Nebraska is home to many outstanding colleges, each offering a range of academic experiences and opportunities for students. Beyond great education, these schools provide various financial aid options designed to make college more affordable for Nebraska residents. If you’re currently planning for college, this guide will walk you through several tuition assistance programs that may help lower the cost of your education.
Nebraska Promise
The Nebraska Promise program helps eligible students pay for tuition at any of the University of Nebraska’s four campuses (University of Nebraska –Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and its two-year tecnical college the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture). Here are a few key requirements:
- Family income of $65,000 or less (Adjusted Gross Income) OR Pell Grant recipient.
- Full-time (12 credits or more) undergraduate student at a University of Nebraska campus.
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA.
Deadline: May 1st, 2025
More Info: Nebraska Promise Details
Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee
This program covers tuition for eligible students at Chadron State College, Peru State College, or Wayne State College. To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a first-time freshman or an incoming transfer student at one of the state colleges.
- Be Pell Grant eligible.
- Enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester, with at least one on-campus class.
- Complete the FAFSA by April 1 for priority consideration.
Deadline: No Deadline
More Info: Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee Details
Access NWU (Nebraska Wesleyan University)
The Access NWU program fully funds tuition for first-year and transfer students who qualify for the federal Pell Grant. To be eligible, students must:
- Be Pell Grant eligible (as determined by the FAFSA).
- Apply and be admitted as a first-time, first-year, or transfer student for the 2025-26 academic year.
- Enroll in a full-time course load of 12-18 credit hours per semester.
Deadline: August 1, 2025
More Info: Access NWU Scholarship Program
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuition Assistance
How do I apply for these programs?
To apply, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There’s no separate application for most of these programs, though you may be asked to complete additional verification steps with the school’s financial aid office.
How do I know if I’ll receive a Pell Grant?
Filing a FAFSA will determine whether you’re eligible for a Pell Grant and will estimate your funding amount.
Can these programs pay for other expenses (like books or housing)?
No, these programs only cover tuition costs. However, additional scholarships may help with other college expenses.
Should I apply for other scholarships if I receive tuition assistance?
Yes! Even if you qualify for tuition assistance, it is highly recommended that you apply for additional scholarships. Scholarships can help cover costs beyond tuition, such as books or housing expenses.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For more information, contact the financial aid office at your school or your nearest EducationQuest office.
For additional details, check out our Tuition Assistance Handout.
By Alex Jurgens
Assisted by AI