The Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application is the primary application for first-time freshmen UNK scholarships. It’s available in students’ MyBLUE from August 1 to March 1, and becomes accessible only after being admitted to UNK. By completing this single application, students are considered for most scholarships. However, some scholarships require a separate application, which can be accessed from the list below.

UNK Merit Scholarships

First-time freshmen are automatically considered for renewable merit scholarships at UNK based on their GPA (grade point average), transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores. To be eligible, by March 1 you must be admitted to UNK, and we must receive your high school transcripts and scores. If you have a 3.7+ GPA, your information will be reviewed for one of the following scholarships:

  • Presidential Scholar – Full Cost of Attendance plus a $5,000 annual stipend
  • Regents – $26,760 – full resident tuition for up to 120 credit hours ($6,690 per year based on 2024-25 tuition rate and 30 credit hours). Only open to Nebraska residents.
  • Distinguished Scholar – $16,000 ($4,000 per year)
  • Loper Achievement – 12,000 ($3,000 per year)

Awards are based on the cumulative GPA at the end of your sixth semester (junior year) and are converted to a 4.0 scale. Terms and conditions for each scholarship are linked above. Award amounts are determined based on the year of the student’s initial enrollment. Please refer to your offer letter, which will be sent beginning October 1, for specific details and renewal conditions.

Other scholarships, award amounts, deadlines, and requirements are shown below.

View Scholarships

Select location or view all first-time freshmen scholarships

Scholarship

Award

Deadline

  • New Nebraskan Scholarship In-state Tuition Rate

    • The New Nebraskan Scholarship pays the difference between resident and non-resident tuition and may be applied to freshman, sophomore, and junior summer terms.

    Application Deadline

    Must only apply to UNK. No other application is required. There is no deadline.

    Requirements

    • Students must be enrolled in full-time courses during the fall and spring semesters
      • During the summer, less than full-time enrollment is allowed
    • Students must remain in Academic Good Standing with the University
    • Students enrolled in an exclusively online degree program are not eligible for this scholarship
      • If a student changes their major program of study to an exclusively online degree program, this will result in cancellation of the scholarship

    View More Info About New Nebraskan

  • Department of Music and Performing Arts Variable

    • Students who intend to be admitted into the Department of Music and Performing Arts as a music major or minor require an audition. Those who are successful with their audition may be considered for music scholarships. View the list of Music Scholarships. View more information about auditioning and the program.

    Scholarship Application and Auditions

  • Kearney Law Opportunities Program (KLOP) Full Tuition Closed

    • Kearney Law Opportunities Program (KLOP) is a collaborative partnership between the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska College of Law. It is designed to recruit students from rural areas and train them to become lawyers who will return and practice in their communities. Participants receive their bachelor’s degrees at UNK and are then guaranteed admittance to the Nebraska College of Law. Students selected for KLOP will receive a full tuition scholarship to UNK for up to 120 credit hours. 

    Application Available

    August 1 through November 15 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the KLOP Scholarship Application
    • Be a rural Nebraska resident
      • Students from the follow cities and towns are not considered rural and therefore are not eligible: Omaha, Ralston, Boys Town, Elkhorn, Lincoln, Bellevue, Papillion, LaVista, Chalco, and Offutt Air Force Base
    • High school cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above
    • Expected ACT score of 27 or above
    • Demonstrated strong academic achievement as reflected in the high school transcript
  • Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) Full Tuition Closed

    • The Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) is a cooperative program between the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The purpose of the program is to recruit and educate students from rural Nebraska who are committed to returning to rural Nebraska to practice healthcare. This program represents a commitment and dedication to the education of Nebraskans and to quality health care for citizens of the state. High school seniors from rural Nebraska who will be receiving a high school diploma or equivalent, have a sincere interest in becoming a health care provider and a willingness to practice in rural Nebraska are encouraged to apply.

