Who qualifies for the Border State Waiver or ACM?

Border State Waiver: legal residents of Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee. Academic Common Market (ACM): residents of SREB states in majors not offered in their home state, with state agency and SREB certification.

How much can these programs save?

They reduce tuition to the in-state rate. Using UWG’s 2025–2026 figures at 15 hours/term: $10,925 out-of-state vs. $3,605 in-state per term — roughly $14,640 per year in tuition/fee savings.

Are these discounts automatic?

No. The Border State Waiver requires a UWG waiver application and proof of residency. ACM requires approval from your state’s ACM office and SREB certification.

Is UWG test-optional and do they superscore?

For 2025–2026 many applicants are test-optional under USG policy. If you submit scores, UWG superscores — considering best section scores across test dates and superscoring ACT Composite.

How do I get considered if there’s no published automatic merit chart?

Apply early, complete the UWG Scholarship Portal after admission, and meet any departmental priority dates. Keep transcripts and any test scores updated; some awards review on rolling or priority timelines.

Do competitive scholarships stack with waivers?

Generally yes, because waivers change your tuition rate rather than paying a separate cash award. Always confirm each scholarship’s stacking rules.

Are ROTC awards stackable with other aid?

Yes. ROTC can cover tuition/fees or room/board and can stack with state programs like HOPE/Zell and some donor scholarships. Housing stipends may not stack with certain housing grants.

What is the Go West Grant?

A UWG program mixing merit and need criteria, up to $2,000 per year. Renewable up to four years with full-time enrollment and about a 3.0 GPA.

Do Completion Grants require an application?

They are processed through the Financial Aid office as emergency-style assistance for students close to graduation who face a small financial shortfall.

Is Honors admission automatic and does it add time to the degree?

Admission is not automatic; students apply after UWG admission. Honors coursework substitutes for core requirements, so it does not add time to degree.

Are there Honors-specific scholarships?

Yes. The Presidential Scholarship (full ride) and other Honors College scholarships are competitive and typically renewable with continued Honors standing.

University of West Georgia Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

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

If you’re looking at colleges in Georgia, the University of West Georgia is one of the more affordable options for in-state families. But even for out-of-state parents, UWG offers scholarships that can take a big bite out of the sticker price. This guide breaks down costs, automatic awards, and hidden opportunities—so you’ll know what’s really on the table. Don’t forget to also check our Georgia state aid guide for statewide programs you can stack.

💰 Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)

Category	In-State (annual)	Out-of-State (annual)
Tuition & Mandatory Fees 15 credit hours × 2 terms	$7,210	$21,850
Housing & Meal Plan Double Suite + Basic Meal Plan	$11,364	$11,364
Books & Supplies	$1,200 (est.)	$1,200 (est.)
Travel	Not published	Not published
Personal/Misc.	Not published	Not published
Total (direct costs before aid)	$19,774	$34,414

Average Federal Net Price (NCES 2022–2023): $14,962.
That’s what families actually paid after grants and scholarships—no loans included.

Regional Price Breaks at UWG

Border State Waiver: Residents of AL, FL, NC, SC, TN qualify for in-state tuition (application required).
💡 Savings example: Out-of-state $10,925/term vs. in-state $3,605/term → about $14,640/year saved.
Academic Common Market (ACM): For majors not offered in your home state, residents of SREB states can pay in-state rates at UWG. Requires state agency + SREB certification.

Quick FAQ

Who qualifies?: Border State Waiver: AL, FL, NC, SC, TN residents. ACM: residents of SREB states in approved majors.
How much can we save?: Both programs lower tuition to the in-state rate. Families often save $14k+ per year on tuition/fees.
Automatic or application-based?: Application-based. Waiver requires proof of residency; ACM requires approval from your state’s ACM office and SREB.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships (2025–2026)

UWG does not publish a universal, admission-based automatic merit chart for first-year students. Most institutional awards are reviewed through the UWG Scholarship Portal or by departments after admission. Georgia residents often stack state aid (HOPE/Zell Miller) on top of UWG pricing; out-of-state families should first check the Border State Waiver and, for certain majors, the Academic Common Market.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility & Stacking Rules	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Admission-Based Automatic Merit (Resident & Nonresident)	No published tier chart for 2025–2026	Institutional awards primarily via UWG Scholarship Portal and departments; may stack with state aid (HOPE/Zell) and price waivers when allowed. Border State Waiver/ACM adjust tuition classification, not a cash scholarship.	Varies — typically Yes (UWG Scholarship Portal) after admission	Varies by award	Students admitted early who complete the UWG Scholarship Portal on time; strong GPA/course rigor help. Departmental awards favor aligned majors and involvement.

