University of Evansville Scholarships (2026–2027)

University of Evansville Scholarships (2026–2027)

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Last Updated on June 2, 2026
What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and average family net price
  • Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
  • Flagship and hidden-gem awards
  • Honors and stacking strategy

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~79%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 25
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1205
  • Average GPA: 3.7

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌 University of Evansville at a Glance

🏆 Full tuition available (National Merit Finalist Scholarship & Changemaker Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$20,230/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$18,000–$30,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
33 opportunities
6 automatic · 7 competitive · 17 hidden gem · 3 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.25+; ACT 21+ / SAT 1060+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
National Merit Finalist Scholarship & Changemaker Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only

Evansville is a great example of how private schools can compete on price when merit is strong. The sticker price is high, but the automatic scholarships—often ranging from $15,000 to $30,000—significantly change the equation. For many families, the real cost ends up much closer to (or even below) nearby public universities.

Where Evansville really stands out is in how merit stacks with opportunity. Programs like the Moore Scholars and access to Harlaxton College give top students a high-end academic experience, while even mid-range applicants still receive meaningful discounts. For students in the 3.6+ range looking at smaller, more personal campuses with strong merit, UE is one of those schools that can quietly deliver both value and experience.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Evansville is test-optional.

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25; SAT: 1205.

Average net price? About $20,230/yearyear after aid.

Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.


Sources:
Scholarships for Entering Freshmen - Fall 2026: https://www.evansville.edu/student-financial-services/scholarships-for-entering-freshmen.cfm
High School Changemaker Challenge - University of Evansville: https://www.evansville.edu/centerforinnovation/high-school-changemaker-challenge.cfm
TASL Scholars Program Overview - Center for Inclusive Excellence: https://www.evansville.edu/center-for-inclusive-excellence/tasl-overview.cfm
UE Teaching Fellows Scholarship Program - Education: https://www.evansville.edu/majors/education/teachingacesfellows.cfm
Baccalaureate to Doctor of Medicine - University of Evansville: https://www.evansville.edu/majors/btomd/index.cfm
University scholarship page: https://www.evansville.edu/admission/financialaid/scholarships-freshmen.cfm
John C. Moore Honors Scholars - University of Evansville: https://www.evansville.edu/honors/moore.cfm
Honors Program site: https://www.evansville.edu/academics/honors/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Evansville 2026-2027

📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.

Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.

Category (2026–2027) In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) $46,014 $46,014
Housing & Meals (typical) $15,545 $15,545
Total (Direct Costs) $61,559 $61,559

Average Federal Net Price: $20,230 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.


State Aid Programs: UE is a private university (no MSEP reciprocity). Indiana residents may qualify for the Frank O’Bannon Grant (Freedom of Choice) — maximum $10,600 at UE and 21st Century Scholars — maximum $9,516 at private colleges. These stack with UE merit scholarships to reduce your net price.

Cost of Attendance FAQs

Who qualifies for Indiana state aid? Indiana residents who meet FAFSA deadlines and income/academic requirements.

How much can these state programs reduce the bill? Up to $10,600 (Frank O’Bannon Freedom of Choice at UE) and up to $9,516 (21st Century Scholars at private colleges) — amounts vary by eligibility and stack with UE scholarships.

Do I need a separate application? File the FAFSA by Indiana’s April 15 priority deadline; awards are determined by the state and coordinated with UE.

Sources:
https://www.evansville.edu/student-financial-services/cost-of-attendance-2025-2026.cfm
https://www.evansville.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-direct-costs-undergraduate-2025-2026.cfm
https://www.evansville.edu/student-financial-services/housing-and-meals-undergraduate-2025-2026.cfm
https://www.evansville.edu/student-financial-services/grants.cfm
https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school?150534-University_of_Evansville=

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

The University of Evansville automatically considers every admitted freshman for generous merit scholarships. Awards are based on weighted GPA or test scores (whichever is higher). Test-optional applicants are eligible too, and students can add “engagement awards” (Visit, FAFSA, Essay) worth up to $3,000 total.

