Incoming freshman scholarships are awarded based on a “no harm” policy, preferring academic achievement, and most do not require a standardized test score (ACT/SAT). Other factors such as academic major, leadership ability and specialized skills (athletics, marching band, music, etc.) also may be considered in awarding scholarships.
Incoming Freshman Scholarship Opportunities
Please note:
Incoming Freshman Scholarships are awarded based off high school GPA and rank or SAT/ACT scores. Students are eligible to submit additional transcripts if their GPA and rank have gone up that would potentially allow for a higher scholarship offer. All transcripts are required to be in by the document deadline. Unfortunately, students are not eligible for more than one freshman scholarship opportunity at a time. In this case, the lowest award will be removed. Please view the "Incoming Freshman Scholarship Opportunities" above to determine which awards are available.
Students transferring in from a 4-year institution are eligible for this award. Students are eligible for the award if they have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, must enroll in at least 12 hours each semester and maintain an overall 3.0 GPA or higher. This award can be awarded for up to 4 semesters (two academic years).
*Students registered in an accelerated online program will not be eligible and will forfeit their scholarship.
Continuing students, both domestic and international, can apply for scholarships by logging into the myScholarships portal to complete the LU General and College Scholarship Applications.
For priority consideration for most scholarships, apply no later than January 15th (some unique opportunities may require earlier deadlines). Additional documents, such as updated test scores, may not be considered after the priority deadline.
Students enrolled in accelerated online programs will not be eligible for Lamar University scholarships and will forfeit their scholarship if awarded.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us or visit our frequently asked questions page.
All students are invited to fill out the supplemental LU Scholarship application at lamar.edu/myscholarships. The supplemental application will match your qualifications with other endowed scholarship awards. Endowed scholarships will be awarded after the January 15th priority deadline.
*High school GPA will be re-calculated on 5.0 weighted scale
**Class rank requirements will not apply to homeschool students or high schools that do not rank students.
Incoming freshman must accept their scholarship by May 1st to prevent cancellation. All students must continue to check their LU email account for scholarship notification and communication.
A student awarded an academic scholarship be a traditional, on campus or online student. Academic Partnership programs are not eligible to receive any of awards listed above.
Incoming freshmen with exceptionally strong academic records are invited to apply. Presidential Scholars receive a full scholarship for four years covering tuition, fees, room and board, and books. Applicant requirements: First-time-in-college freshmen (dual credit and AP credit are not disqualifying), a minimum high school GPA* of 4.40+ and must rank in the Top 10%** of their graduating class OR submit their SAT(1330+) or ACT(29+) scores for consideration.
International students may submit their SAT (1330+) or ACT (29+) scores for consideration.
Presidential Scholarship applicants must first apply and be accepted for admission to Lamar University. To apply for a Presidential Scholarship, you should submit a resume, a 500-word essay on one of three prompts provided and provide 2-3 contacts for references. If you have already been awarded scholarships by us, that fact must be disclosed in the application. Presidential Scholars are also required to be in the Honors College throughout their entire undergraduate degree.
Applications should be submitted online at lamar.edu/myscholarships. All application materials should be submitted no later than January 15.
*High school GPA will be re-calculated on 5.0 weighted scale
**Class rank requirements will not apply to homeschool students or high schools that do not rank students.
Incoming freshmen with exceptionally strong academic records are invited to apply. SETX Legends Scholars receive a full scholarship for four years covering tuition, fees, room and board, and books. Applicants should be: first-time-in-college freshmen (dual credit and AP credit are not disqualifying)with a minimum GPA* of 4.40 and in the Top 10%** of their class with a record of demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, service and/or creative endeavors. Students must also complete a FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.
Southeast Texas Legends applicants must first apply and be accepted for admission to Lamar University. In addition, you must submit a letter of interest that presents a personal statement of your academic goals and intended major, along with a current resume, three letters of recommendation AND complete the FAFSA. SETX Legends Scholars are also required to be in the Honors College throughout their entire undergraduate degree.
Applications should be submitted online at lamar.edu/myscholarships. All application materials should be submitted no later than January 15.
*High school GPA will be re-calculated on 5.0 weighted scale
**Class rank requirements will not apply to homeschool students or high schools that do not rank students.
The Smith-Hutson Scholarship was established for students with substantial financial need and academic potential. Smith-Hutson Scholarships along with all other grants and scholarships the student receives will pay between 90 - 95% of the students bill while obtaining an undergraduate degree.
This scholarship is open to incoming freshman, and transfer students who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours and/or an have obtained an associate’s degree. Incoming freshman are eligible for four years of funding, or up to eight semesters and transfer students can receive the scholarship for a maximum of two years.
Students on scholarship must be enrolled in a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester, and maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA.
All applicants must submit an essay, two letters of recommendation, and complete a FAFSA. The Smith-Hutson Scholarship application is now OPEN for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Learn more information on the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program.
Incoming freshmen who apply for the Reaud Honors College will automatically be considered for honors scholarships. Continuing honors students and transfer students will find information on applying for scholarships on the Reaud Honors College website.
Texas resident transfer students with more than 30 but less than 90 transferable semester credit hours are eligible for a scholarship of up to $3,000 a year. For more information please visit the transfer scholarship website.
Athletic scholarship recipients are selected by Lamar University coaches, along with the LU Athletics Department.
All incoming freshman student-athletes are also eligible for the Lamar University incoming freshman scholarships indicated above, as long as they meet the January 15 priority deadline by applying through myScholarships.
For questions about Athletic Scholarships, please contact the LU Athletics Department at luathletics@lamar.edu.
The Texas State University System Foundation (TSUS) offers the Edmund P. Kuempel Scholarship to current Lamar University students. Qualified applicants may apply at lamar.edu/myscholarships.
Outside scholarships are developed and funded by private organizations. They’re available to the public and can potentially help students cover the costs of their education and education-related expenses. Student eligibility rules are created by the organization offering the scholarship and can depend on many factors. For a list of local scholarship Opportunities and suggested search engines, visit the outside scholarships website.