The Susan Buffett Scholarship 2026 is one of Nebraska’s most prestigious financial aid opportunities designed to help hardworking students pursue higher education without the burden of tuition debt. Funded by the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, this scholarship program continues to make college education accessible to Nebraska residents who demonstrate financial need and academic commitment. If you’re a high school senior dreaming of attending a Nebraska public college, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility to the step-by-step application process.
Overview of the Susan Buffett Scholarship
The Susan T. Buffett Scholarship was established to support Nebraska students in achieving their college goals. Funded by the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, it aims to provide financial assistance to students who show academic promise but may not have the means to afford college tuition.
Applications for the Susan Buffett Scholarship 2026 open on November 1, 2025, and close on February 1, 2026, before 5 PM CST / 4 PM MST. This generous scholarship can be used at any public college or university in Nebraska and covers a significant portion of tuition and fees, helping students focus on their education rather than financial stress.
Each year, thousands of students apply for the Buffett Scholarship, but only those who meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate strong potential are selected. Award decisions for the 2026 cycle will be made before May 1, 2026.
Application Timeline and Process
The Susan Buffett Scholarship 2026 application process is fully online and requires careful preparation. Applicants are encouraged to start early and gather all required documents before beginning.
Key Dates
-
Application Opens: November 1, 2025
-
Deadline: February 1, 2026, before 5 PM CST / 4 PM MST
-
Award Decisions Announced: Before May 1, 2026
Step-by-Step Application Process
-
Start the Online Application
Visit the official scholarship portal on or after November 1, 2025, and create your account. -
Complete the Application Forms
Fill out your personal, academic, and financial information accurately. -
Submit Required Documents
Upload all necessary documents (listed below) in the correct format. -
Provide a Recommendation
Enter your recommender’s contact information and ensure they submit their part on time. -
Write Short Answer Responses
These questions allow you to share your story, motivation, and career goals. -
Submit Before the Deadline
Double-check all sections and ensure your application is completed and submitted before the deadline.
Required Documents
The online application consists of:
-
Application forms
-
One professional recommendation
-
Financial document (FAFSA or aid estimator)
-
High school transcript
-
Short answer responses
-
Consent form
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Susan Buffett Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet several key eligibility requirements. These criteria ensure that the scholarship supports students who both need financial assistance and plan to study within Nebraska’s public education system.
Residency and Education
-
Must live in Nebraska and meet in-state residency requirements of the college you plan to attend.
-
Must graduate from a Nebraska high school or earn a Nebraska GED.
Academic Standards
-
Must have at least a 2.0 cumulative unweighted GPA in high school.
-
Equivalent to 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or 77 on a 100-point scale.
-
Enrollment Status
-
Must be a first-time freshman when entering college.
-
Students who earned dual enrollment credits while in high school remain eligible.
-
Financial Need
-
Must demonstrate financial need to attend college.
-
Must have a Student Aid Index (SAI) below 10,000.
-
Pell Grant eligibility is not required — students may still qualify even if they don’t receive federal aid.
Eligible Institutions
Applicants must plan to attend a Nebraska public college or university listed in the next section.
List of Eligible Colleges in Nebraska
The Susan Buffett Scholarship can only be used at approved public colleges in Nebraska. Below is the complete list of eligible institutions grouped by system.
Nebraska Community Colleges
-
Central Community College (CCC)
-
Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC)
-
Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
-
Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC)
-
Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC)
-
Northeast Community College (NECC)
-
Southeast Community College (SCC)
-
Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC)
Nebraska State College System
-
Chadron State College (CSC)
-
Peru State College (PSC)
-
Wayne State College (WSC)
University of Nebraska System
-
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA)
-
University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK)
-
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)
-
University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO)
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
The scholarship cannot be used at private or out-of-state institutions.
How Selection Works
The Susan Buffett Scholarship selection process is competitive and holistic. Each completed and eligible application is reviewed by the scholarship committee, which considers a combination of academic achievement, financial need, and personal merit.
Key Selection Factors
-
Financial Need: The committee evaluates each applicant’s financial situation through FAFSA or the Federal Student Aid Estimator.
