Diversity Excellence Scholarship for First-Year Students

First Year

Continuing & Transfer

The Diversity Excellence Scholarship (DES) recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and potential, while contributing their unique cultural perspectives to enrich the educational experience of all UO students. These tuition-remission scholarships are offered as part of the University of Oregon's diversity mission.

Award Information

Annual award amount is $7500 (split evenly over fall, winter, and spring terms). 

DES cannot be combined with certain tuition-remission programs, including Presidential Scholarship, and may be reduced if used with UO staff or staff family rates, or other tuition remission scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Apply for admission to the University of Oregon.
  • Demonstrate financial need per federal and state guidelines.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
  • Meet the DES application deadlines.
  • Open to domestic students only.

How to Apply

  • Apply for admission to the University of Oregon by January 15.
  • Within days of applying for admission, find your UO Student ID number in your Status Portal. You'll need this number to create an account to apply for UO Scholarships. 
  • Complete the Diversity Excellence Scholarship application within the UO Scholarship Dashboard by January 31.
  • Have a reference letter submitted via the Scholarship Dashboard by January 31.
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by January 31 and list the UO as one of your school choices (federal school code 003223).
    • Note: Dreamer students (DACA, TPS, or other undocumented) should submit the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) by January 31 if they are ineligible for the FASFA.
  • Submit all required admission application materials to the Office of Admissions by February 15.

Diversity Excellence Scholarship Application

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients are selected by the Diversity Excellence Scholarship selection committee based on the following:

  • Past academic performance
  • Participation in campus or community activities
  • Individual's ability to contribute to diversity
  • Preference given to students with financial need as defined by federal and state guidelines
  • Preference given to first generation of the family to attend college
  • Preference given to Oregon residents

Scholarship Renewal

The scholarship is renewable with the length of eligibility based on the recipient's grade level at the time of awarding. 

To maintain scholarship eligibility, you must:

Award Notification

First-year student recipients will be notified by April 1.

Note: This award cannot be combined with some tuition-remission programs such as University of Oregon staff tuition rates.

Complete terms and conditions can be found here.