University of Southern Indiana Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 2, 2026
What This Page Covers:- 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: ~96%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21-27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1030-1240
- Average GPA: 3.5
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Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Southern Indiana at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Presidential Scholarship & Provost Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$12,621/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$12,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
19 opportunities
9 automatic · 5 competitive · 4 hidden gem · 1 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 2.75+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Apr 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Presidential Scholarship & Provost Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
KY (Tiered)
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Southern Indiana (Read This First)
- December 1 matters more than it looks: Even with rolling admission, that’s the real priority window for stronger scholarship consideration.
- Full-tuition and full-ride awards are competitive: They exist—but they’re not typical outcomes, even for strong students.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Southern Indiana is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21-27; SAT: 1030-1240.
Average net price? About $12,621/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in KY (Tiered).
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Southern Indiana 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) |
$10,512 |
$23,353 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$10,941 |
$10,941 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$21,453 |
$34,294 |
Average Federal Net Price: $12,621 — 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.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
TIER 1 (Full Reciprocity): Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, and Union (KY) residents pay in-state rates.
TIER 2 (Regional Award): Hopkins, Jefferson, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, and Webster (KY) residents receive a waiver covering the OOS tuition gap.
TIER 3 (OOS Merit): Students outside these counties with a 3.5+ GPA receive the full OOS tuition gap coverage plus $2,000/year.
NOTE: All Tiers are eligible for stackable David L. Rice Merit awards ($1k-$4k).
Out-of-State Waivers & Regional Savings (Indiana + Kentucky)
- Kentucky Reciprocity (specific counties): Residents of Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, and Union (KY) can be classified as reciprocal students and pay in-state tuition & fees.
- Kentucky Regional Award: A tuition waiver that can cover the non-resident tuition difference (for eligible students) — and recipients may also be eligible for the David L. Rice Merit Scholarship ($1,000–$4,000).
- Out-of-State Merit Scholarship (3.5+ GPA): Pays the difference between non-resident and resident tuition plus an additional $2,000/year (first-year on-campus living required).
- Out-of-State Grant (2.75–3.49 GPA): Automatic $9,000/year tuition discount for eligible non-residents (first-year on-campus living required).
Real-dollar context: USI’s sticker-price tuition & fees are about $10,512 in-state vs $23,353 out-of-state — a difference of roughly $12,841 per year before any waivers or scholarships.
🗺 Kentucky Student? Start Here (USI’s 3-Tier Savings)
- Tier 1 (Full Reciprocity): Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Union (KY) → typically pay in-state tuition & fees.
- Tier 2 (Regional Award): Hopkins, Jefferson, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Webster (KY) → receives a tuition-gap waiver (reduces the out-of-state difference).
- Tier 3 (Other KY counties): Often best path is OOS Merit (3.5+ GPA) or the OOS Grant (2.75–3.49 GPA), which can still bring cost close to in-state.
If your county falls near a line, confirm with USI residency/reciprocity guidance and ask how the waiver will appear on the bill.
🧭 Who USI Is Usually a Strong Value For
- Indiana residents with a ~3.0+ GPA: Automatic Rice merit + low in-state tuition often makes USI one of the most affordable 4-year options before aid.
- Kentucky border students: USI’s KY reciprocity tiers can reduce or eliminate the out-of-state tuition gap (sometimes close to true in-state pricing).
- Out-of-state students with a ~3.5+ GPA (willing to live on campus year 1): The Out-of-State Merit Scholarship can erase most of the non-resident tuition difference and adds $2,000/year.
- Nursing/Health/Engineering-focused students: Strong career-aligned programs can make USI a “high ROI at a lower cost” pick compared to pricier publics.
Tip: If your student is right on the GPA edge for a waiver or tier, apply early and submit updated test scores (USI accepts superscores).
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at University of Southern Indiana
Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher at USI?
Like most public universities, USI charges higher tuition to non-residents because Indiana taxpayers help support the school. The good news: USI has multiple ways for out-of-state students (especially Kentucky students) to reduce that gap through reciprocity and automatic merit.
