Scholarships
Honor your Achievements | Explore Scholarship Opportunities
The idea of earning a scholarship can often feel daunting or out of reach, yet a surprising amount of funding is available for those who know where to look. Scholarships are awarded for a range of reasons—including merit, financial need, and talent—and are offered by foundations, institutions, government agencies, private donors, and community organizations. While most scholarships support tuition costs, others may fund enrichment opportunities or study abroad experiences. The key is to begin your search in the right places.
CSU Scholarships
In most cases, CSU students need to complete the CSU Scholarship Application (CSUSA). The application is available on your RamWeb Dashboard beginning in October with a strict deadline for submission. This is an annual process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for financial gifts.
In addition to CSUSA, your specific departments and programs may have some additional scholarship awards available. Check your college and department website for information about individual scholarship opportunities. For example, all Track 1 Honors students receive up to a $4000 scholarship, which is awarded equally over eight semesters of continuous participation in the program.
Honors Specific Scholarships
The scholarships listed below are available exclusively to current, full-time Honors students. Incoming first-year students are not eligible. These opportunities are separate from the automatic Honors Scholarship awarded to all Track 1 Honors students upon admission to the program. While each scholarship has its own unique criteria, they share several common features that you should review before applying.
- The majority of honors scholarships require a recommendation from a faculty member who has been directly involved in your education, so plan accordingly.
- Four honors scholarships have one 350-word additional essay questions to answer beyond the standard application. These responses will be closely examined for the highest quality in content and writing skills.
- All honors scholarships require being currently enrolled as a full-time student honors student (12 credits per semester) and in good standing with the Honors Program which must continue during the scholarship award period.
- For scholarship purposes, the selection committee looks at the remaining number of years before intended graduation to determine your class level rather than the number of credits you’ve completed. For example, if you have 70 credits (a junior by credit-value) and you have two years remaining until graduation, you would be considered a current sophomore by the selection committee.
- Honors students from all majors in any CSU college are encouraged to apply.
- All honors scholarship applications follow the CSUSA timeline and are open October 1 with a due date of March 1.
Please keep these common features in mind before applying. For questions, please contact [email protected].
Willard Eddy Scholar Award
Willard O. Eddy is credited with promoting liberal arts education at Colorado State University. Honors at Colorado State began in 1957 when a group led by Professor Willard O. Eddy created an interdisciplinary seminar on Leo Tolstoy and invited fifteen of the University's best and brightest students to enroll. The purpose of the fund is to provide a legacy in honor of Willard O. Eddy and his lifelong dedication to higher education, and his innovative and outstanding contributions to students and to Colorado State University. Recipients will embody the ideals of the Honors Program.
Eligibility
- Current junior level students entering their senior year are given preference. (preference given to students with one year remaining prior to graduation).
- Special consideration for students majoring in Philosophy.
- Financial need is not a consideration.
Criteria
- Outstanding record of academic achievement.
- Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and breadth of academic pursuit.
- Co-curricular contributions that directly complement the Honors Program.
Award
- Award is variable, up to $3000 for the academic year.
- Two recipients for the academic year.
- Recipient(s) receive an artistic plaque.
- Name(s) are engraved on the Willard O. Eddy Legacy plaque in the Eddy Library.
Apply
- Faculty recommendation necessary, plan accordingly.
- One 350-word essay question specific to the scholarship criteria beyond the
general application. - Spring deadline: March 1st
- As with most scholarships, you will apply through the CSU Scholarship Application site.
Keller and Lawrence Honors Scholarship
Dr. Robert Keller and Dr. Bob Lawrence were outstanding in their contributions to the CSU Honors Program. This scholarship is in recognition of the high level of achievement in their respective fields which both shared generously with honors students and faculty in profound ways. Providing scholarship support for undergraduate honors students with superb records of academic achievement and leadership.
Eligibility
- Current Junior entering their senior year.
- Minimum GPA of 3.7 at time of selection for the award.
- Financial need is not a consideration.
Criteria
- Superb record of academic achievement.
- Minimum GPA of 3.7
Award
- Award is variable, up to $12,000 for the academic year.
- 1-2 scholarships are awarded.
Apply
- Faculty recommendation necessary, plan accordingly.
- One 350-word essay question specific to the scholarship criteria beyond the
general application. - Spring deadline: March 1st
- As wtih most scholarships, you will apply through the CSU Scholarship Application site.
Gladys S. Eddy Scholarship
The purpose of the Gladys Eddy scholarship is to support undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship, leadership, active citizenship, and community service. Active citizenship involves political activities, from the local to national arena, while community service includes volunteer activities that aren’t confined to the political. If you helped campaign with any elections, that’s citizenship. If you are involved in CSU student politics (ASCSU), that’s citizenship. Serving in the military is part of citizenship. Voting is also active citizenship, but the selection committee will be looking for involvement beyond voting.
Eligibility
- Current sophomore or junior honors student entering their junior or senior year.
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Financial need is not a consideration.
*This award is not restricted to students in the Honors Program.
Criteria
- Demonstration of exceptional accomplishments in scholarship, leadership, active citizenship, and service to the community from the local to national arena.
Award
- Award is variable up to $5000 for the academic year.
- One scholarship is awarded.
Apply
- Faculty recommendation necessary, plan accordingly.
- One 350-word essay question specific to the scholarship criteria beyond the
general application. - Spring deadline: March 1st
- As wtih most scholarships, you will apply through the CSU Scholarship Application site.
Jack and June Richardson Scholarship
Through the generosity of June Richardson and her family, this scholarship offers funding in honor of Jack Richardson, whose own college experience with an important faculty mentor shaped the rest of his life. Jack Richardson attended Upsala College, where he majored in economics and minored in English. The Honors Program at Upsala College introduced him to many of the joys of research - and did a great deal to lead him onto his ultimate career path of market research and strategic planning. The scholarship provides scholarship assistance to THE outstanding student who is in the University Honors Program at Colorado State University.
Eligibility
- Current junior level honors student entering their senior year.
- Preference given to majors in the Liberal Arts fields.
- Financial need is not a consideration.
Criteria
- Outstanding academic standing and performance.
- Demonstrate potential for future contributions to society.
- Commitment to engage in a program of independent inquiry culminating in projects similar to a senior honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor/mentor with regular interactive learning sessions.
- Interest in the opportunity to participate actively in a rewarding undergraduate experience that emphasizes the development of advanced research, artistic endeavors, and communication skills that may lead to an advanced degree.
- Each finalist is interviewed by the Honors Program Director before the one recipient is selected.
Award
- Award is variable up to $5,000 for the academic year.
- One scholarship is awarded.
Apply
- Faculty recommendation necessary, plan accordingly.
- Spring deadline: March 1st
- As with most scholarships, you will apply through the CSU Scholarship Application site.
Students First Honors Scholarship
To provide scholarship assistance for Honors students with financial need.
Eligibility
- Current junior honors student entering their senior year.
- Demonstrates financial need.
Criteria
- Good academic standing.
- Demonstrates financial need.
- Active participation in campus and/or community service organizations.
Award
- Award is variable up to $3000 for the academic year.
- Two scholarships are awarded.
Apply
- Spring deadline: March 1st
- As wtih most scholarships, you will apply through the CSU Scholarship Application site.
Elizabeth and Louis Cilento Honors Scholarship
Provided by the estate of Elizabeth and Louis Cilento for honors students who exemplify the highest standards in academics and service and/or other co-curricular activities.
Eligibility
- Current Honors students in all class levels (incoming first-year students are not eligible until their first spring semester at CSU).
- All majors from any college are eligible.
- Financial need can be considered but is not the determining factor.
Scholarship may be renewable if the recipient(s) continues to meet all criteria, reapplies, and is selected by the scholarship committee
Criteria
- Excellent academic standing based upon GPA
- Financial need can be considered but is not the determining factor.
- Participation in service and/or other co-curricular activities that goes beyond typical volunteering.
Award
- Award varies up to $5000 for the academic year.
- Multiple scholarships are awarded up to $5000.
Apply
- Faculty recommendation necessary, plan accordingly.
- One 350-word essay question specific to the scholarship criteria beyond the
general application. - Spring deadline: March 1st
- As wtih most scholarships, you will apply through the CSU Scholarship Application site.
Spots Honors Scholarship
To provide Honors students assistance to enrich summer co-curricular activities that fall under the sponsorship of a recognized program or organization – activities include, but are not restricted to, international study abroad courses, research experiences (domestic or international), or internships (domestic or international).
Eligibility
- Current Honors students in all class levels (incoming first-year students are not eligible until their first spring semester at CSU).
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Financial need is not a consideration.
Scholarship is not renewable.
Criteria
- Outstanding academic performance.
- Description of the benefits of the enrichment activity is clearly articulated.
- Preference will be given to students who participate in a summer enrichment or co-curricular activities such as study abroad, research, internship, or service activity sponsored by a recognized program or organization.
Award
- Award of up to $2000 for the summer.
- Two scholarships are awarded.
Apply
- Faculty recommendation necessary, plan accordingly.
- Spring deadline: March 1st
- As with most scholarships, you will apply through the CSU Scholarship Application site.
Diane D. Burton Honors Scholarship
Diane Burton worked for CSU as the Assistant Director of the Honors Program and other
positions for over 20 years. She was a champion for students going above and beyond
for each one with her authentic, vibrant, and loving approach. Her passion for plants and
the outdoors was prolific in both her personal life as the owner of hundreds of plants and
in volunteering for tree nurseries and forest restoration projects. The purpose of this fund
is to recognize the significant impact Diane Burton had on the CSU Honors Program
reflecting her approach to life and deeply felt pursuits.
Eligibility
- Current Honors sophomore, junior, or senior students (incoming first-year students are not eligible until their first spring semester at CSU and must be at a sophomore or higher class level).
- Demonstrate financial need as established by
the Office of Financial Aid at CSU and/or demonstrates extenuating financial need.
Scholarship may be renewable if the recipient(s) continues to meet all criteria, reapplies, and is selected by the scholarship committee.
Criteria
Preference shall be given to students:
- majoring in Forestry or related majors,
- who experienced a gap in education,
- entering or resuming a college education not immediately following their high school graduation or equivalent.
Award
- Award is variable up to $3000 for the academic year.
Apply
- Spring deadline: March 1st
- As with most scholarships, you will apply through the CSU Scholarship Application site.
Mary and Chuck Elkins Scholarship
Mary and Chuck Elkins were dedicated CSU honors program faculty who delighted
students and faculty alike with their sense of humor, engaging teaching styles, and
commitment to student development. Both were recognized for their ability to inspire
students and foster a love for learning. The purpose of this fund is to encourage
exceptional honors students and to make higher education more accessible for students
of all backgrounds.
Eligibility
- Current Honors students in all class levels (incoming first-year students are not eligible until their first spring semester at CSU).
- Record of outstanding academic achievement.
Criteria
- Preference given to English and History majors.
- Demonstrates full participation in the CSU Honors Program.
Award
- Award is variable up to $2000 for the academic year.
- One scholarship is awarded annually.
Apply
- Spring deadline: March 1st
- As with most scholarships, you will apply through the CSU Scholarship Application site.