Scholarships at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The National First Responder Pledge reduces the out-of-state portion of undergraduate tuition by up to eighteen thousand dollars per year for up to four years for first-year students who are full-time compensated first responders or their dependents. Eligible responders include firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, excluding volunteer-only service. Applicants need a minimum three point zero high school GPA and must indicate first-responder connection on the admission or supplemental Scholarship Application. Apply by November first with a May first final deadline and submit supervisor documentation. Renewal requires a three point zero cumulative GPA and twenty-four credit hours annually at UNL.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate students nominated for Agricultural Research Division fellowships who have completed at least one semester at UNL and hold active student status may be considered. The Shear-Miles award supports basic or applied agricultural research. Preference for the paired Widaman/Shear-Miles pool often favors Ph.D. research assistants with strong scholastic merit, though exceptional M.S. students may be considered. Students may receive Shear-Miles or Widaman once during their UNL program. The fellowship provides a $2,000 stipend supplement above the regular departmental assistantship, paid across the academic year. Faculty nominate candidates through the ARD graduate fellowship nomination form by the May 1 deadline. The fund memorializes Cornelius Lott Shear and George Miles through a gift from Dorothy S. Miles's estate.

Nebraska Emerging Leaders receive two thousand dollars per year toward UNL undergraduate tuition for four years plus a leadership seminar through the Center for Academic Success and Transition during the first fall semester. Nebraska residents identified as emerging leaders must submit the supplemental Scholarship Application in MyRED by February first. Scholars enroll in a weekly seminar and recitation with peer mentors during their first semester. Holistic review considers leadership engagement, affordability, and academic profile. Renewal requires a two point five cumulative GPA and twenty-four credit hours completed each academic year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The Nebraska First Responder Pledge waives resident tuition after other scholarships and grants for up to five years, including summers, for Nebraska law enforcement officers, corrections officers, youth detention officers, firefighters, firefighter-paramedics, and their dependent children. First responders must pursue approved majors related to their profession and file the FAFSA annually with verification from supervisors and the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Dependent children may choose any undergraduate major at UNL. Apply annually before the end of the fall semester for that term's benefits. Recipients maintain a three point zero cumulative GPA and must remain Nebraska residents for five years after using the waiver.