What’s the difference between “direct/billed” costs and total cost of attendance?
Direct/billed costs are what you typically pay to the university: tuition/fees + housing/meal plan. The total cost of attendance adds indirect expenses like books, transportation, and personal costs used to calculate aid eligibility.
Do Kentucky students get in-state tuition at USI?
Some do. USI participates in a Kentucky reciprocity agreement for residents of certain KY counties (Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, and Union), allowing them to pay in-state tuition & fees. Other students may qualify for Kentucky-specific waivers like the Kentucky Regional Award.
Is the Out-of-State Merit Scholarship really “full tuition”?
It covers the out-of-state tuition difference (bringing tuition down to the in-state level) and adds $2,000/year. Families still need to budget for housing/meal plans and any fees not covered by the waiver.
Can these waivers stack with USI merit scholarships?
Often, yes. For example, USI notes that some waiver recipients may also be eligible for the David L. Rice Merit Scholarship (typically $1,000–$4,000). Stacking rules can vary by award type, so the safest move is to confirm in your USI financial aid offer letter.
Do out-of-state scholarship programs require living on campus?
Yes for the big automatic out-of-state discounts. USI’s Out-of-State Merit and Out-of-State Grant programs require students to live on campus for the first year.
Sources:
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/2025-2026-cost-of-attendance
https://www.usi.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/undergraduate-tuition-and-fee-rates
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?151306-University-of-Southern-Indiana=
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/policy-and-partnerships/residency-guidelines
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-merit-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-grant-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/david-l-rice-merit-scholarship
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at University of Southern Indiana
📌 Superscore Friendly: USI accepts ACT and SAT superscores for both admission and merit scholarship consideration. Submitting updated scores can improve your automatic award tier.
Automatic
David L. Rice Merit Scholarship - Tier 1
📅 Deadline: Priority by December 1 for best consideration
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Some larger competitive full-tuition or full-ride awards may replace rather than stack with this automatic scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts range from $1,000 to $4,000 per year; this row represents the highest tier at $4,000 annually. To keep it all four years, students need to complete 27 credit hours per academic year and hold at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA (for awards of $3,000 or more). Apply early — rolling deadline means sooner is better.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top academic Indiana and regional admits with around a 3.9 or higher GPA. If your student is hitting that mark, this award should land automatically with the admission application.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Out-of-State Transfer Grant
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Offers may be limited based on availability of funding; students must remain enrolled as non-residents to retain eligibility.
💡
Strategic Detail
Provides a $9,000 annual tuition discount for out-of-state transfers with a 2.75–3.24 cumulative GPA and at least 24 transferable credits. Renewal requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA, full-time enrollment, and completion of 27 credit hours per year. Apply early — funding is limited. Not available for fully online programs.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Out-of-state transfer students with 24+ transferable credit hours and a cumulative transfer GPA between 2.75 and 3.24. If your GPA is in that range and you're coming from outside Indiana, this is an automatic $9,000 discount with no extra paperwork.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Out-of-State Transfer Top Scholar Award
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers the full gap between out-of-state and Indiana resident tuition; may interact with other institutional aid. Offers may be limited based on funding availability.
💡
Strategic Detail
Pays the difference between non-resident and Indiana resident tuition for eligible out-of-state transfers. Requires 24+ transferable credits and a 3.25 or higher cumulative transfer GPA. Funding is limited — apply early. Renewal requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA, full-time enrollment, and 27 credit hours completed per year. Not available for fully online programs.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-performing out-of-state transfer students with at least 24 transferable credits and a 3.25+ cumulative GPA. This award essentially brings your tuition cost down to what Indiana residents pay — a significant automatic win for strong transfer students.
Automatic
David L. Rice Merit Scholarship - Tier 2
📅 Deadline: Priority by December 1 for best consideration
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.6+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Some larger competitive full-tuition or full-ride awards may replace rather than stack with this automatic scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewal requires completing at least 27 credit hours per academic year and maintaining a 2.75 cumulative GPA (applies to awards of $3,000 or more). Evaluated at the end of each spring semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong academic Indiana and regional admits with roughly a 3.6 to 3.8 GPA. No test scores required — just a solid high school record and a completed admission application.
