Most UNK students are getting some money to help them pay for their education. Academic scholarships and need-based aid comes in many different forms and sizes, and from different places. We’re here to help you find your scholarships or grants. Scholarships at the University of Nebraska at Kearney may be awarded for a single year or for multiple years. Explore your options here to start building your future.
$27.4 million+
in scholarships / grants awarded annually at UNK
$9,854
average scholarship / grant award to freshmen in 2019
86%
of freshmen receive scholarship / grant award
*2020-21 UNK Common Data Set reporting 2019-20 financial aid data
Select location and student type or View all scholarships
We’re proud to offer students institutional scholarships based on your high school GPA alone. 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) unweighted cumulative Grade Point Average and will be converted to a 4.0 scale. 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.
Other Scholarships, Award Amounts, Deadlines and Academic Requirements are below. Click on each section for more information.
We’re proud to offer out-of-state students institutional scholarships based on your high school GPA alone. 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) unweighted cumulative Grade Point Average and will be converted to a 4.0 scale. 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.
Other Scholarships, Award Amounts, Deadlines and Academic Requirements are below. Click on each section for more information.
Scholarship
Award
Deadline
Academic Requirements
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.
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.
Requirements to be eligible:
Second, Third, and Fourth Year ROTC Scholarships: Campus-based 2-4 year scholarships for Active duty and Reserve components include:
Requirements to be eligible:
High school students and current college students interested in applying for or receiving more information about a 2 – 4 year scholarship can reach out to the Department Chair Captain Cullen.
Susan T. Buffett Foundation provides scholarships that can be used to cover expenses related to attending college (e.g. tuition and fees, housing, books). The amount of the scholarship varies by institution but is typically equal to the average cost of tuition and fees for a full-time student (15 credits) at that institution. The maximum 21 - 22 academic year award is $8,900 and the maximum award per semester is $4,450. The application for the 21-22 year will be open from November 1st, 2021 to February 1st, 2022 at 5 p.m. CST.. For more details about the scholarship, eligibility requirements and access to the online application, visit www.buffettscholarships.org.
The Nebraska Cooperative Council, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a statewide, non-profit, non-partisan trade association representing agricultural cooperatives. It was formed in the fall of 1945 after a small group of cooperative leaders throughout Nebraska came together to discuss the idea of organizing a trade association for agricultural cooperatives. What evolved from a series of meetings of these individuals was the formation of the Nebraska Cooperative Council.
As a full-service trade association, the Council has played a key role in furthering the growth of cooperative businesses in the state. Currently, over 90% of the agricultural cooperatives in Nebraska are members of the Council; and the membership base includes not only farm supply and marketing cooperatives but also rural electric and telephone cooperatives; financial services cooperatives; regional cooperatives; and those providing services such as insurance, livestock marketing, communications, consumer goods, and others. In addition, members include auditing firms and other organizations serving cooperatives. The agricultural cooperatives that are members of the Council account for nearly $9 billion of economic activity each year.
The Nebraska Cooperative Council Education Foundation Scholarship Program in Honor of Michael S. Turner was implemented with the 1993/94 academic year. Since that time, a total of 198 scholarships totaling $220,600 have been provided. The funding for scholarships comes from investment income/interest from the Foundation’s scholarship endowment account. We appreciate your interest in applying for this scholarship. Please proceed through the application process and contact the Office of Financial Aid at UNK with any questions.
Please proceed through the application process by clicking the "Scholarship Application" link and selecting "Continuing Student Scholarships." Feel free to contact the Office of Financial Aid at UNK with any questions.
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.
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
*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, Offutt Air Force Base).
*Admitted to the University of Nebraska at Kearney
*Minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.5.
*Expected ACT score of 27 or above
*Demonstrated strong academic achievement as reflected in the high school transcript.
Available 8/1/21 to 11/15/21 at 11:59 p.m. CST
Applications for KLOP are due November 15, 2021 by 11:59 p.m. Please note you will be required to set up a user name and password to complete the electronic application. Additionally, you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of two individuals who can provide a letter of reference.
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. More Information.
Available 8/1/21 to 12/1/21 at 11:59 p.m. CST
Students accepted into the UNK Honors Program may qualify for additional awards. Learn more about the Honors Program or call (308) 865-8894.
Applicants with an ACT of 30 or higher, and a high school grade point average of at least 3.85, are eligible to apply for the Omaha World Herald/Kearney Hub scholarship. This is UNK’s most prestigious scholarship, which pays tuition, books, room, board, and university fees for four years. This application must be submitted by January 7. In addition to the Omaha World Herald/Kearney Hub scholarship, other scholarships may be awarded to students who participate in interviews.
*Students with scores slightly below are encouraged to apply.
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. Each applicant is required to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as additional resources may be available to students with financial need.
Requirements are admission to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and submission of the Davis-Chambers Scholarship application by February 1st.
Dates: Opens Aug 1st, closes Feb 1st at 11:59 p.m. CST
Students must have a declared major in Studio Art, Visual Communications, or Art Education. These are primarily talent-based scholarships.
