University of Texas Permian Basin Scholarships (2025–2026)

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

Paying for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At the University of Texas Permian Basin, families can tap into automatic merit awards, competitive scholarships, and even programs that fully cover tuition for qualifying Texans. If you’re comparing options across the state, make sure to check our Texas state aid guide alongside this page, plus the full CRP college scholarships hub for context.

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Texas Permian Basin

Expense	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees (30 credits/yr)	$9,234	$21,504
Housing & Meals	$14,098	$14,098
Books, Travel, Personal	$5,240	$5,240
Total (before aid)	$28,570	$40,840

Average Net Price: $9,144 per year (latest federal data). That’s what families actually paid after grants and scholarships were applied—loans not included.

Nonresident Tuition Waiver: Out-of-state students who earn a competitive scholarship of $1,000 or more may qualify to pay the in-state tuition rate.

Example: A nonresident with a $1,000+ qualifying scholarship could see their cost drop from $40,840 to about $28,570—a savings of over $12,000.

In addition to this, UT Permian Basin does participate in the Academic Common Market but only at the graduate level.

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?
No. You must be awarded a qualifying scholarship and then the waiver is applied by UTPB’s financial aid office.

✅ 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).

Scholarship	Award Amount	GPA Range (official)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Falcon Elite	$4,000/yr	3.90+	No	Yes – 2.50 GPA & 12+ hrs	Top academic students (3.9–4.0 GPA); AP/dual credit rigor helps; high test scores can bump tier.
Falcon Excellence	$3,000/yr	3.70–3.89	No	Yes – 2.50 GPA & 12+ hrs	Strong students in the high 3s GPA range.
Falcon Achievement	$2,000/yr	3.35–3.69	No	Yes – 2.50 GPA & 12+ hrs	Solid B+/A– students showing consistency in coursework.
Falcon Recognition	$1,000/yr	3.25–3.34	No	Yes – 2.50 GPA & 12+ hrs	Students just above B+ who meet readiness for college-level work.

Note: GPA cutoffs are based on UTPB’s published bands. Test scores are not required but may improve scholarship tier placement. Awards are given automatically between Sept. 1 and Apr. 15; students must register for New Student Orientation by June 1 to lock in their scholarship.

Disclaimer: The “Who Actually Wins?” column is based on prior award patterns and general admissions context, not an official UTPB statement.

Automatic Merit FAQs

Do I need a separate application?
No. Admission to UTPB is the only requirement—scholarships are awarded automatically based on GPA.

Does UTPB superscore the ACT or SAT?
Standard merit is based on GPA, but the university notes that strong test scores can sometimes bump students into a higher tier.

Can these scholarships stack with others?
They can combine with need-based aid and departmental awards. For out-of-state students, only “competitive” scholarships of $1,000 or more trigger the special nonresident tuition waiver, so always confirm with the financial aid office.

🏆 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?
Presidential Scholarship	Full tuition (up to 18 hrs/semester)	Top ~5% of HS class; high SAT/ACT scores; strong leadership and service	Yes – Presidential app/nomination required; Deadline: Dec 15	Yes – 2.50 GPA & full-time enrollment	High achievers with 4.0 GPA, rigorous coursework, and strong test scores. Leadership/service activities strengthen applications.
Presidential Plus Scholarship	Amount not publicly listed (catalog reference only)	Details not published; likely similar to Presidential tier	Yes – check with Financial Aid Office	Unknown – pending confirmation	No official profile released; expected to be the very top of the applicant pool. Check back for updates.

Competitive Scholarship FAQs

Why are these considered competitive?
Because only a small number of students are selected, and decisions are based on more than GPA. Essays, recommendations, interviews, and leadership all play a role.

Are test scores required?
Yes. The Presidential Scholarship specifically emphasizes high ACT or SAT scores along with GPA and class rank.

Can I still get automatic merit if I apply for these?
Yes. Automatic merit is awarded based on GPA regardless, and competitive scholarships are considered separately. If you win both, the university will advise on stacking or replacing awards.

