Daniella Tebib
News Editor
dtebib@murraystate.edu
The scholarship application for the 2020-21 academic year is now available for students.
When applying for scholarships, students only have to fill out one application. Once students submit their application, they will be automatically matched with scholarships they are eligible for.
Students can find the scholarship application on their MyGate account in the financial aid section.
The University offers two types of scholarships: academic achievement and competitive. Academic achievement scholarships are only awarded to incoming freshman students at the time of admission. However, competitive scholarships can be awarded to all students. To qualify for these scholarships, students must complete the Murray State General Application each academic year. These scholarships are awarded after the application deadline, according to the website.
However, before scholarships can be applied to students’ accounts, undergraduate students have to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid which opens on Oct. 1.
“Based on recent University reports, a total of $117 million is awarded annually in financial aid and scholarships to Murray State students,” according to the press release.
The University also offers to help students who are struggling to afford college after scholarship assistance has been provided.
“As part of its core belief that no one should be denied an education because of financial need, the University also offers the Murray State Promise. Murray State will provide scholarship assistance to help pay for tuition and mandatory fees if the student’s combined federal, state, institutional and private gift aid total is less than the cost of Murray State’s tuition [which is 12-15 hours],” according to the press release.
On MyGate, there are links to search engines and external scholarships on the website. Each one is vetted to make sure it is free, legitimate and applies to students at Murray State. The list is updated weekly.
President Bob Jackson said he hopes to bolster scholarships with a new initiative.
“We have started a new campaign and we will be announcing more details, goals very soon in regards to that,” Jackson said. “A big portion, maybe up to half will be directed to student scholarships and a heavy component will be need-based scholarships. There is a tremendous need today and we continue to see that.”
The deadline for the Murray State General Application is Feb. 3, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.
Students who have questions about the scholarship application can contact the scholarship office at 270-809-3225 or can visit their office at 500 Sparks Hall.