Automatic
Presidential
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$30,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 4.3+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1390 SAT

Stacking & Combining
Total UE scholarships and gift aid cannot exceed full-time tuition (12–18 credits/semester).

💡
Strategic Detail
UE's top automatic merit award at $30,000/year — $120,000 over four years. UE always uses your GPA or test scores, whichever works in your favor. Tack on up to $1,500/year more through the Changing Lives Essay ($500) and an Official Campus Visit ($1,000) if you complete them by May 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top students with very strong weighted GPAs or ACT 30+ / SAT ~1400. If your school doesn't weight GPAs, UE will account for that — and they'll always use whichever credential helps you most.
Automatic
Dean's
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$27,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT

Stacking & Combining
Total UE scholarships and gift aid cannot exceed full-time tuition (12–18 credits/semester).

💡
Strategic Detail
$27,000/year — $108,000 over four years. UE always uses your GPA or test scores, whichever is the better credential. Engagement awards (Changing Lives Essay and Official Campus Visit) can add up to $1,500/year more if earned by May 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Solid 'A' students with a weighted GPA around 4.0, or ACT in the high 20s / SAT around 1250–1300. A very reachable award for strong academic performers.
Automatic
Faculty
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$24,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1200 SAT

Stacking & Combining
Total UE scholarships and gift aid cannot exceed full-time tuition (12–18 credits/semester).

💡
Strategic Detail
$24,000/year — $96,000 over four years. UE uses whichever credential — GPA or test score — benefits the student most. Engagement awards can add up to $1,500/year more if earned by May 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong A-/B+ students with a weighted GPA of 3.75 or ACT ~25 / SAT ~1200. A great fit for consistent high achievers who may not be in the top percentile but have worked hard across all four years.
Automatic
Academic
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$21,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~23 ACT✎ ~1130 SAT

Stacking & Combining
Total UE scholarships and gift aid cannot exceed full-time tuition (12–18 credits/semester).

💡
Strategic Detail
$21,000/year — $84,000 over four years. UE picks whichever credential — GPA or test score — helps the student most. Engagement awards can add up to $1,500/year more if earned by May 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
B+/A- students with a weighted GPA around 3.5, or ACT in the low-to-mid 20s / SAT around 1100–1130. This is a very accessible award for motivated students with a solid track record.
Automatic
Aces
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$18,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT

Stacking & Combining
Total UE scholarships and gift aid cannot exceed full-time tuition (12–18 credits/semester).

💡
Strategic Detail
$18,000/year — $72,000 over four years. UE picks whichever credential — GPA or test score — is most favorable. Engagement awards can add up to $1,500/year more if earned by May 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Solid B students — weighted GPA around 3.25, ACT ~21, SAT ~1060. This is UE's entry-level automatic award and it's nothing to sneeze at: $18,000 a year with zero extra steps.
Automatic
Purple
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Total UE scholarships and gift aid cannot exceed full-time tuition (12–18 credits/semester).

💡
Strategic Detail
The base-level automatic award for students below the Aces scholarship thresholds. Amount varies based on individual academic credentials. Engagement awards (Changing Lives Essay and Official Campus Visit) can stack on top if earned by May 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students below the Aces thresholds (weighted GPA under 3.25 / ACT below 21 / SAT below 1060). The exact dollar amount varies by individual credentials, but almost every admitted freshman receives something — it's worth applying to find out.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.

*GPA/test score ranges are based on published cutoffs; actual thresholds can shift slightly year to year depending on applicant pool and funding.

Automatic Merit FAQs

Do I need to apply separately? No — students are automatically considered when they apply for admission.

Are test scores required? No — UE is test-optional. They’ll use whichever is higher (GPA or test) when awarding.

Can I stack merit with other scholarships? Yes, but the total of UE scholarships and gift aid cannot exceed full-time tuition (12–18 credits per semester).

Are these renewable? Yes — generally for up to 4 years if you maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and 24 credits each year.

