The College of Law awards scholarships for both incoming and upper-level students. All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarship and no separate application is required unless the applicant would like to apply for one of the additional privately-funded scholarships below.
Incoming Students
Applicants with outstandingly strong academic credentials may be awarded scholarships in varying amounts ranging from a few thousand dollars to full tuition and, in some exceptional cases, full tuition and fees. Academic credentials are not the only things considered by the scholarship committee when making awards. Additional factors include economic or educational disadvantages which were overcome by the student to obtain their undergraduate degree, academic promise, whether the student was a first-generation college student or would be a first-generation law student, past or present military service, and whether the student has a commitment to provide legal services to underserved communities after graduation from law school.
Scholarships are awarded to enhance the variety of perspectives in the entering class. Thus, students are welcome to include an option statement with their application, if applicable.
Upper-Level Students
Current students who are not awarded a scholarship prior to their first year at Nebraska Law are eligible for Schmid Honors Scholarships during their second and/or third years of law school. Factors considered by the Scholarship Committee when awarding Schmid Honors Scholarships include, but are not limited to, academic excellence, leadership and involvement, volunteer experience, and ability to work well with others.
Scholarship Renewal and Retention
Scholarship renewal and retention requires students to remain regularly enrolled (12 credits) and are in Good academic standing which is a “C” average.
*A “conditional scholarship is any financial aid award, the retention of which is dependent upon the student maintaining a grade point average or class standing, other than that ordinarily required to remain in good academic standing.” ABA Rule 509-4.
Privately-Funded Scholarships for Incoming Students
Schmid Family CASNR Scholarships
The Schmid Family Scholarships are for students and/or graduates of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). These awards provide full tuition and fees scholarships to CASNR students admitted to Nebraska Law’s 3+3 or traditional JD program for legal studies at the University of Nebraska College of Law. Applicants may apply online, due March 1st. For additional information about the scholarship, please contact the College of Law Admissions Office.
Apply OnlineSchmid Space, Cyber, and National Security Scholarships
Three incoming first-year students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing this area of concentration will be selected to receive an annual award of $1,500. Students with a passion for Space, Cyber, and/or National Security Law should apply to Nebraska Law and complete the supplemental scholarship application before February 1st. Successful candidates will be required to submit seat deposits by March 1st in order to secure the award.
Apply OnlineBennett G. Hornstein Scholarship
This award was created to honor the memory of the late Bennett G. Hornstein and to support aspiring law students committed to community service.
Additional Information and Application MaterialsDuane W. Acklie Honor Scholarship
Scholarships covering half tuition are being awarded to select applicants who graduated from a Nebraska high school or have a parent or grandparent who graduated from a University of Nebraska-system school. Preference is given to students who are from rural parts of Nebraska (outside Lincoln and Omaha) and to students who have financial need. Applicants must apply and be admitted to Nebraska Law and must also apply online for the Acklie Honor Scholarship by no later than February 1st. Successful candidates must pay their first and second deposits by March 1st.
Apply OnlineStanding Bear Scholarship
Regularly enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes eligible for resident tuition under the policy of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents are invited to apply for the Standing Bear Scholarship. This full tuition and fees award is given to applicants who have been admitted as a full-time student to Nebraska Law. Standing Bear scholarships are awarded in honor of Ponca Chief Standing Bear whose name and deeds commemorate the importance of the basic human rights guaranteed under our constitution.
Additional Information and Application MaterialsPublic Interest Scholars Program
The Public Interest Scholars Program at Nebraska Law reflects our commitment to developing inclusive leaders who advance justice, solve problems, and serve with integrity. Through the program, we seek to identify incoming students who demonstrate exceptional dedication to public service and to foster that commitment through financial support, mentoring, individualized assistance, and unique programming and networking opportunities. Our hope is that these students will become leaders within the Nebraska Law community, and eventually, the public interest legal community.
Applicants who wish to be considered for the Public Interest Scholars Program must include a separate essay when applying for admission describing their public service commitment and career goals and any factors that have influenced them. In evaluating candidates for the program, we look at the whole person, but will focus primarily on demonstrated interest, experience, and commitment to public service along with leadership potential.
Applications will be reviewed beginning February 1st. Candidates selected for the program will be given a deposit deadline as early as March 1st so that scholars can be selected until the cohort is filled. We strongly recommend submitting your application and required essay as early as possible and before February 1st for priority consideration.