Looking for ways to fund your education? If you can demonstrate academic excellence and leadership, you may qualify for a UH scholarship at the University of Houston. Information on University Funded Merit Scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students, as well as all other types of scholarship opportunities for UH students can be found below.
The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is excited to offer students the use of Scholarship Universe, an online tool that makes finding and applying for both UH scholarships and external scholarships easier. The tool is located within your AccessUH account. Just look for the Scholarship Universe icon (pictured). New students gain access to the tool two terms prior to their admission (e.g. admitted fall 2023 students will gain access in late December 2022). Scholarship Universe will also match students to individual college scholarships for which they qualify*.
*Please note that some individual college scholarships are not currently listed in the tool. However, students can still apply separately for these scholarships by clicking on the college links below.
How does Scholarship Universe work?
If you are a student with any questions or concerns regarding Scholarship Universe, please email uhsfa@central.uh.edu.
If you are a donor and would like to have your scholarship added to Scholarship Universe, please email your scholarship information to support@campuslogic.com. Once your scholarship is vetted, it will be loaded into Scholarship Universe for University of Houston students to apply to.
*Disclaimer: Reference within this site or Scholarship Universe to any specific scholarship or organization by trade name, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the University of Houston or the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Links to external or third-party websites, are provided solely for visitors' convenience. Read more >
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The University funds several academically-competitive scholarships for incoming freshmen. To be considered for a university-funded scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
Academic Excellence Scholarship
The Academic Excellence Scholarship offers competitive scholarships of various amount to new incoming freshman who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. The scholarship can be received a total of four years (five years for Architecture students) if students meet the renewal criteria each year at UH. The academic profile of the incoming freshman class varies from year to year.
*Supporting information includes application fee, self-reporting transcript information, test scores (if applicable) and rank . If applying without test scores, supporting information also includes your essay and resume.
Students with no class rank: Students without a class rank can still be considered for Academic Excellence Scholarships. In such cases, the University determines scholarship eligibility based on the other information available.
Distinguished Scholarship
Each year a select group of admitted applicants who represent those with the top merit credentials are provided an opportunity to apply for a University Distinguished Scholarship award. This scholarship award will be provided in addition to the Academic Excellence Scholarship and is eligible for renewal for up to four years. Eligible students will receive an invitation to apply for the Distinguished Scholarship. This scholarship is jointly funded by a generous match from the University's endowment and private philanthropic donors.
Cullen Leadership Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 per year (renewable for up to four years)
Qualifications: For students who have a competitive academic profile and demonstrated leadership skills. Recipients are selected by the Student Financial Support Committee from among the pool of admitted applicants. No additional application is necessary.
National Merit Scholarship Finalist
Amount: Full cost of tuition and required fees, for four years (five years for architecture students). In addition, recipients are eligible for a one-time $1,000 undergraduate research stipend and a one-time $2,000 study abroad stipend. Candidates who complete the FAFSA may be eligible for additional financial support.
Qualifications: The University of Houston will automatically award scholarship support to National Merit Scholarship finalists who select the University of Houston as their first-choice institution in accordance with the rules and deadlines established by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
Tier One Scholarship
Amount: Full cost of tuition and required fees for four years (five years for architecture students). On-campus housing and meal plan for the first two years at UH. In addition, recipients are eligible for a one-time $1,000 undergraduate research stipend and a one-time $2,000 study abroad stipend. Candidates who complete the FAFSA may be eligible for additional financial support.
Qualifications: As in previous years, if you have a 1400 SAT or 30 ACT composite score and rank in the top 10% of your class, you'll improve your chances of moving forward in the selection process. Test optional candidates are considered.
Based on the criteria used for the Tier One Scholarship, the average awardee for fall 2022 had a score of 1489 on the SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math) or an ACT Composite of 33, with a class rank in the top 3% and an unweighted core GPA of 3.98. (The unweighted GPA is calculated by the University of Houston using English, math, science and social studies grades.)
