First-year students Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply for engineering scholarships?
A: Prospective first-year students can apply for scholarships by completing the scholarship section of the ApplyTexas Application for admission when applying to The University of Texas at Austin. To be considered for scholarships from the Cockrell School of Engineering, you must select Engineering as your first choice major.
Q: When is the deadline for submitting my scholarship application?
A: The scholarship application must be completed by December 1st.
Q: What happens when UT receives my scholarship application?
A: The University will forward a copy of your completed scholarship application to the Engineering Scholarship Program for consideration, if you marked Engineering as your first choice major. The Engineering Scholarship Program will acknowledge receipt of your application in February. Any scholarship offers that the Engineering Scholarship Program extends will be mailed in the spring.
Q: Should I also apply for scholarships through the department of my major?
A: The Engineering Scholarship Program is involved in the decision making process on all incoming first year student scholarships. Your application will automatically be considered for department scholarships.
Q: What are the criteria for selecting candidates for scholarships?
A: Cockrell School of Engineering scholarships are based on merit. SAT/ACT scores and class rank are key factors considered.
Q: How will being a National Merit Finalist affect my chances for scholarships through the Engineering Scholarship Program?
A: National Merit Finalist scholarship awards are handled through the Office of Student Financial Services. Scholarship offers from the Engineering Scholarship Program would be in addition to any National Merit, National Achievement or National Hispanic Scholarships offered to you from the University. The Engineering Scholarship Program does not look at National Merit scholarships in determining its awards.
Q: How many scholarships may I receive through the Engineering Scholarship Program?
A: In general, no student should receive more than one scholarship award from sources within The University of Texas at Austin and the Cockrell School of Engineering. This includes scholarship award programs through the Engineering Scholarship Program and the departments in the Cockrell School of Engineering, Texas Achievement Awards, Presidential Achievement Awards, the Texas Ex Students’ Association Texas Excellence Awards for Scholarship and Leadership, and Society of Automotive Engineers Awards. Also included are scholarships funded by outside sources that are administered through the Cockrell School of Engineering or The University of Texas and handled through University accounts such as the Terry Foundation Scholarships and the Temple Foundation Scholarships. National Merit, National Hispanic and National Achievement Awards do not fall into this category.
Should a student receive more than one scholarship award from sources within The University of Texas at Austin and the Cockrell School of Engineering, the Engineering Scholarship Program will review the total award package and adjustments may be made to the Cockrell School of Engineering sponsored awards.
Q: Will I be eligible for an out-of-state tuition waiver?
A: National Merit Finalists receive out-of-state tuition waivers through the Office of Student Financial Services. Students with SAT scores of 1500 (ACT 34) and above may be offered an out-of-state tuition waiver through the Cockrell School of Engineering, depending on availability of waivers. If the Engineering Scholarship Program grants an out-of-state tuition waiver, the student will be informed in the scholarship offer letter.
Q: Why does my Engineering Scholarship not show up on my Financial Aid Award Letter?
A: The Engineering Scholarship Program is separate and distinct from the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS). The OSFS handles the Financial Aid Award Packages and is not aware of a student's Engineering Scholarship Offer until later in the academic year. When the scholarship appointment is made, OSFS will make any adjustments necessary on the student's financial aid award package. If you would like to know, in advance, of the adjustments that will be made, contact OSFS at 512-475-6282 and speak to a financial aid counselor.