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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Helping You Fund Your Future

Geographical, Need-Based, and Other Scholarships for Freshmen

The University offers a wide variety of scholarships that consider an applicant's academic profile along with other factors such as the applicant's county and state of residence, financial need, ability to enhance student ethnic diversity, musical and artistic talents, or other donor requirements.

For scholarship consideration, incoming freshmen must complete an Admissions Application and submit supporting documentation by January 15th, as well as take the ACT or SAT by the December national test dates. Some of the scholarships listed below require the completion of additional forms or applications.

Davis Scholarship

Available to graduates of Nebraska high schools, the value of the Davis Scholarship varies and can cover up to the full direct cost of attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln over four years. A separate application is required and is due by February 1st. The application is available at admissions.unl.edu/apply.

Gupta Scholarship

The value of the award is the equivalent of a standard residence hall contract, limited to four academic years.

Larson Scholarship

The value of the award varies and is limited to four academic years.

Midwest Student Exchange Program Scholarship

Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) Scholarships are awarded to academically qualified students from Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, North Dakota, or Wisconsin who exhibit superior academic performance. A MSEP student pays 150 percent of the institution's regular resident tuition plus any required fees. When meeting the annual renewal criteria, the scholarship is applicable for up to 135 credit hours or the completion of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first, inclusive of all undergraduate coursework at all postsecondary educational institutions attended.

Native American Heritage Scholarships

The value of the award varies and can cover up to the full direct cost of attending UNL, limited to four academic years. Preference is given to students with strong tribal affiliation with one of the indigenous tribes associated with the geographic area of Nebraska in prehistoric, historic, and modern times. A separate application is required and is due by February 1st. The application is available at admissions.unl.edu/apply.

Nebraska Achievement Scholarship

Available to graduates of Nebraska high schools, the value of the Nebraska Achievement Scholarship varies and can cover up to full tuition. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years.

Nebraska Legacy Scholarship

Available to the child of a University of Nebraska graduate, the Nebraska Legacy Scholarship provides qualified applicants with one of two levels of scholarship awards, one which pays the full nonresident portion of tuition and another which pays 50% of the nonresident portion of tuition charges. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years.

NU Paths Scholarship

The value of the award is equal to or greater than full tuition until matriculating in a University of Nebraska Medical Center program. A separate application is required and is due by February 1st. The application is available at admissions.unl.edu/apply .

George Beadle Scholarship
Ruth Leverton Scholarship
Aaron Douglas Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to students from out-of-state who exhibit superior academic performance. Scholarship values vary from $2,500 a year up to the difference between resident and nonresident tuition. When meeting the annual renewal criteria, these scholarships are applicable for up to 135 credit hours or the completion of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first, inclusive of all undergraduate coursework at all postsecondary educational institutions attended.

Summer Institute for Promising Scholars

The value of the award is tuition, fees, books, room/board, and part-time employment during the summer term prior to the first fall semester of enrollment; and $1,000 for the first year of enrollment. A separate application is required and is due by February 1st. The application is available at admissions.unl.edu/apply.