Creighton University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- 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: ~77%
- Middle 50% ACT: 27.5
- Middle 50% SAT: 1280
- Average GPA: 3.852222
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Creighton University at a Glance
Creighton is one of those private schools where the sticker price looks scary—but the actual price can come down fast. Most students receive automatic merit just for being admitted, and the award ranges are big enough to matter. For strong students, this can turn a private Jesuit school into something much more competitive with public options.
Where families need to stay grounded is at the top end. The full-tuition programs—like the Next Generation Leaders Program—are real, but they’re highly competitive. So the smart play is to treat Creighton as a place where you can reliably get solid merit, with a chance at something bigger if everything lines up—but not something to count on.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Creighton University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 27.5; SAT: 1280.
Average net price? About $34,018/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Creighton scholarships page: https://www.creighton.edu/cost-aid/types-aid/scholarships
Creighton distinguished scholars and Next Generation Leaders page: https://www.creighton.edu/academics/distinguished-scholars-program
Creighton Global Engagement Office study abroad funding information: https://www.creighton.edu/geo/abroad
Creighton CURAS undergraduate research page: https://www.creighton.edu/curas
Creighton Fine and Performing Arts scholarships page: https://www.creighton.edu/arts-sciences/fineandperformingarts/scholarships
Creighton Ignatian Merit Scholars information: https://alumni.creighton.edu/forward-blue/ignatian-merit-scholars
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Creighton University 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) | $50,960 | $50,960 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $14,453 | $14,453 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $65,413 | $65,413 |
Average Federal Net Price: $34,018 — 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.
FAQ
Who qualifies for lower tuition?
All students pay the same tuition regardless of state residency, but strong academic applicants receive automatic merit awards worth $12,000–$28,000 per year.
How much do most families actually pay?
The average net price is about $34,018 per year after scholarships and grants (College Scorecard).
Do I need the FAFSA or CSS Profile?
Creighton requires only the FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid; the CSS Profile is not required.
Creighton University Undergraduate Tuition & Fees — https://www.creighton.edu/cost-aid/tuition-costs/undergraduate-tuition
Creighton University Cost of Attendance — https://www.creighton.edu/cost-aid/find-costs
Creighton Scholarships — https://www.creighton.edu/cost-aid/types-aid/scholarships
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?181002-Creighton-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Creighton reviews every first-year application for merit aid automatically—no separate form needed. Awards are holistic, factoring in academics (GPA, rigor), test scores if submitted, and overall leadership/service. The strongest applicants may receive up to full tuition.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creighton Merit Scholarship – Tier 1 | $20,000–$30,000/year (up to full tuition) |
Unweighted GPA 3.9+, highest course rigor, and leadership/service. Test scores (if submitted): top 10–15% nationally. | No (automatic with admission) | Yes — 3.3+ GPA and annual renewal review | Top applicants with national-caliber academics and fit | Dec 1 (priority); Mar 1 (final) |
| Creighton Merit Scholarship – Tier 2 | $15,000–$19,999/year | Unweighted GPA 3.7–3.89, strong overall rigor. Test-optional or SAT/ACT near institutional average. Leadership/service valued. | No | Yes — 3.3+ GPA and annual review | High academic/leadership, above average for admitted pool | Dec 1; Mar 1 |
| Creighton Merit Scholarship – Tier 3 | $8,000–$14,999/year | GPA 3.5–3.69. Meets strong college prep standards. Well-rounded academics and some leadership/service. | No | Yes — 3.3+ GPA and annual review | Solid students meeting Creighton’s strong standards | Dec 1; Mar 1 |
| Creighton Merit Scholarship – Tier 4 | $3,000–$7,999/year | GPA below midrange, meets all required admissions standards. Recognizes college prep achievement. | No | Yes — 3.3+ GPA and annual review | Admitted students who meet baseline merit | Dec 1; Mar 1 |
| Creighton National Merit Scholarship | $2,000–full tuition | National Merit Finalist who selects Creighton as first choice, meets all NMSC and school award conditions. | No (automatic with Finalist status and first-choice selection) | Yes — per NMSC/Creighton annual requirements | National Merit Finalists with top credentials | Mar 1 (national deadline) |
Also offered: Creighton is a National Merit sponsor. Finalists who select Creighton as their first choice may receive a university-sponsored National Merit award — see full National Merit details on the NMSC and Creighton websites.
*GPA/test score bands are based on observed Creighton and national reporting, but awards are holistic and competitive.
Creighton University Scholarships — https://www.creighton.edu/admission/financial-aid-costs/scholarships
Creighton National Merit Scholarships — https://www.creighton.edu/admission/financial-aid-costs/scholarships/national-merit-scholarships
Creighton Scholarship Renewal Policy — https://www.creighton.edu/financial-aid/renewal
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These selective awards require extra steps like essays, interviews, or program applications, and only a limited number of students are chosen. Apply to Creighton by December 1 and complete program applications by January 10 through your New Student Portal.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Next Generation Leaders Program | Full Tuition | Admitted first-years with 3.8+ GPA and strong leadership; preference to first-gen or FAFSA-demonstrated need | Yes — Dec 1 admission app & Jan 10 program app | Yes — maintain GPA & leadership participation | Top 5–10% academically, major leadership/service & mission fit | Dec 1 (admit); Jan 10 (program) |
| Muchemore Scholarship | $32,000/year | Nebraska high school graduates; top ~3% of admits; FAFSA required | No separate app — FAFSA due Mar 1 | Yes — ≥3.3 GPA + FAFSA yearly | Elite Nebraska students with top academics & need | Mar 1 (FAFSA) |
| Native American Merit Scholarship | $32,000/year | Proof of tribal enrollment, min 3.3 GPA, first-gen, Pell-eligible | No — considered with admission & FAFSA by Mar 1 | Yes — ≥2.75 GPA + FAFSA yearly | First-gen Native American students with financial need and solid academics | Mar 1 (FAFSA) |
Also offered: Creighton is a National Merit sponsor. National Merit Finalists who select Creighton as first choice may receive a Creighton-sponsored award. See our National Merit guide for more.
