University Funded Scholarships

The University funds several scholarships for incoming freshmen with awards ranging from $1,000 to $8,500 per year.  Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic credentials as measured by high school performance and standardized test scores.  Award criteria vary from one scholarship to another. In order to be eligible for any university-funded freshman scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

• Graduated from a high school that is accredited by the Texas Education Agency and/or the appropriate Regional Association of Schools and Colleges
• Applied for admission at UH for the Fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Temporary Resident Card (form I-766) as provided by the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Admissions file must be completed by December 1 to be considered for priority funding. Please note that this is the priority deadline and scholarships will continue to be awarded as long as funds are available.
  • Students are responsible for submitting new high school transcripts and/or SAT/ACT test scores if class rank or test scores change. Students must then notify the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid when this information has been submitted if they would like their files to be reviewed again. Students may do so by contacting the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid at (713) 743-1010, option 5, instant messaging with a representative on Live Online Chat, or visiting the Welcome Center.
  • If no high school class rank information is provided on the original transcript submitted with the admissions application, the student is responsible for notifying the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid of any changes to this information. In-lieu of an official ranking provided on the transcript, a statement of rank provided by a school administrator may be sufficient. This statement of rank should include a student's name, UH ID and a confirmation as to whether or not the student would fall in the top 10%, top 20% or top 30% of their respective graduating class.
  • New SAT/ACT test scores and/or class ranks will be accepted through January 31st.
  • Your completed admissions application allows you to be automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require a separate application.

Eligibility to Maintain your Scholarship

Your University Funded Scholarship will renew each year provided you meet the following criteria:

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA each semester;
• Enroll and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in the Fall and 12 credit hours in the Spring; and
• Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of enrollment at UH every academic year.
  • Summer courses may count toward the completion of the 30 credit hours, but tuition and fees for those courses will not be funded by your scholarship, unless a scholarship petition is filed.
  • Transfer hours and AP/Dual credit hours will not count toward the annual 30-hour requirement.
  • Courses repeated will not be covered by university-funded scholarships. Credit hours for courses repeated will not be included in the semester and annual credit hour requirements.

University-funded scholarships for incoming freshmen include:

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Amount:  $2,500 to $8,500 per year
Qualifications:  For students who have a competitive academic profile – typically a score of 1200 on the critical reading and math sections of the SAT (25 ACT composite) with a class rank in the top 20 percent. To remain eligible, students must maintain a full-time enrollment status (12 credit hours per semester), complete 30 credit hours annually (credit hours must be completed at the University of Houston–Main Campus), and a minimum 3.0 GPA per semester. 

Cullen Leadership Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000 per year (in addition to the Academic Excellence Scholarship)
Qualifications:Students who have been awarded the Academic Excellence Scholarship may compete for the Cullen Leadership scholarship by invitation from the Scholarship Office. This award will bring an additional $1,000 per year, and is renewable for up to four years. 

Greater Texas Foundation Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000 - $4,000 per year
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
Qualifications:  Students who have attended a Texas Early College High School are eligible to apply for the Greater Texas Foundation Scholarship. To be competitive for the scholarship, a student must graduate from an early college high school, be admitted to the University of Houston, achieve a minimum of a 3.0 college GPA and complete 50 hours of college-level courses by high school graduation. Students must complete the application and provide all necessary documents by February 1, 2013 in order to be considered for this scholarship. These documents can be delivered in person or mailed to the UH Welcome Center.

National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Amount:  Cost of tuition, required fees, room and board, including a $1,000 undergraduate research stipend and a $2,000 study abroad stipend
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

To learn more about the Tier One Scholarship including eligibility, benefits, FAQs, and information about current scholars, please visit the Tier One Scholars website by clicking the scholarship title above. Students who are home-schooled are not eligible to receive the Tier One Scholarship.

Valedictorian Scholarship

Amount: $3,000 (up to 4 years)
Students who started at the University of Houston the Fall semester following their high school graduation and received the Highest Ranking High School Graduate Exemption are eligible to receive the Valedictorian scholarship.  Students must also provide a copy of their Highest Ranking High School Graduate certificate (see example) issued by the state of Texas to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and the Office of Student Financial Services. To remain eligible, students must maintain a full-time enrollment status (12 credit hours per semester), complete 30 credit hours annually (credit hours must be completed at the University of Houston), and earn a minimum 3.0 GPA per semester. This award is renewable for up to four years (or five years for Architecture students) or until graduation.

