University Leadership Network

Encouraging students through financial support and leadership training

The University Leadership Network (ULN) is a nationally recognized incentive-based scholarship program. ULN’s mission is to encourage and support students to graduate in four years and become leaders through professional and experiential learning opportunities that advance their education, communities and lives.

Participation in ULN spans a student’s four years at UT. The financial support and comprehensive four-year plan allow students to streamline their educational experience, helping them to minimize student loan debt and graduate career-ready and poised to become leaders in their community. ULN Core Functions include:

  • building community
  • developing leadership skills
  • career readiness via experiential learning
  • financial education

Explore the questions below to help you plan your gift or contact us for assistance.

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What gift amount can establish a ULN Scholarship?
  • The minimum amount to endow a four-year ULN scholarship is $50,000.
  • The minimum contribution amount for a current-pay, non-endowed four-year scholarship is $22,000 (which includes an annual $500 administration fee).
Do I have to make one lump-sum contribution?
  • A lump-sum contribution is preferred for endowed scholarships so it can be awarded as soon as possible, but there is a five-year pledge option.
  • A lump-sum contribution is required for current-pay scholarships. For donors establishing a four-year, renewable award, the full amount of the four-year scholarship is required before the scholarship is awarded to a freshman recipient.
Who sets the annual scholarship award amount?

ULN students receive a scholarship of up to $20,000 (up to $5,000 per year over four years at UT) based on participation in the program’s four-year plan. In partnership with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, ULN awards scholarship funds to students at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

What preferences may a donor request when establishing a ULN Scholarship?

We’ll make every effort to oblige your preference in the following areas:

  • Major/area of study preferences – You may request a recipient who is specializing in an area of study.

  • Required residency – You may request for a recipient to be chosen from a certain county, or be a resident of Texas, etc.
The following program elements apply to all ULN scholarship recipients:
  • Student classification – ULN scholarships are available to entering freshmen only. Each year, first-year students are selected to begin the program. Cohort sizes range from 250 to 500 students.
  • Demonstrated financial need – ULN scholarship eligibility is based on a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The ULN scholarship is in addition to any other grants or scholarships a student might receive, so a student’s ULN scholarship amount might be adjusted if their total financial aid exceeds the university’s cost of attendance. In keeping with ULN’s goal of minimizing student loan debt, if a student obtains additional resources and the ULN award impacts the amount of financial aid for which they are eligible, student loans are reduced first.
  • Renewability – ULN scholarships are guaranteed for four years of a student’s academic career for ULN students who complete 30 credit hours per year (including transfer hours) and maintain a 2.0 to 4.0 cumulative GPA.  In addition, students must actively participate in ULN events and activities.
  • Selection process – Students are invited to participate in the University Leadership Network by members of its selection committee. 

I am incredibly proud of the growth I have had academically in ULN and the ways I am able to mentor my siblings as they get closer to their own academic journeys.”

Valerie Ruby Faudoa
ULN Cohort TX ‘22
Major: Communication and Leadership Public Policy
Certificate: Building Disciplines Program

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