Southwest Colleges with Scholarships for a 3.0 GPA
A 3.0 GPA in the Southwest can open more doors than many families expect — but only if you understand how this region actually works. Unlike the Southeast, where merit is often more predictable, or the West, where reciprocity does more of the heavy lifting, the Southwest is driven by a mix of admissions pathways, school positioning, and targeted scholarships.
Southwest strategy tip: If you are in Texas, class rank is king. A 3.0 GPA student outside the automatic admission cutoff needs to pivot toward schools that use holistic review or system “pathways” that can still lead to a flagship later.
That matters because colleges in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma do not all play by the same rules. Some schools use transparent merit grids, others lean on competitive scholarships, and others depend heavily on admissions pathways that shape both access and affordability.
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What this means: In the Southwest, a 3.0 GPA often creates realistic admission options at a wide range of public universities. The real advantage comes from choosing schools where your student is competitive enough to receive attention, better pricing, or a clearer path forward.
Important context: This page focuses on colleges in the Southwest where a 3.0 GPA may put your student in range for scholarship opportunities. Some awards are automatic, some are competitive, and some depend on test scores, residency, class rank, or institutional pathways. Always verify the latest rules on each college’s official scholarship page.
Why a 3.0 GPA Matters in the Southwest
In the Southwest, a 3.0 GPA often places students in what can best be described as the “access zone.” It may not unlock major merit at flagship universities, but it can make admission much more realistic at a wide range of public institutions — especially regional universities and second-tier state campuses.
What makes this region different is that admission itself often drives affordability. Once a student is admitted, they may be considered for scholarships, honors opportunities, tuition discounts, or pathway options that improve the overall outcome.
CRP Insight: In the Southwest, families often win by choosing the right tier of school — not by chasing the biggest scholarship headline.
That is why a 3.0 GPA can matter more here than parents first assume. It may not create a glamorous result, but it can create a practical and affordable college list.
What Changes at a 3.0 GPA
At this GPA level, the strategy shifts from broad searching to smarter positioning. Families can begin to identify schools where admission is realistic, pricing is more manageable, and scholarship outcomes are easier to estimate.
- Admissions becomes more predictable at many public universities and regional campuses.
- Directional schools become high-value targets where a 3.0 student may stand out more than they would at a flagship.
- Flagship universities become reach or pricing challenges, especially when merit is limited or highly competitive.
- The “guessing game” disappears at some schools — in states like Arizona and New Mexico, many colleges publish clear merit grids, so a 3.0 GPA can map directly to real scholarship ranges.
- Scholarships shift toward competitive or targeted awards instead of broad automatic grids at the best-known schools.
- Test scores can significantly change outcomes, especially at schools that still reward stronger ACT or SAT results.
Reality check: A 3.0 GPA is rarely enough to drive large automatic scholarships at the most competitive Southwest universities — but it can still create strong, affordable options when paired with the right school selection.
Merit Leverage in the Southwest
In the Southwest, merit is less predictable than in the Southeast but still very relevant. Many schools offer real scholarship opportunities, but they are often tied to how competitive the student looks within that school’s pool rather than a simple GPA cutoff alone.
CRP Insight: In this region, the best outcomes usually come from being a strong applicant at the right school — not just meeting a minimum GPA threshold.
This is especially true in Texas, where class rank and system pathways can shape the first step, and in Oklahoma or New Mexico, where lower-cost campuses or published merit structures may make the final number work better than families expect.
- Target mid-tier public universities first. That is often where a 3.0 student can get the most useful mix of access and value.
- Use test scores strategically. A stronger ACT or SAT can still change scholarship positioning in this region.
- Focus on schools where your student stands out. A better fit can lead to better pricing.
- Compare total cost, not just scholarship labels. A lower-cost school with modest aid can beat a bigger-name school with little support.
Tip: At some Southwest colleges, a stronger score can matter more than parents expect — especially when scholarship review is tied to overall competitiveness rather than a strict GPA-only grid.