Sources:
https://www.evansville.edu/admission/financialaid/scholarships-freshmen.cfm

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

The University of Evansville offers a handful of competitive scholarships that go beyond automatic merit. These are prestigious awards tied to national recognition programs, and they can dramatically reduce or even eliminate tuition costs.

Full TuitionAutomaticpipeline
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠  Guaranteed full-tuition award for National Merit Finalists who provide their Certificate of Merit to the Office of Admission.
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Cannot stack with automatic academic merit — you receive this scholarship or your Academic Merit Scholarship, whichever is higher. Total UE gift aid is capped at full-time tuition.

💡
Strategic Detail
National Merit Finalists who designate UE as first-choice and submit the Certificate of Merit will not pay a dollar of tuition for all four undergraduate years (8 fall/spring semesters). Filing the FAFSA is strongly recommended to maximize the full financial aid package.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National Merit Finalists who list UE as their first-choice school and submit their Certificate of Merit. If that's your student, this is a dead-simple path to zero tuition.
Automatic
National Recognition Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$33,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Cannot stack with automatic academic merit — students receive this scholarship or their Academic Merit Scholarship, whichever is higher. Total UE gift aid is capped at full-time tuition.

💡
Strategic Detail
$33,000/year for eligible College Board National Recognition recipients — exceeds every automatic merit tier. Students must provide a copy of the Certificate of Recognition to the Office of Admission by Feb 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Recipients of the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition or the National First-Generation Recognition Program award. If your student earned one of these honors, all they need to do is submit the certificate — the $33,000/year reward practically hands itself to them.
Full TuitionApp Required
Changemaker Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Registration typically closes in early December for the January competition; check the Changemaker Challenge page for current cycle dates.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~6 scholarship winners per annual competition cycle winners/yr

Stacking & Combining
Students receive either the Changemaker Scholarship or their Academic Merit Scholarship, whichever is higher — they do not stack. 1st-place winners must live on campus as part of a cohort and maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress.

📄
How to Apply
Register for and compete in UE's annual High School Changemaker Challenge. Top 20 teams are invited to the in-person competition; 1st–6th place winners who choose to enroll at UE receive the scholarship.
🌟 Finalist Event

💡
Strategic Detail
UE's annual pitch-style competition challenges high schoolers to present an idea that makes the world better. Top finishers who enroll at UE earn a scholarship — 1st place gets full tuition for four years (and must live on campus in a cohort). 2nd place: $27,000/yr; 3rd: $25,000/yr; 4th–6th: $23,000/yr. Open to any high school sophomore, junior, or senior who can attend in person.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who win one of the top six spots at UE's annual Changemaker Challenge competition. 1st place is full tuition; 2nd place is $27,000; 3rd place is $25,000; 4th–6th place is $23,000. Kids with a genuine social innovation idea have a real shot here.
Full TuitionApp Required
TASL Scholars Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Check the TASL program page for current cycle deadlines after receiving a UE admission decision.
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
👥 ~7 scholars per cohort winners/yr

Stacking & Combining
Awarded in coordination with other UE gift aid to equal full-time tuition. Does not cover housing and meals. 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-year scholars must live on campus.

📄
How to Apply
Apply to UE for admission first, then complete the separate TASL Scholars Program application (available after admission decision). Application requires responses to five short-answer questions and a resume or activities list. Finalists are invited to interview.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview

💡
Strategic Detail
One of UE's most distinctive awards — only seven students are selected per cohort, and they progress through the program together for four years. The scholarship is coordinated with other aid to cover full-time tuition. Scholars complete ChangeLab courses, community service, inclusion events, and peer mentoring. Must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Housing and meals are not covered but on-campus residency through junior year is required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A cohort of seven incoming freshmen from any background who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, service, inclusion, and changemaking. Selection is holistic — this is not just for students with sky-high test scores. Your story matters as much as your GPA.
Full TuitionApp Required
UE Teaching Fellows Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan 31 (application window Oct 1 – Jan 31)  ·  📢 Results: March 30 (winners announced)
✓ Renews (2 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
👥 ~10 per year winners/yr

Stacking & Combining
Awarded in coordination with other UE gift aid to equal full-time tuition for junior and senior years only (years 3 and 4 of the program). On-campus housing is required. Does not cover years 1 and 2.

