We all need help creating our stories, and sometimes that means financial help. The CoJMC is fortunate that many alumni and friends have provided scholarships, allowing the college to award more than $394,445 in scholarships annually. Learn more about our scholarships and how to apply below.
How to Apply
In order to apply for merit-based or need-based scholarships, please complete the steps below. See the "Emergency Support" tab for information on applying for emergency funding.
- Submit your FAFSA by April 1 (need-based scholarships)
- The current student scholarship application for the following academic year opens October 1 every year and is due on February 1. Please speak with your academic advisor if you have questions about the application process.
Types of Scholarships
Need-based Scholarships
To determine your eligibility for need-based scholarships, complete the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Current Undergraduate Student Scholarship Application as well as a current FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). For questions regarding this process, please refer to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website. Scholarships are awarded to the best-matched, need-based applicant based on the results of the FAFSA and Current Undergraduate Student Scholarships Application. Need-based scholarships can be combined with other campus-wide scholarships. Renewability varies by award.
Merit-based scholarships
To determine eligibility for merit-based scholarship, complete the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Current Undergraduate Student Scholarship Application. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated academic achievement and involvement during their time at Nebraska. Merit-based scholarships can be combined with other campus-wide scholarships. Renewability varies by award.
Study Abroad Scholarships
Each spring, the college conducts the Study Abroad Scholarship Competition, which tests your ability to make a compelling case for the benefits of an international experience. The winner of this competition receives a scholarship toward a UNL-sponsored international experience.
Transfer Student Scholarships
Scholarship funding is made possible through the generous giving of our college donors. A majority of these dollars are dedicated to students who demonstrate their ability to perform in the Nebraska academic environment. A limited number of scholarships are availble to students who transfer to UNL from other instutions. Qualifying students are contacted each semester with instructions to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know if I received a scholarship?
All University of Nebraska-Lincoln scholarship recipients can confirm their scholarship awards by checking MyRed beginning in June. The College of Journalism and Mass Communications will also notify you via your Huskers email account.
Is my scholarship renewable?
Most scholarships are not renewable, and you will be notified if your scholarship is renewable. If you reapply for Current Undergraduatete Student Scholarships each year, you will be reconsidered for awards each year, although the amount and the scholarship fund may be different.
How will my award be made?
Distribution of most scholarships is made over the two semesters—fall and spring. Exceptions are made for study abroad and select other awards. With the exception of these, most scholarships require you to be enrolled full-time for BOTH semesters to receive your scholarship and award amounts will be adjusted if you graduate mid-year. Awards will appear on MyRED and be deducted from your student bill. Any refunds will be disbursed to you from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA). For additional information, please visit Husker Hub.
What will happen if I change to part-time status?
Donors specify that awards be made to full-time students. Your scholarship will be dropped if you change to part-time status.
Can I receive the full amount of the scholarship if I am graduating mid-year?
Donors specify full-time enrollment for almost all of our scholarships. Mid-year graduates will receive half of the yearly amount allocated.
Emergency Scholarships & Awards
Emergency Funding
Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and you need a little extra help. The College of Journalism and Mass Communications has emergency funds available to help students facing unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances that threaten their progress toward a degree.
Up to $1,500 in emergency funding is available to help with both tuition and fees and life interruptions, like a car breakdown, broken laptop, or needed prescription due to illness.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Nebraska Broadcasters Association Scholarships
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA) Foundation will award up to three scholarships of $2,000 each to students enrolled in broadcasting-related programs at accredited colleges, universities, technical colleges, or approved trade schools.
These scholarships aim to foster learning in broadcasting, broadcast journalism, production, management, advertising, broadcast electronics and technology, and other arts and techniques of the broadcasting field—including over-the-air broadcasting and multiplatform, digital content distribution.
Please visit the NBA website for more information on the scholarships.
Below is the selection criteria:
- Be on track to complete 30 or more college credits by May 31, 2026.
- Be majoring in broadcasting, communications, or a related field at a community college or a four-year public or private college or university.
- Have a Nebraska connection, meaning they must have either graduated from a Nebraska high school or be currently attending a Nebraska college or university.
- Be planning to pursue a career in radio or television broadcasting.
Omaha Press Club Scholarships
For more than half a century, Omaha Press Club (OPC) and the Omaha Press Club Foundation have awarded journalism scholarships to the most deserving students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Scholarship recipients are selected by the College of Journalism and Mass Communications Scholarship Committee and the Omaha Press Club Foundation. Please visit the OPC website for more information on the scholarships. Applications open in February and close in March every year.
Below is the selection criteria:
- majors in the areas of advertising and public relations, broadcasting, journalism or sports media and communication
- demonstrates promise through publication or airing of work at campus newspapers, broadcast outlets and/or internships
- demonstrates experience in professional organizations such as the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) or the American Advertising Federation (Ad Club).
- demonstrates academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- has at least junior standing in the upcoming fall semester and has completed at least two years of campus studies
Apply for OPC Scholarships by March 2
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