For international students, UT-Dallas does not offer need-based financial aid. However, non-need-based, or merit-based aid is available. On this page, I will list UTD's costs & expenses for the 2008-2009 academic year and all types of scholarships for which an international student is eligible.
COSTS & EXPENSES (for Fall 2009)
From my own experience, living expenses vary greatly for different people. For international students, the living cost is usually lower than the amount listed above.
FINANCING
International students have the following options to finance their education at UT-Dallas:
- Acedemic Excellence Scholarship (AES)
- Department and Independent Scholarships
- McDermott Scholarship
- On-campus Job
- Student Loan
I will now go into detail of each method mentioned in the list above.
ACEDEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP (AES)
Every applicant who applies to UT-Dallas is automatically considered for an Academic Excellence Scholarship. Non-Texan AES recipients will only have to pay in-state tuition and fees (refer to the chart above). The award is based on standardized test scores, GPA & class rank, extracurricular activities, and admission essay. Scholarship decision is usually announced shortly after the admission result.
There are five types of Academic Excellence Scholarships corresponding to different academic performances of applicants:
- Academic Recognition Scholarship: $1,000 per semester to be applied toward tuition and mandatory fees. This award is good for four years (eight semesters). Expected contribution: $19,000 - $21,000
- Academic Higher Recognition Scholarship: $2,000 per semester to be applied toward tuition and mandatory fees. This award is good for four years (eight semesters). Expected contribution: $17,000 - $19,000
- Academic Distinction Scholarship: The Academic Distinction Scholarship covers cost of tuition and mandatory fees through eight semesters (four years) of enrollment. In addition, the scholarship provides $2,000 per year contribution toward on-campus rental expenses. Expected contribution: $8,000 - $10,000
- Academic Honors Scholarship: The Academic Honors Scholarship covers cost of tuition and mandatory fees through eight semesters (four years) if enrollment. In addition, the scholarship provides a $1500 cash award per semester ($3,000 per year) and a $2,000 per year contribution toward on-campus rental expenses. Expected contribution: $5,000 - $7,000
- Academic Scholarship for National Merit Scholars (most international students will not be eligible for this scholarship): National Merit Finalists who list UTD as their first choice with NMSC will automatically receive eight semesters of support for tuition and mandatory fees, a $2,500 cash award per semester ($5,000 per year) via a combination of UT Dallas's Academic Excellence Scholarship funds and an NMSC Scholarship, $2,000 one-time support for international study abroad (after completion of two academic years in residence) and a $2,000 per year contribution toward rental expenses at the Waterview park student apartment complex for students who choose to live on campus. This award will be made only when NMSC has notified UTD of your selection of our university as your first choice. Expected contribution: $3,000 - $5,000
Since the applicant pool varies from year to year, it is hard to determine what extent of academic achievement will be enough to receive a good Academic Excellence Scholarship. Based on my observation, to get an Academic Distinction Scholarship or above, an international applicant should meet the following requirements:
- Have a composite SAT score (Critical Reading & Math) higher than 1350
- Maintain a good GPA throughout high school
- Rank in the top 10% of graduating class
- Participate in various extracurricular activities
- Write a decent essay
For more information about AES, click here.
McDERMOTT SCHOLARSHIP
The Eugene McDermott Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship that an undergraduate freshman may receive in UT-Dallas. The scholarship is highly competitive, awarding only 20 scholars each year.
--> Value of the scholarship:
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- Annual book stipend
- Round-trip travel home twice per academic year for Scholars living outside the DFW Metroplex but within the United States; international students receive one round–trip ticket per academic year
- Monthly stipend of $1,200 for on-campus housing and living expenses (or $10,800/year)
- Statewide and national travel for curricular activities
- Study abroad and internship opportunities
--> Potential Finalists:
- Have an SAT or ACT score at or above the 97th percentile
- Be in the top 5% of their graduating class
- Have long records of community volunteer work and leadership in school
- Have broad and eclectic interests in science, literature, and the arts
- Have the social skills to interact easily with adults as well as peers
--> Application Process:
- November 15, 2008: Priority Deadline for students to submit their online application. The early deadline will ensure notification concerning Finalists' Weekend by December 15th.
- January 1, 2009: Regular Deadline for students to submit their online application. The regular deadline will ensure notification concerning Finalists' Weekend by January 16th.
- February 6-8, 2009: Finalists’ Weekend at The University of Texas at Dallas. To continue in the selection process, attendance is mandatory.
- February and March 2009: Program Director begins to make offers to join the McDermott Scholars Program.
- May 1, 2009: 2009 Scholars announced.
--> My Personal Experience:
Being in Collegium V, I have had the opportunity to meet several McDermott scholars. They not only excel academically but also possess strong leadership and social skills. That is to say, academic excellence is only one of the many criteria for this scholarship.
For more information about the Eugene McDermott Scholarship and to apply online, click here.
FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
UT Dallas has established the Academic Excellence Scholarship program for qualified first-time, degree-seeking full-time undergraduate transfer students who have earned 42 - 90 transferable credit hours. This competitive scholarship ranges from $500 to $2,000 per academic year. You are automatically reviewed for a scholarship after you are accepted for admission.
--> Eligibility Requirements:
Students receiving this award must register and complete 12 credit hours at UT Dallas each semester.
Required
Transferable GPA |
Award
(per semester) |
Renewable? |
| 3.90 - 4.00 |
$ 1,000 |
Yes |
| 3.75 - 3.89 |
$ 750 |
Yes |
| 3.50 - 3.74 |
$ 500 |
Yes |
| 3.00 - 3.49 |
$ 500 |
No |
- Awards are contingent on availability of funding.
- This award may be continued for a maximum of four consecutive long semesters, if eligible.
- Scholarships are only awarded for a fall or spring semester and are not deferrable.
|
Students majoring in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Telecommunications Engineering may also receive an additional $500 per semester for two semesters (Fall/Spring or Spring/Fall). Transfer students with a 3.0 to 3.49 transferable GPA who receive the $500 AES scholarship for one-semester only will receive a one-time award of $500.
--> Other Transfer Scholarships
Additional Scholarships for Transfer Students are available through the Financial Aid Office.
ON-CAMPUS JOB & STUDENT LOAN
I currently work for UTD's Office of Enrollment Services. Getting an on-campus job in UTD is competitive, but it does help quite a lot toward covering your living expenses. The typical wage for student workers in UTD is $8/hour, so if you work 10 hours/week, you'll be earning approximately $2,500/year. Working more than 10 hours/week during the school year is allowed, but might be excessive if you're taking 15 credit hours; plus, you need to have life!