meals (standard double + meal plan) | $16,612 | $16,612 |
| Total Direct Costs (Before Aid) | $68,702 | $68,702 |
Note: Additional estimated costs such as books & supplies (~$780), transportation (~$2,500), and personal expenses (~$1,900) are not listed above because they are not paid directly to the university. These indirect costs vary by student and are used only for financial-aid budgeting purposes.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Do all students pay the same tuition?
Yes. TU is private, so there’s no in-state or out-of-state tuition difference.
Why are indirect costs excluded from the table?
Because they vary by student and aren’t paid directly to TU, they are estimated separately for financial-aid calculations.
How do Oklahoma state grants work here?
Programs like OTAG and OTEG are automatically awarded to eligible Oklahoma residents based on FAFSA data — no separate application needed.
University of Tulsa Student Financial Services – https://utulsa.edu/financial-aid/tuition-fees/
Housing & Dining Rates – https://utulsa.edu/student-life/housing-dining/
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?207971-University-of-Tulsa
IPEDS/NCES – https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=207971
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OTAG/OTEG) – https://okhighered.org/otag/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Every student who applies for admission to TU is automatically considered for academic scholarships. Awards vary by GPA, test scores (if submitted), and overall rigor. No separate application is needed.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Merit Scholarship | Ranges widely; most awards fall between $15,000–$30,000/yr | Automatic with admission; based on GPA, curriculum strength, and optional test scores | No | Yes (up to 8 semesters, full-time enrollment required) | Students with strong A-range GPAs, honors/AP/IB courses, and test scores if submitted; holistic review* | Feb 1 (priority); rolling after |
*Estimates are based on past recipient patterns and TU guidance. Exact cutoffs vary by year and applicant pool.
Note: TU offers one of the nation’s strongest National Merit Scholarship packages, often covering full tuition plus additional stipends for finalists who designate TU as their first choice.
Automatic Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No — all admitted students are automatically reviewed for TU merit awards.
Does TU superscore the ACT or SAT?
Yes. TU considers your highest section scores across test dates when evaluating for admission and scholarships.
What if I apply test-optional?
That’s fine. TU’s review is holistic, and you will still be considered for merit aid based on GPA and coursework if you don’t submit test scores.
Can automatic scholarships stack with state grants?
Yes. Oklahoma residents can combine TU merit with OTAG/OTEG awards, though total aid can’t exceed tuition and direct costs.
TU Scholarships Overview — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/
TU Financial Aid & Scholarship FAQs — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/faq/
TU Applying for Aid — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards go beyond the automatic merit scholarships and usually require an extra application, interview, or significant achievement. They’re limited in number and highly selective.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition (up to 5 years) | First-year applicants; superscore ACT 28+/SAT 1300+ & top 5% class rank or 4.0 GPA | Yes — application, transcript, test score, resume, visitx | Yes (up to 8 semesters, 15 credits/term required) | Students with 4.0 GPAs or top 5% class rank, ACT 28+/SAT 1300+, and leadership/service | Feb 1 |
| National Merit Finalist Package | Full tuition, housing, meals, fees, books (~$240,000 value) | National Merit Finalists who designate TU as first choice | No (processed automatically upon finalist listing & TU selection) | Yes | National Merit Finalists with strong academics and timely designation | March 1 (NMSC deadline) |
| International Baccalaureate Scholarship | $3,000/yr (up to 8 semesters) | Completion of full IB diploma and 3.0+ HS GPA | No | Yes | IB diploma completers with solid academics | Oct 31 |
Note: Departmental awards and Honors College scholarships are covered in their own sections and are not listed here.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
What makes these scholarships different from automatic merit?
They require a separate application (Presidential), a national competition (National Merit), or a specific academic credential (IB diploma). They’re more selective and awarded to fewer students.
Are these awards stackable with automatic merit?
Typically no — full tuition awards like the Presidential or National Merit package replace automatic merit, since total institutional aid can’t exceed tuition.
How do I apply for the Presidential Scholarship?
You’ll need to submit a separate application, transcript/test scores, resume, and complete a campus visit by Feb 1. Deadlines are typically in the winter of senior year — see TU’s scholarship portal for exact dates.
Is the National Merit package automatic if I qualify?
Yes. If you’re a National Merit Finalist and designate TU as your first choice, the package is applied automatically after verification.
TU Scholarships — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/
TU Presidential Scholarship — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/presidential-scholarship/
TU National Merit — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/national-merit-semifinalist-package/
TU IB Scholarship — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/international-baccalaureate/
🎖️ Honors College
The University of Tulsa’s Honors College gives motivated students the chance to join a tight-knit learning community built around great books, small seminars, and faculty mentoring. Admission is competitive and requires a separate application in addition to your TU admission file.
A high school GPA in the A-range, rigorous coursework (AP/IB/honors), strong writing ability, and evidence of leadership or intellectual curiosity. TU does not publish exact test score cutoffs, but successful applicants usually show a record of pushing themselves academically.
- Priority class registration
- Specialized housing options with fellow Honors students
- Small, discussion-driven seminars built around classic texts
- Faculty mentoring for research, fellowships, and graduate school prep
- Dedicated funding for academic enrichment and leadership development
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Scholarship | $2,000/yr | Incoming freshmen admitted to and actively participating in the Honors College | Yes — Honors College application | Yes (must remain in good standing in Honors) | First-year students who join Honors; stacks with automatic merit aid | Feb 1 |
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic if I’m admitted to TU?
No. You must complete a separate Honors College application with essays by Feb 1 for priority consideration.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No. The curriculum is designed to integrate with your chosen major so you can graduate on time.
Are there scholarships tied to Honors?
Yes. Honors students automatically receive the $2,000 per year Honors College Scholarship if admitted, and it renews as long as you remain in the program.
When should I apply?
Priority consideration runs from October through February of senior year. Apply early to maximize your chances.
TU Honors College — https://utulsa.edu/honors-college/
TU Honors College Scholarships — https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-tulsa-scholarships/
TU Honors Application — https://utulsa.edu/honors-college/apply/
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Tulsa has built its reputation on a blend of high-level professional training and strong research, while still keeping the feel of a smaller private campus. Families who want career pipelines in energy, cybersecurity, or engineering will find TU stands out nationally, even though it’s not one of the giant state flagships.
- Petroleum Engineering: Consistently ranked among the nation’s leading petroleum engineering programs (U.S. News has listed TU in the top tier of petroleum schools); graduates have direct industry connections across Oklahoma and Texas energy firms.
- Energy Business: TU’s Collins College of Business offers specialized training in oil & gas management and energy transition, backed by one of the most active finance/energy alumni networks in the region.
- Law: The University of Tulsa College of Law is nationally recognized for energy and natural resources law, giving students a direct path to industry and regulatory careers.
Note: TU is classified as an R2 research university (high research activity), not R1. Its research strengths are concentrated in applied engineering, energy, and cybersecurity fields.