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University Endowed Scholarships

Astronaut/Space Studies Scholarship Endowment 

The Astronaut/Space Studies scholarship is for students interested in becoming an astronaut or pursuing a career in the nation’s space program. Scholarship applicant must be a certified full-time degree-seeking student, maintain a 3.0 GPA and provide notice to the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid of summer work with NASA or another space related organization. Scholarship prospect’s studies must demonstrate some area of preparation for a career in the space program. Eligible programs of study: Bachelor of Science in Physics, Master of Science in Space Architecture, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Master of Science in Materials Engineering, Master of Science in Industrial Engineering or a Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering. Scholarship is renewable for up to 8 semesters.

Delphian Endowment Scholarship

Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
The Delphian scholarship is based upon merit, character and financial need. It is only available for the Fall and Spring semesters, up to 8 semesters or graduation, whichever comes first. Students will be considered without regard to gender, age, religion, race or ethnic origin, but must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Qualifying applicants must be classified as an undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from all colleges attended as well as maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours) each semester. Additionally, applicants must submit an official University of Houston transcript and/or transcripts from any previously attended university or college with the application. 

The Carole and Jim Hegenbarth Scholarship Endowment

Amount:  $1,000 (one time award)
The Carole and Jim Hegenbarth scholarship was established to help first generation students achieve their dream of higher education. Eligible applicants must be certified undergraduate, degree-seeking students in good standing with the University of Houston, and demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

Energy Alumni Scholarship Endowment 

The Energy Alumni Scholarship Endowment is for dependents of CenterPoint or Reliant Energy employees, or an employee who has been working for CenterPoint or Reliant Energy for at least one year. Applicants must be less than 26 years old, attend school full-time and show financial need according to the FASFA.

John Lienhard “Engines of Our Ingenuity” Scholarship

Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
This scholarship is open to any creative-thinking, undergraduate student at the University of Houston. To qualify, a student must be full-time (12 hours or more) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants must submit a one-page essay describing how they exhibit “creative” and “inventive” qualities.

M.A. Jinnah Scholarship

Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
The Jinnah Endowment Scholarship is intended for full-time students who are in good standing with the University. Applicants must have and must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Undergraduate students applying must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours at UH and graduate students applying must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at UH. Applicants must submit a 400-word essay in Urdu on the life of M.A. Jinnah. (Essays become the property of the University of Houston and may be reprinted in Pakistan Association of Greater Houston publications.)

Mehta Family Foundation Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000
The Mehta Family Foundation Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship to be used by students to cover expenses for tuition, books, fees, and/or supplies. The qualifying applicant must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or International student. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum UH-GPA of 3.5 and be a certified full-time undergraduate or graduate certificate student in good standing with demonstrated financial need.

Peggy & Bill Shiffick Foundation Scholarship

Appicants for the Peggy & Bill Shiffick 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.

Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000 - $1,500 per year
Qualifications: An entering freshman must have a GPA of 3.5 and a class rank of 10% or above, OR a SAT of 1200 or above. A first year professional student must have a certified minimum LSAT score of 155-160 points/PCAT score of 50 points/OAT score of 330 points. Students must submit a list of leadership activities in resume form along with 2 letters of recommendation. This award will bring an additional $1,000 – $1,500 per year, and is renewable for up to four years (or six years for Architecture or Pharmacy students).

The Woman’s Club of Houston Scholarship

Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
The Woman’s Club of Houston Scholarship is a one-time, annual award of up to $1,500. To qualify, an applicant must be a certified junior or senior student seeking an undergraduate degree in the field of Education or Fine Arts for Fall 2012/Spring 2013, enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester of award and maintain a 3.0 GPA. The applicant must also demonstrate an interest in contributing to the community through participation in community service activities. In addition, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

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Undergraduate Research Scholarships

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
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
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
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
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 (June 3rd - August 9th) under the direction of UH faculty. Current freshmen that will be sophomores in Fall 2013 are eligible to apply for the fellowship. However, students graduating in Spring and Summer 2013 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.

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Study Abroad Scholarships

Students receiving non-UH scholarships for travel/study/internship/volunteer opportunities abroad are required to visit the Office of International Studies and Programs prior to their departure in order to be in compliance with UH Safety and Health regulations. Please contact Ms. Parul Fernandes (director, OISP) via email at pfernandes@uh.edu or call 713-743-9167 to schedule an appointment. 

For complete listing of available scholarships, please visit Student Research Opportunities Around the World.

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College-Specific Scholarships

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.