    Application Available

    September 1 through December 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Be fully admitted to UNK
    • Complete the KHOP Scholarship Application in MyBLUE
    • Be a rural Nebraska resident
      • Students from the follow cities, towns and census designated places are not considered rural and therefore are not eligible:
        • Douglas County: Omaha, Ralston, Boys Town, and Elkhorn
        • Lancaster County: Lincoln
        • Sarpy County: Bellevue, Papillion, LaVista, Chalco, and Offutt Air Force Base
      • The following cities, towns and census designated places ARE considered rural and therefore eligible to apply to KHOP:
        • Douglas County: Bennington, Valley, and Waterloo
        • Lancaster County: Hickman, Waverly, Bennet, Davey, Denton, Firth, Hallam, Malcolm Panama, Raymond, Roca, and Sprague
        • Sarpy County: Gretna, Springfield, and Richfield
    • Expected ACT score of 23 or above
    • Demonstrated strong academic potential as reflected in the high school transcript
  • Nebraska Good Life Opportunities Program Full Tuition Closed

    • The Nebraska Good Life Opportunities Program is a partnership between the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which prepares students for high-demand careers as city managers, urban and regional planners, non-profit managers, public policy administrators, community and economic development officials, among many others. Students within this program complete their undergraduate work at UNK, with guaranteed admission into the Master’s in Public Administration program at UNO. Students selected for the program will receive a full tuition scholarship to UNK for up to 120 credit hours. 

    Application Available

    Through February 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Minimum high school GPA of 3.5
    • Apply and be admitted to the University of Nebraska at Kearney
    • Complete the Nebraska Good Life Opportunities Program application
    • Commitment to public service and a desire to pursue a career in government or public administration
  • Davis-Chambers Scholarship $2000 to $4000 per year Closed

    • The Davis-Chambers Scholarship recognizes academically promising students from diverse backgrounds who often find that the financial requirements of postsecondary education are a major obstacle. Qualified applicants should be graduates of a Nebraska high school and a resident of Nebraska.

    The scholarship commitment can equal up to the full direct cost of attendance. The typical award is between $2,000 and $4,000 a year. 

    Application Available

    August 1 through February 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Davis-Chambers Scholarship Application
    • File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Jay Hill Scholarship - Biology Majors Variable Closed

    • This scholarship is for entering freshmen who have declared a major in Biology.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in Biology
    • Preference is to first generation college students who have financial need
  • Cooperating School Scholarships $750 or $1500 Closed

    • Cooperating School Scholarships are provided to school districts who host UNK student teachers. The Cooperating School Scholarships are offered in the amount of either $750 or $1500. Students are nominated by the schools. These scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters and required a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and the completion of 24 credit hours during the academic year, fall and spring semesters combined.

    Application Available

    Nominations are submitted by the high school to UNK’s Financial Aid Office.

  • Department of Chemistry Scholarship $500 to $1000 Closed

    • This is a one-time scholarship for incoming freshmen who are majoring in Chemistry. The scholarship ranges from $500-$1000.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in Chemistry
  • Buckle Excellence Scholarship for Prospective Cyber System Students $3000 for 2 years Closed

    • Through the “Buckle Excellence Scholarship Fund”, Buckle provides the opportunity for young men and women headed to college at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Each year, one freshman majoring in a Cyber Systems major program will be selected to receive a two-year scholarship, in the amount of $3,000 per year, and two Cyber System students are selected to each receive a $3,000 scholarship! 

