Named scholarships & funds
When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.
For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.
Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.
If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to scholarships. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.
To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
This is not the page to apply for scholarships.
Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site. You can find the link for the online application here.
The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.
Search for a Named Scholarship
Burns, Selma R. Scholarship
The Selma R. Burns Scholarship was established in 1986, on an endowed basis through the generosity of Melvin J. Burns (Montana State University) and Selma R. Burns (University of Pittsburgh), formerly of Akron, and now in residence in Lillian, Alabama. This endowed fund seeks to provide financial assistance to students entering their sophomore year, demonstrating financial aid for members of the Akron community. This 2023 revision updates the qualifications to receive the scholarship.
The scholarship will be used for full-time students from the Akron community entering their sophomore year who have demonstrated financial need and show scholarship ability during their freshman year. The selection committee may use the following additional criteria: location of high school attended; financial need/economic background; first generation college attendance; evidence of leadership ability; extracurricular activities; creativity; community involvement; and students with a history of overcoming adversity.
Recipients shall be selected by The University of Akron Scholarship Committee in the Office of Student Financial Aid.
To make a tax-deductible gift to this scholarship, please visit °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ’s . Select “A different designation” from the drop-down menu and enter “Selma Burns Scholarship” in the text box. Thank you!
​