Lamar University Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Lamar University (LU), a public research institution established in 1923 in Beaumont, Texas, is committed to assisting students in achieving their educational objectives. Scholarships are a vital instrument in realizing this commitment. Each year, LU awards over 2,000 scholarships, providing more than $10 million in student aid. For international students seeking to pursue their academic aspirations at Lamar University, a range of scholarship opportunities are available.

General Scholarship Information

Lamar University offers various scholarships to both incoming and continuing students, including international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and specialized skills.

Application Process

Continuing students, both domestic and international, can apply for scholarships by logging into the myScholarships portal and completing the LU General and College Scholarship Applications. For priority consideration for most scholarships, it's crucial to apply no later than January 15th. However, it's important to note that some unique opportunities may have earlier deadlines.

The system will suggest scholarship opportunities based on your general scholarship application, streamlining the process for students. To ensure receipt of the award, students must accept the terms and conditions of the scholarship offer and fulfill any additional requirements listed. The application process allows students to save their progress and return to the general application before submitting it for consideration.

Different scholarship committees convene at various times to make scholarship offers, so patience is key. Keep in mind that most scholarship award amounts may vary somewhat from term to term.

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Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen

Incoming freshman scholarships are awarded based on a "no harm" policy, prioritizing academic achievement. Standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) are typically not required. Scholarships are awarded based on high school GPA and rank, or SAT/ACT scores. Students have the option to submit additional transcripts if their GPA and rank have improved, potentially leading to a higher scholarship offer. All transcripts must be submitted by the document deadline. It's important to note that students are not eligible for more than one freshman scholarship opportunity at a time; in such cases, the lowest award will be removed.

Specific Scholarship Programs

Here’s a detailed look at some of the specific scholarship programs available at Lamar University:

Presidential Scholarship

This scholarship offers full funding to undergraduate students, covering tuition, fees, board, and lodging. It is a highly competitive scholarship that recognizes outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential.

Incoming Freshmen Academic Scholarships

These scholarships offer partial funding, ranging from $8,000 to $40,000, depending on GPA and SAT/ACT scores. These scholarships are designed to make education more accessible for high-achieving students.

Graduate Studies Scholarship

Students admitted to an LU graduate program, maintaining good academic standing, and registering for the required semester credit hours are eligible for the graduate scholarship on a competitive basis in the Fall and Spring semesters. To initially qualify, Fall or Spring starting graduate students must register for and complete at least 9 semester hours. Summer starting graduate students must register for and complete at least 6 semester hours over the Summer term to qualify for the out-of-state tuition waiver. Course enrollments must align with the degree plan for the graduate student's enrolled program to meet the credit hour criteria.

For each subsequent semester, students must maintain enrollment in a minimum of 9 semester hours during Fall and Spring to continue receiving the graduate scholarship and/or the out-of-state tuition waiver. Depending on funding availability, graduate students recommended by their Departments to receive the graduate scholarship will be awarded a minimum of $1,000, and not to exceed $3,000 for master students or $5,000 for doctoral students, for the entire duration of study. Students enrolled in less than full-time equivalent during their final semester must provide a one-time reduced course load request using the Graduate Studies Scholarship Reduced Course Load Request (G9) form, unless they have completed the course requirement and registered in thesis/dissertation or doctoral externship courses.

Graduate students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 are not eligible for the graduate scholarship. Students who are removed from the scholarship recommendation list may request their departments to review their academic performance for reconsideration. Upon meeting the academic standards set by the departments, the graduate scholarship can be reinstated based on the recommendation of the Department Chair in a memorandum to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Issues regarding the Graduate Studies Scholarship or the Graduate Studies Award for In-State Tuition must be addressed during the semester in which it pertains to. The Graduate Studies Scholarship is disbursed in increments of $500 in the Fall and Spring semesters, not to exceed $1,000 per 12-month period.