Student Scenarios: What This Looks Like in Real Life
A 3.0 GPA can lead to very different outcomes in the Southwest depending on whether the family is focused on Texas admissions pathways, regional public value, or using scores to improve the final offer.
The Texas Pathway Student
3.0 GPA + outside top rank: This student may not qualify for automatic admission at top Texas schools but can still use system pathways, co-enrollment options, or transfer guarantees to reach a flagship after starting at another campus.
The Regional Value Seeker
3.0 GPA + out-of-state strategy: Some public universities in Oklahoma and New Mexico use the 3.0 mark to reduce or waive out-of-state tuition, which can make them surprisingly affordable compared to in-state options.
The Score Booster
3.0 GPA + stronger ACT/SAT: This student uses testing to improve both admissions chances and scholarship positioning, especially at colleges that still rely on scores to separate applicants.
The Big-Fish Fit
3.0 GPA + the right campus tier: At the right regional university, a student with a 3.0 may be treated as much more competitive than they would be at a flagship, which can lead to stronger pricing and a better overall fit.
Scholarship Matches
Based on a 3.0 GPA | Southwest Region
Showing Merit Scholarship Opportunities
These are colleges in the Southwest where a 3.0 GPA may put your student in range for scholarship opportunities. Some colleges below may offer automatic merit, while others use competitive or holistic review. Click through to each college page for the details.
Regional strategy note: In the Southwest, affordability may come from more than one path — a realistic admission result, a transparent merit grid, a tuition discount, or a system pathway that leads to a better long-term outcome.
Important: Some scholarships labeled as “automatic” may still depend on timing, funding, class rank, score thresholds, or residency rules. Always click through to the college’s official scholarship page before making a final decision.
Scholarship Matches
Based on a GPA 3.0 | Southwest profile. Institutions with actionable merit aid identified.
Colleges Listed
23
Total institutions with matching merit programs.
Showing all Scholarship results. These are colleges where your GPA puts you in range for real scholarship opportunities — including automatic, competitive, and honors-based awards For more information on each college, click to view the full scholarship breakdown.
Important: Some scholarships listed as “automatic” may still depend on application timing, funding limits, or test scores for the highest award levels. Use the details on each college to understand how predictable the offer really is.
🏛️ Oral Roberts University
FULL TUITIONGPA 3.0+ OK
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Oklahoma Golden Eagle Promise
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Aligns with FAFSA priority filing and ORU admission deadlines
Strategic Note: Oklahoma high school students with a family income under $100,000 and at least a 2.5 GPA or qualifying test score who file the FAFSA and add ORU as a school choice. Even students who never enrolled in Oklahoma's Promise in high school can still hit the threshold this way.
+ 6 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Oklahoma State University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.0+ OK
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Out-of-State Transfer Pathway Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: February 1
Strategic Note: Nonresident students transferring from Connors State College or NEO A&M College with an associate degree (or 60+ hours) and a 3.0+ college GPA.
+ 12 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ University of New Mexico
$23,149 / YRGPA 3.0+ NM
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Western Undergraduate Exchange Plus Transfer (WUE Plus)
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: May 1 (Fall best consideration) / Dec 1 (Spring)
Strategic Note: Stronger transfers from WUE-region states — 3.0+ GPA and 30+ credits — who want their non-resident tuition all the way down to NM resident rates.
+ 18 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ New Mexico State University
$18,326 / YRGPA 3.0+ NM
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Out-of-State Competitive Tuition Discount
GPA: 3.00 | ACT: 26 | Ends: Rolling — based on admission and credentials on file
Strategic Note: Out-of-state freshmen meeting one of two combinations — 3.5 GPA with a 23 ACT, OR 3.0 GPA with a 26 ACT (transfers — 3.5 cumulative college GPA). Limited slots, so getting credentials in early is the practical advantage.
🏛️ Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist)
$11,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Legacy Grant
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: June 15 (recommended)
Strategic Note: Students with a solid B average who meet admission criteria and fall within the published GPA band.
