University of West Georgia Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Georgia state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~52%
- Middle 50% ACT: 17–22
- Middle 50% SAT: 950–1130
- Average HS GPA: 3.46
Source: University of West Georgia Common Data Set 2024–2025. Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UWG at a Glance
Honors Presidential: Jan 15 • Scholarship Day: by Feb 1
FAFSA (2025–26): by Jun 30, 2026
Last verified: October 2025
UWG is a practical-value pick in Georgia if you can line up the right stack: in-state tuition for border states, a focused Honors College, and competitive scholarships (including a true full-ride for top candidates). Out-of-state families from AL/FL/NC/SC/TN are effectively paying Georgia rates, and strong students can make a serious dent—or even cover—remaining costs with targeted awards.
Use this guide to see exactly what’s possible and what it takes. If you’re comparing offers across public universities—or want to layer in state programs—start with our Georgia Grants & Scholarships page, then come back here to map UWG’s options line-by-line.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes—UWG is test-optional for freshman applicants with a recalculated 3.2+ GPA through Fall 2026; otherwise SAT/ACT may be required. Scores are also used for placement. Source: UWG Admissions & CDS 2024–2025.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 17–22; SAT 950–1130 (for enrolled freshmen who submitted scores). Source: UWG CDS 2024–2025.
What’s the average net price? $15,450 (College Scorecard 2022–2023). Net price varies by income. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes. Legal residents of Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee qualify for in-state tuition (Border State Waiver). Limited Border County waivers also exist (e.g., Cleburne/Randolph, AL). Verify eligibility with UWG.
Undergraduate Admissions — Test-Optional statement (westga.edu/undergraduate-admissions/)
Common Data Set 2024–2025 — scores, acceptance rate, deadlines (westga.edu/assets/iea/docs/CDS_f2024.pdf)
Honors College — Presidential Scholarships (westga.edu/academics/honors/presidential-scholarships.php)
Border States — In-state Tuition for AL/FL/NC/SC/TN (westga.edu/borderstates/)
College Scorecard — Average Net Price (collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?141334-University-of-West-Georgia)
University System of Georgia — Test-optional extension for AY 2025–2026 (usg.edu/announcements/usg_to_extend_temporary_test_optional_admission_for_academic_year_2025_2026)
💰 Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)
| Category | In-State (annual) | Out-of-State (annual) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition & Mandatory Fees 15 credit hours × 2 terms |
$7,210 | $22,270 |
|
Housing & Meal Plan Double Suite + Basic Meal Plan |
$11,252 | $11,252 |
| Total (direct costs before aid) | $18,462 | $33,522 |
Note: Books/supplies, transportation, and personal expenses are indirect costs paid to off-campus vendors and vary by student. Because these are not paid directly to UWG, they’re not included in the table above.
That’s what families actually paid after grants and scholarships—no loans included.
-
Border State Waiver: Residents of AL, FL, NC, SC, TN qualify for in-state tuition (application/documentation required).
💡 Savings example (FY26): Out-of-state $11,135/term vs. in-state $3,605/term → about $15,060/year saved at 30 credits. - 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 (with residency documentation). ACM: residents of SREB states in approved majors.
- How much can we save?
- Both programs lower tuition to the in-state rate. At current FY26 rates, families typically save about $15,060/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, then certification to UWG.
Student Accounts — FY26 Undergraduate Tuition & Mandatory Fees (westga.edu/assets/studentaccounts/docs/FY26_New_Students_Continuing_Under.pdf)
Undergraduate Admissions — Cost of Attendance overview (westga.edu/undergraduate-admissions/cost-of-attendance.php)
Housing — The Oaks (Double) 2025–26 rate (westga.edu/campus-life/housing/residence-halls/the-oaks.php)
USG — FY2026 Dining Rates (Basic/Wolves/All Access) (usg.edu/fiscal_affairs/…/FY_2026_Dining_Rates.pdf)
Border States — In-state Tuition for AL/FL/NC/SC/TN (westga.edu/borderstates/)
College Scorecard — Average Net Price (collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?141334-University-of-West-Georgia)
✅ 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 award). | 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), this row will be replaced with the detailed 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 transcript/test scores updated; some awards are rolling or have priority rounds.
- Can these stack with the Border State Waiver or ACM?
- Usually, yes—because the waiver/ACM changes your tuition rate rather than providing a separate cash award. Always check the stacking language of each award offer.
- 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.
UWG Automatic Merit Overview – https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-west-georgia-scholarships/
UWG Scholarship Portal – https://westga.academicworks.com/
Border State/County Waiver – https://www.westga.edu/bursar/out-of-state-waivers.php
UWG Scholarship Deadlines – https://www.westga.edu/admissions/dates-deadlines.php
FY26 Tuition Rates – https://westga.edu/assets/studentaccounts/docs/FY26_New_Students_Continuing_Under.pdf
🏆 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.
UWG Competitive Scholarships Overview – https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-west-georgia-scholarships/
UWG Student Scholarships – https://www.westga.edu/student-services/financial-aid/student-scholarships.php
UWG National Scholarships – https://www.westga.edu/academics/research/undergraduate-research.php
🎖️ 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.
High school GPA: 3.5+
ACT: 25+ or SAT: 1200+
Strong AP/IB/Dual Enrollment coursework, plus evidence of leadership or service
• 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full ride — tuition, fees, housing, and meals | Incoming first-year students admitted to the Honors College with exceptional academic records | 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 | Jan 15 |
| Honors College Scholarships | Varies, typically $500 – $2,500/year | New and current Honors College students; GPA 3.75+ and active participant in Honors | Yes — Honors app for freshmen; separate cycle for continuing | Yes — maintain GPA and Honors standing | High-achieving Honors with completed courses, research, or strong essays | Feb 1 (priority), May 1 (final) |
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.
Honors College FAQ
- Is admission automatic?
- No—students must apply separately after UWG admission. A 3.5+ GPA and rigorous schedule are standard.
- When should my student apply?
- As soon as admitted. Presidential deadline: Jan 15; general priority Feb 1; final May 1.
- Does Honors add time?
- No. Honors classes aren’t extra—they fulfill major/core credits.
- Extra scholarships?
- Yes—amounts and cycles vary, but competitive support available to active Honors students.
Presidential/priority deadlines – https://www.westga.edu/academics/honors-college/admissions-criteria.php
Honors College handbook – https://www.westga.edu/academics/honors-college/index.php
⭐ 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.
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.
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.”