The university has opened up a new scholarship for incoming freshmen called the Priority Scholarship. The scholarship is for students who have had high achievements in high school.
According to the university’s office of Communications and Creative Services, “The new priority scholarships will be automatically awarded to all qualifying students who apply to the university by Jan. 15, 2018.”
The scholarship will be broken down into six different amounts that a student may receive based on their academic performance.
Incoming freshmen must meet the following for the scholarship: an ACT score of 30 or higher and a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better, $7,000; ACT score of 27 – 29 and a GPA of 3.5 – 4.0, $5,750 or a GPA of 3.0 to 3.49, $5,250; ACT score of 24 – 26 and a GPA of 3.5 – 4.0, $3,500 or a GPA of 3.0 – 3.49, $3,000; ACT score of 23 and a GPA of 3.5 or higher, $1,000.
University President Dr. John L. Crain explained why the university decided to start this scholarship.
“We always encourage students to apply early, and this new model provides an additional incentive to students who do,” said Crain. “As tuition and fees change over time, and as other institutions with which Southeastern competes in the recruitment of highly-qualified students adjust their scholarship opportunities, it is essential that we periodically review and adjust our scholarship offerings to ensure Southeastern remains relevant and attractive to prospective students.”
Funds for this scholarship were allocated by the university.
“As is the case with current student scholarships offered by the university, funds from both the university operating budget as well as the Southeastern Foundation are used,” said Crain.
Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Kay Maurin said in a Southeastern News article that, “These new scholarships reward high achieving students with what amounts to a significant discount on their college education. Pairing these scholarships with signing on to the Southeastern Promise will give students a top-level education at a great value.”
Starting the scholarship now was an analyzed decision Crain explained.
“Analysis of our scholarship offerings relative to those of competitor institutions suggest the new Priority Scholarship award parameters and amounts are appropriate at this time,” said Crain.
