University of Tulsa 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 a private university doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The University of Tulsa offers a mix of automatic merit aid, competitive full-tuition awards, and unique programs like Honors and research fellowships that can bring the real cost way down. If you’re an Oklahoma family, don’t forget to also check our Oklahoma state aid guide alongside this CRP scholarship hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Tulsa (2025–26)
| Expense | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $50,760 |
| University Fee | $1,266 |
| Student Services Fee (first-time enrollees) | $540 |
| Room & Board (on-campus) | $16,700 |
| Books & Supplies (approx. 30 credit hours) | $780 |
| Travel | $6,120 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,890 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $78,056 |
State Aid for Oklahoma Residents: Because TU is a private university, tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. But Oklahoma residents can qualify for state need-based programs like OTAG and OTEG, which usually add $2,000–$3,000 a year in extra help. These awards are automatic if your FAFSA shows need and funds are available.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Do all students pay the same tuition?
Yes. TU is a private university, so there’s no in-state vs. out-of-state tuition difference.
Why are books listed at $780?
TU provided free textbooks for undergrads starting in 2022, but beginning Fall 2026 a per-credit textbook fee will replace that program. For 2025–26, students can expect around $780 in book costs based on 30 credit hours.
How do Oklahoma state grants work here?
Programs like OTAG and OTEG are awarded only to Oklahoma residents, based on FAFSA results. They’re need-based and do not require a separate application.
✅ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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* |
*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.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition | First-year applicants; generally requires a near-perfect GPA and top rigor | Yes | Yes (up to 8 semesters) | Students with 4.0 GPAs, strongest possible coursework, and leadership/service profiles |
| National Merit Finalist Package | Full tuition plus additional stipends for room, board, fees, and books (value exceeds $240,000 over four years) | National Merit Finalists who designate TU as their first choice | No (processed automatically once finalist status and TU selection are confirmed) | Yes | National Merit Finalists with strong academics and timely designation |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship | $3,000/yr (up to 8 semesters) | Completion of full IB diploma and HS GPA of 3.0+ | No | Yes | IB diploma completers with solid academics |
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 either 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 in addition to your TU admission application. Deadlines are usually in the winter of senior year — check TU’s scholarship portal for the exact date.
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.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Scholarship | $2,000/yr | Incoming freshmen admitted to and actively participating in the Honors College | No (auto-added once Honors admission is confirmed) | Yes (must remain in good standing in Honors) | First-year students who join Honors; stacks with automatic merit aid |
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic if I’m admitted to TU?
No. You must complete a separate Honors College application with essays.
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.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
For families looking at private options, the University of Tulsa shows that sticker price isn’t the whole story. With strong automatic merit, high-value National Merit awards, hidden gems like TURC research stipends, and Oklahoma’s own state grants, TU can end up being far more affordable than its $78,000 cost of attendance suggests. If your student is motivated by small classes, hands-on learning, and clear career pipelines in fields like cybersecurity or energy, TU is worth keeping on the list.
✅ Last updated: September 17, 2025