🏛️ Texas Southern University
$7,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Tiger Genesis (First-Time Freshmen)
GPA: 3.00 | ACT: 19 | SAT: 1050 | Ends: Funds-limited (apply early, no fixed deadline)
Strategic Note: Solid academic applicants in the top 20% with 3.0–3.49 GPA.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Stephen F. Austin State University
$3,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Purple Award
GPA: 3.00 | ACT: 20 | SAT: 1030 | Ends: November 1 Priority
Strategic Note: Students with weighted high school GPAs of at least 3.0 and ACT scores of 20 or SAT scores of 1030 or higher who meet the priority date.
🏛️ University of Texas–Tyler
$2,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Academic Excellence Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | ACT: 24 | SAT: 1160 | Ends: December 1 admission deadline; confirm intent to enroll by May 1 to secure the offer.
Strategic Note: Admitted first-year freshmen ranked in the top 25% of their class with a 3.0+ GPA. If your high school doesn't rank — homeschool, non-ranking school, or international — UT Tyler instead looks for a 3.5+ GPA. New for the 2026-27 cycle, you can also qualify with a 24+ ACT or 1160+ SAT, which opens the door for strong testers from non-ranking schools.
🏛️ University of Oklahoma
$2,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ OK
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Transfer Honor Award (Non-Resident)
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Mar 1
Strategic Note: Non-resident transfer students with a 3.0–3.24 college GPA.
🏛️ Sam Houston State University
$2,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Bearkat Transfer Scholarship
GPA: 2.75 | Ends: Rolling — awarded first-come, first-served while funds remain. Apply for admission early in the cycle to maximize your chances.
Strategic Note: Fall-entering transfer students who get their admission file complete early, sit comfortably in the 30–89 transferable credit-hour window with a 2.75+ GPA, and remember to accept the award in the portal within 45 days. It's less a competitive win and more a 'qualify and claim on time' award.
🏛️ University of Houston Clear Lake
$1,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Automatic Transfer Scholarship
GPA: 2.75 | Ends: Rolling (apply early—space limited)
Strategic Note: New transfer students with solid grades, enrolling full time.
Strategic Note: Based on your stats, you also strongly qualify to compete for the Competitive & Hidden Gem awards below. These require holistic review or a separate application.
🏛️ Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist)
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Alumni Endowed Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: April 4 for fall admits
Strategic Note: Incoming freshmen with strong academics, often with legacy or alumni connections, who complete the alumni scholarship application.
🏛️ University of Houston Clear Lake
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ University Endowment Scholarship
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: March 1
Strategic Note: Strong involvement, leadership, service (all years/levels).
+ 5 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Trinity University
FULL TUITIONGPA 3.0+ TX
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Trinity Tower Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Nov 1 (ED I / EA application deadline for consideration)
Strategic Note: A very small fraction of top first-year applicants with exceptional academic records who are invited to Trinity Tower Scholars Day and perform strongly in the competition.
🏛️ Texas Christian University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Clark Society Endowed Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Faculty and staff nominations typically due in late January, such as Jan 28, 2026, for the 2026–2027 cycle.
Strategic Note: Rising seniors with at least 85 completed hours, 3.0+ GPA, significant campus leadership, and a record of positively impacting TCU’s community.
🏛️ Oral Roberts University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.0+ OK
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ First-Generation Scholarship
GPA: 2.00 | Ends: Aligned with admission and financial aid review timelines
Strategic Note: Students whose parents have not completed a bachelor’s degree and who maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Arizona State University
FULL TUITIONGPA 3.0+ AZ
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Army ROTC Sun Devil Battalion Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: National Army ROTC boards and campus-based scholarship deadlines vary by cycle
Strategic Note: Students with solid academics, strong physical fitness, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to commissioning as Army officers. This is best for students who want the military pathway, not just a tuition discount.
+ 6 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Texas Southern University
FULL TUITIONGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ TSU Promise Program
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: FAFSA/TASFA priority (early spring)
Strategic Note: Texas families below the income cutoff who meet all FAFSA/TASFA and academic requirements.
