First-time freshmen are automatically considered for renewable merit scholarships at UNK based on GPA alone when admitted by March 1. Some scholarships may require your ACT/SAT test scores.

One General Incoming Freshmen Scholarship Application is all that’s needed to be eligible for many scholarships; others require a separate application – review all the deadlines and have your high school transcript submitted. Explore your options here to ensure you’re eligible for top aid. Students must be admitted to UNK to be eligible for scholarships.

Admitted students will access the General Incoming Scholarship Application through MyBlue. That link will not be available until you are admitted to UNK.

View Scholarships

Select location or view all first-time freshmen scholarships

Nebraska Merit Scholarships

We’re proud to offer students institutional scholarships based on just your high school GPA. If you have a GPA of 3.7-4.0, you can qualify for one of these:

  • Regents – $25,000 - full tuition for up to 120 credit hours ($6,270 per year based on 2022-23 tuition rate and 30 credit hours)
  • Distinguished Scholar - $12,000 ($3,000 per year)
  • Loper Achievement - $8,000 ($2,000 per year)

Awards are based on the sixth-semester (end of junior year) weighted cumulative Grade Point Average and will be automatically converted to a 4.0 scale. Scholarship awards will require a high school transcript. These scholarships are renewable upon meeting the renewal criteria outlined in the terms and conditions document. Terms and conditions for each scholarship are linked above.

Admission deadline for consideration for the Regents, Distinguished Scholar and Loper Achievement is March 1.

Merit award notifications will be sent beginning Oct. 1.

Other Scholarships, Award Amounts, Deadlines and Academic Requirements are below. Click on each section for more information.

Out-of-state Merit Scholarships

We’re proud to offer out-of-state students institutional scholarships based on just your high school GPA. If you have a GPA of 3.7-4.0, you can qualify for one of these:

Awards are based on the sixth-semester (end of junior year) weighted cumulative Grade Point Average and will be converted to a 4.0 scale. Out-of-state students will need to select “weighted” or “unweighted” and the scale used by the high school. Scholarship awards will require a high school transcript. These scholarships are renewable upon meeting the renewal criteria outlined in the terms and conditions document. Terms and conditions for each scholarship are linked above.

Admissions deadline for consideration for the Blue and Gold, Distinguished Scholar and Loper Achievement is March 1.

Merit award notifications will be sent beginning Oct. 1.

Other Scholarships, Award Amounts, Deadlines and Academic Requirements are below. Click on each section for more information.

Scholarship

Award

Deadline

  • New Nebraskan Scholarship In-state Tuition Rate

    • The New Nebraskan Scholarship pays the difference between resident and non-resident tuition for up to 8 semesters 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

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

    Requirements

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

    • UNK’s most prestigious scholarship, the Omaha World Herald/Kearney Hub Scholarship pays tuition, books, room, board, and university fees for four years. In addition to the Omaha World Herald/Kearney Hub Scholarship, other scholarships may be awarded to students who participate in interviews. 

    Application Available

    September 1 through January 7 at 11:59 PM CST.

    Requirements

    • Complete the Honors Program Application
    • ACT of 30 or above*
    • Sixth semester high school GPA of 3.85 or above

    *Students with scores slightly below are encouraged to apply.

  • Honors Program $2000 Closed

    • Students accepted into the UNK Honors Program may qualify for additional awards. Learn more about the Honors Program or call (308) 865-8894.

    Application Available

    September 1 through January 7 at 11:59 PM CST.

  • 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)
  • Diversity Service Scholarship Full Tuition Closed

    • Recipients of this scholarship will receive a full tuition waiver renewable for up to 120 credit hours. Students pursuing any established major at the University of Nebraska at Kearney are encouraged to apply. Recipients will be selected primarily based on leadership and involvement in their communities through participation in school and community activities, specifically work with diverse populations, such as but not limited to Latinx, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other historically underrepresented communities. Their engagement should focus on diversity programming and engagement, or events and activities that promote moving diversity and inclusion initiatives forward in their respective communities.

    Application Available

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application
    • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 28th to establish eligibility as a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States
    • Demonstrate robust service involvement in their community via volunteer work, leadership roles, or other activities that promote moving diversity and inclusion initiatives forward in their respective communities
    • Have a GPA of 2.75 or higher OR an ACT score of 20 or higher
  • 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 General Incoming Freshmen Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
  • 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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
  • Bilingual Service Scholarship Campus Housing for 4 years Closed

    • The Bilingual Service Scholarship provides up to $6,000 annually to live in university housing. The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in a service field with high need for bilingual professionals. Students majoring in education, social work, criminal justice, and other professions in which bilingual or multilingual skills are prominent are encouraged to apply. The award is renewable for up to 4 years for students who live in on-campus housing.

    Application Available

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application
    • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 28 to establish eligibility as a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States
    • Must demonstrate a commitment to a profession in which bilingual or multilingual skills are prominent
    • Have a GPA of 3.0 of higher OR an ACT score of 23 or higher OR must have been awarded the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy in a foreign language
  • 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Sixth semester high school GPA of 3.4 or above
    • Declare any major
  • Nebraska Career Scholarship Up to $25,000 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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 between 20 and 27 may receive scholarships of up to $10,000
    • Students with an ACT score of 28 or higher are eligible for scholarships of up to $25,000 per year
  • 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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
  • First Year Theatre Scholarship $1000 Closed

    • First Year Theatre Scholarships are presented annually to up to (5) incoming freshman or transfer students pursuing a major in Theatre at UNK. These awards are $1000 tuition waivers distributed over the first two semesters of enrollment at UNK. First Year Scholarship recipients are expected to achieve a GPA of 3.0 or better during their first semester at UNK in order to retain the award for the second semester.

    Application Available

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in Theatre
  • 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

    September 1 through March 1 at 11:59 PM CST

    Requirements

    • Be admitted to UNK
    • Declare a major or minor in Industrial Technology
    • Complete the General 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 General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in Political Science
    • Preference is to first generation college students who have financial need
  • Jay Hill Scholarship - Biology Majors Variable Closed

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

    Application Available

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in Biology
    • 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

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General 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
  • Industrial Distribution Incoming Freshmen Scholarship Variable Closed

    • The Industrial Distribution Scholarship is for high school seniors who are interested in the Industrial Distribution industry. 

    Application Available

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

    Requirements

    • Complete the General Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application MyBLUE
    • Declare a major in Industrial Distribution