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in the Department of Cyber Systems
    • Preference will go to students who have a minimum ACT (or SAT equivalent) composite score of 26 (with at least a 24 in Math), but all new Cyber Systems students are encouraged to apply
  • Barbara Hurt-Simmons Student Leader Scholarship Variable Closed

    • This fund has been created by Barbara Hurt-Simmons, a Hastings, Nebraska, native and 1982 graduate of UNK. Barbara was a very active member of the campus community, with notable contributions to Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Panhellenic Council and Student Senate. Barbara was a founder of the Student Alumni Board and served as half of the first all-female student body president/vice president team. It is her intent to assist an up-and-coming student leader in their development as an individual who will also contribute to UNK and their community following graduation.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Sixth semester high school GPA of 3.4 or above
    • Declare any major
  • Nebraska Career Scholarship Up to $10,000 Closed

    • Students enrolled in health care, engineering, mathematics, computer information systems, pre-veterinary medicine, communication disorders, biology, chemistry, exercise science, industrial technology, and psychology degree programs are eligible. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, room and board or relevant tools and equipment.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.-

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in one of the following programs:
      • Health care
      • Engineering
      • Mathematics
      • Computer information systems
    • Students with ACT scores of at least 20 may receive scholarships of up to $10,000
  • College of Business and Technology Housing Community Scholarship $1000 Closed

    • The CBT Community is a residential cohort established to help students interested in majors within the College of Business and Technology to connect and develop networks in their transition to college.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Student must commit to living in the community which is designated on the 2nd floor of Centennial Towers West on UNK’s campus and to participating in the learning components of the cohort
    • Students in this community will also be expected to enroll in designated courses during the fall semester along with others in their cohort
  • Daisy Kuskie Family Scholarship Variable Closed

    • Candidates for this scholarship must have declared a major in the Department of Industrial Technology, with first preference to a declared Construction Management major. Candidates shall be incoming freshman.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Declare any major
      • First preference to majors in Construction Management
    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshmen Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
  • Dora Day Industrial Technology Excellence Fund Variable Closed

    • Candidates for this scholarship shall be pursuing any major or a minor in Industrial Technology. Candidates shall have incoming freshman class standing and be graduates of Kearney High School or Kearney Catholic High School. Financial need may be taken into consideration.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST

    Requirements

    • Be admitted to UNK
    • Declare a major or minor in Industrial Technology
    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshmen Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
  • William and Julie Albin Family Freshman Scholarship Variable Closed

    • This scholarship shall be awarded to any student in the College of Business and Technology with an incoming freshman class standing. Candidates shall be residents of Nebraska. Preference shall be given to students who demonstrate financial need. Preference will also be given to students who are a resident of either Madison, Pierce, or Webster county.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Declare a major in the College of Business and Technology
    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshmen Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
  • Kathryn V. Bowen Scholarship Fund Blue Gold Brigade Traditions Scholarship Fund Variable Closed

    • This scholarship shall be awarded to one or more UNK undergraduate students who have freshman class standing and a 3.0 or above GPA. Preference shall be given to candidates who graduated from Red Cloud, Nebraska High School. Second preference shall go to candidates who graduated from Blue Hill, Nebraska High School.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshmen Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
  • Department of Art and Design - Art Scholarships - First Year Students $3000 to $6000 Closed

    • Students must have a declared major in Studio Art, Visual Communications, or Art Education. These are primarily talent-based scholarships.

    The review committee will focus on student portfolios that demonstrate strong technical ability in variety of media, and above average creativity.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • The committee will select scholarship recipients based on applicants’ performance in three areas:
      • Academic status
      • Letter of reference
      • Student portfolios
  • UNK FBLA Scholarship $1000 Closed

    • The UNK FBLA scholarship provides financial assistance to two incoming freshmen students enrolled in the College of Business & Technology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Have an active membership in their high school FBLA chapter
      • Students without a high school FBLA chapter may apply if interested in a business degree, but first preference will be given to students in FBLA
    • Declare a major in the College of Business and Technology
    • Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
  • Ron and Carol Cope UNK Scholarship $4000 annually Closed

    • This scholarship is in the memory of the leadership and generosity demonstrated by Ron and Carol Cope. The goal of this program is to recruit and develop future leaders. Each year, four new students will be admitted to the program. At least two recipients will be designated Cope Business Leaders and must declare and remain in a major provided through the College of Business. The others can be in any other major and will be designated Cope Community Leaders. They will receive an annual award of $4,000 that will be applied to their tuition, fees, and books. Recipients of the Board of Regents or Blue and Gold Scholarships are not eligible and therefore should not apply for this scholarship.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • ACT of 25 or above
    • Sixth semester high school GPA of 3.75 or above
    • Declare a major
      • Students who are undecided on a major will not be considered for this scholarship
  • Richard E. Person Scholarship Variable Closed

    • The Richard E. Person Scholarship Fund was established to aid Phelps County residents who have chosen to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney. 

