University of Nebraska-Lincoln leaders estimate that more than 3,000 students will receive awards made possible by the new Husker Scholars Program in the 2018-19 academic year.

The $5 million annual commitment from Husker Athletics, announced in August, will help bring an education at Nebraska within reach of a wide array of talented students and future leaders from the state of Nebraska and beyond.

Beginning in fall 2018, the Husker Scholars program will offer qualifying incoming freshmen awards ranging from $1,500 to $2,500. The scholarship funds will be awarded based upon financial need, leadership potential or other factors in addition to academic achievement.

Students must complete an application for admission by March 1 to qualify for the financial assistance.

“This generous contribution from Husker Athletics will make attending Nebraska even more affordable and accessible,” said Amber Williams, assistant vice chancellor for academic services and enrollment management. “We have expanded the review criteria for these awards, meaning more Nebraskans than ever before will be eligible to receive scholarships.”

Chancellor Ronnie Green said the new scholarship fund promotes the university’s highest priority: to keep a University of Nebraska-Lincoln education affordable and accessible. The university has one of only a handful of intercollegiate athletics programs in the nation that operate in the black without benefit of state or university subsidies.

The Husker Scholars program is the latest example, Green said, in which Husker Athletics has been able to provide financial support for programs that benefit students outside the athletic department.

Nebraska is one of the premier athletic programs in the country largely because of the support of its loyal and passionate fan base and partners – and by establishing the Husker Scholars program, the university is re-investing in the state of Nebraska, the chancellor said.

“This scholarship fund, made possible through our strength in the Department of Athletics, will help educate the next generation of leaders for our state,” Green said.