To compete for the Tier One Scholarship, incoming fall 2024 freshman students should complete the Tier One Scholarship application and the application for admission to the University of Houston no later than Nov. 1, 2023. Additionally, a letter of recommendation is required. Instructions are provided in the application.
Top-scoring applicants will be invited to campus for the mandatory Tier One Invitational and interview in January. Applicants who have been selected to advance to the on-campus interviews will be notified in mid-December. Awardees will be notified in mid-March. To learn more about the Tier One Scholarship and the selection process, please visit the Tier One Scholars website.
Award Maximums
Any scholarship counts as a financial resource and must be considered when constructing a financial aid award package. A student’s total financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance (COA). COA is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend the University of Houston. Your COA includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation , and personal expenses. Exceptions are made for Federal Pell Grant Program recipients, whose financial aid packages can add up to the COA plus the amount of the Federal Pell Grant Program funds. Awards from the University of Houston are subject to change depending on the entire student award package and the student's COA.
Scholarship Renewal Requirements
Academic Excellence, Distinguished Scholarships, National Merit, Tier One and Cullen Leadership Scholarships will renew each year (up to eight undergraduate semesters, or 10 semesters for architecture students) provided you meet the requirements listed below.
Thinking of transferring to UH? If you show academic promise, you may be eligible for the scholarships below:
Transfer Excellence Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 per year ($1,000 per term) beginning with transfer students admitted fall 2023. Funding is limited and scholarship offers are made on a first come, first serve basis until funds are exhausted.
2025-26 Transfer Excellence Scholarship Priority Deadlines
Transfer Excellence Scholarship Requirements:
To be eligible, an applicant must:
Awards are offered to eligible applicants for fall admit terms only, as funding is available. Spring and summer admits are not eligible. No separate scholarship application is required. Transfer Excellence Scholarships qualify for non-resident tuition waivers. Transfer Excellence Scholarships are renewable for one additional year, provided recipients complete and pass 24 credit hours at the University of Houston (central campus) and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 by the end of their first spring term.
If you submitted additional transcripts after being admitted and would like to be re-evaluated for this scholarship based on an increase of transferable credit hours earned, or your cumulative transferable GPA, please click here to complete the Transfer Excellence Scholarship GPA Calculation Update Request Form.
Transfer Achievement Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 one-time award. To be eligible, an applicant must:
Awards are offered to eligible applicants as funding is available. No separate scholarship application is required. Transfer Achievement Scholarships are not renewable, and do not qualify students for non-resident tuition waivers.
Creative Biolabs Scholarship Jack & D'Ann Burke International Scholarship Endowment Applicants must demonstrate active involvement in international education activities, have completed one semester of full-time study at the University of Houston and be currently enrolled full-time. All undergraduate applicants must have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and all graduate applicants must have at least a cumulative 3.5 GPA. For United States citizens and permanent residents, financial need will be determined by guidelines from the UH Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Distinguished Scholarship
Admitted Freshman students who have been selected for the university’s top Academic Excellence Scholarship will be provided an opportunity to apply to be considered for a university Distinguished Scholarship award. This scholarship award will be provided in addition to the Academic Excellence Scholarship and is eligible for renewal for up to four years. Eligible students will receive an invitation to apply for the Distinguished Scholarship. This scholarship is jointly funded by a generous match from the University's endowment and private philanthropic donors.
Peggy & Bill Shiffick Foundation Scholarship
Applicants for the Peggy & Bill Shiffick Foundation Scholarship must be full-time, undergraduate, degree-seeking students who demonstrate financial need (as determined by the FAFSA or TAFSA) and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
Robert and Esther Stadtler Scholarship The Robert and Esther Stadtler Scholarship is open to sophomores and seniors who are seeking a degree at the University of Houston. To qualify, students must be full-time (12 hours or more) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and have financial need as determined by FAFSA. Students must also submit their resume and a brief statement detailing leadership qualities, character, scholastic ability and achievements. Log into Scholarship Universe to apply. The tool is located within your AccessUH account.
Each year, a number of foundations, corporations and individuals provide funding for UH scholarships. Some of these privately funded scholarships are designed to support students in a particular discipline or from a specific heritage or geographic region; others are open to students of any major or background. Offerings change often according to availability of funds and the time of the school year.
