Scholarships at the University of Nebraska Omaha: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) is committed to providing accessible and affordable education, offering a variety of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships range from merit-based awards for high-achieving students to need-based aid for those with significant financial constraints. UNO colleges and departments also offer scholarships to specific programs or majors. Scholarship criteria and award amounts listed are subject to change at any time.

Undergraduate Scholarships

UNO provides a range of scholarships for undergraduate students, including those for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and non-resident students. Many scholarships require students to complete the UNO Scholarship application in MavLINK.

Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships recognize and reward academic excellence and leadership potential.

Presidential Scholars Program: Beginning with new applicants for Fall 2024, this prestigious program covers the full cost of attendance at the University of Nebraska for up to four years (or completion of a bachelor's degree), with three inclusive summers, plus an annual $5,000.00 stipend. It is awarded to recent Nebraska high school graduates with top test scores of 36 ACT or 1570-1600 SAT. Criteria include Nebraska residency and graduation from a Nebraska high school. Applicants must also have a minimum composite ACT score of 32 and exceptional academic standing (graduating class percentile and/or cumulative GPA) may also be considered for the award.
Regents Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to the highest academically talented high school students who are Nebraska residents graduating from Nebraska high schools and admitted to the University Honors Program. To apply you must (1) be admitted to UNO by February 1st, (2) submit ACT/SAT scores through the February test date during senior year, (3) complete the General Scholarship Application prior to February 1st, and (4) complete the University Honors Program Application. Eligible applicants will automatically considered for the Distinguished Scholarships and Honors Merit Scholarships.
Distinguished Scholarship: This scholarship is available to entering freshmen at the University of Nebraska, Omaha.
Academic Achievement Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes students with strong academic records. Criteria include Nebraska residents that are US citizens or permanent residents, graduating seniors of Nebraska high schools.
Scott Scholars (Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program): The Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program (Scott Scholars) provides complete funding for an undergraduate college experience including tuition, room and board, and whole-person learning opportunities.

Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships assist students who demonstrate financial need, making higher education more accessible.

G. Robert Muchemore Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded competitively to outstanding first-year students who are graduates of Nebraska high schools that demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is worth up to $8,000 per year.
Nebraska Career Scholarship: Renewable for up to three additional years, or until 120 credit hours attempted (not including hours earned through dual enrollment or AP classes), or bachelor's degree earned. Renewal subject to (1) maintaining full-time enrollment, (2) a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, (3) pursuit of an eligible degree program, and (4) completion of Nebraska-based internship, apprenticeship, clinical position, or other program of study related field experience prior to start of fourth, or final, academic year. For consideration, submit (1) an Application for Admission by February 1st, (2) ACT/SAT scores through the February test date during senior year, and (3) a FAFSA form.
Wade and Alice Knapp Scholarship: This scholarship is available to undergraduate students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha-School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Scholarship. You must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this award.
Deputy Chief Monroe Coleman Scholarship: This scholarship is for students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha who are interested in a law enforcement career. You must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this award.
Goodrich Scholarship Program: This program funds scholarships for students with significant financial need. The Goodrich Scholarship Program intends to provide a college education for persons who otherwise could not afford it while offering them a broad and meaningful experience in general education. The program has a three-pronged approach. Applications are available through the Goodrich Program Office.

Program-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are tailored to students in specific academic programs or with particular interests.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Urban Health Opportunities Program (UHOP): This program supports the urban Nebraska medical workforce by identifying and preparing qualified students to enter and succeed in medical school. Criteria include Nebraska residency, graduation from a Nebraska high school, a minimum cumulative ACT cumulative and math section score of 24, and guaranteed admission to UNMC's M.D. program with the completion of UHOP requirements.
Young Scholars Program: This program began at UNO in 2011 and provides a full scholarship to selected students. Students in the Young Scholars Program participate in a variety of activities such as weekly study sessions, various social and academic events, and service projects throughout the school year.
UNO Teacher Scholars Academy: The UNO Teacher Scholars Academy is a select group of high-achieving teacher candidates who embody leadership qualities, academic excellence, and a commitment to teach in Nebraska for 4 years.
NE Eagle Scout Scholarship: This scholarship provides Eagle Scouts from Nebraska and from Harrison, Mills or Pottawattamie counties in Iowa scholarship funds to attend a post-secondary institution in the state of Nebraska.
UNO Criminal Justice Education Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha who are pursuing a degree in criminal justice or criminology.
Robert P. Houston Criminology and Criminal Justice Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha who are pursuing a degree in criminal justice or criminology. Preference will be given to students focusing on corrections.
Webb Family Scholarship: This scholarship is available to rising senior-level students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha-School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Scholarship.

Other Scholarships

UNO Alumni Association Scholarship: These scholarships award $2,500 per year to graduating high school seniors who demonstrated leadership and involvement during high school. Renewable for up to three additional years subject to maintaining full-time enrollment and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. To apply, complete the UNO Scholarship application in MavLINK. If you meet the minimum qualifications you will be given access to complete the application.
Gerbracht Scholarship: This scholarship fund has been established in memory of long-time University of Nebraska Omaha employee William Gerbracht. Upon his death in June 1991, Gerbracht bequeathed a portion of his estate to establish an academic scholarship fund at UNO which is awarded to a first-year student who is the child of a full-time UNO faculty or staff member. To apply, complete the UNO Scholarship application in MavLINK by March 1st of your senior year.
Phillip Schrager Scholarship Program for Student Leaders: This program recognizes students who possess outstanding leadership capability. Selection is based primarily on a student's involvement in high school activities and organizations. Documented financial need is required and scholastic achievement is an important qualification. The scholarship is valued at up to $15,000 per year. To apply, complete the UNO Scholarship application in MavLINK by May 15.
Davis Chambers Scholarship and the Davis Chambers Community College Transfer Scholarship: These scholarships recognize academically promising students who have knowledge and experience in a diverse environment or community.
Faculty Senate Scholarships: Paul L. Beck, a long-time member of the History Department, urged faculty and staff to go beyond the classroom to assist capable students in their educational pursuits at UNO. Inspired by his call to action, the Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska Omaha has sponsored scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 for meritorious students since 1970.
UNO Women's Club Scholarships: The UNO Women's Club offers six merit-based, partial scholarships for full-time and part-time, undergraduate and graduate students.
UNO Advantage Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students at the University of Nebraska Omaha who are non-residents.
Richard J.A.
Scottish Rite/F.