Automatic
David L. Rice Merit Scholarship - Tier 3
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Some larger competitive full-tuition or full-ride awards may replace rather than stack with this automatic scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewal requires completing at least 27 credit hours per academic year and maintaining a 2.50 cumulative GPA (applies to awards of $2,999 or less). Evaluated at the end of each spring semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Solid academic Indiana and regional admits with roughly a 3.3 to 3.5 GPA. No separate application needed — admission does the work.
Automatic
David L. Rice Merit Scholarship - Tier 4
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Some larger competitive full-tuition or full-ride awards may replace rather than stack with this automatic scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewal requires completing at least 27 credit hours per academic year and maintaining a 2.50 cumulative GPA (applies to awards of $2,999 or less). Evaluated at the end of each spring semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most qualifying Indiana and reciprocity freshmen with GPAs at or above 3.0. This is USI's broadest entry-level merit award — if your student clears that threshold, they're likely getting something.
Automatic
Out-of-State Grant Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 2.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Offers may be limited based on availability of funding and may interact with other institutional aid; students must remain enrolled as non-residents to retain eligibility.
💡
Strategic Detail
Provides a $9,000 annual tuition discount for eligible out-of-state freshmen who live on campus their first year. Renewal requires full-time enrollment, completion of 27 credit hours per year, and a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Funding availability may limit offers, so applying early matters.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Out-of-state freshmen with cumulative GPAs between 2.75 and 3.49 who need a meaningful tuition break to make USI financially viable. The on-campus living requirement is the main hoop to clear.
Automatic
Out-of-State Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Priority by December 1 for best consideration
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$12,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers the gap between out-of-state and in-state tuition plus $2,000 extra annually; may replace other institutional aid. Housing requirement applies the first year. Does not cover room, board, or fees beyond the tuition differential.
💡
Strategic Detail
Pays the difference between non-resident and Indiana resident tuition plus an additional $2,000 per year — current total value is more than $12,000 annually. Renewal requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA, 27 credit hours completed per year, and continuous full-time enrollment. Not available for fully online programs.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving out-of-state freshmen with at least a 3.5 GPA who are willing to live on campus year one. At more than $12,000 annually, this can dramatically close the gap between in-state and out-of-state pricing at USI.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Transfer Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with some other institutional and external aid, but larger competitive awards could replace it.
💡
Strategic Detail
Provides $1,500 per academic year toward allowable USI billable charges. Designated for Indiana residents and qualifying reciprocity or IECC/SIC transfers. Renewal requires full-time enrollment, completion of 24 credit hours per academic year, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students who have already earned a bachelor's degree are not eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Indiana transfer students and students from qualifying Kentucky reciprocity counties, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, or Southeastern Illinois College who have at least 24 credits and a 3.0 or higher GPA. No extra application needed — it's automatic.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
🧮 Parent Math Box: What USI’s OOS “Near In-State” Deal Can Look Like
Here’s a sample tuition-only example for an out-of-state student with ~3.5+ GPA who meets the on-campus year-1 requirement:
- Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $23,353
- Minus OOS tuition-gap waiver: −$12,841 (brings tuition down near the in-state rate)
- Minus OOS stipend: −$2,000/year
- Possible additional Rice merit (if eligible via reciprocity/tiers): −$1,000–$4,000/year
Why this matters: At USI, the big savings lever is often the tuition-gap coverage — but housing/meal plans and fees still matter.
Example math only. Actual awards and stacking rules vary by student and may replace other aid. Always verify on your official offer letter.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at USI
⚠️ The Fine Print Families Miss at USI
- Some big awards replace other aid: Competitive “full tuition/full ride” awards may reduce or replace automatic merit rather than stacking on top.
- Housing requirements can be a deal-breaker: Some out-of-state discounts require living on campus the first year — plan your budget accordingly.
