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Russell V. and Betty L. Benson Endowment Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

All undergraduate and graduate disciplines

Key Statistics

Grant Amount

Varies by year

Location

Lincoln, Nebraska, United StatesView Lincoln, Nebraska, United States Guide →

Deadline

Varies by year

About this Scholarship

The Russell V. and Betty L. Benson Endowment Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships are established to provide financial assistance to students enrolled at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships are part of an endowment fund created through the generosity of Russell V. and Betty L. Benson, intended to support both undergraduate and graduate students across a broad range of academic disciplines. The primary objective of the Benson Endowment Scholarships is to reduce the financial barriers that may impede students from pursuing higher education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. By offering need-based financial support, the scholarships aim to promote academic success and enable recipients to focus more fully on their studies and research activities. The endowment supports students who have demonstrated a commitment to their academic goals and who meet the financial criteria established by the university’s scholarship office. The scholarship is open to domestic and international students enrolled in degree programs at the university, reflecting the institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The amount awarded varies annually depending on the availability of funds and the number of qualified applicants. Recipients are selected through a review process that considers both financial need and academic standing. The scholarship is renewable in some cases, subject to continued eligibility and satisfactory academic progress. Students interested in applying are advised to consult the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s financial aid office for specific application procedures and deadlines, as these may change from year to year.

Eligibility & Overview

Financial Grant

Varies by year

Scholarship Type

Need based

What's Covered

Tuition fees
Academic expenses
Partial living costs

Description

The Russell V. and Betty L. Benson Endowment Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships serve as a financial resource for students attending the University of Nebraska–Lincoln who demonstrate significant financial need. These scholarships are funded through an endowment established by Russell V. and Betty L. Benson, reflecting their commitment to supporting higher education and fostering academic achievement. The scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in any discipline offered by the university, making them accessible to a wide range of academic interests and career paths. The selection process prioritizes applicants who have submitted complete financial aid applications and who meet the university’s criteria for financial need. Academic performance is also considered to ensure that recipients maintain satisfactory progress in their studies. The amount awarded to each recipient depends on the total funds available in the endowment for the given academic year and the number of qualified applicants. While the scholarship primarily assists with tuition costs, it may also be applied toward other educational expenses such as books, supplies, and in some cases, partial living expenses. Recipients may be eligible to renew the scholarship for subsequent years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including maintaining a minimum GPA and demonstrating ongoing financial need. Application deadlines and procedures are determined annually by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s scholarship office, and prospective applicants are encouraged to review the latest information on the university’s official website or contact the financial aid office directly. The Benson Endowment Scholarships contribute to the university’s broader mission of making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from diverse backgrounds, thereby supporting their academic and professional development.

Key Benefits

Provides financial assistance to reduce the burden of tuition and academic expenses for eligible students.

Supports both undergraduate and graduate students across all disciplines, promoting inclusivity.

May be renewable for multiple academic years based on continued eligibility and academic performance.

Helps recipients focus on their studies by alleviating some financial pressures associated with higher education.

Financing Information

Funding and Financial Management of the Benson Endowment Scholarships

The Russell V. and Betty L. Benson Endowment Scholarships are financed through an endowment fund established by the Bensons. An endowment is a financial asset, typically in the form of donations, invested to generate income that supports scholarships on an ongoing basis. The principal amount of the endowment is preserved, while the investment earnings are used to fund scholarship awards each academic year. The amount available for distribution varies depending on the endowment’s investment performance and the university’s policies regarding endowment spending rates. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln manages the endowment in accordance with best practices to ensure long-term sustainability and consistent support for students. Scholarship recipients are selected based on financial need as determined through the university’s financial aid assessment process. The funds awarded can be applied toward tuition, fees, and other academic-related expenses. Because the scholarship amount depends on available funds and the number of recipients, the exact grant amount may fluctuate annually. The university’s scholarship office administers the application and selection process, coordinating with the financial aid office to verify eligibility and need. Students interested in applying should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other relevant financial aid forms as required by the university to establish their financial need. The scholarship is part of a broader financial aid package that may include grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Recipients are responsible for maintaining satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years. Overall, the Benson Endowment Scholarships represent a stable source of financial support designed to assist students in managing the costs associated with their education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The scholarship is funded through an endowment, with annual awards based on investment returns and university policies.
Recipients must demonstrate financial need as determined by the university’s financial aid assessment process.

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* Disclaimer: Information provided here is subject to change. Prospective applicants should verify all scholarship details, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and award amounts, directly with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or the official scholarship awarding body.