Scholarships
Scholarships are financial awards given to students to support their education, typically based on academic achievement, talent, achievements, or other criteria, and they do not need to be repaid. USW offers various scholarships through university grants, university discounts, donor-funded scholarships, university scholarships, and athletic scholarships. To be considered for scholarships, students must submit a scholarship application by the posted deadline. For general scholarship questions and scholarship application submissions, contact Jennifer Thorpe (jthorpe@usw.edu). Students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships not affiliated with USW.
Important Dates
APPLICATION OPENS: March 1st
EARLY SUBMISSION DEADLINE: July 1st
REGULAR SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 1st
Scholarship Application
University Grants
University grants are institutional awards available to students who are enrolled in courses offered by USW, demonstrate eligibility, and meet the listed criteria.
Community or Junior College Graduate Grant
Available to recent associate degree graduates from a community or junior college.
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Renewable each semester.
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Students must be full-time at 12 hours per semester.
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Grants based on 15 hours per semester for undergraduate-level classes. If below 15 hours, grants are reduced pro-rata.
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Limited to $7,000 annually ($3,500 per semester).
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Cumulative GPA required at USW 3.0 to continue eligibility.
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Must have graduated from a community or junior college within the past 18 months and a GPA of at least a 2.5. Associate’s degrees must be compatible with USW programs.
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The grants cannot be awarded in conjunction with other institutional awards.
Contact for more information: Jennifer Thorpe (jthorpe@usw.edu)
Lea County High School Graduate Grant
Available to high school graduates from Lea County schools.
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Renewable each semester.
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Students must be full-time at 12 hours per semester.
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Grants based on 15 hours per semester for undergraduate-level classes. If below 15 hours, grants reduced pro-rata.
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Limited to $8,000 annually ($4,000 per semester).
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Cumulative GPA required at USW 3.0 to continue eligibility.
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Must have graduated from Lea County school within the past 18 months and a GPA of at least a 2.5.
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Cannot be awarded in conjunction with other institutional awards.
Contact for more information: Jennifer Thorpe (jthorpe@usw.edu)
NMJC Graduate Grant
Available to recent associate degree graduates from New Mexico Junior College (NMJC).
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Renewable each semester.
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Students must be full-time at 12 hours per semester.
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Grants based on 15 hours per semester for undergraduate-level classes. If below 15 hours, grants are reduced pro-rata.
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Limited to $8,000 annually ($4,000 per semester).
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Cumulative GPA required at USW 3.0 to continue eligibility.
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Must have graduated from NMJC within the past 18 months and a GPA of at least a 2.5. Associate's degrees must be compatible with USW programs.
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The grants cannot be awarded in conjunction with other institutional awards.
Contact for more information: Jennifer Thorpe (jthorpe@usw.edu)
Resident Director & Resident Assistant
University grants are available for limited positions of Resident Director and Resident Assistant. Contact the Campus Life & Student Affairs department for more information.
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Resident Director: Grant covers on-campus housing for a single room and a meal plan.
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Resident Assistant: Grant covers on-campus housing for a single room.
Contact for more information: Amanda Guzman-Appel (aguzman@usw.edu)
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant (GA) positions are limited and will be issued a single $17,182 annual scholarship, of which $11,682 will be allocated to cover tuition costs. GAs will be able to use the $11,682 across the entire academic year (fall, spring, or summer). The summer tuition disbursement could be moved to fall or spring with a request in writing to the Office of Financial Aid. The remaining $5,500 will be dispersed equally in Fall A, Fall B, Spring A, Spring B as a refund if account is in good standing. GAs will be considered students (not employees) and not required to submit time sheets, etc. They will have a commitment to athletics (or their department) to earn their scholarship, just as an athlete would, which includes being enrolled in Fall A, Fall B, Spring A and Spring B to receive the scholarship.