Note: If UWG later publishes an auto-merit grid (GPA/test tiers), we’ll replace this row with the full tier table and renewal rules.

Automatic Merit FAQ

Is UWG test-optional and do they superscore?: For 2025–2026, UWG participates in the USG test-optional policy for many applicants; if you submit scores, UWG superscores (they consider best section scores across test dates and superscore the ACT Composite). Submitting strong scores can help with selective awards.
How do I get considered if there’s no published auto chart?: Apply early, then complete the UWG Scholarship Portal forms and any departmental applications by their priority dates. Keep your application materials (transcript/test scores, if any) updated; some awards are reviewed on a rolling or priority basis.
Can these stack with the Border State Waiver or ACM?: Usually, yes—because the waiver/ACM changes your tuition rate rather than giving a separate cash award. Always read each scholarship’s stacking language to confirm.
What about HOPE/Zell Miller?: Those are state scholarships for Georgia residents. They can significantly lower your bill and often stack with UWG/departmental awards when rules allow.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships (2025–2026)

These are university-level scholarships that require extra steps (essays, interviews, portfolios) and have limited slots. Departmental and Honors awards are listed in their own sections per CRP format.

Scholarship	Award Amount	What Makes It Competitive	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
No university-level competitive scholarships are publicly listed for 2025–2026. We’ll update this table if UWG publishes new programs.

National Merit / STAMPS: UWG does not list a dedicated National Merit package or a STAMPS Scholarship partnership at this time. For strategy and current partner schools, see our National Merit guide and our STAMPS overview.

Competitive Scholarships FAQ

Are there any university-level competitive awards at UWG?: None are publicly listed for 2025–2026 right now. Watch the UWG Scholarship Portal after admission—new funds sometimes open mid-cycle.
Where should we look instead?: Check the UWG Scholarship Portal for general funds and the department pages for major-specific awards (we list those in the Hidden Gems and Honors sections).
Do these stack with tuition waivers (Border State/ACM)?: When available, most competitive scholarships stack because waivers change your tuition rate rather than providing cash—but always read each award’s stacking rules.
Any deadlines to track?: Plan for priority consideration in late winter (often around Feb 1) in the Portal. Submit early, keep transcripts updated, and upload any requested materials promptly.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships (2025–2026)

These awards don’t always show up in the big brochures but can make a meaningful difference for families. They include identity-based awards, ROTC commitments, completion or persistence grants, and donor funds with very specific criteria. Many can stack with state aid and tuition waivers.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Army ROTC Scholarship	Full tuition & fees or room/board (up to $10,000/year) + $420 monthly stipend + $1,200 annual book allowance	U.S. citizens meeting GPA, SAT/ACT, and fitness requirements; must commission into Army after graduation	Yes — Army ROTC national application or campus-based process	Yes — maintain 2.5 GPA and Army standards	Students with strong academics, leadership, and physical fitness who commit to military service
Go West Grant	Up to $2,000/year	First-time freshmen with GPA around 3.3–3.7 and demonstrated financial need	Yes — UWG Scholarship Portal	Yes — up to 4 years with 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment	Admitted students who apply early, complete FAFSA, and keep GPA above 3.0
Completion/Retention Grant	$500 – $1,500 one-time	Students within 1–2 semesters of graduation who have exhausted aid and face financial shortfall	Yes — via Financial Aid office	No	Upperclassmen in good standing who show they can graduate if awarded
DeVonner J. Ingram Music Scholarship	Typically $1,000 – $2,500/year	Minority student majoring in Music; must demonstrate talent, academic achievement, and financial need	Yes — School of Visual & Performing Arts	Yes — must maintain GPA and ensemble participation	Talented minority musicians with 3.0+ GPA who audition successfully and complete FAFSA
Large Ensemble Scholarship	$500 – $2,000/semester	Students assigned to university bands or choirs; award based on audition and ensemble needs	Yes — Music Department audition	Yes — maintain ensemble participation and academic eligibility	Committed musicians who rehearse and perform in official UWG ensembles
Charlie & Sissy Almon Music Scholarship	$1,000 – $3,000/year	Awarded by Music Scholarship Committee to vocal or instrumental music majors with strong talent	Yes — audition and committee selection	Yes — with continued talent and GPA	Music majors demonstrating exceptional performance ability in auditions

Disclaimer: Award amounts and GPA ranges shown are based on published ranges and past awards. Exact values can change year to year depending on funding and applicant pool.

Numerous need-based endowed scholarships across colleges (e.g., Richards College of Business, College of Education, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Science & Mathematics) — require FAFSA and often a 3.0+ GPA.
Marching Band participation awards are available through the School of Visual & Performing Arts.
Diversity & Inclusion support through departmental scholarships tied to identity and academic performance.