🏛️ Texas State University
FULL TUITIONGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Bobcat Promise (Tuition & Fees Coverage)
GPA: 2.00 | Ends: FAFSA priority (mid-March)
Strategic Note: Low-income TX students who apply early, enroll full-time, and keep GPA above 2.0.
🏛️ Prairie View A & M University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Passport to Careers in Agriculture (CAFNR)
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Priority January–March
Strategic Note: Incoming CAFNR freshmen, especially Texas residents, with around a 3.0 or higher GPA who complete financial aid early and show interest in agricultural careers.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ University of Texas–Tyler
FULL RIDEGPA 3.0+ TX
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Presidential Rose Scholar Program
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: February 20 application deadline (11:59 p.m.); in-person finalist interviews held on the Tyler campus on March 20 or April 2.
Strategic Note: Current UT Tyler undergraduates who have completed at least one full year on campus, hold a 3.0+ cumulative UT Tyler GPA, and have the kind of presence — strong communication, leadership track record, deep connection to the university — that makes them a natural face of UT Tyler at presidential, donor, and community events.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Sam Houston State University
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Physics Scholarships (Calvert / Steele / Wilson & others)
GPA: 2.80 | Ends: Physics department spring scholarship window
Strategic Note: Physics or dual-degree students with GPAs around 2.8–3.0 or higher and good academic progress; stronger test scores can help incoming freshmen qualify.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ University of North Texas
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ UNT Foundation & Donor Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 1
Strategic Note: Students matching donor intent—(e.g., STEM, teaching, first-gen, identity-based, financial need).
🏛️ University of Houston
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ College & Departmental Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March–April
Strategic Note: Students who apply early, meet GPA, and demonstrate leadership in their major/field.
+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Stephen F. Austin State University
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Community Impact Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 1
Strategic Note: Students with at least a 3.0 weighted GPA and a track record of sustained service or community engagement, demonstrated through a strong impact-focused essay.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ University of Oklahoma
$4,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ OK
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ College of Arts & Sciences Awards
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Feb–Mar
Strategic Note: Active major students with solid GPA and engagement.
🏛️ Incarnate Word University
$4,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Music Performance (Band/Ensembles/Chorale)
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: February 15 priority; audition must occur before the term begins
Strategic Note: Music majors, minors, and non-majors who perform strong auditions and remain active in UIW ensembles such as band, chorale, or other performance groups.
🏛️ New Mexico State University
$3,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ NM
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ College of Engineering & NMEF Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: February–March (varies by specific scholarship and year)
Strategic Note: Engineering majors with GPAs usually at or above 3.0–3.5 who show academic promise, involvement, or research activity.
🏛️ Baylor University
$3,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Student Foundation Scholarship
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Dec 1
Strategic Note: Continuing Baylor undergraduates with financial need, solid academic performance, and a strong application. This is not freshman-entry money, but it is a useful Baylor-connected award for students already enrolled.
🏛️ University of Tulsa
$3,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ OK
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ International Baccalaureate Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Submit IB diploma documentation with your admission file; the award is automatically triggered once IB diploma completion is verified and you enroll full-time at UTulsa.
Strategic Note: Students who complete the full IB diploma (not just IB courses or certificates) with at least a 3.0 high school GPA and enroll full-time at UTulsa. As long as you finish the diploma and stay enrolled full-time, this is essentially an automatic add to your aid package — no extra application or essay required.
🏛️ University of New Mexico
$2,000 / YRGPA 3.0+ NM
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ College of Education Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Feb–Apr
Strategic Note: Education majors; first-gen and need scholars prioritized by some funds.
🏛️ Texas A&M–Corpus Christi
$1,250 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Education Abroad Scholarships
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Summer: Apr 1; Fall: Jun 1; Spring: Nov 1
Strategic Note: Students holding at least a 2.5 GPA who submit strong, on-time applications showing a clear academic plan and a real purpose for the study abroad experience.
🏛️ University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
$700 / YRGPA 3.0+ TX
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ International Student Services Scholarships
GPA: 2.75 | Ends: Dec 1/Feb 1 (each term)
Strategic Note: International students who maintain GPA and good standing.
