Information below pertains to Fall 2024 applicants.

Am I eligible to compete for the Tier One Scholarship?

The Tier One Scholarship is the University of Houston’s most prestigious academic scholarship program. Incoming freshman students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement are encouraged to apply. 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 qualifying for this scholarship. Test optional applicants are considered. Transfer students, graduate students, and continuing UH students are not eligible to apply for the Tier One Scholarship.

When should I complete my application for admission to the University of Houston?

Your application for admission to the University should be complete no later than the University scholarship priority date of November 1, 2023. A complete application includes your test scores (ACT or SAT), official transcripts, application fee, and any other items the Office of Admissions may request to complete your application. If you are unsure of your application status, we encourage you to check your myUH portal or contact the Office of Admissions at 713-743-1010 (option 4) or admissions@uh.edu.

You must have a UHID in order to complete the Tier One Scholarship application. Your UHID will be emailed to you within 4 business days of completing the online application for admission via ApplyTexas or The Common Application. We strongly encourage you to plan ahead and submit your online application for admission well before the final completion date of November 1, 2023.

When should I complete my Tier One Scholarship Application?

The Tier One Scholarship application opens on August 1. Your Tier One Scholarship application should be completed by 5:00pm (Central Time) on November 1, 2023. We encourage you to complete it as early as possible. You must have a University of Houston ID number in order to complete the Tier One Scholarship application. You can only obtain a UH ID number by completing your application to the University.

What additional materials are required for the Tier One Scholarship application?

The Tier One Scholarship application requires a letter of recommendation. The letter should be from an individual who knows you well (high school teacher, school administrator, club advisor, etc.). You will provide the contact information for your recommender, who will be emailed with instructions to upload their letter via online form.

What happens after my Tier One application is complete?

We will review your application for admission to confirm that it is complete and that you meet University admissions criteria. A committee made up of University faculty and staff will then evaluate your scholarship application using a standardized rubric. Top-scoring applicants will be invited to participate in an on-campus interview during the Tier One Invitational. Applicants who have been selected to participate in the on-campus interviews will be notified by December 15, 2023.

I have been offered an Academic Excellence Scholarship. Does this affect my eligibility for the Tier One Scholarship?

No. The Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded automatically to admitted applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and apply by the priority date. If you are awarded a Tier One Scholarship, it will replace your Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Tier One applicants are also strongly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so that you can be considered for additional need-based scholarships and grants.

The University of Houston does not allow total student financial aid to exceed a student's 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 Pell Grant recipients, whose financial aid packages can add up to the COA plus the amount of the Pell Grant. Awards from the University of Houston are subject to change depending on the entire student award package and the student's COA.