    The scholarship is renewable annually as long as the student attends UNK and maintains a 3.0 or above GPA during their attendance at UNK.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Applicants must have been residents of Phelps County at the time of graduation from high school
    • Submit a copy of high school transcripts
  • Ralph and June Nylander Scholarship Variable Closed

    • The Ralph and June Nylander Scholarship Fund was established to aid Phelps County residents who have chosen to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney. 

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Applicants must have been residents of Phelps County at the time of graduation from high school
    • File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and send it to UNK
  • Nebraska Bankers Association Scholarship $1000 Closed

    • The Nebraska Bankers Scholarship provides scholarship assistance to incoming freshmen students enrolled in the College of Business at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in one of the following:
      • Accounting
      • Finance
      • Economics
      • Management
      • Agribusiness
      • Management Information Systems
      • Marketing
    • First preference will be given to students who demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a banking-related career in Nebraska
    • Second preference will be given to students who demonstrate commitment to pursuing business careers in Nebraska
    • Preference is given to Nebraska resident students
  • Kelly Buck Memorial Scholarship Variable Closed

    • The Kelly Buck Memorial Scholarship shall provide one or more scholarships to undergraduate students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. This fund is for students who have demonstrated financial need.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Preference given to students who are graduates of Hastings High School
      • If there are no eligible candidates from Hastings High School, preference may then be given to graduates of another high school in Adams County or, furthermore, any Nebraska resident
  • Jay Hill Scholarship - Political Science Majors Variable Closed

    • This scholarship is for entering freshmen who have declared a major in political science.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in Political Science
    • Preference is to first generation college students who have financial need
  • Industrial Technology Incoming Freshmen Scholarship Variable Closed

    • The Industrial Technology Incoming Freshman Scholarship is for high school seniors who are interested in one of the Industrial Technology programs.

    Application Available

    August 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Admitted Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in one of the following:
      • Aviation Systems Management
      • Construction Management
      • Industrial Distribution
      • Information Networking and Telecommunications
  • Lahaye Nursing Scholarship $5,000 for 2 years Closed

    • Recipients of this scholarship will receive up to $5,000 for the first and second year of pre-nursing at UNK. Students from select counties in Nebraska are eligible. Pre-nursing students should plan to attend UNMC College of Nursing.

    Application Available

    January 31 through April 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the scholarship application
    • High school GPA of 3.0 or above
    • ACT composite of 20 or above
    • Enroll in the pre-nursing program with an intent to continue education at UNMC
    • Applicant will complete a brief essay to describe their motivation for pursuing a career in nursing
    • Student must be from one of these counties in Nebraska:
      • Adams, Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Boyd, Brown, Buffalo, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dundy, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Grant, Greeley, Hall, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Hooker, Howard, Kearney, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Nance, Perkins, Phelps, Red Willow, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Thomas, Valley, Webster, Wheeler
  • Honors Program Scholarships Variable Closed

    • Honors Program scholarships are given beyond our top level of scholarships. These scholarships vary from 1-year full to half room scholarships or up to 2-year $1000 cash scholarships.

    Application Available

    August 1 through December 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Honors Program Application
  • Honors Program Omaha World Herald Scholarships Full Ride 8 Semesters Closed

    • UNK’s most prestigious scholarship, the Omaha World Herald Scholarship pays tuition, books, room, board, and university fees for four years. All participants invited to the on-campus scholarship day will receive Honors Program scholarships.

    Application Available

    August 1 through December 1 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Honors Program Application