Creighton University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the University Scholarships hub • See Nebraska state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and award tiers
- Competitive scholarships and full-tuition awards
- Honors, Jesuit, and leadership opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~77%
- Middle 50% GPA (weighted): 3.6 – 4.1
- Middle 50% SAT: 1180 – 1380
- Middle 50% ACT: 25 – 30
Source: Creighton University Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Creighton University at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Creighton University, a Jesuit institution in Omaha, offers generous merit aid that makes private education more affordable for strong students. Most admitted freshmen receive automatic merit awards, and top applicants can compete for full-tuition honors like the Ignatian Scholarship.
Use this guide to explore Creighton’s automatic and competitive scholarships, find out what GPA and test ranges typically qualify, and learn how to combine institutional aid with Nebraska grants or federal aid for the best deal.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Creighton is test-optional through at least 2026. GPA, rigor, and leadership are used for merit review if no test score is submitted.
What is the middle 50% GPA/SAT/ACT? GPA: 3.6–4.1 (weighted); SAT: 1180–1380; ACT: 25–30.
What’s the average net price? Around $34,018 after scholarships and grants (College Scorecard, latest year available).
Does this school offer reciprocity or waivers? No — Creighton is private, but Nebraska residents can apply state aid. Institutional awards are available to all U.S. students.
Scholarships page — https://www.creighton.edu/cost-aid/types-aid/scholarships
Next Generation Leaders (full-tuition) — https://www.creighton.edu/about/equity-diversity-inclusion/next-generation-leaders
Admissions dates & deadlines — https://www.creighton.edu/admissions/dates-deadlines
Test-optional policy — https://www.creighton.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements/undergrad-transfer
Honors Program — https://www.creighton.edu/arts-sciences/honorsprogram
Undergraduate tuition & fees — https://www.creighton.edu/cost-aid/tuition-costs/undergraduate-tuition
University COA page — https://www.creighton.edu/cost-aid/find-costs
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://www.creighton.edu/about/analytics-institutional-research-office/common-datasets-facts-books
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?181002-Creighton-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Creighton University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $50,960 | $50,960 |
| Housing & Meals | $14,453 | $14,453 |
| Total (before aid) | ≈ $65,413 | ≈ $65,413 |
Note: Additional estimated costs—books and supplies (~$1,200), transportation (~$1,250), and personal expenses (~$2,500)—are not billed directly by Creighton University. They are included only for budgeting and vary by student.
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