Hidden Gem FAQ

Are ROTC awards stackable with other aid?: Yes. ROTC covers tuition/fees (or room/board), and students can still receive HOPE/Zell, Pell, and some donor scholarships. Housing stipends may not stack with certain housing grants.
What is the Go West Grant?: A UWG program that mixes merit and need criteria, giving up to $2,000 annually. Renewable for up to 4 years with good standing.
How do Completion Grants work?: They’re emergency-style awards for students close to graduation who would otherwise leave for financial reasons. Families cannot plan for them, but they can make the difference in finishing on time.
Do these hidden gems require essays?: ROTC requires a national application and fitness checks. The Go West Grant and completion grants are handled through UWG’s financial aid portal and may require short statements or proof of need.

⭐ College Specialty

Parents tell us UWG punches above its weight by focusing on programs that lead straight to jobs—especially online graduate options and hands-on majors with labs, fieldwork, and capstone projects. If your student learns best by doing (and wants a price that makes sense), these are the areas where West Georgia quietly shines.

Spotlight Program: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — Online
Ranked #2 in Georgia and #25 in the nation for online graduate nursing (U.S. News, 2025). Flexible format with education or leadership tracks—built for working RNs.

Applied Computer Science (M.S., Online): Ranked #2 in Georgia and #70 in the U.S. for online graduate computing (U.S. News, 2025). Practical, project-based coursework that maps to software roles.
Online MBA: Ranked #2 in Georgia and #100 in the U.S. for online MBA programs (U.S. News, 2025). Known for value and working-professional pacing.
Online Bachelor’s (overall): #2 in Georgia (U.S. News, 2024) among public options—useful for commuters or adults finishing a degree.
Psychology — Ph.D. in Consciousness & Society: Distinctive humanistic/transpersonal focus with research and graduate assistantship opportunities.
Earth & Environmental Sciences / GIS: Field-intensive pathways with geospatial (GIS) training, drone/imagery analysis, and workforce-ready skills.

🎖️ Honors College

The UWG Honors College is designed for high-achieving students who want small classes, early research opportunities, and close mentoring. Admission is competitive but not out of reach—if your student thrives on challenge and wants priority perks, this program is worth a serious look.

What a Typical UWG Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA: 3.5+
ACT: 25+ or SAT: 1200+
Strong AP/IB/Dual Enrollment coursework, plus evidence of leadership or service

Why It Matters:
• Priority class registration
• Honors housing options
• Small, discussion-based seminars
• Faculty mentoring for research and thesis projects
• Extra funding for study abroad or conference travel

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Presidential Scholarship	Full ride — tuition, fees, housing, and meals	Incoming first-year students admitted to the Honors College with exceptional academic records; must apply to Honors by Jan 15	Yes — Honors College application plus separate scholarship review	Yes — up to 4 years if student remains in Honors and maintains GPA	Top applicants (often 4.0 GPA, 30+ ACT / 1400+ SAT) with leadership, service, and strong interview performance
Honors College Scholarships	Varies, typically $500 – $2,500/year	New and current Honors College students; GPA 3.75+ and active participation in Honors curriculum	Yes — initial Honors application for freshmen; separate fall cycle for continuing students	Yes — maintain GPA and active Honors standing	High-achieving Honors students with completed Honors courses, research, or strong essays

Note: The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to only a small handful of incoming Honors students each year (often fewer than 10). Honors College Scholarships are more broadly available, with multiple awards offered annually to both new and continuing Honors students, but still highly competitive and limited in number compared to total Honors enrollment.

Honors College FAQ

Is admission automatic?: No. Students must apply separately after admission to UWG. A 3.5+ GPA and strong curriculum are the main entry signals.
When should my student apply?: As soon as they are admitted to UWG. Priority deadlines usually fall in early spring (February–March).
Does Honors add time to the degree?: No. Honors courses substitute for core requirements, so students stay on track to graduate in four years.
Are there extra scholarships?: Yes. The Honors College administers competitive scholarships (amounts vary), often renewable with a 3.3–3.5 GPA and active Honors participation.

📎 Official Links:

Final Thoughts

West Georgia may not have the name recognition of the state flagships, but for many families it offers something just as valuable: clear, stackable aid and strong programs that lead directly to careers. Between state HOPE/Zell funds, waivers for border states, hidden gems like ROTC or music awards, and the Honors College’s Presidential Scholarship, your student has multiple ways to cut the real price. For first-gen parents especially, knowing where the savings actually come from can make the difference between “maybe” and “we can do this.”

✅ Last updated: September 10, 2025