-
Academic Merit: A consistent academic record with a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required, but higher performance can strengthen an application.
-
Short Answer Responses: These essays allow applicants to showcase their motivation, challenges, and goals.
-
Recommendation Letter: A strong recommendation from a trusted educator or mentor can highlight your character and readiness for college.
Being eligible does not guarantee an award, so students are encouraged to submit thorough, honest, and well-prepared applications.
Required Documents and Tips for Applicants
High School Transcript
Applicants must upload a PDF copy of their official high school transcript that includes:
-
Full name, date of birth, and school name
-
Cumulative unweighted GPA
-
All completed coursework with grades
-
Current work in progress (if available)
FAFSA or Federal Student Aid Estimator
Completing the FAFSA is required for those eligible for federal financial aid. You can complete it at studentaid.gov.
If you are not eligible for federal aid, use the Federal Student Aid Estimator available at studentaid.gov/aid-estimator and upload the document in your application.
Recommendation Letter
Your recommender must be a professional adult such as a teacher, counselor, coach, clergy, employer, or mentor. Recommendations from family members or friends are not accepted.
Once you provide your recommender’s information (name, title, email, and phone number), they will receive a link to complete the recommendation form. You will receive an email confirmation once it’s submitted.
Short Answer Questions
These short essays are a vital part of the evaluation process. Use them to express who you are, your educational goals, and how this scholarship will impact your life. Be genuine and reflective — committees value authenticity and effort.
Application Tips
-
Start Early: Give yourself time to complete essays and collect documents.
-
Stay Organized: Keep all files labeled and ready for upload.
-
Follow Up: Confirm that your recommender has submitted their form.
-
Review Everything: Double-check for errors or missing fields before final submission.
Scholarship Value and Renewal Policy
The Susan T. Buffett Scholarship is designed to cover a major portion of a student’s cost of attendance at Nebraska’s public colleges.
What the Scholarship Covers
The award typically helps pay for:
-
Tuition and mandatory fees
-
Books and educational materials
-
Room and board
-
Transportation and personal expenses (depending on the cost of attendance at your college)
The specific award amount depends on your chosen institution, your financial need, and other aid you receive. It can be combined with other sources of funding such as Pell Grants or the Nebraska Promise.
Renewal Terms
The scholarship is renewable each academic year as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
-
Up to 5 years for a four-year college or university
-
Up to 3 years for a two-year community college
Renewal is contingent on continued financial need and enrollment at an eligible Nebraska public college.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can past applicants reapply?
No. If you previously completed an application but did not receive the scholarship, you cannot reapply in subsequent years.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA?
Yes, if you are eligible for federal financial aid. If not, you can use the Federal Student Aid Estimator as an alternative.
When will I know if I’m selected?
Award notifications will be emailed to all applicants with completed applications before May 1, 2026.
Who can write my recommendation?
Your recommendation must come from a teacher, counselor, employer, coach, clergy member, or another professional mentor. Recommendations from relatives or personal friends are not accepted.
Can the scholarship be combined with other financial aid?
Yes. The Susan Buffett Scholarship can be combined with federal and state aid programs such as the Pell Grant or Nebraska Promise, as long as total aid does not exceed your cost of attendance.
How to Apply for the Susan Buffett Scholarship 2026
Applying for the Susan Buffett Scholarship is simple if you prepare ahead.
-
Visit the official scholarship application page (insert link here).
-
Read all eligibility requirements carefully.
-
Gather your required materials, including transcript, FAFSA or aid estimator, recommendation details, and short answers.
-
Submit your complete application online by February 1, 2026, before 5 PM CST / 4 PM MST.
Once submitted, keep track of your email for updates or requests for additional information.
Final Thoughts
The Susan T. Buffett Scholarship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for Nebraska students who dream of earning a college degree but face financial challenges. By covering tuition and key educational expenses, the scholarship allows recipients to focus fully on learning and personal growth.
Every year, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation helps thousands of students unlock their potential and contribute to their communities through education. If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t wait. Start preparing now, gather your materials, and apply as soon as applications open on November 1, 2025.
Education is one of the best investments you can make for your future and the Susan Buffett Scholarship might just be the key that helps you open the door.
