🎓 Nebraska Grants & Scholarships: What Parents Need to Know
Most Nebraska parents don’t realize how much help is out there. If your kid is headed to college — or even taking dual credit classes in high school — there’s real state money on the table. This guide will help you claim it.
📊 Main Nebraska State Aid Programs
| Program | Who It’s For | Award Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG) | Low-income undergraduate Nebraska residents | Varies by need and school; often $1,000–$4,000 | File FAFSA early; awarded by your college |
| Access College Early (ACE) Scholarship | Low-income high school students taking dual enrollment or early college | Covers cost of eligible dual credit courses | Application required through Nebraska Coordinating Commission |
🎯 Key Things Nebraska Parents Should Know
- The Nebraska Opportunity Grant is the state’s main need-based aid. It’s awarded by your child’s college based on FAFSA info.
- It’s possible to receive both federal Pell Grants and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant — they stack together.
- The ACE Scholarship is a great option if your child is taking dual credit or community college courses during high school.
- There is no centralized state merit scholarship — most merit aid comes directly from the college your child applies to.
📎 What To Do Next
- ✅ Submit the FAFSA as soon as it opens in October
- ✅ Ask each college if they award the Nebraska Opportunity Grant — most public and private schools in Nebraska do
- ✅ If your child is taking dual credit courses, apply separately for the ACE Scholarship through their counselor or school website
- ✅ Track deadlines and responses from each school — some run out of state grant funds early
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❓ FAQ for Nebraska Families
How do we qualify for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant?
Your child must be a Nebraska resident, file the FAFSA, and have financial need. The grant is awarded directly by the college based on FAFSA data, so apply early and confirm with each school’s financial aid office.
Can my child get aid for dual credit classes in high school?
Yes. The Access College Early (ACE) Scholarship helps low-income high school students cover the cost of dual credit or college courses. They’ll need to apply separately through their school or counselor.
Is there a Nebraska merit scholarship for high-achieving students?
Not at the state level. Merit scholarships in Nebraska typically come from individual colleges. Make sure your child applies for institutional and private scholarships separately.
What does “need-based” actually mean?
It means your aid eligibility is based on income and finances. After you file the FAFSA, the government calculates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). A lower EFC generally qualifies your child for more need-based aid — including Nebraska’s Opportunity Grant.
🏫 Nebraska Universities
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL)
- University of Nebraska–Omaha (UNO)
- University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)
- Creighton University
- Wayne State College
- Peru State College
- Chadron State College
You’re already doing more than most — and that counts. File the FAFSA, ask a few questions, and trust that staying involved will open more doors than you think.