MFA Scholarships

MFA in Writing Scholarship Opportunities

We know cost is an important factor when choosing your MFA program. As an applicant, current student, or alum, you can apply for a variety of scholarships.

To be considered for one or more of the scholarships listed below, complete the application form and submit it, along with any support documents, via email to the MFA in Writing Associate Director, Jenna Lucas Finn. Support documents may include your resume or vita, additional recommendations, and any information you believe will bolster your application.

Application Form

Deadlines

The MFA in Writing program must receive your scholarship application by no later than the dates listed below. For new students, all MFA program application materials must also be submitted before a scholarship request will be reviewed. 

• October 1 (for Spring semester)
• May 1 (for Fall semester)

For information about student loans, please contact the Office of Financial Support and Scholarships.

Ask the Office of Military and Veteran Services about potential aid for eligible students.

Graduate College Scholarships

The MFA in Writing Program Director makes recommendations based on materials submitted by the applicant and feedback from the MFA Application Committee. Final selection of recipients for the following awards are made by the Dean for Graduate Studies. A resume or vitae is required.

Regents Tuition Waivers  

Each year, the Regents of the University of Nebraska make funds available in the form of the Regents Tuition Waiver to recruit highly qualified students who are Nebraska residents. 

UNO Advantage Scholarship Program

Service to Students With Disabilities

Students with disabilities seeking financial assistance are required to complete all required applications for aid, meet published deadlines for submitting applications, and verify "need" for assistance. Assistance in completing all applications for financial aid will be provided by the Financial Aid Office upon request.

The Accessibility Services Center is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for enrolled or admitted students who have documented disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The coordinator serves as the primary contact for students wishing to discuss eligibility, policies and procedures, services offered, and/or personal concerns. The coordinator is also available to help arrange services for qualified students with disabilities; i.e., reasonable academic adjustments, sign language interpreters, alternative print format, note takers, use of the Testing Center, assistive technology and more.

Students must provide appropriate documentation regarding physical, emotional, learning, or other type of disability for consideration of services. Consultations with the coordinator may be scheduled at any time. For information, please call 402.554.2872 or stop by the Disability Services office in the Eppley Administration Building, Room 117.

UNO MFA in Writing Scholarships and Fellowships

The following are awarded by the MFA Program Director, based on work submitted, mentor input, or feedback from the MFA Application Committee. Amounts vary.

Karen S. Kane Memorial Fellowship

The Karen S. Kane Memorial Fellowship offers cash awards in varying amounts for exemplary work in Adult or Young Adult Fiction, Poetry, Playwriting, and Creative Nonfiction. Karen S. Kane was a member of the first UNO MFA in Writing graduating class, and was awarded her MFA degree in Summer 2007. With her death in 2012, Karen left us all too soon, her artistic life still “a work in progress.”  

Karen S. Kane

Michael S. Corum Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was founded by Mentors, Students, and Alumni of the UNO MFA in Writing program in honor of Michael S. Corum, an MFA Poetry student who passed before he was able to complete his degree. Along with his wife, Jaxine, Mike believed very strongly in supporting the arts and writing, and offered scholarships in these fields for high school students. His poetry appeared in numerous places, including Yellow Medicine Magazine, The Iowa Laurel, and Encore. Jaxine has requested that both incoming and returning students in any genre be eligible. Awards between $200-$500 will be applied towards Residency Meals & Lodging costs. 

Michael S. Corum

Helen W. Kenefick Academy of American Poets University & College Poetry Prize

Each Spring semester, all current students, regardless of genre track, will be encouraged to submit up to three poems to be considered for the UNO MFA in Writing Helen W. Kenefick Academy of American Poets University & College Poetry Prize.

One poem by one winner and one runner-up, both of whom will receive notification from the Academy of American Poets, will be selected. The winner will receive an award check in the amount of $100 (plus a one-year membership to the Academy, which includes a subscription to the journal American Poet).

Students are notified of the specific deadline each Spring semester.

The Tonie Harrington Residency Assistant Scholarship

Each session, one student serves as Residency Assistant to the Associate Director.  Duties vary, but are primarily clerical. The position was founded in honor of Tonie Harrington, a graduate of the first UNO MFA in Writing Graduating class who facilitated its formation during her tenure as a student and served as the first Residency Assistant. This program scholarship covers the entire Residency Meals & Lodging fee and is renewable through a student's Graduating Residency.  Award is typically for 2-3 semesters.

Tonie Harrington

Friends of the UNO MFA in Writing

Donations to the MFA Friends are made by alumni, mentors, students, and the community. Scholarships may be need- or merit-based, range from $300-$1100, and are applied towards tuition and/or Residency Meals and Lodging fees.  All new and returning students are eligible, and awards may be for one or more sessions/semesters.

Lied Lodge & Conference Center Scholarship for First Semester Students

The Lied Lodge & Conference Center sponsors one new student each residency.  This one-time award deducts $800 from the first Meals and Lodging fee. Program Director makes final decision, based on feedback from Application Committee. 

Alumni, Current Students, and Faculty Mentor Awards

Funds are periodically donated by Mentors, a current student, an alum, or even a specific graduating class who wish to anonymously offer financial support to UNO MFAers on a variety of levels and for a vast number of reasons.  A few of them are highlighted below. 

Anonymous Awards from MFAers

It is impossible for us to list them all. But here's a sample:

Donated funds might be dedicated for reasons as general as "all current or incoming" students, or they might be as specific as "a new playwriting student" or "an individual student I know is struggling to pay Meals & Lodging or travel costs."  One anonymous donor gave Gift Certificates to every fellow member of his incoming class to spend on books or UNO MFA swag at Residency. Genre of study, ethnicity, or "has studied abroad" -- these are just some of the specific donations.  Whether you are a new student or currently enrolled, when you submit an application for scholarship support, it will be automatically reviewed with these varied anonymous donations in mind. 

Team Playwright Award

Amounts between $200-$500 are awarded to new and returning playwriting students. Nominations made by MFA Playwriting Mentors. This award is based on need or merit and may be one-time or recurring.

UNO MFA in Writing Faculty Mentor Awards

Our Mentors donate every residency to a fund that offers small need- and merit-based scholarships (typically $200-$500) to incoming and current students. Determinations are made by the Program Director based on Mentor nominations.

Madge Randolph Memorial Scholarship

Alum Robin Buckallew founded the Madge Randolph Memorial Scholarship in honor of her grandmother. It awards $100 each semester to any playwright in the UNO MFA in Writing program who creates strong, positive female characters. Student work is nominated by Mentors. Determinations are made by Robin. Click the above link for details. Deadline: June 1 or December 1.

David S. Atkinson Buys You Books Award

Each Residency, alum David S. Atkinson buys one student up to $100 of faculty and alumni books offered at our Residency Bookstore. David selects the winner. Click the above link for details. Deadline: June 1 or December 1.

Alumni Residency Assistant

Alumni can apply for scholarship support in the form of limited Residency Meals and Lodging.  The number and amounts of awards issued will vary, depending on Program need. Among other duties, an Alumni Res Assistant might serve as clerical support or participate in Residency workshops, lectures, or panels.