University of Texas Permian Basin Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 12, 2026- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarship ranges and typical GPA bands
- Hidden-gem programs like Falcon Free and departmental honors
- Key deadlines and test-optional details for 2026–2027
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~84%
- Middle 50% ACT: 16 – 21
- Middle 50% SAT: 920 – 1110
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.1 – 3.7
Source: UT Permian Basin Common Data Set 2024–25 and College Board BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UT Permian Basin at a Glance
The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) focuses on affordability and access. Freshmen automatically qualify for merit awards of $1,000 to $4,000 per year based on GPA—no extra application required. Students with financial need may also benefit from the Falcon Free program, which covers tuition and fees for many Texas families.
While UTPB does not offer a stand-alone Honors College or flagship full-ride program, its low tuition, automatic merit tiers, and regional aid options make it a smart value choice within the UT System.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — UTPB remains test-optional through Fall 2026, though strong scores can improve scholarship placement.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 16 – 21; SAT 920 – 1110 for recent freshmen classes.
What’s the average net price? About $9,144 per year after aid (2022–23 IPEDS). See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or non-resident waivers? No broad reciprocity exists; Falcon Free covers tuition for eligible Texas residents after other aid is applied.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Texas Permian Basin 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 the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
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.
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (30 credits/yr) | $9,234 | $21,504 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,352 | $10,352 |
| Total (before aid) | $19,586 | $31,856 |
Note: The totals above include only charges billed directly by UTPB (tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing, and meal plan). Other educational expenses such as books & supplies, transportation, personal/miscellaneous costs, and loan fees vary by student and are not paid directly to the university, so they are excluded from the table.
Example: A nonresident with a $1,000+ qualifying scholarship could see their cost drop from about $31,856 to about $19,586—roughly $12,000 in annual savings.
In addition to this, UT Permian Basin participates in the Academic Common Market at the graduate level only.
COA & Waiver FAQs
Who qualifies for the nonresident waiver?
Out-of-state students who receive a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000 for the year or term.
How much can it save?
Roughly $12,000 per year, since the waiver lets you pay in-state tuition instead of out-of-state rates.
Is it automatic?
The waiver is applied after you are awarded a qualifying scholarship; no separate waiver application is typically required.
University COA page
Housing & dining rates
Competitive Scholarship Waiver (Texas Education Code §54.213; university guidance)
Academic Common Market (SREB) — graduate participation only
College Scorecard / IPEDS — Average Net Price (2022–2023)
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
Good grades in high school can pay off quickly at UTPB. These scholarships are automatic with admission—no separate application required—and are renewable for up to four years as long as your student maintains a 2.50 GPA and full-time enrollment (12+ hours per semester). To lock in your offer, you must register for New Student Orientation by June 1.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | GPA Range (official) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falcon Elite | $4,000/yr | 3.90+ | No | Yes (2.50 GPA & 12+ hrs required) | Top academic students (AP/dual credit and strong test scores can bump tier) | Apr 15 (final); must also register for Orientation by Jun 1 |
| Falcon Excellence | $3,000/yr | 3.70–3.89 | No | Yes (2.50 GPA & 12+ hrs) | High-B+/A- students; AP, IB, or dual credit is a plus | Apr 15 (final); Orientation by Jun 1 |
| Falcon Achievement | $2,000/yr | 3.35–3.69 | No | Yes (2.50 GPA & 12+ hrs) | Solid B+/A- students; demonstrated academic consistency | Apr 15 / Orientation by Jun 1 |
| Falcon Recognition | $1,000/yr | 3.25–3.34 | No | Yes (2.50 GPA & 12+ hrs) | B+ and higher students ready for college-level work | Apr 15 / Orientation by Jun 1 |
Note: GPA cutoffs reflect UTPB’s merit bands as publishe. SAT/ACT scores are not required, but can be used to boost students’ award tiers. Apply between Sep 1–Apr 15; Orientation registration by June 1 is required to claim your scholarship.
FAQ:
Do I need a separate application? No—automatic with admission.
Can these stack with other aid? Yes, UTPB allows stacking with need-based or departmental aid; nonresident waivers require a $1,000+ competitive award.