Graduate Studies Award for In-State Tuition

The Graduate Studies Award is offered to International and Out-of-state graduate students to assist with the cost of tuition, up to $10,000 per academic year. The award covers out-of-state tuition costs for 9 hours in each of the long semesters (Fall and Spring) and 6 hours in the Summer semester. The Lamar University non-resident tuition waiver waives tuition and fee rates related to non-residency. Additional criteria for selection may exist at the department level. All incoming and continuing graduate students meeting the criteria will be reviewed and awarded in the MyScholarships portal. Students receiving the Graduate Studies Award for In-State Tuition Criteria will be awarded after being admitted to a qualifying LU Graduate Program. The non-resident waiver is applied to a student’s account, when applicable, within 48 hours of the student accepting their award in the myScholarships portal.

Department of Computer Science Scholarships

The Department of Computer Science at Lamar University offers several scholarships specifically for students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Science.

Crawford/Lewis Scholarship

The Department of Computer Science at Lamar University awards the Crawford/Lewis Scholarship each spring semester to two to four incoming or current students in the bachelor's program in Computer Science or Computer Information Science. The scholarship award is about $1,200, and it is awarded in two payments, half in the fall semester and half in the following spring semester. Traditionally, the scholarship has been awarded to an academically exceptional incoming freshman.

Dr. William "Bill" Nylin Scholarship in Computer Science

The Dr. William "Bill" Nylin Scholarship in Computer Science was established by former students, family, colleagues and Lamar University alumni in honor of Dr. The Department of Computer Science at Lamar University awards the Bill Nylin Scholarship each spring semester to an incoming or current student in the bachelor's program in Computer Science or Computer Information Science. The scholarship is open to all class levels pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Science.

Bobby Waldron Memorial Scholarship in Computer Science

The Bobby Waldron Memorial Scholarship in Computer Science was established in memory of Dr. Waldron, who was a former chairman of the Computer Science Department and former director of the Administrative Academic Computer Center. The scholarship award of about $700 is open to those pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. The recipient must have a SAT score of 1000 or better, three years high school math and two years of physical science. They must also be a full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours.

Out-of-State Tuition Waiver

Students who receive any type of scholarship amounting to $1,000 or more per year are eligible for in-state tuition rates, significantly reducing their educational expenses.

Good Neighbor Program

The Good Neighbor program provides a tuition exemption for students from other nations of the Western hemisphere. Applicants must have been born in and be a current resident of a nation of the western hemisphere other than Cuba or the United States. The scholarship award covers one year of tuition (fall, spring, and summer). Across Texas, 235 awards are made each year to up to 10 students per eligible country. This is an exemption program for which the state does not reimburse institutions.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Besides scholarships, international students can explore other funding options to support their education at Lamar University.

On-Campus Jobs

Lamar University offers various on-campus job opportunities in departments such as the Library, Business College, Dining Hall, Physical Plant, and Education College. These jobs provide students with valuable work experience and a source of income to help cover expenses.

Teaching or Research Assistantships

Departments may offer Teaching or Research assistantships, providing students with opportunities to gain experience in their field of study while receiving financial support.

International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund

The International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund, established in 1949, provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada. Members of Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding.

Considerations for Graduate Students

Graduate Studies Scholarships

All graduate-level applicants are automatically considered for Graduate Studies scholarships at the discretion of the academic departments in conjunction with the Office of Graduate Studies. These are academic competitive scholarships of $1,000 per year.

GRE Scores and GPA

Scholarships are generally offered based on the quantitative portion of the GRE exam and are given at the time the Department reviews the applicant's application. The university does not consider need as one of the reasons for giving aid. The only criteria are GRE scores, undergraduate grade point average, and academic background. A score of at least 680 is needed on the quantitative part (mathematics) of the GRE to qualify for consideration for a scholarship. The analytical and verbal portions of the GRE are not considered.

Transcript Evaluation

There is no transcript evaluation fee for international students applying to the M.S. College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Applicants (International Students only). Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended with an original signature of a school official or an original school seal must be submitted. If transcripts are in a language other than English, an official translation from the school, recognized translator, or translation verified by a United States Embassy or Consulate must accompany the native language transcript. Transcripts should arrive in a sealed envelope directly from the sending institution or recognized translator.

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