Find out more:

• C.T. Bauer College of Business
• College of Education 
• College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 
• College of Optometry
• College of Pharmacy
• College of Social Work
• College of Technology
• Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management
• Cullen College of Engineering
• Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture
• The Honors College
• University of Houston Law Center
  
  
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Privately Funded Scholarships

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.

Alief Achievement Fund Scholarship

Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
The Alief Achievement Scholarship Fund Scholarship will be used to award Alief Independent School District High School seniors who exhibit leadership skills and will attend the University of Houston Main Campus. Scholarship applicant must also demonstrate financial need. To apply, applicant must submit résumé, two letters of recommendation and a 500-word narrative outlining why applicant wants to attend the University of Houston and how this scholarship will enable him/her to meet his/her goals. All scholarship documents should be submitted to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. If selected, 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 for a maximum of 4 years (or 8 semesters) provided the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements.

Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AROTC) Scholarship

The Army Reserves Officers' Training Corps (AROTC) Scholarship is awarded for academic and personal achievement and pays annually an amount determined by the U.S. Army. The scholarship includes funding for tuition, a flat rate for textbooks, equipment, and supplies, and a subsistence allowance. Recipients must enroll and fully participate in Army ROTC. Four-year AROTC scholarships are applied for during the latter part of the junior or the early part of the senior year of high school. Two- and three-year AROTC scholarships are applied for during the sophomore and freshman years, respectively, through the Department of Military Science. For further information, contact Lt. Weaver at 713-743-3883.

Barnes and Noble Textbook Scholarship

Amount:  $800 per year ($400 per semester), renewable for up to 2 years
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Barnes and Noble is pleased to be a member of the University of Houston (UH) community and seeks to support student Success and Access at UH by providing textbook scholarships to UH students that have been admitted to undergraduate programs. Qualifying applicants who meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements are invited to apply. Any funds not used each semester will be returned to the Barnes & Noble Textbook Scholarship account. Eligibility requirements: Academic Excellence Scholar with an SAT score ranging between 1200-1290 or ACT score ranging between 26-28, Dean's list student with a 3.5 GPA or above, or a Transfer Excellence Scholar with a 3.0 GPA or above.

Delphian Foundation Scholarship

Amount:  $4,000 per year (renewable)
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
The Delphian scholarship is based upon scholarship, merit, character and financial need. It is only available for the Fall and Spring semesters, up to 8 semesters or graduation, whichever comes first. Applicants will be considered without regard to age, religion, race or ethnic origin, but must be a woman and citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Qualifying applicants must be classified as an undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from all colleges attended as well as maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours) each semester. Additionally, applicants must submit an official University of Houston transcript and/or transcripts from any previously attended university or college with the application. Interviews will not be scheduled until all information is received by the Delphian office.

Ella Margaret Hawes Women in Transition Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
Women who are faculty or professional staff members, wives or daughters of the same, or retired members may apply for this $1000 scholarship. An applicant must be enrolled in a university-approved degree program. The scholarship will be awarded to the woman “in transition” based on merit, motivation and need. Applications are available in the M.D. Anderson Library Administration Office, room 220 (second floor). Submitted applications must be postmarked by April 30. For further information contact Joan Linsley at 713-661-8801 or joantex@aol.com, or Evelyn Brass at 713-743-9686 or ebrass@uh.edu.

Mark & Judith Cook Foundation Scholarship

Amount:  Full-ride
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
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 résumé, 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 by 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 8 semesters (or up to 10 semesters if student is enrolled in a 5-year program) including tuition and fees; on-campus room and board or the equivalent; books and University of Houston sponsored student health insurance.

Mary Hoffman Harding Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
Children or grandchildren of full-time current or retired employees of the UH System (any campus) are eligible for the Mary Harding Hoffman $1000.00 scholarship. Students may apply if they are, or will be, full-time students for the next school year at the UH Central Campus as entering freshmen, or undergraduate or graduate in good standing. The scholarship will be  awarded on the basis of scholarship achievement with leadership qualities as secondary consideration. There is no financial disclosure requirement. A previous winner may not reapply because it is awarded on a one-time basis. Applications are available in the M.D. Anderson Library Administration Office, room 220 (second floor). Submitted applications must be postmarked by April 30. For further information contact Joan Linsley at 713-661-8801 or joantex@aol.com, or Evelyn Brass at 713-743-9686 or ebrass@uh.edu.