Merit Scholarships – https://www.utpb.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/merit-scholarships
UTPB Scholarships – https://www.utpb.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/
Deadlines – https://www.utpb.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/priority-dates-deadlines
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike automatic merit, these scholarships require extra steps and are highly selective. They’re meant for top students who bring not just grades, but leadership, service, and strong applications. Winning one can significantly reduce the cost of attendance—sometimes covering full tuition.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition (up to 18 hrs/semester, all designated fees); renewable up to 4 years | Top ~5% of HS class, 4.0 (weighted/unweighted), high ACT/SAT, robust leadership/service, essay, rec letter | Yes—Presidential app/nomination required | Yes—2.50 GPA & full-time enrollment | High-achieving students with challenging coursework, scores, and standout involvement | Dec 15 |
| Presidential Plus Scholarship | Amount not published (reference only in catalog) | Criteria unpublished; likely similar to/above Presidential | Check with Financial Aid Office for app/nomination | Unknown—pending confirmation | Catalog-listed, details TBA. Monitors top Presidential pool. | Varies; see UTPB catalog/office |
Why are these considered competitive? Only a handful of students are selected, based on much more than GPA—leadership, essays, recommendations, and interviews matter.
Are test scores required? Yes; Presidentials require high ACT/SAT and class rank, plus a recommendation and essay.
Can you get both this and automatic merit? Yes—students are considered for both, then advised on stacking or replacement.
When is the deadline? Presidential: December 15 (notified by Jan 15). Verify annually with UTPB, as application windows can shift slightly by year or major.
Presidential Scholarship – https://www.utpb.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/presidential
General Scholarships – https://www.utpb.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/
Official Catalog – https://utpb.smartcatalogiq.com/
Fastweb listing – https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/24725
🎖️ Honors College
UT Permian Basin runs a University Honors Program designed for curious students who want smaller classes, interdisciplinary learning, and mentorship from faculty. It’s not an automatic admission—you’ll need to apply separately—but it gives motivated students a chance to shape their own academic path while standing out for graduate schools and employers.
High school GPA in the 3.7+ range*, strong writing skills for essays, evidence of rigorous coursework, and leadership or service beyond the classroom.
*Minimum GPA for standard admission is 3.5 and 1100 SAT/24 ACT. National Merit, IB and Hispanic Merit Scholars are auto-admitted.
- Priority registration for classes
- Small, discussion-based seminars that satisfy core requirements
- Faculty mentorship on research or creative projects
- Leadership opportunities through program activities
Note: Honors does not provide direct scholarships. All applicants should complete the General Scholarship Application (Feb–Apr) for endowed/departmental awards that are stackable with Honors participation.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA?
No. Admission is competitive and requires an application. National Merit, Hispanic Merit, and IB diploma students are automatically eligible; others can apply with a 3.5+ GPA and 1100 SAT/24 ACT.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. Most Honors coursework replaces core, keeping you on track to graduate in 4 years.
Are there extra deadlines?
Yes—Honors applications are reviewed in spring (recommended: by March 1); General Scholarship Application closes April 1.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors?
Not directly, but Honors students do well in competitive and departmental pools—always apply broadly.
UTPB University Honors – https://www.utpb.edu/academics/honors-program/
UTPB Scholarships – https://www.utpb.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/
UTPB Catalog – https://utpb.smartcatalogiq.com/
⭐ College Specialty
UT Permian Basin may be a smaller campus in the UT System, but it sits in the heart of the oil capital of the country. That location shapes what the university is best known for—programs tied to energy, water, and workforce preparation. Families looking for a practical, career-connected education often find UTPB’s specialties a direct pipeline into Texas industries.
- Nursing (BSN): Regionally recognized for preparing nurses in West Texas hospitals and clinics; currently under close monitoring with state oversight to improve NCLEX pass rates, showing transparency and accountability.
- Teacher Preparation & Residencies: Home to UTeach Permian Basin and TEA-vetted principal residency pathways, providing one of Texas’s strongest pipelines for STEM teachers.
- Water & Energy Policy/Research: Hosts the annual Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference, connecting students with leaders in energy, sustainability, and public policy.
📎 Official Links
- University of Texas Permian Basin Homepage
- UTPB University Honors Program
- UTPB Scholarships & Financial Aid