📄
How to Apply
Complete the Teaching Fellows Scholarship application form online (no essay required). Apply between October 1 and January 31. Finalists selected in February; winners announced by March 30.

💡
Strategic Detail
A targeted investment in future teachers: 10 education majors per year have their full tuition covered during junior and senior years (years 3 and 4 of matriculation). No essay required — just a simple application form. Priority given to students choosing high-needs teaching areas or adding TESL, Reading, or special education credentials. On-campus housing is required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming education majors — especially those choosing high-needs teaching areas or adding a TESL minor, Reading minor, or special education license. Only 10 are selected per year, but the application is a simple form with no essay, so it's very much worth the few minutes it takes.
Automatic
National Need for Nursing Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$25,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships and gift aid up to the cap of full-time tuition.

💡
Strategic Detail
$25,000/year for students admitted directly into the UE nursing program. No separate application needed — the award is tied to direct nursing program admission. Stackable with other UE aid up to the full-time tuition cap.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who earn direct entry into UE's nursing program at admission. If your student is set on nursing and gets direct program entry, this $25,000/year award comes with it.
App Required
Baccalaureate to Doctor of Medicine (B/MD) Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$35,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~8 per year winners/yr

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships and gift aid up to the cap of full-time tuition.

📄
How to Apply
Apply for UE admission, then complete the separate B/MD Program application. Use the same login as your UE admission application.
✎ Essays

💡
Strategic Detail
$35,000/year for the 8 Indiana freshmen selected for UE's B/MD program. The real value here extends well beyond the scholarship — students receive provisional admission to Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville, which is attached to UE as a direct partnership. Only open to Indiana residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Eight Indiana residents selected for the B/MD program each year. These are students with strong science and academic records who want a guaranteed provisional pathway into IU School of Medicine-Evansville without the standard med school application gauntlet — an extremely valuable guarantee for serious pre-med students.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.

📌 Want the bigger picture? See our full guide to the National Merit Scholarship.

Competitive Scholarship FAQs

What makes these scholarships competitive? They are limited and tied to national recognition programs, not just GPA or test scores.

Are they renewable? Yes — most cover up to four years as long as you maintain UE’s GPA and credit requirements.

Can they stack with automatic merit? No — UE caps total gift aid at the cost of full-time tuition, so these replace (not add onto) automatic awards.

Do I need to file the FAFSA? Yes — UE requires the FAFSA for consideration of all scholarships and grants, even merit-based awards.

Sources:
https://www.evansville.edu/admission/financialaid/scholarships-freshmen.cfm

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond automatic and competitive awards, UE has several lesser-known programs that can quietly save families thousands of dollars. These include need-based guarantees, special Indiana/Kentucky awards, ROTC benefits, and department- or donor-backed funds.

Automatic
Valedictorian Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships and gift aid up to the full-time tuition cap.

💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000/year additional award for students who are #1 in their high school class. No application needed — UE confirms class rank through the transcript. Homeschooled students are not eligible. Stacks on top of any automatic merit award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
The student ranked #1 in their high school graduating class, as documented on the official transcript. Homeschooled students are excluded. It's a modest bonus on top of a strong automatic merit award, but free money is free money.
Automatic
Legacy Award
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships and gift aid up to the full-time tuition cap.

💡
Strategic Detail
$2,000/year for students who are children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of UE alumni. No application required — just let Admission know about the family connection. Stacks on top of any merit award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of UE alumni. If a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent went to UE, this $2,000/year add-on is essentially automatic — just make sure you mention it during admission.
Automatic
Methodist Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships and gift aid up to the full-time tuition cap.

