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ESU to Waive ACT Requirement for New GPA-Based Scholarships

Emporia State University is proud to announce the addition of scholarships without ACT requirements for the 2021-22 academic year. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and students’ limited access to ACT testing, this new scholarship with a GPA-only requirement will provide students more opportunity to secure financial assistance. ESU is one of the first universities in Kansas to add a merit scholarship without an ACT or SAT requirement.

With the addition of the new scholarship offering, incoming freshmen now have the opportunity to receive a scholarship based solely on their high school GPA. Eligible students are those who have either not taken the ACT/SAT, or who scored below a 21 on the ACT.

“We know that COVID has presented a number of challenges for high school students planning to take the ACT,” said Allison D. Garrett, president of ESU. “With the addition of the new scholarship and the elimination of its ACT requirement, we hope to provide more students with scholarships, ultimately providing greater access to education for those who qualify.”

The amount awarded will depend on the student’s GPA:

  • GPA 3.75 to 4.0 = $1,950
  • GPA 3.5 to 3.74 = $1,450
  • GPA 3.25 to 3.49 = $1,200
  • GPA 3.0 to 3.24 = $850

In addition to the scholarship, ESU implemented new admissions requirements. Students with at least a 2.25 GPA OR 21+ ACT score are eligible for admission. These new admissions requirements will remain long-term. In its continued efforts to lessen the financial burden some students may face, ESU also is waiving application fees for undergraduate students through May 1. In addition, all students who complete applications for ESU by May 1 are eligible to win one of five $1,000 scholarships in a drawing, regardless of academic performance.

“The last year has brought a lot of change,” said Allison Garret, President of ESU. “Whether incoming students have struggled to find ACT testing availability, are experiencing financial hardship or have other obstacles, we hope to provide some relief through our updated scholarship and admissions requirements.”

Learn more about ESU’s Presidential and GPA-Only Scholarships at emporia.edu/presidentialscholarships and apply for more opportunities on the scholarship portal at emporia.edu/scholarships. And if you know a student who would make a great Hornet, check out our Refer a Hornet page to learn how you can connect them with us to learn more.