Please click here to access the application and additional information.
George Family Scholarship The George Family Scholarship is open to any degree-seeking undergraduate student that has graduated from the Aldine Independent School District in Houston, Texas. To qualify, the student must have graduated high school with a 2.75 GPA or higher and be enrolled full time (12 hours or more) and maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA. Follow the Scholarship Application Instructions for more information on how to apply. Gerald McElvy Scholarship The Gerald W. McElvy Scholarship was funded by alumnus and former Board of Regents member Gerald W. McElvy. The scholarship recipient(s) must declare an intent to teach mathematics or science in a middle or high school, or — with an interest in pursuing a career in business — declare a major in the C.T. Bauer College of Business. The scholarship recipient(s) will be determined by the UH Scholarship Selection Committee. Financial need, as determined by federal or state methodology, is a consideration. Log into Scholarship Universe to apply. The tool is located within your AccessUH account. Mark & Judith Cook Foundation Scholarship Amount: Full-ride
The Mark and Judith Cook Foundation are pleased to award a full-ride scholarship to students who have been accepted to the University of Houston (main campus). Applicant must be a Texas resident, U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a permanent address in the Tamina community located within zip code 77385. Scholarship applicant must also demonstrate financial need. Applicant must submit a resume, two letters of recommendation and a 250-word narrative outlining why applicant wants to attend the University of Houston and how this scholarship will enable him/her to meet this goal. All scholarship documents should be submitted to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. If selected, recipient must live on the UH campus a minimum of the first two years of his/her college career. Scholarship recipient must maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA and remain a full-time student (a minimum of 12 hours per semester) at the University of Houston (main campus). Scholarship award is renewable provided the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements. Scholarship award covers up to eight semesters (or up to 10 semesters if student is enrolled in a five-year program) including tuition and fees; on-campus room and board or the equivalent; books and University of Houston sponsored student health insurance. Follow the Scholarship Application Instructions for more information on how to apply. Meal Plan Scholarship Amount: One Meal Plan per term UH Dining Services (UHDS) is pleased to be a member of the University of Houston (UH) community. UHDS will award scholarships to selected UH students that have been admitted to undergraduate programs to support student success and access at UH. As a UH partner, we have committed to providing the Meal Plan Scholarships. Qualifying applicants who meet the eligibility requirements below are invited to apply. Log into Scholarship Universe to apply. The tool is located within your AccessUH account. Rodeo Scholarships The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's educational program is a significant part of the Show's mission — benefiting youth, supporting education and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Because college is only a dream for so many students, the Show has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of countless young men and women in its quest to benefit the youth of Texas and support them through education. Terry Foundation Scholarship Qualifications: For graduates from a Texas high school or home school who demonstrate financial need, a record of leadership in school and community, and strong academic abilities, as evidenced by grades and SAT scores.
The University of Houston encourages undergraduates to participate in research with a faculty mentor. In addition to programs offered through various departments and colleges, two programs currently award a stipend for qualified students from all majors to engage in a mentored research experience.
Provost's Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS) Amount: $1,000 per semester of research
Any junior or senior who has either successfully completed at least 12 hours in residence at UH with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 OR who has completed fewer than 12 hours in residence at UH but has a 3.5 cumulative GPA on all college level course work taken at UH or elsewhere is eligible to apply. Applicants must have earned at least 60 credits by the beginning of the mentorship period and must enroll and maintain a minimum of 12 hours in the semester of the award unless they are graduating that semester. Students who have participated in the PURS program at UH in a prior semester are ineligible to reapply. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Amount: $3,500 for research
Qualifications: The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program at the University of Houston (SURF–UH) seeks to provide funding for rising UH sophomores, juniors and seniors to participate in a focused, full-time, 10-week research experience (May 30 – Aug. 4, 2024) under the direction of UH faculty. Recipients will receive a $4,000 scholarship and three points toward the Honors in Co-Curricular Engagement transcript designation. Current freshmen who will be sophomores in fall 2024 are eligible to apply for the fellowship. However, students graduating in spring or summer 2024 are not eligible for this program. No course credit will be offered for participation in this program, and students who have previously participated in the SURF–UH program are ineligible to reapply. This fellowship is open to students of all disciplines. All full-time UH faculty members are eligible to participate as faculty sponsors. (This precludes adjunct faculty.) Faculty may nominate up to two students for a SURF.