💡
Strategic Detail
$500/year for students who are active members of a Methodist church. No application required — just inform the Office of Admission. UE was founded with Methodist ties, and this small loyalty bonus stacks with all other aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who belong to a Methodist church. UE has Methodist roots, so this is a small but easy add-on for families with that affiliation — just mention it at admission and the $500/year stacks right onto your merit award.
Automatic
Veteran Dependent Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships and gift aid up to the full-time tuition cap. Available only to dependents who do not qualify for other military education benefits.

💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000/year for dependents of military veterans who do not qualify for other military education benefits. No separate application — disclose veteran family status to the Office of Admission when applying. Stacks with merit awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Dependents of military veterans who are not eligible for other military education benefits (such as Post 9/11 GI Bill dependent transfer). A straightforward $1,000/year add-on for military families who fall into the gap where federal benefits don't reach.
Automatic
Ridgway Housing Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships and gift aid up to the full-time tuition cap. On-campus residency required annually to maintain the award.

💡
Strategic Detail
$1,500/year for Vanderburgh County residents or graduates of Vanderburgh County high schools. Requires on-campus residency. No separate application needed — eligibility is confirmed through admission records. A nice local incentive that stacks on top of merit.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Entering freshmen who are residents of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, or who are graduating from a high school in Vanderburgh County. If that describes your student, this $1,500/year is automatic — and it helps offset on-campus housing costs.
Automatic
Academy of Science and Medicine (ASM) Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$25,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships and gift aid up to the full-time tuition cap.

💡
Strategic Detail
Through a partnership with the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation's ASM program, graduates who enroll at UE are guaranteed a minimum of $25,000/year in annual scholarships. No separate scholarship application required — completion of the ASM program is the credential.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who complete the EVSC Academy of Science and Medicine magnet program and choose to enroll at UE. This is a pathway award that rewards students who've already invested years in a rigorous science and medicine track — and it pays off with a guaranteed minimum of $25,000/year.
Automatic
Early College High School Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$25,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships and gift aid up to the full-time tuition cap.

💡
Strategic Detail
UE partners with Early College High School programs at EVSC, Tell City HS, Perry Central HS, Southridge HS, and Warrick Pathways & Career Center. Completers who enroll at UE receive a guaranteed minimum of $25,000/year. Completion of the program is the credential — no separate scholarship application required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Graduates of qualifying Early College High School programs through EVSC, Tell City High School, Perry Central High School, Southridge High School, or Warrick Pathways & Career Center who enroll at UE. If your student completed one of these rigorous programs, they are guaranteed at least $25,000/year — no extra application needed.
Automatic
UE Kentucky Excellence Award
📅 Deadline: July 1
✓ Renews
$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
May stack with merit and other awards up to tuition cap.

💡
Strategic Detail
Must be a Kentucky resident and graduate from a Kentucky high school.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Kentucky grads attending UE, often stacking with merit.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Ensemble Participation Scholarship (non-music majors)
📅 Deadline: Rolling/audition
✓ Renews
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad

Stacking & Combining
May stack with merit and other awards up to tuition cap.

📄
How to Apply
Ensemble audition required for non-music majors.

💡
Strategic Detail
For non-music majors only.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong performers who commit to ensemble participation.
App Required
Art Portfolio Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 1
✓ Renews
$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
May stack with merit and other awards up to tuition cap.

📄
How to Apply
Submit portfolio by May 1 and secure faculty recommendation.

💡
Strategic Detail
Art majors only; must submit portfolio by deadline.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Committed art students with a solid portfolio.
Automatic
National Need for Nursing Scholarship (Direct-entry Nursing)
📅 Deadline: April 15 (priority)
✓ Renews
$25,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
May stack with merit and other awards up to tuition cap.

💡
Strategic Detail
Direct-entry Nursing majors only; merit-based.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Direct-entry Nursing students meeting eligibility.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Room & Board Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling/ROTC selection
✓ Renews
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad

Stacking & Combining
May stack with tuition and aid; awarded while contracted.

📄
How to Apply
Contract with Army ROTC through Wabash Battalion.

