So, you’re looking at the University of North Texas—or as the old-timers and alumni still call it, North Texas State University tuition. First thing’s first: the name changed way back in 1988, but the hunt for an affordable degree in Denton is still very much a thing.
Finding out what college actually costs is a total headache. You look at one page, it says $12,000. You look at another, it says $30,000. Honestly, it’s enough to make you want to just stay in bed. But if you’re trying to figure out if you can actually afford to be a Mean Green Eagle in 2026, there is some weirdly good news buried in the fine print.
The Sticker Price vs. Reality
Most people see the "Cost of Attendance" and freak out. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for a Texas resident taking 15 hours a semester sit right around $12,092.
If you aren't from Texas? That number jumps to $24,242.
But here’s the kicker: tuition is just the start. When you add in a dorm, a meal plan (because you have to eat), books, and that random "transportation" fee they tack on, the total resident cost for living on campus is about $29,015.
Wait, don't close the tab yet. Barely anyone actually pays that full "sticker price."
The North Texas Promise: A Literal Game Changer
Just a few days ago, in January 2026, UNT dropped a massive announcement that basically changes the math for thousands of families. They launched the North Texas Promise.
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Basically, if you’re a Texas resident coming in as a freshman in Fall 2026 and your family makes $100,000 or less, UNT is going to cover your full tuition and mandatory fees.
No, seriously.
They use a "gap-funding" model. They take your Pell Grant, your state grants, and whatever scholarships you got, and if there’s still a balance left on your tuition bill, the university just... pays it. You still have to cover your own housing and food, but taking $12,000 off the bill every year is huge.
Who actually qualifies for the free tuition?
- You have to be a Texas resident.
- Your family income must be $100k or less.
- You need to be in the top 25% of your high school class OR be Pell Grant eligible.
- You must get your FAFSA in by February 15, 2026.
That February deadline is a hard line. If you miss it, you're back to paying the regular North Texas State University tuition rates.
Breaking Down the "Hidden" Fees
Ever wonder why your bill has twenty different line items? UNT is a big fan of specific fees.
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It’s not just one flat rate. You’re paying for the Student Union ($167), Medical Services ($66.85), and even an Environmental Services fee ($5). There’s also a Learning Support Fee that’s about $43 per hour for undergrads.
If you take a lab or a specific fine arts class, expect even more "instructional fees." It's sorta like buying a plane ticket where the seat costs $100 but the "air" costs an extra $50.
Traditional vs. Save and Soar
UNT has this thing called the Save and Soar Plan. It’s a guaranteed tuition rate.
Most colleges raise tuition every single year. With Save and Soar, you lock in a rate for four years. It’s slightly higher at the start, but by your senior year, you’re usually paying less than the new freshmen. Plus, if you take classes in the summer, they give you a big discount on the tuition portion.
If you plan on graduating in exactly four years, the locked-in rate is usually the smarter move. If you're "vibing" and might take six years? The traditional plan might actually be better because the guarantee expires after four years anyway.
What about Graduate School?
For the folks looking at a Master’s or PhD, the math changes. For 2025-2026, resident graduate tuition for 9 hours (which is full-time for grad students) is about $8,700 for the year.
Non-residents are looking at $15,990.
Keep in mind that grad students often have higher "advising fees," especially in the College of Engineering or the Toulouse Graduate School.
Living in Denton: The Real Cost
Denton isn't as cheap as it used to be. Living off-campus is actually estimated to be more expensive than living on campus now—about $31,195 total versus $29,015.
The apartment market around Fry Street and the Square is pretty cutthroat. If you want to save money, staying at home with parents (if you’re local) drops your total estimated cost to $26,812.
Actionable Steps for 2026 Applicants
- File the FAFSA immediately. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is already open. Use UNT code 003594.
- Check the Promise Eligibility. If your family makes under $100k, make sure your high school transcript is sent over to prove that top 25% ranking.
- Apply for the Eagle Scholarship Portal. UNT gives out over $70 million in scholarships every year. The deadline for most of these is usually February or March.
- Choose your Tuition Plan. Look at the "Tuition Estimator" on the UNT Student Accounting website to compare the Save and Soar plan against the traditional one based on your specific major.
- Watch the "To-Do" List. Check your myUNT portal every week. They love to ask for one random tax document at the last second that holds up your entire financial aid package.
The days of North Texas State University tuition being "pocket change" are over, but with the new 2026 Promise program, it’s actually becoming one of the most accessible R1 research schools in the country again. Just don't miss that February 15th deadline.