The state of Nebraska is home to thousands of students who choose to continue their education at the college level. However, the growing cost of college tuition can stand in the way of these students’ educational goals. Scholarship awards are one way that Nebraska residents can secure financial assistance to attend college. Many Nebraska scholarships exist to break down the barriers that stand between university students and their education.
10 Scholarships for Nebraska Students
- Nebraska Opportunity Grant
- This need-based grant provides financial assistance to Nebraska residents attending in-state colleges and universities.
- Susan T. Buffett Foundation Scholarship
- This scholarship supports high school seniors and recent graduates in Nebraska who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
- Nebraska Legacy Scholarship
- Available to students who are descendants of Nebraska alumni, this scholarship helps maintain a family tradition of attending Nebraska institutions.
- Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) Scholarship
- Designed for students pursuing healthcare careers in rural Nebraska, this scholarship provides financial aid and guarantees admission to certain health programs.
- Husker Power Scholarship
- Offered to incoming freshmen at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, this scholarship is based on academic achievement and leadership qualities.
- Creighton University Dean’s Scholarship
- A merit-based scholarship for students attending Creighton University, awarded based on academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
- Nebraska Advantage Scholarship
- Aimed at attracting high-achieving students to the University of Nebraska, this scholarship provides significant financial support.
- Peru State College Tuition Remission Scholarship
- Offers full or partial tuition remission to students based on academic merit and financial need.
- Nebraska Wesleyan University Presidential Scholarship
- This competitive scholarship is awarded to top students attending Nebraska Wesleyan University, covering a substantial portion of tuition costs.
- Central Community College Foundation Scholarship
- Provides financial assistance to students attending Central Community College, based on academic achievement and financial need.
Nebraska Students and Student Debt
Many students turn to student loans to afford their rapidly increasing tuition costs. In Nebraska, 12.4% of state residents have student loan debt, amounting to a total of $7.8 billion. There are 242,700 student borrowers in Nebraska, each with an average student loan debt of $32,138. Most of these borrowers (57.4%) are under the age of 35. The burden of student debt can deter many young adults from pursuing higher education, making scholarships an essential resource to mitigate financial stress.
Grade School Students in Nebraska
Nebraska has 1,212 K-12 schools with a total of 363,473 students. Of these, 125 are high schools, with 106,438 high school students. In 2020, the high school graduation rate was 87.5%. A significant proportion of these students (136,915) received free or reduced-price lunches during the 2021-2022 academic year, indicating a large number of students from low-income households. These students often face significant financial barriers to higher education, making scholarships crucial in helping them achieve their academic goals.
Educational Attainment in Nebraska
Of the Nebraskans who graduate high school, only 69.6% continue their education. From 2015 to 2019, just 33.7% of Nebraskan residents aged 22 to 64 had a bachelor’s degree or higher. This gap is more pronounced among minority students, with only 30.8% of minorities having completed an associate’s degree or higher compared to 56.5% of white Nebraskans. Nebraska’s educational attainment rates are slightly above the national average, with a six-year completion rate of 41.7% for two-year institutions and 69.6% for four-year institutions.
Colleges in Nebraska
Nebraska has 50 colleges, including 19 public universities and 31 private institutions. Enrollment in Nebraska colleges has decreased by 3.2% from 2009 to 2019, prompting many colleges to seek more students. The University of Nebraska System, with 58,037 students, is the largest public university system in the state. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the largest college with 27,390 students, while Bellevue University is the largest private college with 13,059 students. Popular fields of study include business, management, marketing, and health professions.
College Demographics in Nebraska
In 2020, Nebraska had 141,397 undergraduate students and 33,545 graduate students. Female students outnumbered male students, comprising 58% of the student population. The racial demographics showed limited diversity, with 68% of students identifying as White, 11% as Hispanic, 6% as Black, 3% as Asian/Pacific Islander, and 1% as Native American.
Costs of College in Nebraska
College in Nebraska costs 7.20% less than the national average, with the cost of attendance for a public four-year institution at $19,520. Private university tuition averages $35,110 annually. Out-of-state students pay significantly more, with an average increase of 158.13%. Creighton University is the most expensive university at $54,618 annually, followed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at $21,196. Financial aid programs help students manage these costs, but many still rely on scholarships to make college affordable.
Financial Aid for Nebraska Students
To access financial aid, students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This form determines the Expected Family Contribution, which estimates a student’s ability to pay tuition costs. The Pell Grant is one form of federal aid, with 35,979 Nebraska recipients in 2021. The Nebraska Opportunity Grant is the only need-based state grant, awarded to 13,109 students during the 2020-2021 academic year. Despite these programs, over 17,000 qualified students did not receive grants due to a lack of funds, making scholarships essential.
Additional Scholarships for Nebraska Students
Applying for a mix of general and specific scholarships can increase students’ chances of securing financial aid. Here are some scholarships that Nebraska students should consider:
Scholarships for High School Students in Nebraska
- Carrie Lee Peyton Amazing Educator Scholarship
- Creativity Scholarship
- Generosity Matters Scholarship
Scholarships for Nebraska High School Seniors
- Ben Bonner Memorial Scholarship
- Nina L. Coleman Memorial Scholarship
- DogCentral Dog Lover Scholarship
- Surya Education Assistance Scholarship
Scholarships for Nebraska College Students
- Debra Victoria Scholarship
- Pettable Life Transitions Pet Lovers Scholarship
- Goals Scholarship
- Nature Matters Scholarship
Scholarships for Nursing Students in Nebraska
- Pay It Forward CRNA Scholarship
- Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship
- Deborah Stevens Pediatric Nursing Scholarship
- Nursing No-Essay Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships in Nebraska
How to Apply for Scholarships in Nebraska?
To apply for scholarships, students should create a profile on a scholarship platform, such as Bold.org. Fill out all required information and search for scholarships that match your qualifications. Carefully review eligibility requirements and deadlines before applying. Many scholarships require essays or specific application materials.
When Can I Start Applying?
Students can start applying for scholarships as early as high school and continue throughout their college career. Different scholarships have varying deadlines, so it’s important to monitor and apply as soon as possible.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for a Scholarship?
Eligibility requirements are listed in the scholarship description. Check these criteria to ensure you qualify before applying. Completing your profile with accurate information can also help match you with suitable scholarships.
Are Scholarships Counted as Income?
Scholarships used for necessary educational expenses, such as tuition and textbooks, are not counted as taxable income. However, funds used for non-essential expenses, like travel and housing, may be subject to taxes.
By exploring and applying for these scholarships, Nebraska students can make higher education more affordable and reduce the burden of student debt. Start your scholarship search today to secure the financial support you need for your academic journey.