- “Full tuition” usually ≠ full cost: Tuition coverage typically does not include housing, meals, parking, or course fees unless explicitly stated.
- Renewal is based on college GPA: Renewable awards have continuing criteria. Ask what GPA and credit load you must maintain to keep each award.
Do I need a separate scholarship application for automatic merit?
No. Automatic merit scholarships at USI are awarded based on your admission application and academic profile. There is no extra application.
Can improving test scores increase my scholarship?
Yes. Because USI accepts ACT and SAT superscores, submitting higher scores before priority review can move you into a higher merit tier.
Do out-of-state scholarships really bring tuition down to in-state?
In many cases, yes. The Out-of-State Merit Scholarship covers the non-resident tuition difference and adds $2,000 per year, effectively reducing tuition to the in-state level.
Are these scholarships guaranteed for all four years?
They are renewable for up to four years as long as students meet USI’s continuing enrollment and GPA requirements.
Do automatic scholarships stack with competitive awards?
Sometimes. Some competitive scholarships may replace automatic awards rather than stack. Always confirm stacking rules in your official USI award letter.
Sources:
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/david-l-rice-merit-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-merit-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/out-of-state-grant-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/transfer-students
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at University of Southern Indiana
These awards are competitive and limited in number. Unlike automatic merit, they require additional review
(essays, leadership, interviews, or nomination) and are typically offered to USI’s highest-achieving applicants.
App Required
Harolyn Atwater Torain Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 8 · 📢 Results: March 1 (tentative)
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA👥 ~20 scholarships awarded annually winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
This award supersedes all other USI admissions-based scholarships, including the Rice, Illinois Regional, Kentucky Regional, Dean's, and Provost awards. It cannot be stacked with those programs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to USI, then submit the separate online Harolyn Atwater Torain Leadership Scholarship application by the December deadline. Compile a list of activities/organizations, awards, and two essays (250 words each) covering demonstrated leadership and cross-cultural engagement. Finalists are invited to an interview day in February.
Selection criteria: Selection committee evaluates GPA, documented leadership and cross-cultural engagement, quality of application essays, and performance in the February interview.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Pays $5,000 per year ($2,500 each semester) for up to 8 consecutive semesters — potential total value of $20,000. First-year recipients must live on campus. Renewal requires completing 24 USI credit hours per academic year, maintaining a 2.50 cumulative GPA, and active participation in the Inclusive Excellence Program. A total of 20 scholarships are awarded each year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Freshmen with at least a 3.0 GPA and a genuine record of leadership in school or community organizations — especially students who've worked across cultures or communities. The program also values civic engagement. There are 20 spots available annually, and the interview matters as much as the application.
Full RideApp Required
Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 21 · 📢 Results: March 1
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
full tuition, required fees, housing allowance, book allowance, and meal plan value
✘ Not stackable
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT👥 ~10 Presidential Scholars selected annually winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers tuition and fees, housing, a book allowance of $600 per semester, and the value of the largest meal plan. State and federal grants plus outside awards are applied first; total aid cannot exceed the USI cost of attendance. Generally replaces all other institutional merit scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for USI admission, then complete the Presidential Scholarship application by November 21. Submit transcripts and official test scores by November 21; letters of recommendation due by November 24 (submitted by recommender directly to Presidential.Scholarship@usi.edu). Finalists are invited to interview and information day in early February.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing academic record, test scores, leadership, service, recommendation strength, and performance in the February interview day.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full tuition and fees, room (four-occupant suite rate), $600/semester book allowance, and the value of the largest meal plan. Renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters; renewal requires 27 credit hours per year and a cumulative GPA of 3.2 for 0–59 hours, then 3.4 thereafter. Only Indiana residents are eligible. Approximate annual value is $22,000+ for 2025-2026.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
About ten top-tier Indiana high school seniors each year — students with 4.0 GPAs, at least a 27 ACT or 1280 SAT, and exceptional essays, recommendations, and interview presence. This is USI's most selective and prestigious award. The interview day in February is the real differentiator.
