First Time Freshman

Scholarships are designed to reward, encourage, and assist students pursue academic excellence and leadership roles. Scholarships are merit-based, need-based, and non-need-based monetary awards. Scholarships do not need to be repaid. Scholarships are a great way to access additional funds for college, and significantly reduce your student loans or need for work.

The University of Memphis selectively awards scholarships each year. All scholarships are awarded for the academic year (fall and spring semesters only). Scholarships are awarded based on information submitted on the UofM admissions application. For priority consideration, freshmen students should apply to the University of Memphis by Dec. 1

Two pathways for academic scholarship consideration:

1. GPA + Test Score Evaluation: Students are reviewed based on a combination of their cumulative high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores.
2. GPA-Only Evaluation: Students may also be considered for certain scholarships based solely on their cumulative high school GPA. We encourage students to submit qualifying ACT/SAT scores, as we consider super scores to help maximize eligibility. Updated GPA and test scores may be submitted through March 1.

Scholarship Renewal Criteria:

• Academic scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years.
• Awards are disbursed during the fall and spring semesters only.
• Recipients must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester and maintain good academic standing.
• Students are encouraged to complete 15 credit hours per semester to stay on track for four-year graduation.
• Completion of required service hours is also necessary for scholarship renewal.

Award Limitations:
Students may receive one first-time freshman scholarship, with the Valedictorian Scholarship eligible to be stacked. Tennessee residents may stack Memphis Promise and additional awards from the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) if eligible and awarded.

Additional Scholarships Available

Emerging Leaders 

This prestigious program significantly enhances the undergraduate experience by promoting rigorous academic standards, campus involvement, leadership development, civic engagement, and career readiness. Students selected for the Emerging Leaders program receive an annual scholarship of $5,500, yet the program's true value exceeds this monetary amount. This scholarship is renewable for a total award of $22,000 over four years. The Emerging Leaders Program selects a limited number of students each year with a minimum 21 ACT or 1060 SAT and a 3.0 or higher cumulative high school grade point average. This program requires a separate application available in Tiger Scholarship Manager and must be completed by February 1. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average, acquire and maintain involvement in at least one campus-affiliated entity, complete ten community service hours each semester, and submit reflections for co-curricular experiences each semester. On-campus housing is required during freshman year for students selected to receive this scholarship. The Emerging Leaders Scholarship is only available to students attending the Memphis (Central) Campus. For more information about the Emerging Leaders Program, please visit memphis.edu/leadership/emerging.

First Scholars Program 

First Scholars' comprehensive program specifically addresses the holistic development of first-generation students throughout their college experience. This program delivers multiple levels of support, including a full-time program coordinator and peer mentors to help First Scholars address the unique challenges first-gen students face. Students selected for the First Scholars Program receive an annual award of $5,000, which is renewable for a total award of $20,000 over four years. This program is open to incoming freshmen whose parents did not graduate from college. First Scholars are selected based on eligibility criteria. This program requires a separate application available online and must be completed by February 1. Optional on-campus housing is available during freshmen year for students selected to receive this scholarship. The First Scholars® Program is only available to students attending Memphis (Central) Campus. For more information about the First Scholars Program, including eligibility criteria and the application, please visit memphis.edu/firstscholars. 

Admitted high school seniors intending to enroll for the Fall semester may also apply for private and departmental scholarships through the Tiger Scholarship Manager. You will log into your myMemphis portal to apply, and directions are provided Tiger Scholarship Manager How To Apply for Scholarships (PDF). 

Cost of Attendance

Outlined below are the estimated direct costs of classes, on-campus housing, meal plans and book rentals for the 2025-26 academic year, including both fall and spring semesters, before the application of financial aid and scholarship opportunities. 

*All information is based on 15 credit hours per semester enrollment for fall and spring. On-Campus Housing/Meal Plans estimates are based on Centennial Place double room and the 10 Weekly Meal Plan. Off Campus Meal Plan estimates are based on TigerEat$ program. Other housing and meal plan options are available. Tiger SmartStart Book Rental Program is available through the University Bookstore based on 15 credit hours enrollment for fall and spring semesters. All rates based on 2025-26. Cost of Attendance Estimator is available at umwa.memphis.edu/estimator. 

HOPE Scholarship  

Students eligible for the State of Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Program (Lottery Scholarship) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) as specified by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC). 

To be eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria: have a 21/1060 on the ACT/SAT or an unweighted high school GPA of a 3.0, have been a TN resident for at least a year prior to high school graduation, and graduate from an eligible high school. 

Homeschool students must meet all of the above and have a 21/1060 on the ACT/SAT or meet one of the following: 

• Completing at least two dual enrollment classes at an eligible postsecondary institution while enrolled in the home school program totaling at least six semester hours and achieving a minimum 3.0 college GPA in each of the two dual enrollment courses and achieve a minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA in all dual enrollment courses attempted. 

The HOPE Scholarship amounts can be found in the chart below: 

The HOPE Scholarship program offers two supplemental scholarships to eligible students. 

• HOPE Aspire – students must meet all HOPE Scholarship requirements and have a household AGI of $36,000 or less. This award is $750 per semester 
• HOPE Merit – students must meet all HOPE Scholarship requirements and have a 29 on the ACT and a final unweighted high school GPA of a 3.75. This award is $500 per semester. Home school students must have a 29 on the ACT and one of the following: 
  • Enroll in at least four (4) dual enrollment courses totaling at least twelve (12) semester hours at an eligible postsecondary institution and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; OR 
  • Participate in a Governor’s School program, and achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0; OR 
  • Take two (2) Advanced Placement (AP) exams and make a score of at least three (3); OR 
  • Take one (1) College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) test and make a score of at least 55 

 For more details regarding the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Program, please go to the HOPE Lottery Scholarship website. 

Learn more about scholarship opportunities for Out-of-State First Time Freshman >