Scholarships for Current Students

Aurora Opportunity Scholarship

This $4200 Scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed at least one regular semester of enrollment in the SMU Counseling Program and who has demonstrated a commitment of volunteer service with under-represented or marginalized populations. The award is also based on a proven track record of achievement in the Program based on academic merit, leadership, engagement, and counseling-related professional experiences, particularly activities focused on the promotion of diversity in the Counseling Program.

Scholarship Award: $2100 for two semesters
Required enrollment: 6 credit hours
Minimum GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in order to continue to receive funds.

Applications due April 15 for the following Fall term. Complete the online application here.

Eligibility Criteria (Also see General Requirements for All Scholarships)

• Recipient must maintain minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours during each regular semester of the academic year (excludes summer).
• Applicants will provide a brief essay describing history of volunteerism or service with under-represented or marginalized populations, financial need, and academic merit (500-word limit)
• Bilingual ability will be given consideration, but is not an essential factor
• Recipients should have a demonstrated track record of dedication to the Counseling field, as evidenced by volunteering, paid employment, internships, research, leadership, and/or scholastic achievement.
• Preference may be given to students who qualify for financial aid through FAFSA or who demonstrate financial need.
• Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater and good program standing during each semester of enrollment in the Counseling Program.
• Scholarship will be revoked if GPA, academic standing, and enrollment and program standards are not maintained.

Celestial Achievement Scholarship

This $4200 Scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed at least one regular semester of enrollment in the SMU Counseling Program, and who has a proven track record of achievement in the Program, based on academic merit, leadership, engagement, and counseling-related professional or volunteer experiences. The Scholarship is primarily merit-based, although financial need may be considered.

Scholarship Award: $2100 for two semesters

Required enrollment: 6 credit hours

Minimum GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.5 is required in order to continue to receive funds. 

Applications due April 15 for the following Fall term. Complete the online application here.

Eligibility Criteria (Also see General Requirements for All Scholarships)

• Recipients must maintain a minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours during each regular semester of the academic year (excludes summer).
• Applicants will provide a brief essay that demonstrates a track record of dedication to the Counseling field, as evidenced by volunteering, paid employment, internships, research, leadership, and/or scholastic achievement.
• Preference may be given to students who qualify for financial aid through FAFSA or who demonstrate financial need
• Recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 or greater and good program standing during each semester of enrollment in the Counseling Program.
• Scholarship will be revoked if GPA, and enrollment and program standards are not maintained.

Discovery Travel Scholarship

This $500 scholarship assists students who wish to study abroad or at SMU-in-Taos. Up to four awards of $500 each may be made each academic year, depending on availability of funds. Scholarships are applicable to only coursework within the SMU Master of Science in Counseling degree. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarship awards not used for the course and semester identified in the application will be revoked. Preference will be given to students who have not received this award previously. Evidence of financial need is not required to apply or to receive the Discovery Travel Scholarship.

Scholarship Award: $500 for summer only in study abroad/Taos

Required enrollment: 3 credit hours

Minimum GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in order to continue to receive funds.

Applications due April 15 for the subsequent Summer Session. Complete the online application here.

Nova Summer Scholarship

This $2100 Scholarship is awarded to one student per academic year who demonstrates financial need and academic merit, including GPA, leadership, and service to the Counseling profession, to be awarded for the summer session in the current academic year. Financial need is demonstrated through the FAFSA application and eligibility for financial aid, as well as through the application essay. This scholarship may not be applied to study abroad or SMU-in-Taos courses.

Scholarship Award: $2100 for summer only

Required enrollment: 6 credit hours

Minimum GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.5 is required in order to continue to receive funds.

Applications due April 15 for the subsequent Summer Term. Complete the online application here.

Eligibility Criteria (Also see General Requirements for All Scholarships)

• Self-nomination
• Brief written statement describing financial need and academic merit (500 word limit)
• Must have already completed a minimum of six credit hours of enrollment at the time of application
• Overall GPA 3.5 or greater in the Counseling Program and good academic standing in all terms of enrollment
• Preference will be given to students with demonstrated academic, professional, and/or leadership achievements