Scholarships

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. Here’s a look at the options. You also may want to explore scholarships from outside sources by browsing websites like FastWebStudentScholarships.org, Collegeboard, Hispanic College Fund, The National Data Base Scholarships and US College Scholarships and Grants. Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office.

To learn more about establishing a scholarship, please visit our Giving FAQs.

NOTE: State law requires that each student identify any relation to a current University of Houston Board of Regent 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.

State Funded Scholarships

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)
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
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. 
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 Financial Services at (713) 743-1010, option 6.
Valedictorian Scholarship - See below for more information regarding this scholarship.
License Plate Insignia Scholarship
Deadline: Not currently accepting applications
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.
Mexican Citizens with Financial Need-Border Nations Waiver
Amount:  Resident tuition rate
Deadline: July 1 (Fall), December 1 (Spring)
The purpose of this waiver is to permit a small number of individuals with financial need and are citizens of Mexico, to enroll in any public university in Texas while paying the resident tuition rate. In order to guarantee your application is processed by the 1st payment deadline of each semester, applications must be submitted by the deadlines provided. However, applications may be submitted after the stated deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Click here to apply.
Top 10 Percent High School Graduate Scholarship
Amount:  $4,000 (up to four years)
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
The 80th Texas legislature created the Top 10 Percent Scholarship to encourage students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class to attend a Texas public institution of higher education.

Typically, if funding is available, qualifying students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) by a specific deadline**, have financial need, and enroll fulltime in a Texas public college or university in the fall semester may be eligible to receive up to $2,000. Students who submit their FAFSA after this deadline are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds have been spent.

For the upcoming 2012-2013 year, all qualifying students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)** or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)** and have financial need may be eligible if they enroll fulltime in a Texas public college or university in the fall 2012 semester.

If the student is classified as a junior or senior with a declared major in a critical workforce shortage field (teaching shortage area, nursing, allied health, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), the student may be eligible for a bonus of $2,000. The total award amount for students with declared majors in shortage fields may not exceed $4,000.


 

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.
  • Completed admission file 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 Scholarship Office when these new documents are submitted if they would like their files to be re-reviewed. Students may do so by contacting the Scholarship Office at (713) 743-1010, option 5, instant messaging with a representative on Live Online Chat, or visiting the Welcome Center.
    • New SAT/ACT test scores and/or class ranks will be accepted through January 31st. 

Some scholarships require a separate application; for others, your completed admissions application allows you to be automatically considered. University-funded scholarships for incoming freshmen include:

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.
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 (26 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), and a minimum 3.0 GPA per semester.
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). 
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. 
National Merit Scholarship Finalist
Amount:  Cost of tuition, required fees, room, board, and a $500 per semester book stipend
Qualifications:  National Merit Scholarship Finalists who select UH as their first choice in accordance with the rules and deadlines established by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). 
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.
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 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.


 

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)
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
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 (2012-2013)
John Lienhard “Engines of Our Ingenuity” Scholarship (2013-2014)
Deadline:  May 17, 2013 (2012-2013, 2013-2014)
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
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.
Peggy & Bill Shiffick Foundation Scholarship
Deadline:  Not currently accepting applications
Applicants for the Peggy & Bill Shiffick must be full time, undergraduate, degree-seeking students who demonstrate financial need (as determined by the FAFSA or TASFA)and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. This is a one-time scholarship for the 2012-2013 year.
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.


 

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:  April 24, 2013
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:  March 22, 2013
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.


 

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.

 

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:

 

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: April 29, 2013
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.
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 1100-1190 or ACT score ranging between 24-26, 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: April 29, 2013
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 Lifestyle 21 Meal Plans per year (One Lifestyle 21 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 1100-1190 or ACT score ranging between 24-26, 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.

 

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. 


 Back to Top

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.



 

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.


Back to Top

Corporate Scholarships