Contact for more information: Steve Appel (sappel@usw.edu)
University Discounts
University discounts are institutional awards available to students who are enrolled in courses offered by University of the Southwest (USW) and who are not receiving any other university institutional awards. Applications are not required and will be auto reviewed.
Undergraduate Discount
Available to first time incoming undergraduate students enrolled more than 12 hours of credits during their first semester.
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Discount available for credits exceeding 12 hours in the first semester of enrollment. Discount limited to 3 credit hours.
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Non-renewable.
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The grants cannot be awarded in conjunction with other institutional awards.
Contact for more information: Jennifer Thorpe (jthorpe@usw.edu)
Graduate Discount
Available to first time incoming graduate students enrolled in a master’s program.
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First class free.
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Non-renewable.
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The grants cannot be awarded in conjunction with other institutional awards.
Contact for more information: Jennifer Thorpe (jthorpe@usw.edu)
Athletic SCholarships
University athletic scholarships are available to degree-seeking athletes. Athletic scholarships are determined by the coach and participation in the program. The scholarships cannot be awarded in conjunction with other institutional awards.
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Total undergraduate athletic grants/scholarships cannot exceed $16,000 annually ($8,000 per semester).
Total graduate athletic grants/scholarships cannot exceed $7,000 annually ($3,500 per semester).
Undergraduate Athletic Scholarship
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Renewable each semester.
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Student must be full-time at 12 hours per semester unless approved by Director of Athletics.
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Limited to $8,000 annually ($4,000 per semester).
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Grants based on 15 hours per semester. If below 15 hours, scholarships are reduced pro-rata.
Contact for more information: Applicable Coaching Staff
Undergraduate Athletic Grant for Campus Housing
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Renewable each semester.
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Student must be full-time at 12 hours per semester.
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Limited to $8,000 annually ($4,000 per semester).
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Student must live on campus in dorms or apartments.
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Limited to the extent of housing and meal charges.
Contact for more information: Applicable Coaching Staff
Undergraduate Athletic Scholar Award for Campus Housing
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Renewable each semester.
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Student must be full-time at 12 hours per semester.
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Limited to $4,000 annually ($2,000 per semester).
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Student must live on campus in dorms or apartments.
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Limited to the extent of housing and meal charges.
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Available to entering students only.
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Cumulative GPA required at USW 3.25 to continue eligibility.
Contact for more information: Applicable Coaching Staff
Graduate Athletic Scholarship
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Renewable each semester.
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Student must be enrolled in 9 hours per semester.
Contact for more information: Applicable Coaching Staff
University Scholarships
University scholarships are available to students who are enrolled in courses offered by University of the Southwest (USW) and who demonstrate eligibility and meet the listed criteria. University scholarships are limited in number.
Tyler James Memorial Scholarship
Available to one student golf team member in memory of Coach Tyler James.
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Student must be a full-time undergraduate student taking at least 12 credit hours per semester.
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Scholarship is in the amount of $2,000 ($1,000 Fall semester and $1,000 Spring semester).
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Preference will be given to students from Killeen, TX.
Contact for more information: Jennifer Thorpe (jthorpe@usw.edu)
Club Officer Scholarships
Available to officers of USW-recognized clubs through the Campus Life & Student Affairs department. Applications are not required and will be submitted by the Campus Life & Student Affairs department. Scholarships are available for the fall and spring semesters.
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President: $500 per semester
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Vice President: $250 per semester
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Secretary: $250 per semester
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Historian: $250 per semester
Contact for more information: Amanda Guzman-Appel (aguzman@usw.edu)
USW 2nd CHANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP
Available for incarcerated students to be able to receive a 4-year degree from University of the Southwest (USW) at a discounted cost. The degree offered through the 2nd Chance Education Program is a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Community Leadership & Social Engagement. Incarcerated students accepted into the program are eligible for a scholarship of up to $5,781 a year to help with the cost of tuition. Conditions for receiving the 2nd Chance Education Program Scholarship include:
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Students must be incarcerated. The discount on tuition is available only to students enrolled in the program while incarcerated.
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Students must have submitted all application requirements and been accepted into the program.
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Students must be enrolled full-time (12 credits fall / 12 credits spring / 24 credits year).
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Complete and return the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
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Complete and return notarized Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) forms.
Contact for more information: Dr. Kevin Waldrop (kwaldrop@usw.edu)
Donor-Funded Scholarships
Donor funded scholarships are available to degree-seeking students with a GPA of 3.0+. Donor funded scholarships are limited in number and are selected from scholarship applications. A scholarship application, essay, and school transcript with GPA is required for consideration, including scholarship renewals. If awarded a scholarship, a letter of appreciation written to the donor must be submitted to the Scholarship Coordinator by September 30th. The Scholarship Coordinator will facilitate mailing to the respective donor.
Contact for more information: Jennifer Thorpe (jthorpe@usw.edu)​​
Allsup Family Scholarship
Established by the Allsup Family Charitable Foundation with the primary objective to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in education, STEM, and business fields.
Cecilia Lynn Abbott Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Cecelia Lynn Abbott where the primary objective is to provide scholarships to earnest students with financial needs concerning their education.
Clyde & Murrell Abbott Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Clyde and Murrell Abbott where the primary objective is to provide scholarships to students based on need and merit.
Cynthia Nalda Scholarship Endowment
Established in memory of Cynthia Nalda with the primary objective to provide qualified students with annual scholarships in support of their financial needs pertaining to their education.
Dr. William G. McPheron Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Dr. William G. McPheron with the intention of paying tribute to the pride that he had in his relationship with USW. The primary objective of the endowment is to serve his memory and the institution’s needs.
Hatton W. Sumners Endowed Scholarship
Originally established to provide scholarship assistance for deserving SIFE students who demonstrate financial need. Later, the award was revised to include deserving students who demonstrate leadership and are in need of scholarship assistance.
Hobbs News Sun Scholarship
Established with the primary objective to provide scholarships to deserving students in support of their financial needs pertaining to their education. Students must demonstrate financial need and be a New Mexico resident.
IPS 2022 Golf Team Memorial
Established in memory of the 2022 golf team involved in an accident during their travels home from a golf tournament. Six students along with the USW golf coach did not survive the accident. Students considered for the scholarship must be a member of USW athletics, with preference given to members of the golf team.
Jackson Zinn Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Jackson Zinn, a beloved member of the 2022 Golf Team. Jackson was one of six students who did not survive an accident traveling home from a tournament. Students considered for the scholarship must be a member of USW Athletics, with priority given to members of the golf team.
Jacquie Brunson
Established in memory of Mrs. Jacquie Brunson to continue her legacy and celebrate her love of life, her dedication to community, and her commitment to family.
J.J. Uncle Joe Smith Scholarship Fund
Established in memory of Mr. Joe Smith, a former educator at USW (formerly CSW) during the 1970’s, for the primary support and encouragement of higher education for deserving students from the Jal/LeaCounty region. Students must demonstrate financial need.
Karisa Ann Raines Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Karisa Ann Raines, a beloved member of the 2022 Golf Team. Karisa was one of six students who did not survive an accident traveling home from a tournament. Students considered for the scholarship must be a member of USW Athletics, with priority given to members of the golf team.
Kenneth J. Fadke
Established in appreciation of Kenneth J. Fadke, a wonderful and supportive friend of USW, in honor of his encouragement of students. The primary objective is to provide helpful assistance to capable USW students.
Laci Stone Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Laci Stone, a beloved member of the 2022 Golf Team. Laci was one of six students who did not survive an accident traveling home from a tournament. Students considered for the scholarship must be a member of USW Athletics, with priority given to members of the golf team.
Lovington Odd Fellow and Rebekah Lodges Endowment
Established with the primary objective to provide scholarships to deserving students in support of their financial needs pertaining to their education. First consideration of the award will be given to Lea County residents.
