Presidential Scholars

Incoming freshmen with exceptionally strong academic records are invited to apply. Presidential Scholars receive a full-ride 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 3.9+* 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 letter of interest that presents a personal statement of your academic goals and intended major, along with a current resume, and short essay from various topics. 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.

Southeast Texas Legends Scholars

Incoming freshmen with exceptionally strong academic records are invited to apply. SETX Legends scholars receive a full-ride 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) with a minimum GPA* of 3.9+ 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. Southeast Texas Legends scholars are also required to be in the Honors College throughout their entire undergraduate degree. 

Smith-Hutson Scholars

The Smith-Hutson Scholarship is based on academic achievement and need. All applicants must submit an essay, two letters of recommendation, and complete a FAFSA. Smith-Hutson Scholarship applications should be submitted online through lamar.edu/myscholarships.

This scholarship is open to incoming freshman and transfer students who have completed a minimum of 50 credit hours and/or have obtained an associate's degree. Incoming freshmen 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.

The Smith-Hutson Scholars award will give students $74,000 over four years and will cover 90-95% of the student's bill. 

Cardinal Elite Scholars

This scholarship is available to first-time-in-college freshmen (dual credit and AP credit are eligible) with a minimum high school GPA* of 3.85 and must rank in the Top 10%** of their graduating class OR have submitted SAT (1330+) or ACT (29+) test scores.

International students must submit their SAT (1330+) or ACT (29+) scores for consideration.

The Cardinal Elite award will give students $40,000 over four years: $8,000 per year will be applied toward tuition and $2,000 per year will be applied toward on-campus residence hall.

Academic Excellence Scholars

This scholarship is available to first-time-in-college freshmen (dual credit and AP credit are still eligible) with minimum high school GPA* of 3.8+ and must rank in the Top 25%** of their class OR have submitted SAT (1200-1320) or ACT (25-28) test scores.

International students must submit their SAT (1200-1320) or ACT (25-28) scores for consideration.

The Academic Excellence award will give students $32,000 over four years: $6,000 per year will be applied toward tuition and $2,000 will be applied toward on-campus residence hall.    

Distinguished Scholars

This scholarship is available to first-time-in-college freshman (dual credit and AP credit are still eligible) with a minimum high school GPA* of 3.65-3.79 and must rank in the Top 25%** of their class OR have submitted SAT (1080-1190) or ACT (21-24) test scores. 

International students must submit their SAT (1080-1190) or ACT (21-24) scores for consideration.

The Distinguished Scholars award will give students $20,000 over four years: $5,000 per year will be applied toward tuition. 

University Scholars

This scholarship is available to first-time-in-college freshman (dual credit and AP credit are still eligible) with a minimum high school GPA* of 3.50-3.64 and must rank in the Top 50%** of their class OR have submitted SAT (1010-1070) or ACT (19-21) test scores. 

International students must submit their SAT (1010-1070) or ACT (19-21) scores for consideration.

The University Scholars award will give students $8,000 over four years: $2,000 per year will be applied toward tuition.

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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.

LU awards more than $20 million in scholarships each year. Complete your FAFSA and TASFA and use code 003581 to be eligible for additional financial aid. 

*High school GPA will be re-calculated on 4.0 collegiate scale.
**Class rank requirements will not apply to homeschool students or high schools that do not rank students.