Earning a degree below the 39th parallel can be considerably cheaper with tuition assistance from scholarships in the Southwest.
The Southwest traditionally stretches from Arkansas through New Mexico and Arizona to California. Since the Gadsden Purchase was made in 1853, the region’s population has grown to approximately 11 million. College students are often attracted to the Southwest for its:
- ethnic diversity
- Mexican-inspired cuisine
- scorching sunshine
- stunning natural landmarks like Carlsbad Caverns
Several top-ranked universities call the Southwest home. These include:
- Arizona State
- Texas A&M
- Southern Methodist
- Brigham Young.
Nevada was honored as America’s fastest-growing state, so it’s clear many graduates remain in the Southwest. Job prospects are also blooming at the 70+ Fortune 500 companies, including:
- Exxon Mobil
- Avnet
- Devon Energy
- Southwest Airlines.
Fulfill your career potential by cashing in some of these 20 great Southwestern scholarships for college.
Exploring Top Southwestern Scholarships Available
1. AWWA Southwest Section Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: June 25th
The Southwest Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) offers three $1,000 scholarships annually. They go to one college student each in:
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
It’s intended for high school graduates who have a parent or legal guardian who has held AWWA membership for at least 12 months. Funding can reduce tuition and fees at any accredited two- or four-year U.S. college. Arkansans can specifically apply for the $2,000 Ted and Clara Gentry Scholarship, too.
Contact
AWWA Southwest Section Memorial Scholarships
30 Hidden Hills Lake
Arnaudville, LA 70512
(501) 476-0189
ExecDir@swawwa.org
2. Bob Ondrusek Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 15th
The Bob Ondrusek Memorial Scholarship is named after the president of Dallas’ Columbia Packing Company. It grants at least $2,500 from the Southwest Meat Association to students from:
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
Suitable candidates must be enrolled full-time at accredited U.S. universities with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. They must be majoring in one of these:
- animal science
- food science
- beef production
- agricultural engineering.
It can be aand similar major as long as it leads to entrance into the commercial meat industry.
Contact
Bob Ondrusek Memorial Scholarship
505 University Drive E. Suite 701
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 846-9011
info@southwestmeat.org.
3. Charles W. Margolf Higher Education Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute offers the $2,750 Charles W. Margolf Higher Education Scholarship. It’s for former scholars pursuing post-graduate degrees in mining-related fields, including:
- engineering
- geology
- mineral processing
- metallurgy science
Those who can apply include Southwest residents of:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Utah
Additional qualifications include:
- being United States citizens
- expressing interest in Western coal careers
- having academic merit.
Contact
Charles W. Margolf Higher Education Scholarship
3500 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Suite 211
Lakewood, CO 80235
(303) 948-3300
mail@rmcmi.org
4. Church’s Partners Community Scholarships
Deadline: February 15th
Several Southwestern states qualify for the $1,000, one-time Church’s Partners Community Scholarships. These include:
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Texas
It’s funded by the Cajun chicken chain. The program supports legal U.S. residents who are enrolling full-time or part-time at accredited post-secondary schools. They must have a minimum 2.7 GPA. The online application from Scholarship America must include:
- a transcript
- adult applicant appraisal form
- personal goals statement.
Contact
Church’s Partners Community Scholarships
980 Hammond Drive Suite 1100
Atlanta, GA 30328
(770) 512-3975
CPFoundation@Churchs.com
5. Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 1st
The Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists Inc. sponsors the Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship Program. It gifts $1,000 awards to undergraduates in:
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- New Mexico
Eligible juniors and seniors must be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at least half-time (6+ credits) in:
- forensics
- chemistry
- biology
- related natural sciences
Applicants must have a cumulative B average or better for careers in crime investigation. Don’t forget to attach an official transcript and three recommendations.
Contact
Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 2106
Humble, TX 77347
(719) 253-3813
swafstreasurer@swafs.us
6. George J. Elking Jr. Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 30th
The George J. Elking Jr. Scholarship Fund honors the VP of Marketing & Sales at Slay Industries and two-time SWARS Person of the Year. The Southwest Association of Rail Shippers administers the Fund for $500 to $2,000 annually. Applicants can be college-bound high school seniors from:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Southern California
- Colorado
- Kansas
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Utah
They must beenrolling at regionally accredited U.S. institutions for their first bachelor’s degree.
Contact
George J. Elking Jr. Scholarship Fund
8800 E. Chaparral Suite 155
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
(480) 850-5757
ddiulus@srmaterials.com
7. Goodwill Maximum Independence Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Goodwill Industries offers the Maximum Independence Scholarship. It grants $1,000 to students with documented disabilities who are entering accredited U.S. colleges or vocational schools. Applications are selected from select Southwestern counties in Oklahoma and Texas. These include:
- Baylor
- Comanche
- Kiowa
- Tillman
- Wichita
Eligibility criteria include:
- finishing high school or GED equivalent
- taking 12+ credits per term
- demonstrating unmet need
- recording at least 15 volunteer work hours.
Contact
Goodwill Maximum Independence Scholarship
1901 Gore Blvd.
Lawton, OK 73501
(580) 699-5580 ext. 3004
ldoneyneel@goodwillsont.org
8. Henry and Joyce W. Sumid Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
The Henry and Joyce W. Sumid Scholarship is in memory of the 1940 Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts graduate and his wife. It presents $5,000 annually to high school seniors, undergraduates, and post-graduate scholars of the performing arts. Residing in Southwestern states like Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Utah is accepted. Eligible are:
- young actors
- set designers
- theatrical directors
- stage technicians
- playwrights
They must excel academically with a cumulative GPA above 3.0.
Contact
Henry and Joyce W. Sumid Scholarship
P.O. Box 398
Pasadena, CA 91102
(626) 356-7529
submissions@sumidscholarship.com
9. Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
The Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships range from $400 to $1,000 They are awarded to United States citizens living in:
- California
- Arizona
- Nevada
Their parents, legal guardians, or grandparents must be of Italian descent. Qualified applicants must:
- profess the Roman Catholic faith
- gain admission at accredited four-year colleges
- attain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
- engage in charitable efforts
The Mario Cugia Scholarship is specifically available to Italian Studies majors in the Southwest.
Contact
Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships
8393 Capwell Drive Suite 110
Oakland CA 94621
(510) 633-9058
info@icf.org
10. Joe Eddleman Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
The Southwestern Fertilizer Conference bestows the Joe Eddleman Memorial Scholarship for $2,500 yearly. It goes to four outstanding undergraduates who have chosen agricultural majors, including:
- soil science
- plant biology
- horticulture
Natives of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana studying at any accredited U.S. institutions may apply. Applications need:
- a course transcript
- three recommendations
- a 500-word essay titled “Fertilizer’s Significance in Production Agriculture.”
Contact
Joe Eddleman Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 339
Cedar Park TX 78630
(512) 259-2118
SWFC@SWFertilizer.org
11. John Michael Caldwell Student Scholarship
Deadline: February 21st
The John Michael Caldwell Student Scholarship is named after the first archivist at Oklahoma University’s Carl Albert Center. It provides $600 from the Society of Southwest Archivists. It’s designed for current, dues-paying members. They must be enrolled full-time in archival administration programs, including library and information science, at graduate schools in:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Texas
Other SSA scholarships in the Southwest include the Otis Hebert Jr. and David B. Gracy II funds.
Contact
John Michael Caldwell Student Scholarship
4503 Glomar Avenue
P.O. Box 301311
Austin, TX 78721
jenniferraehecker@gmail.com
12. KASF Southwestern Regional Chapter Scholarship
Deadline: July 8th
This is for college students of Korean heritage. They must be full-time in:
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Texas
They’re eligible to apply for the Southwestern Regional Chapter Scholarship. It’s for $500 to $5,000 from the Korean American Scholarship Foundation. Qualified applicants must:
- be U.S. citizens or nationals
- carrying a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- lacking financial assistance for tuition
Extra funds are also made available to non-Korean descendants of American veterans who served in the Korean War.
Contact
KASF Southwestern Regional Chapter Scholarship
P.O. Box 420242
Houston, TX 77242
(213) 380-5273
swrc.scholarship@kasf.org
13. Larry J. Mildren Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: October 17th
The Therapeutic Recreation Symposium for the Southwest gifts the Larry J. Mildren Graduate Scholarship. It’s for $750 to post-graduate students studying in:
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Texas
Eligible master’s and PhD candidates must:
- declare an emphasis in therapeutic recreation
- maintain an outstanding GPA of 3.5 or better
- have healthcare work experience
- be supported by two recommendation letters
- pursue the CTRS certification.
Contact
Larry J. Mildren Graduate Scholarship
20400 Colonel Glenn Road
Little Rock, AR 72210
(501) 821-5500
trssw1@gmail.com
14. Michael A. Shutt Academic Scholarship
Deadline: December 16th
The Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives offers the Michael A. Shutt Academic Scholarship. It honors his 35-year career leading Hodges & Shutt and logging over 4,000 pilot hours. For the $1,500, undergraduate or graduate students must be attending universities in:
- Arizona
- California
- Nevada
- Hawaii
They must be studying full-time to enter the aviation industry. Acceptable majors include:
- airport administration
- transportation engineering,
- aviation business
- aeronautics.
Contact
Michael A. Shutt Academic Scholarship
107 S. Southgate Drive
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 403-4604
vreade@santamariaairport.com
15. NEWH Dallas Chapter Scholarship
Deadline: April 3rd
The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality Dallas Chapter offers an Southwest scholarship yearly. It’s for $1,000 to female college students studying full-time in:
- Texas
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
Eligible candidates must attain at least junior standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must have unmet financial need in an accredited hospitality-related program, including:
- culinary arts
- architecture
- event planning
- hotel administration
There’s also a NEWH House Chapter Scholarship available.
Contact
NEWH Dallas Chapter Scholarship
5646 Milton Street Suite 213
Dallas, TX 75206
(800) 593-6394
newhdallasscholarship@gmail.com
16. Osage Nation Higher Education Scholarships
Deadline: July 5th
Led by Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, the Osage Nation Higher Education Scholarships are ideal for Southwest residents in:
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- Missouri
- Arkansas
- Texas
The must have Osage tribal membership. Interested Native Americans must be pursuing associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees full-time. They must be at accredited U.S. universities and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Specifically, the Eugene Daniel Scholarship supports medical-related majors and the John L. Rubel Scholarship assists with technical study.
Contact
Osage Nation Higher Education Scholarships
102 Buffalo Avenue
Hominy, OK 74035
(855) 758-8609
OsageNation@scholarshipamerica.org
17. Southwest Athletic Trainers Association Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
The Southwest Athletic Trainers Association funds $1,000 scholarships to juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Arkansas and Texas. They must be enrolled full-time in CAATE-accredited athletic training programs. Eligibility criteria requires:
- hold NATA membership
- lack financial means
- hold a 2.5 GPA or better
- have worked in their college’s athletic department
Applications must include:
- a personal narrative
- two recommendations
- unofficial transcripts.
Contact
Southwest Athletic Trainers Association Scholarships
3411 Peter’s Colony
Flower Mound, TX 75022
(469) 446-0395
DunhamW@LISD.net
18. Southwest Tribal NARCH Scholarships
Deadline: August 22nd
The Southwest Tribal Native American Research Center for Health Scholarships present up to $2,500. The scholarships are for American Indian students belonging to federally-recognized tribes, preferably in:
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Colorado
Accepted candidates must carry a 3.0 GPA or higher in an accredited health-related graduate program. These include:
- nursing
- health administration
- nutrition
- public health
- counseling
- speech-language pathology
Also required is writing a 300-word essay about one’s commitment to serving tribal communities.
Contact
Southwest Tribal NARCH Scholarships
5015 Prospect Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 764-0036
dpeterson@aaihb.org
19. USTA Southwest Tennis Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: March 31st
Valued at $1,500 each, the USTA Southwest Tennis Foundation grants four annual college scholarships. These are for varsity tennis players graduating from high schools in:
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Texas
The merit- and need-based program seeks applicants who:
- excel academically
- participate in USTA tennis events
- are enrolled in U.S. senior colleges
- are supported with three recommendation letters
Southwestern athletes could also apply for the Sam Fields Junior Scholarship or Junior Activity Grant.
Contact
USTA Southwest Tennis Foundation Scholarships
7010 E. Acoma Drive Suite 201
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 289-2351
info@southwest.usta.com
20. William M. Olson Scholarship Program
Deadline: May 2nd
The AVS Science and Technology Society’s New Mexico Chapter hosts the William M. Olson Scholarship Program. It annually presents $3,500. Eligible are first-year freshmen who are pursuing STEM majors in the physical sciences or engineering. Eligible are Southwest residents in the Mountain Time Zone, including:
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Arizona
- Texas
Applications must arrive with:
- an official transcript
- SAT/ACT score
- one-page goals statement
- two endorsement letters from science teachers.
Contact
William M. Olson Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 5800, MS-1248
Albuquerque, NM 87185
(505) 844-8066
cynakak@sandia.gov
Affording a college education in the Southwest won’t necessarily make your bank account drier than the Sonoran Desert. Bargains can be found at inexpensive schools like New Mexico Highlands University where in-state tuition costs $5,400. Yet private, nonprofit institutions like Rice University charge upwards of $40,000 yearly. Luckily, financial aid opportunities are nearly as vast as the Grand Canyon to lower out-of-pocket tuition costs without racking up debt. Consider these 20 great scholarships in the Southwest along with state-based programs like the Texas Public Educational Grant or Arizona Post-Secondary Education Grant.
GCD Staff
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