The committee will select scholarship recipients based on applicants performance in three areas:
The review committee will focus on student portfolios that demonstrate strong technical ability in variety of media, and above average creativity.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
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. To be considered eligible for the scholarship, the 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. Please note, the scholarship is only applicable if the student resides on this floor – it is not transferrable to a different floor or residence hall. Students in this community will also be expected to enroll in designated courses during the fall semester along with others in their cohort. These courses will count toward major or general studies requirements. Each student will have the flexibility to choose other courses to complete their schedule in addition to these cohort-specific courses. The required learning community courses will be communicated to your advisor for your New Student Enrollment date to ensure the correct registration.
The $1000 (minimum) scholarship for which you are applying will consist of two portions:
Minimum $500 CBT Scholarships*
A housing waiver minimum of $500
*CBT scholarships are donor funded. Some scholarships will exceed this range, some, but not all, are renewable each academic year, and some students will receive more than one CBT Scholarship. The renewable status will be detailed in the award letter sent to the student upon selection.
**The housing waiver is university funded. It is not renewable.
By applying for this scholarship, you confirm your commitment to both the residential and learning components of the CBT Community. If this is your intent, please continue with this application. Please note, once your Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application is submitted, your name will automatically be entered into the College of Business and Technology Housing Community Scholarship pool.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
Nebraska Career Scholarship: Students enrolled in health care, engineering, mathematics, or computer information system degree programs are eligible. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, room and board or relevant tools and equipment.
Requirements to be eligible:
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
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.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
To qualify, a student must:
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
The Billingual Educators Scholarship is a base room and board scholarship including the base meal plan. The scholarship is capped at the base room rate, which is the room rate charged for residents of Men's Hall. It is awarded to students pursuing classroom teaching credentials at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Requirements:
Only completed applications will be processed. A completed application includes:
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
Since 1948, Buckle has been providing a place for young men and women with an interest in clothing, to dress, accessorize, and express themselves through their style! It has also been a place that has provided many people a rewarding, and fulfilling career. Through the “Buckle Excellence Scholarship Fund”, Buckle is providing a new kind of 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! Candidates hoping to receive one of these scholarships must fill out the application, obtain letters of recommendation, and:
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.
The scholarship recipients are also provided with unique opportunities to build relationships with Buckle IT professionals through activities such as job shadowing, tours of the Buckle facilities, and presentations on-site. Buckle also has a student internship program for upper-level Cyber Systems students and has hired numerous Cyber Systems graduates over the years. Buckle also offers its employees for classroom presentations and student project reviews.
Each year the Buckle Scholarship is due February 28th.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
This is a one time scholarship for incoming freshmen who are majoring in Chemistry. The scholarship ranges from $500-$1000.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
This scholarship is designed to provide students an opportunity to serve UNK through the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion whose goal is to promote diversity. Recipients of this scholarship will receive a full tuition waiver for up to 15 credit hours per semester beginning with the fall semester. This scholarship is for eight semesters and two summers if all conditions of contract are met. Recipients will be selected primarily on a demonstrated commitment to diversity/multiculturalism by leadership and participation in school and community activities.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Only completed applications will be processed. A completed application includes:
Application form
Two completed reference forms
A copy of all high school and college transcripts
A resume listing school involvement, community service and honors or awards.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
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.
To receive priority consideration for a First Year Theatre Scholarship, candidates should be admitted to UNK and submit an online application by March 1. Applications received after March 1 will be considered based on scholarship availability.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
Honors Program Transfer Scholarships: Students accepted into the UNK Honors Program may qualify for up to $2,000 and/or full or half room waivers. Learn more about the Honors Program or call 308-865-8894.
Requirements to be eligible:
The Industrial Distribution High School Scholarship is for high school seniors who are interested in the Industrial Distribution industry. In order to qualify for this scholarship, students must be a senior in high school and have been accepted to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Their declared major must be Industrial Distribution.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
The Industrial Technology Incoming Freshman Scholarship provides assistance to incoming freshman students pursuing a degree in one of our Industrial Technology programs.
Criteria for each of the 4 scholarships vary, and a link to the descriptions of each may be found at the student log in site. You must have designated one of our majors on your admissions application to be eligible for these scholarships.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
This scholarship is for entering freshmen who have declared a major in Biology. Preference is to first generation college students who have financial need. Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
This scholarship is for entering freshmen who have declared a major in political science. Preference is to first generation college students who have financial need.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
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. Preference may be given to students who have an incoming freshman class standing and 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.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
The Nebraska Bankers Scholarship provides scholarship assistance to incoming freshmen students enrolled in the College of Business at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. 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. However non-resident students may apply. U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency is also required.
Candidates must be pursuing a major in one of the following programs in the College of Business: Accounting, Finance, Economics, Management, Agribusiness, Management Information Systems or Marketing. The scholarship is awarded in the amount of $1000 for the first year of enrollment at UNK. It can be renewed for students who maintain the required grade point average, complete 24 semester credits annually and continue to demonstrate appropriate career interest.
