The University of Nebraska (NU) System's Presidential Scholars program, which provides full-ride scholarship support to all Nebraska students who score a perfect 36 on the ACT, will be expanded to include more top Nebraska scholars for the coming academic year.
In the fall of 2024, the NU System welcomed 17 freshmen from across Nebraska to its campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney as part of the Presidential Scholars initial cohort. In the fall of 2025, the University will expand the program to up to 50 top Nebraska scholars, including both students with perfect ACT scores and other top scorers.
All Nebraska seniors who receive a perfect ACT score will automatically qualify for the program. The remaining spots will be awarded through a highly competitive application process open to Nebraska students who score 32-35 on the ACT or the SAT equivalent. For example, if 25 students with perfect ACT scores choose to attend the University for Nebraska for the 2025-26 academic year, then 25 spots would be available to students who score 32-35.
Each student accepted into the Presidential Scholars program will receive scholarship support covering the total cost of attendance. This includes tuition and fees, housing and food, and personal expenses at any NU undergraduate campus for up to four years of study. In addition, all Presidential Scholars will receive a $5,000 annual stipend. So far this year, 28 Nebraska high school seniors who received a perfect score of 36 on their ACT have applied and been admitted to a University of Nebraska campus.
“Our state’s future will be bright when our most driven and passionate young people attend college here in Nebraska,” said President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “This is an investment in our state that underscores two deeply ingrained Nebraska values: hard work and excellence at the highest level.”
NU announced this program with Gov. Jim Pillen in February. Although many seniors were already well into their college decision making progress, the new program attracted 17 students with perfect ACT scores this fall – nearly 60% of the total high school seniors in Nebraska who received a perfect score. The program has since been widely praised by agricultural, philanthropic, business and elected leaders who endorsed the vision to compete for Nebraska’s homegrown talent to meet the future needs of the state.
“It is essential we compete to keep our kids here. The Presidential Scholarship program provides that pathway,” said Gov. Pillen. “When our brightest make the commitment to attend an institution of higher learning in Nebraska, then it is more likely they will stay.”
The university is maintaining its prestigious Regents Scholarship, which covers full tuition costs for high academic performers, as well as its investment in need-based financial aid through the Nebraska Promise program, which provides free tuition for Nebraska students whose families earn $65,000 or less per year.
Students with ACT scores of 32-35 will be able to apply for the program beginning immediately. For more information about the program or to apply, visit nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars.