Academic Scholarship Programs

The University of Memphis offers several hundred scholarships each academic year in varying amounts depending on the particular guidelines for the scholarship and the academic credentials of the student.

NOTE: The Scholarship Office handles UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS ONLY. For more information on deadlines and any other questions you may have, contact the Scholarship Office directly at (901) 678-3213.

For more information on GRADUATE scholarships, contact the GRADUATE SCHOOL at 217 Administration Building, Memphis, TN 38152 or call (901) 678-2531.

For more information regarding LAW scholarships, contact 203 Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Memphis, TN 38152 or call (901) 678-5403.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Federal Tax Reform Act of 1986 significantly changed the tax status of scholarships, fellowships, and grants you receive from the university. Prior to the Act, they were generally not subject to income tax. Since then scholarship, fellowship, and grant amounts exceeding tuition, fees, and course-related books, supplies, and equipment have become taxable.

The University of Memphis awards hundreds of academic scholarships each year to entering freshmen. All scholarships are awarded for the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters only). Scholarships are awarded based on information submitted on the University of Memphis admissions application. A separate scholarship application is not required unless noted. The priority deadline for admission to the University of Memphis for scholarship consideration is March 1.

All University of Memphis scholarship program awards are based on a combination of ACT/SAT scores and cumulative high school grade point average (7th semester weighted). These scholarships are four year, renewable scholarships requiring full time enrollment. Early application to the University of Memphis is strongly encouraged as scholarship awards are limited. Students eligible for the State of Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Program (Lottery Scholarship) must apply for the scholarship and complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) as specified by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC). For more details regarding the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Program, please go to the TSAC web site at http://www.state.tn.us/tsac/

A list of other scholarships are available below:

Private University Scholarships

Special Scholarships

University Scholarship Awards

Departmental Scholarships

Scholarship Awards

The Cecil C. Humphreys Merit Scholarship

Awarded to all National Merit/National Achievement finalists listing the University of Memphis as their first choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by the required deadline. This prestigious award is $9,000 per year plus the following benefits:

1. Dell laptop computer
2. Study Abroad or National Student Exchange Stipend of $2,000
3. National Merit Corporation Stipend
4. Assistance provided for travel to National Conference on Undergraduate Research
5. Non-Resident Honors Student Award (NRHSA) for out-of-state awardees.

Cecil C. Humphreys Presidential Scholarship and Cecil C. Humphreys Herff Scholarships

Awarded to students with a minimum 30 ACT/1320 SAT and a 3.5 or above cumulative high school grade point average. This scholarship is also awarded to students who are named National Merit/National Achievement Semifinalists by the National Merit Corporation. The Cecil C. Humphreys Presidential Scholarship is a $7,500 per year award. In addition, students receiving this scholarship also receive the following benefits:

The University of Memphis Provost's Scholarship

Awarded to students with a minimum 28 ACT/1240 SAT and a 3.25 or above cumulative high school grade point average.The Provost's Scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students each year. The Provost Scholarship is a $5,500 per year award.

The Valedictorian Scholarship

Provides funding to top scholars from each of Tennessee's accredited or state approved high schools. The recipient must rank number one in the class and meet the admission requirements of the University of Memphis. The Valedictorian Scholarship is a $4,500 per year award.

The University of Memphis Dean's Scholarship

Awarded to students with a minimum 25 ACT/1130 SAT and a 3.00 or above cumulative high school grade point average. The Dean's Scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students each year. The Dean's Scholarship is a $3,000 per year award.

The Emerging Leaders Scholarship

Requires a separate application available in the Office of Student Leadership (Wilder Tower 8th Floor). The deadline to apply for this scholarship is January 18. For more information on this scholarship, please call 901-678-8679. The Emerging Leaders Scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students each year. The Emerging Leaders Scholarship is a $5,500 per year award. A minimum ACT of 21/SAT of 980 and a 3.0 or better cumulative high school grade point average is required for all applicants. For renewal of this scholarship, recipients must maintain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average after the first year of enrollment and a 3.0 each semester thereafter. Recipients of this scholarship must enroll as full-time students (12 hours or more) for the Fall and Spring semesters and complete 24 credit hours annually. On campus housing and the purchase of a meal plan is required for students who are selected to receive this scholarship.

The University of Memphis Advantage Scholarship

Requires a separate application available on-line at www.enrollment.memphis.edu/scholarships and is also available in the Scholarship Office located in 107 Wilder Tower, University of Memphis. The University of Memphis Advantage Scholarship is designed to ensure that the university's goal of having a diverse student body is met. This award is competitive and awarded to a limited number of students who apply and have filed the FAFSA by March 1. The Memphis Advantage Scholarship is a $4,000 per year award. Students must have a minimum 23 ACT/1060 SAT and a 3.00 or above cumulative high school grade point average as well as meet other criteria in order to be considered for this scholarship.

The University of Memphis Community College Transfer Scholarship

Requires a separate application available on-line at www.enrollment.memphis.edu/scholarships and is also available in the Scholarship Office located in 107 Wilder Tower, University of Memphis. To be eligible to apply for the Community College Transfer Scholarship, you must graduate from a Tennessee Community College by August 1 and have a minimum transfer grade point average of 3.5. Students also must apply and be admitted to The University of Memphis by March 1. The Community College Transfer Scholarship is a $6,500 per year award.

The University of Memphis Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Requires a separate application available on-line at www.enrollment.memphis.edu/scholarships and is also available in the Scholarship Office located in 107 Wilder Tower, University of Memphis. To be eligible to apply for the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, you must have a two-year degree from a community college and be a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Students must present a copy of their Phi Theta Kappa membership card or certificate along with their application for this scholarship. The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is a $1,000 per year award. If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa All Tennessee Academic Team, you are guaranteed to receive the University of Memphis Community College Transfer Scholarship in lieu of the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

The Non-Resident Honors Student Award (NRHSA)

Is offered by the University Honors Program. Under authorization from the Tennessee Board of Regents, the University of Memphis Honors Program offers thirty Non-Resident Honors Student Awards on a competitive basis each year to students at the University of Memphis. The award enables non-resident students to attend the University of Memphis while paying tuition and fees equivalent to those of in-state residents. The award is based on the belief that students who are qualified for and motivated to participate in Honors deserve special consideration and that Honors students contribute to the academic environment of the entire university. The NRHSA requires application and acceptance into the University Honors Program. The Honors Program application is available at: http://honors.memphis.edu/.