You must be admitted to UNK by March 1, 2021 to apply for this scholarship. You must have designated on your admissions application one of the required majors within the College of Business.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
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. There are very few rules concerning the scholarship, but each must be followed.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
The Richard E. Person Scholarship Fund was established to aid Phelps County residents who have chosen to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney. There are very few rules concerning the scholarship, but each must be followed.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
In memory of the leadership and generosity demonstrated by Ron and Carol Cope, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is pleased to introduce the Cope Student Leadership Program. The goal of this program is to recruit and develop future leaders. Each year, four new students will be admitted to the program. Two 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.
Prospective Cope Scholars will complete an application designed to elicit their career interests and leadership potential. To qualify a student must:
*Be admitted to UNK.
*Have a composite ACT of 25 and a sixth semester high school GPA of 3.75 or higher.
*Declare a major. Students who are undecided on a major will not be considered for this scholarship.
*Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply.
Students in the Cope Student Leadership Program will be required to take a three credit hour course in Leadership within their department. They will also be required to complete an internship: Business Leader students will work through the College of Business and Technology internship office to identify a qualifying internship. Community Leader students will complete internships either in government, political or non-profit organizations.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
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. Requirements for the scholarship include a student’s active membership in their high school FBLA chapter and are committed to pursuing a business career. 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. Non-resident students may also apply. U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency is also required.
Candidates must be pursuing a major in one of the programs in the College of Business & Technology that includes (but is not limited to): Accounting, Finance, Economics, Management, Marketing, Agribusiness, Supply Chain Management, or Secondary Business Teacher Education. A full list of majors can be found at unk.edu/cbt. The scholarship is awarded in the amount of $1,000 for each student in their first year of enrollment at UNK.
Eligible first-year UNK students may submit a single application for this scholarship as well as others they may qualify for on MyBLUE between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 at 11:59pm CST. Incoming freshmen must be admitted to UNK to apply. You must have designated on your admissions application one of the required majors.
Complete the Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application on MyBLUE
Cooperating School Scholarships: The University provides school districts who host UNK student teachers Cooperating School Scholarships 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 grade point average of 3.0 or above and the completion of 24 credit hours during the academic year, fall and spring semesters combined. View the Cooperating School Scholarship Agreement which includes the renewal criteria.
Nominations for the 2021-22 academic year are due by March 1, 2022
Bilingual Educators Transfer Scholarship: Covers base room and base board (meal plan), capped at the base room rate (charge for residents of Men's Hall). It is awarded to students pursuing classroom teaching credentials at UNK. The scholarship is granted for up to 4 years if all conditions of contract are met, beginning with the fall semester.
Requirements to be eligible:
Eligible transfer UNK students may apply between August 1 and March 31 at 11:59pm CST.
First Year Theatre Scholarship for Transfer Students: Awarded annually to up to 5 incoming freshmen or transfer students pursuing a major in Theatre at UNK. Award is distributed over the first 2 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.
Requirements to be eligible:
Davis-Chambers Transfer Scholarship: Recognizes academically promising students from diverse backgrounds who often find that the financial requirements of a college education are a major obstacle. First consideration is given to current Davis-Chambers Scholars at Nebraska Community Colleges. The typical scholarship is $2,000 per year. Contact your current community college with questions.
Requirements to be eligible:
Note: You must complete a Davis-Chambers Transfer Scholarship application for each institution you are considering. Individual campuses may have separate scholarship requirements. Eligible transfer UNK students may apply between August 1 and March 31 at 11:59pm CST.
Pepsi Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Student Scholarship: Awards $2,000 annually for 2 years (4 semesters). New or incoming undergraduate transfer students are eligible.
Requirements to be eligible:
Students selected for this scholarship must demonstrate a commitment to service-learning, and will be required to continue that commitment for renewal of this scholarship while attending UNK.
Ron and Carol Cope Scholarship for Transfer Students: The scholarship was established for the University of Nebraska at Kearney in the memory of the leadership and generosity demonstrated by Ron and Carol Cope. It recognizes incoming transfer students who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership and community service. It provides $4,000 a year for 2 years and is applied to tuition, fees and books.
Requirements to be eligible:
Transfer Regents Scholarship: This scholarship, which applies to both fall and spring terms, pays full tuition for up to 75 credit hours or until graduation with first bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. Four Transfer Regents Scholarships are awarded annually to transfer students from Nebraska community colleges.
Requirements to be eligible:
Selection will be based on review of the student’s transcripts. View the Transfer Regents Scholarship Agreement which includes renewal criteria.
Transfer Student Scholarship: This scholarship is a tuition waiver of up to $2,000 annually for up to 4 semesters (2 years) or until graduation, whichever comes first. Review for recipients occurs in the month of April. A limited amount of scholarship funding is available.
Requirements to be eligible:
Selection is competitive and will be based on review of the student’s transcripts. View the Transfer Student Scholarship Agreement which includes renewal criteria.