By Quise Varoz
With just days remaining before the March 6 deadline, Nebraska high school seniors are rushing to complete applications for one of the state’s largest full-ride scholarships.
But scholarship advisors say one small mistake — or one missing document — could mean losing the opportunity entirely.
For Omaha senior Eli Norval, the final stretch before the deadline has been stressful.
“You know, it’s scary because if I don’t fill out all my paperwork or turn everything in before the deadline, just like that, I won’t get the scholarship,” Norval said.
The scholarship, designed to help Nebraska students attend in-state public colleges, comes with strict eligibility requirements.
According to scholarship specialist Jennifer Johnson, applicants must:
- Graduate from a Nebraska high school
- Maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Demonstrate financial need
Johnson says the most common issue students face is incomplete applications.
“No, unfortunately they can’t be fixed after the deadline,” Johnson said. “The deadline is exactly what it is, so students aren’t able to resubmit any additional documents after that time.”
For many families, the deadline carries more than academic weight — it represents financial relief.
“It’s incredibly important kids don’t start off behind the eight ball,” said Nathaniel Norval, Eli’s father. “Right now there’s a lot of instability politically and economically. Depending on who’s in the White House, you don’t know what student loan repayment policy is going to look like. So not having to worry about that is a huge deal for a young person.”
The urgency comes as tuition continues to rise. Tuition at Nebraska public colleges has increased five percent for two consecutive years, making scholarships like this one more critical for families trying to manage higher education costs.
Scholarship specialists say students who carefully review their applications and submit early significantly improve their chances of securing funding — potentially saving families tens of thousands of dollars over four years.
With prom, graduation, and college plans competing for seniors’ attention, advisors encourage students not to wait until the last night to apply.
The March 6 deadline is firm, and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Students can find more information through the scholarship provider’s website.
Leave feedback about this