Selective Scholarships
Selective scholarships require an additional application.
In addition to being considered for Automatic Academic Scholarships, all students who are admitted to Indiana University are considered for eligibility to apply for Selective Scholarships. Students who meet initial eligibility criteria will be invited to complete the online Selective Scholarship Application (SSA).
Notification of a student’s SSA eligibility to apply will be offered via email and in the admission packet, and the online SSA (including the required letters of recommendation) must be completed and returned by the specified date on the application for further consideration. Click here for a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Selective Scholarship Application.
The SSA is used as the application for the following scholarships and programs:
The College of Arts and Sciences recognizes outstanding resident and non-resident scholars through a variety of academic programs and scholarships. Many individual departments within the College do so as well. In order to receive the Selective Scholarship Application to be considered for these academic and research programs or awards, students must have excellent grades and SAT or ACT scores, and must indicate a major within the College of Arts and Sciences as their intended major on their IU application for admission. Students should address their specific academic plans, intellectual interests, formative experiences, and goals for the future in their application essays. Awarding is competitive. Recipients are chosen by committee on the basis of academic merit, quality of application, commitment to their area(s) of study within the College, and/or other relevant factors. Award amounts are modest and vary by scholarship, with several being renewable for up to four years (eight semesters) of study at IU. Eligibility and renewal criteria are specific to each award. For more information about scholarships and other academic opportunities in the College of Arts and Sciences, click here.
The Cox Research Scholarship for Indiana residents is awarded to incoming freshmen of exemplary achievement who are interested in working under the direction of a faculty mentor on research and scholarly activities. This undergraduate scholarship, which has a total value of more than $63,000 over four years, provides funds for tuition, fees, room and board, and also includes a stipend for their research work. Competitive applicants will have a minimum SAT score of 1300 (Critical Reading and Math) or ACT score of 30 and will rank in the top 5% of their graduating class. They are not expected to have prior research experience. The scholarship is renewable each year for a maximum of four years (excluding summers) or until the student receives his or her first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. Cox Research Scholars must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5. Note: This scholarship cannot be combined with other IU awards, except for the IU National Scholar Program Scholarships. For more information on the Cox Research Scholars Program, click here.
The Hudson & Holland Scholars Program (HHSP) recognizes academically outstanding Indiana resident and non-resident students. The mission of the Program is to recruit and graduate students from underrepresented populations (African American, Hispanic, and Native American). Primary consideration is given to underrepresented populations, but other applicants are considered. Competitive students should have strong grades, SAT or ACT scores and a demonstrated commitment to serving their community. The scholarship award amount is $5,000 per year and is renewable for up to four years (eight semesters) of study at IU by maintaining a 3.0 GPA. For more information about the Hudson & Holland Scholars Program, click here.
The exceptional and highly motivated freshmen who are invited to join the Hutton Honors College may also apply for a Hutton Honors College Scholarship. Award amounts average between $1,000 - $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate study at IU by maintaining a 3.4 or above GPA and meeting additional renewal requirements. Students must be admitted by January 25 to be considered for HHC scholarships with priority given to students who apply by November 1. For more information about Hutton Honors College Scholarships, click here.
The School of Informatics recognizes academically successful resident and non-resident students through diverse scholarships and the direct admit community. To be considered for these opportunities and receive the Selective Scholarship Application, students need to showcase competitive grades, SAT or ACT scores, class rank and demonstrated leadership skills. Applicants should also indicate a strong interest in majoring in one of the School’s degree tracks of Informatics or Computer Science. Award amounts vary from $1000-$5000 per year, with many being renewable for additional years by maintaining good academic standing. For more information about the scholarships and/or the direct admit program in the School of Informatics, click here.
The Kelley Scholars Program offers a full-ride scholarship that includes tuition and fees, a stipend intended to cover room/board and books, and an overseas study opportunity to approximately 10 freshmen. Students must be admitted to IU by November 1, offered direct admission to the Kelley School of Business, and have a minimum ACT score of 32 or SAT score of 1350 (Critical Reading and Math), along with a 3.8 GPA. Recipients must display excellence in academics, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. The Kelley Scholarship is renewable for four years (eight semesters) of study at IU Bloomington by maintaining a 3.5 GPA and meeting additional requirements. Note: This scholarship typically cannot be combined with other awards. For more information on the Kelley Scholars Program, click here.
The School of Journalism offers a number of scholarships to incoming students. The school also has a departmental honors program called the School of Journalism Honors Program. Approximately twenty students each year become Ernie Pyle Scholars, which involves a professor mentor, honors sections of the core journalism classes, and some unique travel opportunities throughout the four years of college. The minimum academic standards to be considered for both freshman scholarships and for the School of Journalism Honors Program are the same. Students should meet at least one of the following standards:
- SAT score of 1270 or above (Critical Reading and Math)
- ACT score of 29 or above
- GPA of 3.8/4.0 or above
- Ranked in the top 10 percent of the graduating class
Selective Scholarship Application: Frequently Asked Questions