Full TuitionApp Required
Provost Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 21
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ High‑achieving Indiana freshmen considered for the Presidential Scholarship may instead receive the Provost Scholarship, which pays full USI tuition for four years
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be stacked with the Presidential, Dean's, or B/MD Scholarship, and typically replaces automatic Rice or regional awards. No cash refunds are issued from this scholarship.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the USI admission process and Presidential Scholarship application by the November deadline; students who meet Presidential criteria but are not selected for the Presidential award are automatically considered for the Provost Scholarship by the financial aid office.
Selection criteria: Students who meet Presidential criteria but are not selected as Presidential Scholars are competitively reviewed for the Provost award based on academic strength and funding availability.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Pays full USI tuition for up to 4 years/8 semesters or until the first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. Renewal requires 27 credit hours per year and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for 0–59 hours and 3.2 thereafter. Open to students of any residency who meet the Presidential academic criteria.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top freshmen who hit the Presidential Scholarship bar — 4.0 GPA, 27 ACT or 1280 SAT — but weren't among the ten chosen for the Presidential award. If your student applies for Presidential and doesn't land one of those ten spots, the Provost Scholarship is the very strong consolation: full tuition for four years.
Full TuitionApp Required
Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine (B/MD) Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 7 · 📢 Results: Late December (tentative)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition waiver (undergraduate) plus provisional IU School of Medicine acceptance
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT👥 ~6 scholarships awarded annually winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Recipients may also retain the David L. Rice Scholarship in addition to the B/MD full tuition waiver. Cannot be awarded alongside the Presidential, Provost, or Dean's Scholarship.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the USI admission application and the separate B/MD Scholarship application by November 7. Application includes personal and academic information, an essay on interest in medicine and career goals, and three letters of recommendation (high school counselor, high school science teacher, and a personal reference). Qualified applicants are invited for on-campus interviews in early December.
Selection criteria: B/MD Advisory Committee reviews applications and conducts interviews; selected applications are then forwarded to the IU School of Medicine Admissions Committee for provisional acceptance. Academic record, test scores, essay quality, letters of recommendation, and interview performance are all evaluated.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Full tuition waiver for up to 8 undergraduate semesters, plus funding available for undergraduate research projects. Recipients also retain their Rice Scholarship. To keep the provisional IU School of Medicine seat, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA through the first 31 hours, then a 3.5 from 62 hours onward, take the MCAT at or above the IU SOM average, and complete all required B/MD coursework and the AMCAS application. Six scholarships are awarded each year. Applications for the 2027 B/MD cohort open fall 2026.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Six Indiana high school seniors per year who are laser-focused on becoming physicians. Academic bar is high — 3.5+ GPA and 27 ACT or 1280 SAT (no superscores) — and the path is demanding, but the payoff is full undergraduate tuition plus a provisional seat in IU School of Medicine-Evansville. If medicine is your student's calling, this program is worth every bit of the effort.
App Required
Dean's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be awarded alongside the Presidential, Provost, or B/MD Scholarship. Supersedes other admission-based awards.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission and submit the Presidential Scholarship application by December 1 of senior year; students who meet Presidential criteria but are not selected for the Presidential or Provost Scholarship are automatically considered for the Dean's Scholarship by the financial aid office.
Selection criteria: Awarded to top Presidential Scholarship applicants not selected for the Presidential or Provost award; selection based on academic credentials and funding availability.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $2,000 per academic year for up to 4 years/8 semesters or first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. Admission application must be completed by December 1 of the student's senior year. Renewal GPA scales with hours: 2.5 for 0–59 hours, 2.75 for 60–89, and 3.0 thereafter. Students must complete 27 credit hours annually. Cannot be stacked with Presidential, Provost, or B/MD awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Initially matriculating freshmen who met the Presidential Scholarship's academic bar — 4.0 GPA, 27 ACT or 1280 SAT — but were not selected for the Presidential or Provost award. Think of it as the next tier down in USI's flagship scholarship pipeline for top Indiana seniors.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at USI
How are flagship scholarships different from automatic merit?