Forward Together Scholarship

The Forward Together Scholarship is for students who meet the criteria below and are seeking an undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). Qualify for Nebraska resident tuition under Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 85-502(9). Code, candidates who are citizens or nationals of the United States and qualify under Neb. Rev. Stat. Read Instructions carefully. The essay responses must be answered separately and address the questions below. Each essay response must be at least 300 words (5 essay responses x 300 words each=1500 words total)

How will this scholarship help you achieve your educational goals and what specifically will change as a result of receiving the scholarship?
Pick an experience from you own life and explain how it has influenced your development?
Describe a time when you have demonstrated your leadership skills?
How are you involved in giving back to others and/or your community?

Other Scholarships-Have you been awarded any other scholarships for the forthcoming academic year in college (2025-2026)? Please list scholarships including but not limited to the Buffett Scholarship/Thompson Learning Community (TLC). Please respond NONE if you have not been awarded other scholarships at this time. Please provide a copy of your financial need. You may complete the Federal Student Aid Estimator 2025-2026 to prove your financial need. The Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an early estimate of what the studentâs federal student aid could be by using some initial data that the student provides. This can help the student make decisions about college or career school. This process will ensure that students who have high financial need are considered. Please upload the PDF results with the result of your âestimated federal student aidâ here.

Graduate Scholarships and Awards

While less common than undergraduate scholarships, a variety of scholarships are also available to help graduate students afford their education.

Phi Delta Gamma Scholarship: This scholarship is intended to encourage individuals of promising talent and ability to complete the requirements for a graduate degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Ability shall be evaluated in terms of excellence in academic scholarship, character, leadership, and personality.
Helen Hansen Outstanding Graduate Student Awards: These awards are presented to individuals who have been selected as outstanding graduate students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Nominees may not have graduated or completed/enrolled in all coursework requirements prior to the immediate spring semester. Nominees must have completed 15-18 hours of graduate work with a GPA of at least 3.75 and no outstanding incompletes other than ("IP" grades on thesis/dissertation, research other than thesis, and research seminar, etc. are allowed) at the time of nomination.
Regents Tuition Waiver (RTW): Each year the Regents of the University of Nebraska make available funds, in the form of the Regents Tuition Waiver (RTW). The final decision regarding whom to recommend shall be taken by the department/school graduate program committee chair (GPC). Nominations should be submitted on behalf of eligible students by the department/school graduate program committee (GPC). Nominations should include the following: a letter of support from the GPC, strengths of the candidate, what the candidate will bring to the program and a copy of the candidateâs resume or vitae, if nominating more than one candidate please list in rank order. Selection will be conducted by the Dean for Graduate Studies (based on the nomination by the GPC). Awards will be based, in part, on the likelihood they will contribute to highly qualified students choosing UNO for graduate study. Tuition waivers under this program may be used only for graduate courses in the studentsâ program. The maximum waiver available in the fall and spring semesters is equivalent to the resident tuition cost for nine (9) graduate credit hours. For the summer semester, the maximum waiver available is equivalent to the resident tuition cost for six (6) graduate credit hours.

How to Apply

To apply for most UNO scholarships, students must complete the UNO Scholarship application in MavLINK. Specific scholarships may have additional requirements, such as essays, recommendations, or financial documentation. It is essential to carefully review the criteria and application instructions for each scholarship of interest.

Browsing âAllâ Scholarships: To view a list of all scholarship opportunities, you may click âAllâ under âOpportunitiesâ above. This list shows all scholarships, not scholarships for which you are receiving consideration. Automatch scholarships will appear with âNoneâ listed under the âActionâ column â this means an additional application is not required for consideration. The âDeadlineâ column indicates the deadline to complete the application to receive consideration.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

The UNO Fund: Supporting Student Success

The University of Nebraska at Omaha aims to provide access to exceptional education to all who seek it. Our focus on providing access, opportunity, equality and service is enhanced when you give to the UNO Fund.

The UNO Fund puts the power into your hands. Now, you make the choice how your donations are best spent at UNO. Through the UNO Fund, you can choose to directly support whatever you think is most important, including:

Student scholarships that ease the cost of education for deserving UNO students.
Faculty recruitment and retention to recruit the stateâs best educators and produce the most cutting-edge research.
Your collegeâs academic priorities, whether it be new courses, student support programs, special guest lectures or others.
The most pressing needs of the university, immediately benefiting student goals and dreams.
The UNO Alumni Association, which continues to produce award-winning alumni programming and communications for the benefit of UNOâs students.

UNO alumni graduate as Mavericks who chose their own path, and the new UNO Fund hopes to connect you more directly with your passions at UNO.

In addition, each donor to any area of the UNO Fund will receive a UNO Alumni card with a gift of $25 or more. âI have been working on my degree for almost 10 years. This summer right after I found out I only had about a year to graduate, I lost my financial aid. âThank you so much for your support. The University of Nebraska Foundation offers thousands of ways to make an impact.

Read also: Scholarship Guide

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