St. Cloud State University's Honors College offers scholarships and other funding to support Honors students in their academic journey. Thanks to the generosity of alumni like Deeann Griebel and other supporters, these financial support opportunities can make a difference in a student's educational journey.
Don’t miss this opportunity to reduce financial stress and focus on what matters most—your education and future!
Funding Opportunities
First-Generation Honors Award$500
The Honors College is proud to support students who are blazing new trails in their families by pursuing higher education. The First-Generation Honors Award is a one-time award of $500, designed to recognize and support newly entering Honors students who are the first in their families to pursue a Bachelor's degree.
Eligibility:
Must be starting your first semester in the Honors College with a minimum 3.2 GPA.
Demonstrate motivation for academic and personal success.
Show financial need (must file a FAFSA).
Requirements:
Submit a 500-word essay or 3-minute video about your background, challenges, and goals.
Maintain good academic standing in the Honors College.
Participate in at least one Honors College event each semester.
The Honors Diversity Leadership Scholarship celebrates students who bring diverse perspectives, demonstrate leadership, and are committed to building inclusive communities. This one-time $500 award is available to newly entering Honors students who are passionate about making a difference.
Eligibility:
Must be starting your first semester in the Honors College.
Be a member of an underrepresented or underserved group.
Demonstrate a commitment to leadership and community engagement.
Show a passion for promoting multicultural awareness and social justice.
Requirements:
Submit a 500-word essay or 3-minute video about your background, leadership experiences, and goals.
Maintain good academic standing in the Honors College.
Participate in at least one Honors College event each semester.
The Honors—TRIO Academic Achievement Award is a one-time $500 award offered during the Spring semester to recognize students who are actively engaged in both the SCSU TRIO Student Support Services program and the St. Cloud State University Honors College.
Eligibility:
Must be a member of both TRIO Student Support Services and the Honors College at the time of application.
Must be in good academic standing at St. Cloud State University.
Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Must demonstrate financial need (must have completed the FAFSA).
Must demonstrate a high degree of motivation to achieve academic and personal success.
Requirements:
Submit a 500-word essay or 3-minute video explaining:
How the award will benefit you in your academic career.
How TRIO and the Honors College have positively impacted your success up to this point.
Provide two professional or academic references.
Participate in at least two TRIO-organized events in the Spring semester.
The Honors Research and Travel Award offers financial support of up to $500 to Honors students undertaking impactful academic projects, attending conferences, or studying abroad. This funding is designed to help students deepen their understanding of their disciplines, network with industry and academic professionals, and gain valuable experiences that strengthen their professional and personal growth.
Eligibility:
Must be a current Honors student at St. Cloud State University.
Must be undertaking an academic project, attending a conference, or studying abroad.
Must be in good academic standing with Honors.
Requirements:
Submit a detailed application that includes:
A description of the opportunity, including any associated expenses.
A letter of support from a faculty member or academic advisor.
An explanation of how the opportunity will contribute to your academic development, professional growth, and broader academic community.
Provide an itemized budget that outlines the expenses related to the opportunity (e.g., travel, registration, materials).
Student support for the Honors College is possible by the generosity of Deeann Griebel '76. Griebel was a Physical Education major at St. Cloud State and participated in the Honors program at the time as well as being a student athlete.
After graduating and teaching K-12 health and high school business, she furthered her education with an degree in Accounting from Southwest Minnesota State University. From there, she became a financial advisor and moved to Arizona.
Today, Griebel serves as the Managing Director of Investments for the Phoenix Branch of Moors & Cabots.
The Honors College is incredibly thankful for the support of the Deeann Griebel Honors Student Scholarship.
Scholarship Criteria
Applicants must be a member of the Honors College and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must have financial need and/or be active in honors community outreach programs or Honors Community Building. As fund size permits, the award may equal up to one-half the cost of tuition and fees and is renewable for up to five years.
Pursing higher education is not an easy feat. This scholarship is a game-changer for me, and it has opened doors of opportunities that would not have been possible without your support.
