Beginning Fall 2026, in addition to first-time freshman eligible students also include students entering ESU as a freshman after postponing college enrollment following high school graduation and transfer students from other colleges or universities.

This scholarship is not need-based, and no application is required. Eligible students will be automatically awarded.

Important: Total financial aid, including stackable scholarships, cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.

Initial Eligibility Requirements:

Students must meet all the following criteria:

• Must be residents of Coffey, Lyon or Osage counties and maintain permanent residency for the duration of the award periods.
• Degree seeking at ESU.
• Enrolling in a minimum of 12 credit hours each for the fall and spring semesters.

First-time Freshman Attending ESU in the fall immediately following High School Completion:

First-time ESU students enrolling immediately after high school graduation may be eligible for the Jones Success Scholarship, valued at up to $7,000 over four years:

• Year 1: $1,000
• Year 2: $1,500
• Year 3: $2,000
• Year 4: $2,500

Eligibility for Delayed Enrollment

Students who delay enrollment at Emporia State University will enter the program based on their high school graduation class/cohort, beginning at the time of initial enrollment with awards following the standard year-by-year progression. Students must enroll within 8 semesters of high school graduation. Awards will follow the Year 1 – Year 4 amounts as stated above.

Example:

A student who graduates in May 2027 but enrolls as first-time student in August 2028:

Transfer Student Eligibility

Students who begin at another institution and later transfer to ESU may remain eligible based on their high school graduation class/cohort and will receive the corresponding year-based award amount. Awards may be renewed for up to three years (six semesters).

Example:

A student transfers to ESU two years after graduating high school as a new transfer student:

Military Service Exception

Students who enlist in the military immediately after high school graduation remain eligible for the scholarship regardless of the length of service. Students returning from military service should contact the Office of Financial Aid, Scholarship & Veteran Services to initiate the eligibility review and award process.

Renewal Requirements

To continue receiving the scholarship each year, students must:

• Continue to be a resident of Coffey, Lyon, or Osage Counties;
• Complete at least 24 credit hours in their first year; with a 2.5 minimum spring term GPA;
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25 each subsequent semester;
• Successfully complete at least 12 credit hours each subsequent semester at ESU;
• Participate in the Stinger Success Program, which includes:
  • Meeting with their academic advisor at least twice a semester;
  • Successfully completing the first-year foundation course and using appropriate campus resources, which include tutoring services and
  • Participating in learning communities in their first year at ESU.

Contact ESU Financial Aid, Scholarships & Veterans Services

Plumb Hall 103
1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801
620-341-5453
finaid@emporia.edu