There are many scholarships available to students, but there is no all-inclusive source that accurately lists every scholarship available.You are encouraged to do a little research on your own. Start within your own community, some organizations may have scholarships available. These include but are not limited to, fraternal organizations, unions, religious organizations, medical offices, clinics, professional associations, county programs, state programs, employers, parent's employers, hospitals etc. There are legitimate web sites for scholarships, but for the most part if they ask for money you might want to try a different site.

Throughout the year the financial aid office receives numerous notices of available scholarships. General scholarships are posted on the Pulse financial aid page. Check as often as you like. If a scholarship has specific requirements such as field of study, academic performance, geographic restrictions etc., the financial aid office will try to identify qualified applicants and forward the application materials or contact the student directly.

Treatment of Scholarships

All scholarships are treated as a financial resource and count toward the student budget. This includes HPSP (military) and NHSC scholarships. The entire value of these scholarships includes tuition, books, stipend and other miscellaneous reimbursed expenses. A student may receive other financial aid resources to meet the difference between the scholarship value and the student budget. If a student received financial aid up to the budget and then receives a late award the entire package is recalculated. If possible second disbursements are lowered, if not the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.

Program-Specific Scholarships and Loan Repayment Programs

University Scholarships

$mart Cents Scholarships
The $mart Cents Scholarships were developed to increase financial literacy among DMU students. Students must attend a minimum of two $mart Cents Financial Literacy Events during the current academic year and meet minimum financial aid eligibility requirements. Mandatory presentations such as Orientation and Mid-Point Presentations do not qualify. Optional sessions such as $mart Cents Large Group Presentations, Workshops or scheduling and attending a one-on-one counseling (including over the phone) do qualify.  Students will be required to write an essay explaining how the $mart Cents Financial Literacy program has impacted their borrowing and spending. There will be two $2,500 scholarships awarded.

Dorgan Memorial Scholarship
This endowed fund is used to assist African-American students.  The income from this fund is to be used to aid, comfort, and support or provide assistance to the people of the African-American race.  Deans have the opportunity to nominate African-American applicants and one student will be chosen from the nominees.

Justice Alfred D. Lerner Scholarship
This endowed scholarship was established in memory of Justice Alfred D. Lerner and is awarded to a veteran of the U.S. military. All DMU students including first year students may apply.  A veteran of one of the branches of the U.S. military who is enrolled in one of the colleges of Des Moines University. The recipient will be deemed in significant need of financial assistance and in good academic standing with the University.

Claude Oster D.O. Scholarship
This endowed scholarship was established in the fall of 1985 by Claude Oster, D.O. One or more awards will be made annually. Recipients can reapply in succeeding years for scholarship awards. Students must be enrolled in or accepted into DMU. Preference will be given to students enrolled in COM. Priority given to dependents of members of the United Auto Workers. If there are no qualified applicants from the UAW, then dependents of an organized labor union will be given priority. If there are no qualified applicants from organized labor, then the annual awards are open to students who qualify for financial assistance.  Application process for this DMU scholarship will be announced through Pulse.

Glanton Scholarship
The Glanton Scholarship was developed to increase diversity at DMU.  The minority scholarship program will be limited to all students enrolled in or accepted into DMU that are African American, Native American and Hispanic students in full-time on-campus programs. There is no application.  Scholarship is for incoming students, and is renewable based on acceptable academic progress. Nominations will be made by Dean(s) and Enrollment Management Office.

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