Scholarships are an excellent way to help fund your education. However, understanding how scholarships work can be a bit daunting. Your CSE Academic Advising team has compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding scholarships.
Scholarships are an excellent way to help fund your education. However, understanding how scholarships work can be a bit daunting. Your CSE Academic Advising team has compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding scholarships.
How do I know if I'm being considered for scholarships? All new incoming CSE first-year and transfer students are considered for University of Minnesota and college-specific scholarships as part of the admissions application process.
Scholarships are based on academic merit, and some are also based on financial need. It is critical that you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to start the process if you want to be considered for need-based scholarships. You can find more information about the FAFSA at One Stop.
Current CSE students may be invited to apply for merit-based scholarships if they have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and after they have been enrolled full-time in CSE for at least three semesters. Recipients of these scholarships typically have a 3.6 or higher GPA and extensive leadership and co-curricular involvement. Invitations to apply for these current-student scholarships are sent out in February.
Where can I find scholarships? New students can find information including available scholarships at the Office of Admissions scholarship webpage.
Current students can use the Undergraduate Scholarship Search through One Stop. This tool will find scholarships you could be eligible for based on academic performance, college and major, and other demographic information. You will need your University of Minnesota login information to access the search.
Students are also encouraged to connect with their department for scholarships specific to their major. Occasionally, departments will send emails out to their students with scholarship opportunities. Make sure to get on listservs through your department so you hear about these opportunities when they come around!
Scholarship opportunities are also frequently listed on the CSE Student News that goes out to all CSE undergraduates Sunday nights. Make sure to open and read that email so you don’t miss out.
How and when will I be notified if I have been awarded a scholarship? New first-year students awarded a scholarship will receive a letter in the mail from the Office of Admissions by the end of March.
Transfer and current students will receive an email directly from CSE if they have been awarded a scholarship. Email notifications will be sent out in early May.
Is there anything else I should know about scholarships? There is no "average" scholarship amount. Awards can range from about $1,000 to the full cost of attendance for up to four years.
Awards come from funds donated by alumni and corporate partners. Scholarships can be awarded based on academic performance, geographic origin, major, and cultural identity.
It is worth the effort to do your research. Don't forget to complete the FAFSA and apply for anything you are eligible for. Every little bit of funding can help!