💡
Strategic Detail
Covers standard room and board. Awarded via ROTC contracting and review.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Army ROTC cadets meeting fitness and academic standards.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
Hoosier Aces Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apr 15 (FAFSA)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition, fees, housing, meals
✔ Stackable
⚠  Indiana residents with high GPA and very low FAFSA Student Aid Index can get a last‑dollar grant that covers full‑time tuition, fees, and some housing/meal costs, leaving no tuition out of pocket.
🏫 3.8+ GPA

Stacking & Combining
May stack with other aid within full-time cost cap.

💡
Strategic Detail
2026: $10,000 toward housing/meals. 2025: full housing/meals covered (need-based).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving Indiana students with strong GPAs and very low SAI.
Automatic
Scouting Scholarship
📅 Deadline: June 1
✓ Renews
$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Award may stack with merit and other aid within cost cap.

💡
Strategic Detail
Documentation required for eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts Gold Award recipients.
App Required
Languages & Cultures Essay Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling/visit
✓ Renews (3 yrs)
$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
Renewable up to 3 additional years by department nomination; stacks up to tuition cap.

📄
How to Apply
Write on-campus essay during a visit; department review.
✎ Essays

💡
Strategic Detail
Must be French, German, or Spanish major/minor and complete the on-campus essay.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Language majors/minors showing proficiency and progress.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Languages & Cultures Study Abroad Award
📅 Deadline: Varies/rolling
Non-Renewable
$500
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad

Stacking & Combining
May combine with other awards up to tuition cap.

📄
How to Apply
Departmental faculty nomination for study abroad.

💡
Strategic Detail
Faculty nomination required; for French, German, or Spanish majors.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Language majors planning approved study abroad.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Lois & Betsy Hamburg UE Scholarship (Vanderburgh Community Foundation)
📅 Deadline: Jan 31 (VCF)
Non-Renewable
$5,100
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Two awards winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad

Stacking & Combining
Outside donor funds apply per UE policy.

📄
How to Apply
Apply via Vanderburgh Community Foundation (VCF).

💡
Strategic Detail
For Vanderburgh County seniors or current UE students; financial need considered.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Local students with financial need who meet VCF criteria.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
Aces Opportunity Grant (AOG)
📅 Deadline: Apr 15 (FAFSA)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠  Indiana‑resident, income‑limited last‑dollar grant ensuring no out‑of‑pocket tuition (and covering full‑time mandatory fees) after other aid.
Holistic / Status Based

Stacking & Combining
May stack with aid; total gift aid capped at full-time tuition.

💡
Strategic Detail
For Indiana residents with AGI under $60k or free/reduced lunch; coordinates with state/federal aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Lower-income Indiana students who file FAFSA on time.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.

Note: UE caps total institutional gift aid at the equivalent of full-time tuition; departmental and donor awards typically coordinate within that cap. Outside donor funds (like VCF) are applied per UE’s outside-scholarship policy.

Hidden Gem FAQs

Are these programs automatic? Aces Opportunity and Hoosier Aces are automatic if you meet the criteria. Departmental awards (Music, Art, Languages) and donor funds (VCF) require auditions/portfolios or a separate application.

Can these awards stack with merit scholarships? Yes — but UE caps total scholarships at the equivalent of full-time tuition. Housing/meal and donor awards can further reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Do I have to file the FAFSA? Yes — required for AOG/Hoosier Aces and recommended for coordinating institutional and donor aid.

Why not include the “Harding Scholarship Competition” here? UE lists Harding on a prestigious external scholarships page, but it’s not a UE-funded award; we keep the Hidden Gems focused on UE/departmental/ROTC and locally administered donor funds.

Sources:
https://www.evansville.edu/admission/financialaid/scholarships-freshmen.cfm

🎖️ Honors College

The University of Evansville Honors Program gives high-achieving students academic challenge and community. Admission is selective and requires a separate application—students are encouraged to apply by November 1 for the best chance at scholarships and entry. Benefits include priority registration, small seminar classes, opportunities for research/travel support, and access to the Honors residence floor.

