Creighton University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Choosing a private Jesuit university like Creighton can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re the first in your family to compare true costs. This guide breaks down Creighton’s scholarships and financial aid in plain English—so you can see what’s automatic, what’s competitive, and how need-based help fits in. We’ll also point you to Nebraska’s state aid programs and our full CRP scholarship hub for even more options.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Creighton University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits) | $50,960 | $50,960 |
| Housing & Meals | $14,453 | $14,453 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Transportation (average) | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Total (before aid) | ≈ $70,363 | ≈ $70,363 |
Regional Tuition Programs: Because Creighton is a private university, it does not participate in WUE, MSEP, or state reciprocity agreements. Your main discounts will come from Creighton’s own merit scholarships and need-based aid.
Who qualifies for lower tuition?
Unlike public universities, Creighton charges the same tuition for all students—whether you live in Nebraska or out-of-state.
How much do most families actually pay?
On average, after scholarships and grants, families paid about $33,364 per year (latest federal data).
Do I need the FAFSA or CSS Profile?
Creighton requires the FAFSA for all need-based aid. It does not require the CSS Profile.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Creighton reviews every first-year application for merit aid automatically—no separate form needed. Awards are holistic and reflect academics (GPA, rigor), test scores if submitted, and overall leadership/service.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) + Stacking Rules | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creighton Merit Scholarships (automatic) | Varies (see callout below) | All admitted first-year applicants are considered. Awards are based on GPA, course rigor, and overall profile; may stack with need-based aid. Some named/competitive awards cannot stack—your offer letter will specify. | No | Yes — maintain the GPA/credit load specified in your award letter | Strong academics (often UW GPA ~3.6–3.9*); test scores help if submitted. Leadership/service and mission fit can move awards up.* |
What does “Varies” really mean?
Outside reports and admitted student data suggest Creighton’s automatic merit awards typically range from about $3,000 per year on the low end to $20,000–$30,000 for strong applicants, with the very top profiles receiving full tuition. The average merit gift reported for freshmen with no financial need was around $24,421. Actual amounts shift by GPA, test scores (if submitted), and overall applicant pool each year.
*Estimates based on published Honors and competitive program thresholds plus Creighton merit language. Actual cutoffs shift with each year’s pool and funding.
Also offered: Creighton is a National Merit sponsor. National Merit Finalists who name Creighton as first choice can be considered for a Creighton-sponsored award. See our National Merit guide for how it works.
How do I apply for automatic merit?
Your Application for Admission is the scholarship application. Apply early (EA Nov 1 is smart) for the best consideration.
Is Creighton test-optional and do they superscore?
Yes—Creighton is test-optional, and they superscore the ACT and SAT. If you send scores, they’ll use your highest section scores across test dates.
Can automatic merit stack with other awards?
Often yes with need-based aid. Named competitive scholarships may replace or not stack with general merit—your offer letter will spell this out.
What GPA do I need to keep my scholarship?
Renewal terms (GPA/credit load) are listed in your award letter. Keep an eye on the minimum GPA and complete the required credits each term.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 with major leadership/service signals and mission fit |
| Muchemore Scholarship | $32,000/year | Nebraska high school graduates; top ~3% of admitted class; FAFSA required | No separate app — FAFSA due Mar 1 | Yes — GPA ≥ 3.3 + FAFSA filed annually | Elite Nebraska students with both academic excellence and financial need |
| 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 — GPA ≥ 2.75 + FAFSA annually | First-gen Native American students with financial need and solid academics |
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 details.
Do these replace automatic merit?
Yes. Competitive scholarships generally replace standard Creighton merit awards rather than stacking with them.
What’s the timeline?
Apply for admission by December 1, then complete competitive scholarship applications in the New Student Portal by January 10.
Do they look at test scores?
Creighton is test-optional, but if you submit scores they are superscored and can strengthen your case for top awards.
What kind of students usually win?
Students with top academics, strong service or leadership records, and (in some programs) first-gen or financial-need status.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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 smart). If invited, you’ll complete a short Honors application in the New Student Portal (priority timeline is typically in early January—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 where available; strong writing and discussion skills.
- Impact: Leadership, service, research or creative work that shows initiative.
- Good standing in college: Typically maintain ~3.3 university GPA (and solid performance in Honors seminars).
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 in a term (Honors students).
- Small seminars, close faculty mentorship, and an Honors living community option.
- Research & funding opportunities (e.g., CURAS, SURF) that Honors students frequently secure.
Is Honors admission automatic if I’m admitted to Creighton?
No. You must first be invited based on your application, then submit the Honors application in your New Student Portal.
Does Honors add time to the degree?
No. The reduced/core-exemption model typically gives you more room to explore majors or add a second field without extra time.
Do test scores help—and does Creighton superscore?
Creighton is test-optional. If you submit scores, they superscore the ACT/SAT, which can strengthen an Honors application.
Any extra $$$ tied to Honors?
There isn’t a universal Honors tuition scholarship. However, Honors students often win research and program awards (like SURF) and position well for competitive institutional scholarships.
What’s the best timeline?
Apply by Nov 1 (EA), watch for your invite, then complete the Honors application by the portal’s early-January priority date.
Related Honors & Leadership Opportunities
- Scott Scholars (Heider College of Business): Full ride covering tuition, fees, room & board + four-year leadership development program. Separate application required.
- Heider Fellows Program: Business leadership track with networking, mentorship, and research opportunities (no direct tuition award).
- Freshman Leadership Program (FLP): Living-learning community with leadership coursework, service projects, and portfolio building. Enrichment, not a tuition scholarship.
Note: These programs align with high-achieving, leadership-oriented students and often overlap with the Honors applicant pool, but they are not part of the core Honors curriculum or guaranteed to all Honors admits.
📎 Official Links
- Creighton University Homepage
- Creighton University Honors Program
- Creighton Scholarships & Financial Aid
Final Thoughts
Navigating a private school like Creighton doesn’t have to feel impossible. With clear numbers, automatic merit that almost every admitted student receives, and hidden gems like ROTC and Ignatian Merit, the price can come down more than most families expect. If your student is driven toward health, business, or leadership, Creighton is worth a serious look—and now you know exactly where the real savings and opportunities are.
✅ Last updated: September 14, 2025