Flagship awards are limited and competitive. They involve deeper review of leadership, service, essays, and sometimes interviews,
while automatic merit is awarded solely on academics.
Can out-of-state students win USI’s flagship scholarships?
Some can. While the Presidential Scholarship is limited to Indiana residents, awards like the Provost and Torain Leadership
Scholarships can benefit non-residents—especially when paired with in-state tuition waivers.
Do flagship scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Often they replace automatic merit rather than stack on top of it. Always check your official award letter to see which
scholarship is applied.
How competitive are these awards?
Very. The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to a small group of students statewide. Provost and leadership awards are also
selective and go to applicants near the top of USI’s incoming class.
What helps an applicant stand out?
Strong academics matter, but leadership depth, service impact, recommendations, and well-written essays often determine who
moves from “qualified” to “selected.”
Sources:
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/presidential-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/financial-aid/manage-your-aid/scholarship-guidelines/provost-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/leadership-scholarship
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at University of Southern Indiana
These scholarships aren’t always obvious on “merit award” lists. Some are program-based, some are legacy/alumni-based,
and some use a single application portal that unlocks dozens (or hundreds) of smaller awards.
If your student is eligible, these can be the difference between “nice discount” and a real scholarship stack.
💡 Parent Strategy Tip: If USI uses a “one application = many scholarships” portal (like AwardSpring),
it’s usually worth doing — even if the awards are smaller. A handful of $500–$2,500 scholarships can stack fast.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
USI Art Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Portfolio deadline (varies by year and department schedule)
✓ Renews
$500–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Departmental art awards often stack with general merit and foundation scholarships but may be subject to overall cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply or be admitted to an art or studio-related program and submit a portfolio to the Art Department by the posted portfolio deadline for scholarship consideration.
Selection criteria: Selections are based primarily on portfolio quality and fit with departmental criteria; academic record may also be considered.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP lists art scholarships as approximately $500–$2,500 per year; individual awards, renewal rules, and portfolio expectations can vary and are managed through academic program and Foundation scholarship processes.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Art and studio students who present strong, well-reviewed portfolios that demonstrate skill and potential beyond basic coursework.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
AwardSpring Foundation Scholarships
📅 Deadline: January 31, 2026 – AwardSpring application deadline for 2026-2027 scholarships · 📢 Results: Spring 2026 – selected students notified after committee review
Non-Renewable
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Many awards are stackable with merit and other aid but are subject to overall cost-of-attendance and donor criteria; some individual scholarships may have their own restrictions.
📄
How to Apply
Log in to myUSI, access the AwardSpring portal, and complete the single USI Foundation scholarship application by January 31, 2026; the system automatically matches applicants to eligible donor-funded scholarships.
Selection criteria: Individual Foundation committees review applications against donor-defined criteria; the AwardSpring system pre-matches students but does not guarantee awards.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
AwardSpring is the USI Foundation’s scholarship management platform; a single application can qualify students for numerous scholarships. The 2025-2026 guidance specifies a January 31, 2026 deadline and indicates that selections occur in spring 2026.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
USI students who complete the AwardSpring application thoroughly and early and whose academic, demographic, or program profiles match donor-established criteria.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor_specificgeographicpipeline
Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine Scholarship (B/MD)
📅 Deadline: November 7, 2025 – B/MD application deadline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition (undergraduate)
✘ Not stackable
⚠ A small cohort of Indiana pre‑med students receives a scholarship that waives full USI tuition for four years and includes provisional admission to IU School of Medicine
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1280 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full undergraduate tuition for up to eight consecutive semesters and is coordinated with other tuition-specific aid so that total tuition awards do not exceed actual tuition charges; generally replaces other tuition scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to USI and submit the separate B/MD application by the published deadline; qualified applicants are interviewed by the B/MD Advisory Committee, and selected files are forwarded to the Indiana University School of Medicine Admissions Committee for verification as B/MD scholars.