What a Typical UE Honors Student Looks Like:
High-achieving high school record (GPA 3.7+), AP/IB/dual credit courses, strong essay, and faculty recommendations. Honors students are involved in service, leadership, and are curious to push beyond the usual curriculum.
Honors Perks:
  • Priority course registration
  • Seminar-style classes with campus thought leaders
  • Honors residence floor (optional)
  • Conference, research, and travel funding
  • Special Honors events and recognition at graduation
Full TuitionApp Requiredpipelinehonors
John C. Moore Honors Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Nov 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠  Highly selective Honors cohort scholarship that covers full undergraduate tuition only; students must be chosen as Moore Scholars and meet specific Honors expectations
👥 ~select cohort each year winners/yr

Stacking & Combining
Full-tuition scholarship stackable with some smaller awards, but total UE gift aid cannot exceed full-time tuition. Moore Scholars are simultaneously enrolled in UE Honors. The scholarship can be applied to tuition at Harlaxton College for study abroad.

📄
How to Apply
Submit the combined Honors/Moore Scholars application with required artifact, rationale/essay, and resume. Selected finalists are invited to complete additional interview activities.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview

💡
Strategic Detail
Moore Scholars pay zero tuition for all four undergraduate years (8 fall/spring semesters). The scholarship also applies to Harlaxton study abroad tuition, and Moore Scholars receive a $1,500 travel award to help cover the cost of getting there. Scholars must maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credits/semester), complete the 15-credit Honors curriculum, and live on campus for all three underclassman years. Housing and meals are not covered by the scholarship. Scholars also serve on the Honors Advisory Board.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A small, highly selective cohort of incoming Honors applicants each year who demonstrate exceptional aptitude for communication, collaboration, leadership, and changemaking — not just academic excellence. If your student is the kind of person who makes things happen and wants to change the world, this program was designed for them.
App Required
Honors Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (priority consideration)
✓ Renews
$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA

Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other UE scholarships up to the cost of tuition.

📄
How to Apply
Apply for UE Honors Program through the Honors application portal.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec

💡
Strategic Detail
Honors students typically receive a $1,000/year scholarship on top of their merit award. The application itself is values-driven — UE wants to see who you really are, not just your GPA. Apply early for best consideration; the Nov 1 priority date is well before the May 1 final deadline.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most students admitted to the Honors Program. Selection is holistic — UE looks for intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, humility, empathy, resilience, and creativity. The $1,000/year is a bonus that comes with Honors admission.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Project, Research, & Conference Grants (Honors)
📅 Deadline: Rolling
Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad

Stacking & Combining
May stack with other UE awards.

📄
How to Apply
Apply for funding through UE Honors office for conference, research, or travel support.

💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded as funds last; open to all Honor participants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students seeking support for internship, conference travel, or study abroad.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Other Honors Funding:
  • Project, Research, & Conference Grants: All UE Honors participants may apply for additional funding for internship support, conference travel, or study abroad. Deadlines rolling; awarded as funds last.

Is Honors admission automatic? No. Competitive application is required; admission is holistic, considering grades, essays, and recommendations.

How do scholarships stack? Honors awards are stackable up to the cost of tuition but coordinated with other UE scholarships.

Do I need to file the FAFSA? FAFSA is strongly encouraged for need-based funds and some Honors support.

What if I miss the deadline? Late applicants may be considered if space/funds remain, but priority is given to early applicants.

Sources:
https://www.evansville.edu/academics/honors/
https://www.evansville.edu/admission/financialaid/scholarships-freshmen.cfm

Final Thoughts

Private colleges can feel out of reach, but the University of Evansville shows how merit, state aid, and hidden scholarships can bring costs down dramatically. Whether your student qualifies for automatic awards, lands a recognition scholarship, or takes advantage of Indiana-only programs, there are real ways to make UE affordable. Use this guide as a roadmap — and remember, every dollar in scholarships is one less you’ll have to cover out of pocket.

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