Meal Plan Scholarship

Amount:  Two All-Access 7 Meal Plans per year (One All-Access 7 Meal Plan per semester), not renewable
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
UH Dining Services (UHDS) is pleased to be a member of the University of Houston community and seeks to support student Success and Access at UH by providing Meal Plan scholarships to UH students that have been admitted to undergraduate programs. Qualifying applicants who meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements are invited to apply. Eligibility requirements: Academic Excellence Scholar with an SAT score ranging between 1200-1290 or ACT score ranging between 26-28, Dean's List student with a 3.5 GPA or above, or a Transfer Excellence Scholar with a 3.0 GPA or above.

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.

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Scholarships for Transfers

Thinking of transferring to UH? If you show promise through academics, leadership, and/or community involvement, you may qualify for one of these scholarships:

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship           

Amount:  $1,200 ($600 per semester), not renewable
Deadline:  April 1 (Fall) & December 1 (Spring)
For Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society members who are transfer students and intend to pursue their first baccalaureate degree at the University of Houston.  For inquiries regarding applications and deadlines, please contact the Office of Admissions at 713-743-1010, option 4.  

Transfer Excellence Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000 per year ($500 per semester), not renewable
Applicants must hold a permanent residence card or be a U.S. Citizen, must enroll in 12 hours of classes at UH Main Campus, must have 42 transferable hours from a regionally accepted U.S. institution and must have a 3.00 GPA (on a 4.0 point scale). Awards are offered for Fall and Spring applicants. For inquiries regarding applications and deadlines please contact the Office of Admissions at 713-743-1010, option 4. 

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Out-of-State Students

Want to pay in-state tuition—but you live out of state? You may be entitled to an out-of-state tuition waiver if you are a:

• Nonresident of the state of Texas AND

• Recipient of eligible UH or individual college scholarships totaling more than $1,000 annually (see college and/or department for more details).

The waiver allows you to pay tuition at the same rate as a Texas resident—a savings of thousands per semester. Waivers are limited, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

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Scholarships for International Students

Florence Terry Griswold Scholarship

Amount:  $2,500
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
The Florence Terry Griswold Scholarship is for women who are citizens of a Pan American country (other than the United States) and is pursuing a graduate degree at a state-supported college or university in Texas. More than $2,500 may be awarded in years when funds are available.

Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJCC) Scholarship

Amount:  Comprehensive
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
The purpose of HJCC is to provide financial support for students participating in a study abroad program, Click here to learn more about eligibility and application requirements.

Jack & D'Ann Burke International Scholarship Endowment

Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
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. For non-immigrant international students, financial need is established by the results of an application for a Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) through the International Student and Scholars Services Office.

Mehta Family Foundation Scholarship

Amount:  $1,000
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
The Mehta Family Foundation Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship to be used by students to cover expenses for tuition, books, fees, and/or supplies. The qualifying applicant must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or International student. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum UH-GPA of 3.5 and be a certified full-time undergraduate or graduate certificate student in good standing with demonstrated financial need.

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 Corporate Scholarships

• Bentley Student Design Competition
• AmeriGlide Achiever Scholarship
• American Federation of Musicians
• ASCO Numatics
• ASIST Scholarship Program
• Association for Iron & Steel Technology  (AIST)
• Association of State Dam Safety Officials
• ATT Savings What’s Your Dream App Scholarship
• Bounce Energy Scholarship
• British American Foundation of Texas
• Cognizant Engineering Scholarship
• Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
• Dallas Center for Architecture Foundation Scholarship
• Dallas CSI Foundation
• Desk & Derrick Club of Dallas Scholarship
• Devard and Devaughn Darling High School Senior Award
• Gee Family Association Education Fund Scholarship
• The George Foundation
• Golden Key International Honour Society Scholarships
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
• The Home Security Scholarship
• Houston Council of the Blind Scholarship
• Irene W. Wischer Education Foundation Scholarship Program
• Jackie Robinson Foundation
• Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship
• MassMutual Multicultural Scholars Program
• Nancy Larson Foundation
• National Society of Professional Engineers
• Public Relations Foundation of Houston Annual Scholarship
• Security Choice Scholarship
• SIPES Foundation Earth Sciences Scholarship
• SMART Scholarship
• Society of Women Engineers
• Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, Inc. Scholarship
• TELACU Scholarship
• Texas Department of Transportation Conditional Grant Program
• Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowships
• TG’s Charley Wootan Grant Program
• Udall Scholarship
• U.S. Dish
• US Bank Scholarship
• Wings Over Houston Airshow Scholarship

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