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 or be a currently enrolled student in good standing.
- 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
Continuing UO Students
Current UO Students (undergraduate students already attending the University of Oregon) must complete the following to receive full review:
- Complete the Diversity Excellence Scholarship application within the UO Scholarship Dashboard by February 28.
- Have a reference letter submitted via the Scholarship Dashboard by February 28.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 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 March 1 if they are ineligible for the FASFA.
Transfer Students
- Apply for admission to the University of Oregon by March 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 April 1.
- Have a reference letter submitted via the Scholarship Dashboard by April 1.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 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 March 1 if they are ineligible for the FASFA.
- Submit all academic transcripts to the Office of Admissions by April 1.
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:
- Be enrolled in and complete a minimum of 12 UO credits per term.
- Maintain a minimum 3.00 UO GPA.
- Make satisfactory progress toward completion of a degree.
- Meet regularly with a scholarship advisor in the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence (CMAE).
Award Notification
Continuing undergraduate recipients will be notified by June 1. Transfer recipients will be notified by June 15.
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.