Most colleges at the University of Houston offer scholarships specifically for students in those colleges. To be considered for a college-specific scholarship, submit an application through the appropriate college.
The state of Texas provides funding for multiple scholarships available to outstanding students attending Texas colleges and universities. Some of the scholarships will require students to maintain a certain GPA or be part of a specific degree program. Additionally, most of the scholarships require students to be a Texas resident.
Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship Program Amount: Up to $5,000
The purpose of this program is to increase the number of highly trained and educated professional accountants available to serve the residents of this state; improve the state's business environment and encourage economic development and financial stability; and identify, recognize and support outstanding scholars who plan to pursue careers in accounting. Good Neighbor Scholarship Program Amount: Tuition for one academic year (fall, spring and summer)
This scholarship program was established to encourage academically talented students from the countries of the Western (American) hemisphere to pursue higher education in the State of Texas; thus, establishing a beneficial link between the State of Texas and their home countries. Please email us to have a To Do List item added to your myUH self-service account, to upload the application.
Deadline to submit applications for the upcoming year is March 15. We are no longer accepting applications for the current year.
Highest Ranking High School Graduate Exemption Amount: Tuition only (two semesters of first regular session)
The highest ranking graduate of each accredited high school in Texas is exempt from tuition only at public colleges in Texas for two semesters of the first regular session following graduation from high school. For more information about this exemption or the application process, please contact the University of Houston’s Office of Student Business Services at 713-743-1010, option 6. License Plate Insignia Scholarship The License Plate Insignia Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to needy students attending eligible public or private, non-profit colleges and universities in Texas. The amount of funding available for the program depends upon the number of license plates purchased bearing the insignia of Texas colleges and universities.
Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $15,000
TASSP is a scholarship available to any Texas resident who is interested in pursuing either a commission in one of the Armed Services or will join the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, the Texas State Guard or the U.S. Merchant Marine upon graduation. One of the requirements is to be appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, state senator or state representative. Learn more on our website.
Educational Aide Exemption (EAE) Program
Amount: Up to $7,000
The EAE program encourages Educational Aides to complete full teacher certification by providing need-based exemptions from the payment of tuition and certain mandatory fees at Texas public institutions of higher education. You can view eligibility requirements and download the current application online.
Students receiving non-UH scholarships for travel/study/internship/volunteer opportunities abroad are required to visit Learning Abroad prior to their departure in order to be in compliance with UH Safety and Health regulations.
LEARNING ABROAD
E.W. Cullen Building, Suite 105
4302 University Drive
Houston, TX 77204-2039
713-743-9167
For complete listing of available scholarships, please visit Learning Abroad Scholarships.
If you receive an outside scholarship, please follow the guidelines to ensure proper handling of your outside scholarship check.
All scholarship checks should be mailed to:
University of Houston
Attn: Scholarships & Financial Aid
PO Box 1426
Houston, TX 77251-1426
Any scholarship counts as a financial resource and must be considered when constructing a financial aid offer. Total aid cannot exceed your cost of attendance (COA). The COA is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend the University of Houston. The COA includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. University of Houston financial aid awards are subject to change depending on your entire award package, including outside scholarships, and your COA.
Staff in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid are here to help. Financial Aid Advisors are available via email, by phone (713-743-1010, option 5), and by virtual advising appointments (schedule via the Navigate app) to help you with questions about your financial aid process. If you do not have a CougarNet account, you can call us to make an appointment.
NOTE: State law requires that each student identify any relation to a current University of Houston Board of Regents member. A student who is related to a current member of the governing board of that institution is prohibited from receiving scholarships unless the scholarship is awarded exclusively based on academic merit or is an athletic scholarship.