Selection criteria: Joint committee reviews academic metrics, test scores, recommendations, and interview performance with emphasis on readiness for medical school pathway.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Award includes provisional acceptance into the Indiana University School of Medicine; students may receive the B/MD Scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters from initial enrollment or until the first undergraduate degree is earned; renewal requires at least 27 semester hours per academic year and meeting minimum GPA set for provisional IUSM matriculation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Highly qualified Indiana residents on a clear pre-med track with at least a 3.5 GPA, 27 ACT or 1280 SAT, and strong interviews who are provisionally accepted as B/MD scholars.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Continue the Tradition Award
📅 Deadline: Rolling (submit alumni verification as early as possible)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides a tuition waiver that nets non-resident tuition down to the Indiana resident rate and can be combined with David L. Rice Merit Scholarships for additional discount.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to USI as a non-Indiana resident, then submit alumni relationship verification so the out-of-state tuition waiver can be applied.
Selection criteria: Awarded based on verified alumni relationship and non-resident status rather than academic competition.
💡
Strategic Detail
Available to non-Indiana residents admissible to USI who have a biological or adopted parent or grandparent with a USI bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree; language about stacking with David L. Rice appears across multiple freshman and transfer scholarship pages.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Non-resident students who document that a parent or grandparent earned a USI degree and complete the verification process early.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Some awards have renewal rules, program continuation requirements, or portfolio/progression expectations. Always confirm year-to-year criteria with USI.
FAQ — Hidden Gem Scholarships at USI
Are hidden gem scholarships “stackable” with merit?
Often, yes — especially donor-funded and department-based awards. But some large tuition waivers may replace other aid rather than stack.
The safest approach is to check your award letter and ask financial aid how each award applies to tuition vs. total cost.
Is AwardSpring actually worth doing?
Usually. A single application can unlock dozens (or 100+) smaller scholarships. Even if most awards are $500–$2,500,
several can stack together and reduce your out-of-pocket costs meaningfully.
What’s the “Continue the Tradition” award really doing for out-of-state students?
It can waive the out-of-state tuition differential, which is the expensive part of non-resident pricing at public universities.
If you’re eligible (alumni child/grandchild), this is one of the fastest ways to get close to in-state tuition.
How competitive is the B/MD scholarship?
Very. It’s tied to admission into the B/MD pathway, which is selective by design. Think of it as a “program + scholarship bundle”
for students with a clear pre-med track and a standout academic record.
Do art scholarships require being an art major?
They’re typically tied to the art program and portfolio review. Some schools allow non-majors to submit portfolios for smaller awards,
but many require enrollment in an art-related degree. Confirm requirements with the department.
Sources:
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/transfer-students
https://www.usi.edu/science/pre-professional-studies/pre-medicine/bmd-scholarship
https://www.usi.edu/admissions/scholarships/indiana-freshman-scholarships
https://www.usi.edu/giving/resources-for-usi-student-and-parents
🎖 Honors Program at University of Southern Indiana
The USI Honors Program is designed for highly motivated students who want smaller classes, closer faculty
mentorship, and access to research, travel, and enrichment opportunities.
Honors status itself does not guarantee large merit awards, but it can unlock academic perks and smaller stipends
that stack alongside other scholarships.
💡 Reality Check: Most Honors students at USI fund their education primarily through
automatic merit or flagship scholarships (Presidential / Provost).
Honors-specific funding is usually supplemental (research, travel, or enrichment support), not full tuition.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Program Priority Awards
📅 Deadline: Varies by funding cycle and project type
✓ Renews (3.4 GPA)
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.4+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Honors awards are small enrichment stipends that stack on top of automatic merit and flagship scholarships. Funds are restricted to approved uses — research, conference travel, or study abroad — and are not applied to base tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Be admitted to and remain in good standing in the USI Honors Program, then apply for competitive Honors funding when application cycles open for research, study abroad, or conference travel projects.
