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Many campus offices, donors, and community partners provide funding that helps students enroll, persist, and graduate. The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) works collaboratively with these partners to ensure funds are available to support students. Whether you manage scholarships, provide sponsorships, employ work-study students, or want to give, we are here to help you navigate the process.
Other Financial Assistance (OFA)
Other Financial Assistance (OFA) includes most funds a student receives because of their status as a student. Federal regulations require these resources to be considered when determining eligibility for financial aid. Examples include scholarships and grants, awards and prizes, fellowships and stipends, and non wage payments or educational benefits. Funds that are typically not considered OFA include wages from non need based employment and reimbursements for university business expenses.
Enrollment Requirement
Assistance provided during periods when a student is not enrolled (less than one credit hour) must still be counted toward the next enrolled term and may reduce future eligibility for aid. For example, summer experiential learning funding without enrollment will be included in fall financial aid calculations under the Higher Education Act and applicable federal regulations. If you are unsure whether funding counts as other financial assistance, please contact OSFA staff.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Campus units frequently support students through scholarships (for undergraduate students) and fellowships (for graduate students) that do not require service to the university, consistent with Regents policy. We partner with campus scholarship administrators who coordinate directly with OSFA for awarding and disbursement and fellowship administrators who initiate the process through the Office of Graduate Studies. This shared responsibility and workflow helps ensure compliance with federal and institutional rules, accurate financial aid packaging, and timely payment to students. If you are creating or revising an award program, our team can help you design the most effective approach.
Information for Scholarship Donors
Donors interested in creating an endowed scholarship may contact the University of Nebraska Foundation. Scholarships administered through the Foundation are treated as institutional awards.
We thank outside organizations who generously provide scholarships for students. You may send scholarship checks payable or copayable to::
UNL Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid
Attn: Scholarships
PO Box 880411
Lincoln, NE 68588
Please include student name and NUID (if available), term of enrollment, eligibility or renewal requirements, and any disbursement instructions. Clear instructions allow us to apply funds quickly and accurately.
Verification of Information for Scholarships
With a student’s authorization, OSFA can verify eligibility details such as major or program, enrollment status, and GPA. If your organization requires billing or account details, students can access those through their MyRED account. If you are paying charges directly as a sponsorship (not a scholarship), please work with the Office of Student Accounts regarding Third Party Sponsorship arrangements.
Give to Student Scholarships
Annual gifts help students close funding gaps and stay on track toward graduation. The Student Scholarship N Fund supports students directly with flexible scholarship support that addresses cost of attendance needs. Your support makes an immediate and meaningful difference.
Give Now to Student Scholarships
Information for Federal Work-Study Employers
Posting a Student Worker Position (Handshake)
Employers may work with Career Services to post job opportunities. For more information, please visit Recruiting at UNL.
Hiring a Work-Study Student
Supervisors should coordinate with Payroll or their Human Resources contact to set up eligible hires.
America Reads and America Counts Tutors
For tutoring program questions, email financialaid@unl.edu or 402-472-3484.