McClesky Scholarship in Business and Free Enterprise
Established by Sheila and Peter McClesky to support educational opportunities for undergraduate students. Available to Business major students with financial need, academic performance, and character in the classroom.
M.S. & Meek Lane Doss Opportunity Award
Established with the primary objective to provide scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate degree with financial needs. Award preference will be granted to students who are graduates of high schools located in Western Texas or Southeastern New Mexico.
M.S. and Meek Lane Doss Endowed Scholarship
Recognized as an extension of the M.S. & Meek Lane Doss Opportunity Award agreement where the primary objective is to provide scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate degree with financial need. Award preference will be granted to students who are graduates of high schools located in Western Texas or Southeastern New Mexico.
New Mexico Student Loans Scholarship Endowment
Established with the primary objective of providing scholarships to those in need, as well as a legacy of hope for New Mexico students in the future. Students must demonstrate financial need and be a New Mexico resident.
President Emeritus J.L. & Joyce Burke Endowment
Established by the trustees of the Joyce & J.L. Burke Trust where the primary objective is to provide scholarships to earnest students with financial need. Must be a Lea County resident majoring in Education.
Richard C. Brown Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Richard C. Brown, a graduate of Eunice High School, who served our Country with distinction in senior-level positions in the Defense Department, including having served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. Student must be a high school graduate of Eunice High School, participate in campus life, and serve the community at large. Scholarship is merit based and available to undergraduate students.
Robert A. Mathis Scholarship
Established in memory of Mickey Mathis with the primary objective to provide qualified undergraduate students with annual scholarships in support of their financial needs pertaining to their education. Students should not be Pell eligible and must be U.S. citizens.
Travis Garcia Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Travis Garcia, a beloved member of the 2022 Golf Team. Travis was one of six students who did not survive an accident traveling home from a tournament. Students considered for the scholarship must be a member of USW Athletics, with priority given to members of the golf team.
Wells Fargo Scholarship
Established with the primary objective to provide scholarships to deserving students in support of their financial needs pertaining to their educations. Students must be majoring in Business or Education. Preference will be given to New Mexico applicants.
External Scholarships
What are external scholarships?
External scholarships are financial awards offered by organizations, companies, or foundations outside of educational institutions. They are not provided by the school and can be based on various criteria, such as academic achievement, family income, demographic, or community involvement.
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Getting Started
Make a list of organizations and institutions you are affiliated with, then make contact. Find out if the organization in question offers any grants or scholarships. Begin with:
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USW
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Your State
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Your Community
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Religious Affiliations
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Extra-curricular organizations
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Your Employer
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Churches/Youth groups
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Sports Teams
There are likely additional affiliations in your life that could fit on this list. Please contact as many relevant organizations as possible to ask about their available resources. If your relationship with an organization is especially strong, it may be possible to secure some financial support even without a formal scholarship fund in place. Keep in mind that legitimate scholarship information should be free of charge. Be sure to review information from the Federal Trade Commission about scholarship scams before you apply.
External Scholarship Opportunities
External Scholarship Databases​​
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Fast Web is a popular free scholarship search engine that connects students to college scholarships, trade school scholarships, and financial aid tools. They aim to help students find scholarships that make college or vocational school more affordable.
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Scholarships.com is one of the most widely used and trusted free college scholarship search engines that helps connect students with the opportunity to find free money for college and interact with prospective colleges.
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Free-4u is a national database of scholarships.
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Scholarship Owl offers AI-powered tools and technology to connect students to open scholarship opportunities.
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Scholarship Experts allows students to create profiles and be matched with grants and scholarships in all categories.
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Scholarship America is the country's largest and most experienced provider of private scholarships.
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*Disclaimer*
USW is not responsible for establishing criteria or participating in the selection or notification of external scholarship recipients. The suggested search sites in this section are provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion in the listing does not constitute an endorsement by USW.