Do these replace automatic merit? Yes. Competitive scholarships generally replace standard Creighton merit awards rather than stack with them.
What’s the timeline? Apply for admission by December 1, then complete competitive scholarship program applications in the New Student Portal by January 10 (or March 1 FAFSA for aid-based awards).
Are test scores considered? Creighton is test-optional, but if you submit, scores are superscored and can strengthen your case.
Who wins? Usually, students with the strongest academics, commitment to leadership or service, and (sometimes) high need or identity alignment.
Creighton University Scholarships — https://www.creighton.edu/admission/financial-aid-costs/scholarships
Creighton Next Generation Leaders — https://www.creighton.edu/admission/financial-aid-costs/scholarships/next-generation-leaders-program
Muchemore and Native American Merit (PDF, see Scholarships page) — https://www.creighton.edu/financial-aid/
🎖️ Honors College / Program
If your student is the type who loves big ideas and small seminars, Creighton’s Honors community can be a great fit. It’s selective, personal, and designed to open doors—priority registration, flexible core, and faculty who’ll know your student well.
Admission model: Invite to apply. Apply to Creighton first (Early Action by Nov 1 is recommended). If invited, complete a short Honors application in your New Student Portal (priority deadline: early January—usually Jan 10–15; check your portal).
What a Typical Creighton Honors Student Looks Like
- Academic signals: HS GPA ≥ 3.7 with ACT ≥ 30 or SAT ≥ 1360; or test-optional route with HS GPA ≥ 3.9.
- Rigor & curiosity: AP/IB/dual enrollment courses if available; strong writing and discussion skills.
- Impact: Leadership, service, research, or creative work that shows initiative.
- Good standing in college: Typically maintain a 3.3 GPA and active Honors seminar engagement.
Perks that matter
- Priority registration for courses.
- Reduced core/exemption pathway for more room to double-major or add minors.
- Tuition waived for credits over 18 per term (for active Honors students).
- Small seminars with close faculty mentorship; Honors living community option.
- Research & funding—Honors students frequently win CURAS, SURF, and other enrichment opportunities.
| Entry Route | Eligibility & Requirements | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Application + Invite | Complete the Creighton general application (EA by Nov 1 or final by Dec 1). If eligible (GPA/test as above or strong test-optional profile), you’ll be invited to apply in the portal. Requires two essays, resume, rec letter. Some finalists interview (Distinguished Scholars Day, Feb). | Jan 10 priority (see portal for exact date) |
| Sophomore Entry | For strong Creighton first-years: submit GPA, resume, transcript, essays, and rec letter to Honors Director by Feb 20. | Feb 20 |
Is Honors admission automatic if I’m admitted to Creighton?
No. You must first be invited based on your application, then submit the portal’s Honors application by the priority deadline.
Does Honors add time to the degree?
No. The Honors “reduced core” often gives you more room to explore majors or add a field without extra time.
Do test scores help—and does Creighton superscore?
Test-optional is allowed. If you send scores, Creighton superscores SAT/ACT for both admission and Honors review.
Is there a direct Honors tuition scholarship?
No. Honors does not guarantee extra aid, but students often earn research, enrichment, or competitive award support.
Best timeline?
Apply for admission by Nov 1 or Dec 1, then finish the Honors supplemental app by the Jan 10 (early January) portal deadline.
Related Honors & Leadership Opportunities
- Scott Scholars (Heider College of Business): Full-ride scholarship for business majors (min 3.8 GPA, 28+ ACT or 1300+ SAT, and leadership intent); US citizens only. Separate scholarship application and interview required.
- Heider Fellows Program: Business leadership/development track—offers mentorship and research/enrichment, but no direct tuition award.
- Freshman Leadership Program (FLP): Living-learning community with leadership coursework and service projects. Offers strong networking and leadership development, not a direct tuition scholarship.
Note: These programs are enrichment tracks selected for high-achieving leaders and often overlap with Honors applicants, but are not part of the core Honors curriculum and do not guarantee or require Honors Program admission.
Creighton Honors Program — https://www.creighton.edu/ccas/honors/admissions
Application Requirements — https://www.creighton.edu/ccas/honors/admissions
Scott Scholars — https://www.creighton.edu/heider-business/scholarships/scott-scholars
Distinguished Scholars Programs — https://www.creighton.edu/admission/financial-aid-costs/scholarships/distinguished-scholars-programs
⭐ College Specialty
Creighton shines where personal attention meets professional pathways. If your student wants small classes, hands-on learning, and a clear route into health, business, or service-driven careers, this is that kind of campus—professors who know your name, internships that show up early, and programs with a national reputation.
Standout Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Known nationally for clinical preparation and outcomes, with extensive hands-on experience built into the curriculum and strong placement pathways.
- Heider College of Business (Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics): AACSB-accredited in both business and accounting; strong internships and employer pipelines.
- Nursing (BSN): Highly regarded undergraduate nursing with direct clinical exposure and strong NCLEX outcomes.
- Physician Assistant & Occupational Therapy: Professional programs with national recognition and robust clinical network access.
- Pre-Health Pathways (Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, PT/PA/OT/Pharmacy): Structured advising communities, application prep, and research opportunities through CURAS.
- Undergraduate Research (CURAS): Funded summer fellowships (e.g., SURF) that put first- and second-years in real labs and faculty projects.
📎 Official Links
- Creighton University Homepage
- Creighton University Honors Program
- Creighton Scholarships & Financial Aid