5 Best Nebraska Scholarships
Updated October 18, 2022 · 2 Min Read
Scholarships for Nebraska
Harvesting enough money to attend college in the "Cornhusker State" is easier when you ripen your financial aid package with scholarships for Nebraska Universities and Colleges online or in person. Sitting on the Midwest's Great Plains, Nebraska is America's 37th most populous state with 1.91 million residents. College students may be drawn to Nebraska's low crime rates, affordable cost of living, pioneer history, and scenic views like Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. In 2015, Nebraska had the nation's lowest unemployment rate with jobs at five Fortune 500 companies, including ConAgra and Union Pacific. Students also select from 32 colleges ranging from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture to Creighton University and Peru State College. The U.S. News crowned the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as the 51st top public school nationally. Cultivate your collegiate goals with funding from the following 5 best Nebraska scholarships.
Planting the seeds for a bountiful career "Where the West Begins" often starts with post-secondary education. For the 2016-17 school year, Nebraska colleges charged an average tuition of $5,181 for in-state and $15,189 for out-of-state students. Prices can grow considerably higher, especially at private nonprofits. For example, Nebraska Wesleyan University has a total annual cost of attendance at $38,140. Reaping several financial aid resources is essential to avoid mounting debt higher than Panorama Point. In addition to these scholarships for Nebraska, look into the state-based programs like the Nebraska Opportunity Grant and Community College Gap Assistance Grant.
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The University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) offers five resident-specific scholarships, including the Kearney Health Opportunities Program Scholarship. Offering full tuition for $6,952 per year, it’s reserved for incoming freshmen from rural Nebraska towns, such as Bennington, Firth, Hickman, Malcolm, Raymond, and Springfield. KHOP scholars receive guaranteed admission to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Also consider the Loper Excellence Award or Cooperating School Scholarship.
Eligibility:
- Receive a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Achieve a minimum ACT composite score of 23
- Display commitment to rural healthcare practice
For 50 years, the Susan T. Buffett Foundation in Omaha has offered competitive scholarships of up to $4,350 per semester based on merit and need. Cornhuskers who plan to study at any University of Nebraska, Nebraska State College, or Nebraska Community College could qualify. From November 1st to February 1st, the online application is open for submitting a transcript, FAFSA form, 1,000-word autobiographical essay, and two recommendations.
Eligibility:
- Graduate from a public or private high school in Nebraska
- Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below $10,000
- Matriculate full-time at one of 14 public, in-state colleges
- Achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA or 80 average overall
At Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Omaha, the Board of Governors Graduating Senior Scholarship will cover tuition for up to 18 credits per quarter. Therefore, Nebraska residents could earn a maximum of $1,062 quarterly for two years. Funding is intended for students in the top 25 percent of their graduating class. Before February 15th, apply by sending an application, transcript, and 500-word goals essay.
Eligibility:
- Reside in Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, or Washington counties
- Be graduating high school seniors with a 2.75 GPA or higher
- Matriculate full-time in a MCC degree or certificate program
- Qualify for financial assistance under FAFSA requirements
Valued at $6,000 yearly, the Aksarben/Horatio Alger State Scholarships are granted yearly to Nebraska and Western Iowa residents who’ve shown perseverance in overcoming adversity. Renewable for four years, the funding is matched by several Nebraska colleges, including Creighton, Bellevue, and Saint Mary’s. Until October 25th, students can submit a transcript, support form, parents’ tax return, and proof of U.S. citizenship.
Eligibility:
- Be graduating high school seniors in these Midwestern states
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited, nonprofit college
- Achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA with co-curricular involvement
- Exhibit significant financial need ($55,000 or lower family income)
Located in Lincoln since 2000, the Sowers Club of Nebraska offers two scholarships for $1,000 apiece to graduating high school seniors and continuing undergrads. The $500 scholarship in Oren Galloway’s memory specifically helps children of Burlington Northern Railroad employees. Another $500 scholarship honoring Bob Milton selects only culinary arts majors. Nebraskans can apply until February 24th with three to five recommendation letters.
Eligibility:
- Be U.S. citizens with permanent residence in Nebraska
- Register for 12+ credits per term at in-state colleges
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
- Participate regularly in extra-curricular activities