Selection criteria: Competitive review within the Honors Program focusing on academic standing, quality and feasibility of the proposed activity, and alignment with Honors program goals.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors funding cycles open periodically throughout the year for approved enrichment activities. Typical awards range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the project type and available funds. These awards are not applied to tuition — they're designed to fund the kinds of experiences that make an Honors transcript stand out.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Active Honors students in good standing who put together a compelling research, travel, or enrichment proposal. The funding is competitive within the Honors cohort, so the quality of your project pitch matters as much as your GPA.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Eligibility and funding levels can vary by year and by Honors cohort. Admission to Honors does not guarantee a cash scholarship.
FAQ — Honors Program at USI
Does being in Honors increase my scholarship amount?
Not automatically. Honors status by itself does not raise automatic merit awards, but it can improve access to
flagship scholarships and Honors-only enrichment funding.
Is the Honors Program worth it if there’s no big scholarship?
For many students, yes. Priority registration, smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and funded research or travel
opportunities can significantly improve the academic experience and résumé value.
Can out-of-state students join the Honors Program?
Yes. Honors eligibility is based on academic strength, not residency. Out-of-state students often combine Honors
with tuition waivers or automatic merit.
How competitive is admission to Honors?
It’s selective but not ultra-exclusive. Students with strong GPAs, rigorous coursework, and good academic habits
are typical admits.
Do Honors awards stack with other scholarships?
Yes. Honors stipends for research, travel, or study abroad usually stack on top of merit or flagship awards
because they are applied to specific academic expenses.
Sources:
https://www.usi.edu/honors
https://www.usi.edu/honors/benefits-and-requirements
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a regional public university that punches above its weight in
health sciences, nursing, and career-aligned professional programs. Families are often drawn to USI for its
hands-on learning model, strong employer connections across southern Indiana and western Kentucky, and programs
designed to move students efficiently from the classroom into real jobs.
Nationally Recognized Strength:
Nursing & Health Professions — USI is especially well known for its nursing and allied health programs,
with strong licensure pass rates, clinical placements, and partnerships with regional healthcare systems.
These programs are a major draw for students seeking stable, in-demand careers.
- Nursing & Health Professions: Includes nursing, radiologic sciences, respiratory therapy, and related health fields, with extensive clinical and hospital partnerships.
- Business: Offers practical, career-focused business degrees with strengths in management, accounting, and supply chain–related fields tied to regional employers.
- Engineering & Applied Sciences: Known for hands-on engineering programs that emphasize applied learning, internships, and workforce readiness.
- Education: Teacher preparation programs with strong placement across Indiana and nearby Kentucky school districts, particularly in K–12 education.
🔗 Official University of Southern Indiana Links
Use the University of Southern Indiana’s official resources below to confirm admissions requirements,
scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines,
eligibility rules, and award details.
✨ Wrapping It Up
The University of Southern Indiana is a public regional university with unusually strong affordability levers,
especially for Indiana residents, Kentucky border students, and out-of-state applicants with solid academics.
Between automatic merit, reciprocity agreements, and targeted out-of-state tuition waivers, USI often prices far
below what families expect from the sticker cost.
The key at USI is understanding which awards are automatic, which competitive scholarships replace
other aid, and how housing requirements affect out-of-state discounts.
Families who apply early, submit updated test scores (superscoring helps), and complete donor scholarship portals
tend to see the strongest outcomes.
If USI is on your list, the smartest next step isn’t guessing what aid you might receive —
it’s comparing USI side-by-side with similar Midwest public universities and seeing where your student’s
academic profile unlocks the best value.
📞 Questions to Ask USI (Copy/Paste)
- If my student qualifies for more than one tuition waiver (reciprocity + OOS Merit + legacy), which one applies on the bill?
- Do competitive scholarships (Presidential/Provost/Leadership) stack with automatic merit, or do they replace it?
- What college GPA and credit hours are required to renew each award on our offer letter?
- For OOS awards, does the on-campus year-1 requirement apply to our student’s exact scholarship?
- Do donor/department scholarships from portals (like AwardSpring) apply on top of tuition waivers?
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