When is the deadline?
The Presidential Scholarship application is due December 15 for fall freshmen. Always confirm with UTPB since dates may shift slightly year to year.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond automatic merit and competitive awards, UTPB offers programs that can make a huge difference for the right student. These aren’t always advertised as “scholarships,” but they effectively reduce tuition bills and open doors to unique opportunities.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Falcon Free	Covers full tuition & mandatory fees (up to 15 hrs/semester)	Texas residents; first bachelor’s degree; family AGI ≤ $100k; FAFSA/TASFA required; 12+ credit hours	No – automatic with FAFSA/TASFA	Yes – must reapply for aid each year and continue eligibility	Texas families earning under $100k who qualify for federal/state grants; Falcon Free fills the final tuition gap.
General Scholarship Application (Endowed/Departmental)	$500–$3,000 typical	All admitted students; additional departmental criteria may apply	Yes – Feb 14 to Apr 4 window	Most renewable if GPA maintained	Students who take the time to complete the portal and highlight their majors and activities.
Texas Tuition Rebate	$1,000 (one-time)	Texas residents who complete a bachelor’s with minimal excess credits	No – eligibility reviewed at graduation	One-time only	Students who graduate on time without racking up extra coursework.
ROTC Scholarships	Full tuition & fees possible; plus stipend & book allowance	UTPB students who join Army/Air Force ROTC at regional host schools	Yes – ROTC national or campus-based process	2–4 years depending on award	Students committed to military service who balance academics with ROTC requirements.
H. Warren Gardner Scholarship	~$1,000 (typical departmental award)	History majors with strong academic performance and leadership	Yes – through General Scholarship App/History Department	Renewable if GPA and major requirements are maintained	History majors with a proven record of excellence inside and outside the classroom.
First-Generation & Diversity Grants (e.g., STREAM, IDEA, HSI-STEM)	Typically $1,000–$3,000 per year (federal grant-funded)	First-generation, Hispanic, and/or low-income students pursuing teaching and STEM fields	Yes – FAFSA/TASFA and program-specific application	Yes – contingent on continued eligibility and funding	First-generation and Hispanic students in education or STEM pathways supported by federal grants.

Disclaimer: Award amounts and eligibility are based on current UTPB and state/federal program information. Some departmental and federally funded grants may vary year to year depending on available funds.

Music Scholarships: Open to all majors; awarded by audition for Marching Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, and Choir. Amount varies depending on instrument/voice and ensemble needs.
Other Departmental Scholarships: Each UTPB academic department manages its own small funds for majors. Requires the General Scholarship Application and sometimes an additional departmental form.
Campus Involvement Awards: Some scholarships are tied to student leadership roles, service, or specific campus organizations. Amounts vary; check the scholarship portal for current listings.

Hidden Gem FAQs

What makes Falcon Free unique?
It completely covers tuition and fees for eligible Texans, making it one of the most generous need-based programs in the region.

Do I need to apply separately for endowed/departmental scholarships?
Yes. You’ll need to complete the General Scholarship Application between February and April to be considered.

How do ROTC scholarships work at UTPB?
UTPB partners with nearby host universities for Army and Air Force ROTC. Students enroll at UTPB but commute for ROTC training and can use ROTC scholarships to cover UTPB tuition.

Is the Texas Tuition Rebate really a scholarship?
It’s technically a state rebate, but it works like a one-time scholarship applied after graduation. Families should treat it as a reward for efficient degree planning.

⭐ 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.

Petroleum & Energy Engineering: ABET-accredited and built around the Permian Basin itself, this program offers direct industry ties and hands-on research through the Texas Water & Energy Institute. Employers in oil and gas recruit heavily here.

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.

🎖️ 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.

What a Typical UTPB Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA in the 3.7+ range*, strong writing skills for essays, evidence of rigorous coursework, and leadership or service beyond the classroom.

Perks of the Honors Program:

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: UTPB’s Honors Program does not currently advertise its own named scholarships. Students should complete the General Scholarship Application to be considered for endowed departmental awards that can stack with Honors participation.

Honors FAQs

Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA?
No. Admission is by application and review; GPA is just one factor.

Does the Honors Program add extra time to a degree?
No. Courses are designed to replace or enhance core curriculum, so students can still graduate on time.

Are there extra deadlines to know?
Yes. Honors applications are usually due in the spring before freshman year—check the UTPB Honors Program page for current dates.

Are there any extra scholarships for Honors?
Not directly through the program, but strong Honors students often do well in departmental or competitive university-level scholarships.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

UT Permian Basin shows that even a smaller regional campus can pack a big punch when it comes to affordability and opportunity. Between automatic merit awards, the Falcon Free program, and selective options like the Presidential Scholarship, families can find multiple ways to cut the sticker price. Add in strong regional specialties—like engineering, nursing, and teacher preparation—and UTPB becomes a solid option for Texas students who want a practical path into high-demand careers without drowning in debt.

✅ Last updated: September 9, 2025