Since Fall 2007, this student success program has allowed talented students from families with adjusted gross incomes below $40,000 to start working toward their bachelor’s degrees without the cost of tuition and fees getting in the way.

More than 1,800 students have been served by the program in the last four years.  The Class of 2014 has more than 650 students. 

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements prior to the Fall semester:

• complete all documents required by the Admissions Office before March 1
• complete the FAFSA before March 31
• be a new entering freshman (transfer students are not eligible)
• be a Texas resident
• be a member of a family whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $40,000
• be eligible to receive a federal Pell grantThe Pell grant is a federal grant that provides funds based on the student's financial need. through UNT
• sign a statement of your commitment to this exceptional program
• attend a UNT freshman orientation

How to Apply

If you think you qualify for the program, then you must complete the UNT Admissions Application through ApplyTexas.  The priority deadline for the admissions application is March 1.  You also need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before March 31.

There is no additional application for the program, but all paperwork must be submitted to UNT Admissions and the Student Financial AidMoney provided to the student and the family to help them pay for the student's education. Major forms of financial aid include gift aid (grants and scholarships) and self help aid (loans and work). and Scholarships office by March 31.  Please be sure you monitor your financial aid application through myUNT to see if you need to submit any outstanding documents or complete any other steps.

If you meet the program requirements and deadlines, then you will be notified between May 1 and June 31, depending on when you completed the FAFSA. 

Once your qualification is confirmed, you'll receive a selection notification packet from UNT inviting you to become an Emerald Eagle Scholar. The packet includes a contract between you and UNT that you need to sign and send back telling us that you'll enroll this fall and commit to the program.

Housing

You have the opportunity to live with other Emerald Eagle Scholars and become engaged on campus.  The UNT Department of Housing and Residence Life has established a REAL (Residents Engaged in Academic Living) Community for Emerald Eagle Scholars, who live together in Maple Hall.

Freshman Orientation

Emerald Eagle Scholars Sarah Cheek and Jamie Anderson at the UNT Homecoming festivities in 2009.

All freshmen have to attend a freshman orientation session.  During orientation, you'll be invited to an Emerald Eagle Scholars breakfast, where we'll answer your questions.

Freshman Seminar Class

A Freshman Seminar Class is offered to students.  Be sure to ask your advisor about this course.

Emerald Eagle Scholars Organization

Aside from the 400-plus student organizations on campus, the Emerald Eagle Scholars have their own group - the Emerald Eagle Scholars Organization.   This organization serves as an advisory committee for the program.  The group participates in various activities such as tailgates, a book exchange and community service.

Contact Us

To learn about the program, contact the Emerald Eagle Suite by calling 940-369-5251 or e-mailing emeraldeaglescholars@unt.edu.