December 12, 2014

 

Contacts:

Emily Williamson, Financial Aid, 657-2188
Carmen Price, University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

 

Scholarship deadlines are approaching: Jan. 15 and Feb. 1.

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — As the fall semester winds down, current and future Montana State University Billings students are encouraged to apply for scholarships for the next academic year.

 

Leonie

The Montana State University Billings Foundation awards more than $1.4 million in scholarships each academic year.

 

“MSUB encourages students and their families to be educated about how to pay for college and minimize debt,” Emily Williamson, director of financial aid, said. “There are many different types of scholarships available. Applying early and often is an excellent way to be money smart.”

 

The university offers more than 100 general scholarships to prospective and current students.

 

In addition to the general scholarships available, some specific scholarship categories include awards for majors in each of the university’s five colleges—the College of Allied Health Professions, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education and City College. Other categories include awards for graduate students and athletes.

 

Williamson said that while some scholarships require a high grade point average, many only require a minimum of 2.5 to be considered.

 

“Many students don’t realize scholarships are available for everyone, not just academic high achievers,” Williamson said. “In fact, many students aren’t aware that they are most likely eligible to apply.”

 

Elizabeth Almann, financial education success specialist, said scholarships make it easier for students by removing some, if not all, of the financial pressures associated with study.

 

“Many students receive multiple scholarships,” Almann said. “There are a number of scholarships to help with the costs associated with going to college, from tuition and books to help with childcare expenses.”

 

To be considered for most MSUB scholarships, students complete one online application that includes a personal statement of 500 words or fewer as well as three professional references. Students can apply for any additional scholarships listed on the website for which they qualify.

 

A few scholarships that require additional materials are the Chancellor’s Excellence Awards, the MSUB Promise Program and the daycare scholarship.

 

Freshman who plan to attend MSUB in the fall of 2015 are encouraged to apply for the Chancellor’s Excellence Awards that recognizes academic achievement as well as leadership qualities. The deadline for this scholarship is January 15.

 

Recipients receive $3,000 per academic year with a maximum award of $12,000. The award also includes a housing/dining waiver. Students who are awarded a renewable scholarship must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and continue to be enrolled full-time.

 

Montana high school seniors who plan to attend Montana State University Billings in the fall of 2015 are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for funding through the MSUB Promise Program. The priority deadline for scholarship applications is Feb. 1, 2015. Students apply for this program through the admissions process, however, students who are 'promised' funding must also submit the MSUB general scholarship application.

 

Promise Scholarships will be awarded to incoming first-year students who are Montana residents and show academic promise based on grade point average. Those who apply early for admission may also be considered. The scholarship ranges from $500 to $1,500.

To be considered for all MSU Billings scholarships, complete the application online before February 1.

 

For more information, visit www.msubillings.edu/scholarships and Be Money Smart.

 

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships can assist you with the application process.

 

PHOTO: Student Leonie Gelgarth received a Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship in August.