Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards
Undergraduate mathematics and statistics majors may be able to apply for a scholarship from the Department of Mathematics. The amount varies from year to year and depends on academic performance, financial need, and availability of funds. Past awards have ranged from $100 to $4000. When scholarships are available, information about how and when to apply will be posted here.
Students should also update their profiles in Scholarship Universe regularly!
Award |
Frequency/Amount |
Eligibility |
About |
How to Apply |
| Elias Toubassi Research/High Impact Experience Award for Undergraduates in Mathematical Sciences |
Annual $1000 minimum per awardee |
Eligibility:
|
The Elias Toubassi Research/High Impact Experience Award for Undergraduates in Mathematical Sciences recognizes that excellence in the mathematical sciences requires access to high impact opportunities to engage with mathematics and mathematics education subject matter deeply and independently, as researchers often do. The award requires that the awardee share about their experience with other undergraduates. The Math Center and your faculty mentor will help provide guidance in complying with the requirements. |
In order to apply for consideration, students should have a project in mind, though we understand that you may not have complete details yet. In addition to the online application online form, applicants must submit a current resume to mcenter@math.arizona.edu by the deadline. Resources for resume writing are available from the Career Center. |
| 4.0 Major GPA Award | Graduating Math or SDS Majors who have maintained a 4.0 major GPA up to their final term | Students are recognized with a certificate and sash suitable for wearing with cap and gown at graduation. | ||
| Academic Excellence Award | Graduating Mathematics Majors | In the process of selecting the Outstanding Senior, the Undergraduate Committee may choose to recognize one or more additional students for academic excellence. | ||
| Department of Mathematics Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award | Annual | A graduating senior who has shown outstanding achievement in independent, undergraduate research | During the spring semester, the Undergraduate Committee (UGC) selects a mathematics or statistics & data science major (who will be graduating during that academic year) for Excellence in Undergraduate Research in our department. The department's selection for Excellence in Undergraduate Research is then forwarded to the College of Science for consideration for the College of Science Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award. Candidates may be asked to submit supporting materials for consideration. | |
| Department of Mathematics Outstanding Senior Award | Twice a Year | A graduating senior who has maintained a G.P.A. of 3.5 or better, is involved in research/internship, and is also recognized as a leader within the campus or the larger community | Two awards are made each year, one for December commencement (for students who graduated over the summer or in the fall semester) and the other for May commencement (for students graduating in the spring semester). Each semester, the department's selection for Outstanding Graduating Senior is then forwarded to the College of Science for consideration for the College of Science Outstanding Graduating Senior Award. Candidates may be asked to submit supporting materials for consideration. | |
| The Emeritus Faculty Award for Academic Excellence | $1000 | In Fall 2013, the Department of Mathematics received an anonymous donation to help fund scholarships in mathematics. This scholarship was instituted in Fall 2013 to make an award to a second outstanding candidate for the Toubassi prize. The recipient is an outstanding graduating senior majoring in mathematics, and planning to attend graduate school in the mathematical sciences. |
Astronaut Scholarship
Frequency: Annual
Amount: up to $15,000
Eligibility:
- Major: STEM field*, with plans to pursue research or otherwise advance their field after completion of degrees.
- Class Standing: Sophomore or Junior (scholarship to be awarded in Junior or Senior year, respectively)
- Citizenship/Residency: U.S. citizen (native born or naturalized)
*Students intending to pursue a practice in professional medicine are not eligible for the scholarship. However, those intending to perform biomedical research are eligible.
The UArizona Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships selects our campus nominee(s) each year. Interested students should schedule an appointment with ONCS staff to learn more about this and other scholarship opportunities.
Churchill Scholarship
Frequency: Annual
Amount: covers full tuition and fees at Cambridge, plus travel & living allowances
Application Period: Fall
Eligibility:
- Major: none specified
- Class Standing: Senior or recent graduate from a participating institution
- Citizenship/Residency: U.S. citizen
The Churchill Scholarship is for one year of study at the University of Cambridge for one of two Master’s degrees: the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) or MASt (Master of Advanced Study). See the scholarship website for a list of eligible programs.
Fulbright Fellowship
Frequency: Annual
Application Period: Fall
Eligibility:
- Class Standing: must have a conferred bachelor's degree or the equivalent before the start of the grant
- Citizenship/Residency: citizens or nationals of the United States of America at the time of application. Permanent residents are not eligible.
- Applicants must be in good health
- Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in the written and spoken language of the host country sufficient to communicate with the people and to carry out the proposed study/research
Benefits:
- round-trip transportation to the host country
- funding to cover room, board, and incidental costs, based on the cost of living in the host country
- Accident & Sickness Health Benefits
- additional benefits may apply, depending on host country
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs, completed in a foreign country.
During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think. Through engagement in the community, the individual will interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.
https://us.fulbrightonline.org/
Gates-Cambridge Scholarship
Frequency: Annual
Amount: covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It also provides additional, discretionary funding.
Application Period: Fall
Eligibility:
- a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
- applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge:
- PhD (three year research-only degree)
- MSc or MLitt (two year research-only degree)
- One year postgraduate course (e.g. MPhil, LLM, MASt, Diploma, MBA etc.)
Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The aim of the Gates Cambridge programme is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
https://www.gatescambridge.org/
Goldwater Scholarship
Frequency: Annual
Amount: up to $7,500 per year
Application Period: Fall
Eligibility:
- Note: the U of A selects several nominees.
- Major: see website for list of specific fields of study; applicants must intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics or engineering
- Class Standing: Sophomore or Junior
- Enrollment: full-time
- Citizenship/Residency: U.S. citizen from the 50 states or the District of Columbia; a U.S. national for those students nominated from Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; or a permanent resident
- GPA: 3.00 minimum
- Renewal: Sophomores who apply to receive the scholarship in their Junior year may be eligible to renew for Senior year.
While research in medicine is not supported by the National Science Foundation, students interested in pursuing careers in medicine are eligible for a Goldwater Scholarship IF MEDICAL RESEARCH IS A CENTRAL PART OF THE STUDENT’S CAREER GOALS.
The U of A Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (ONCS) selects our university's nominees for the scholarship each year. To apply, contact ONCS: https://www.honors.arizona.edu/office-nationally-competitive-scholarships
Eligibility: You can apply both before you begin your graduate studies and as an early graduate student.
Frequency: Annual
Application Period: Fall
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based Master's and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions.
SMART Scholarship
Frequency: Annual
Application Period: Due around December 1
Eligibility:
- Major: pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the disciplines listed on the scholarship website
- Age: 18 years of age or older as of August 1
- Citizenship/Residency: a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom at time of application
- GPA: 3.0 minimum
- have a high school diploma/GED
- able to participate in summer internships at a DoD facility
- willing to accept post-graduate employment with the DoD
Benefits:
- Full tuition and education related fees (does not include items such as meal plans, housing, or parking)
- Stipend paid at a rate of $25,000 - $38,000 depending on degree pursuing (may be prorated depending on award length)
- Summer research internships
- Health Insurance allowance up to $1,200 per calendar year
- Miscellaneous Supplies Allowance of $1,000 per academic year
- Mentoring
- Employment placement at a DoD facility after graduation
Arizona Teachers Academy
Application Period: Fall, Spring, Summer
Eligibility:
- Major: a participating teacher certification program at UArizona (the Secondary Math Education Program is a participating program)
- Class Standing: Junior, Seniors, and Graduate students are strongly preferred, but others may apply
- Enrollment: Full-time
- Citizenship/Residency: Arizona residents are strongly preferred, but non-residents may apply
- Need: Recipients will be selected based on need and merit.
- Renewal: Applicants awarded an ATA scholarship will not be charged tuition or mandatory fees for the duration of their time in a participating certification program. Undergraduate students have a maximum of eight semesters to complete their teaching certification program (enrollment must be full-time, continuous, and in good standing). Graduate students have a maximum of four semesters.
About:
- The scholarship covers all tuition and mandatory fees for participating teacher certification programs at the University of Arizona once an applicant has already accepted all other non-loan aid, such as institutional and private scholarships and federal Pell grants. The ATA Scholarship does not cover course fees or study abroad charges.
- Applicants awarded an ATA scholarship will not be charged tuition or mandatory fees for the duration of their time in a participating certification program. Undergraduate students have a maximum of eight semesters to complete their teaching certification program (enrollment must be full-time, continuous, and in good standing). Graduate students have a maximum of four semesters.
- In exchange, each teacher, upon successful completion of their participating teacher certification program, commits to teaching full-time in any public or charter school in the state of Arizona for as many years as they received Academy funding — one-year minimum for any funds received.
- Failure to honor this service commitment may result in students having to repay all or a portion of the ATA funds they received. Scholarship recipients have a one-year grace period from when they complete their teaching certification program to find a full-time position at a public or charter school in Arizona.
- You may apply for the ATA Scholarship prior to being accepted into a participating teacher certification program at the University of Arizona. However, your scholarship application will not be considered until you are accepted into a program.
For additional questions about the ATA Scholarship itself, please contact us by email.
McLean Mathematics Education Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Major: Mathematics, Secondary Education emphasis only
- Class Standing: will be sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior in fall of award year
- Enrollment: full-time
- Citizenship/Residency: none specified
- Courses Complete: MATH 122A/B (or equivalent)
- Other: Genuine commitment to teaching at the secondary level upon degree completion.
As much as possible, all McLean scholars will be chosen with attention to their overall GPA, their mathematical aptitude, and emerging leadership within the community.
Mathematics Education Scholars receiving the award prior to their senior year, will remain scholars through their senior year, for a maximum period of three consecutive academic years, upon satisfactory progress in the mathematics major, mathematics education emphasis. The award values are as follows:
Sophomore year: $1,000; Junior year: $2,000; Senior year: $3,000.
The Elias Toubassi Scholarship Endowment in Undergraduate Mathematics - Education
Eligibility: Rising Senior Mathematics Education Majors; minimum math GPA: 3.0.
Frequency: Once a year, in Spring
Amount: $1,500
Application Period: No application required
Selected by the Undergraduate Committee (UGC). Recipients are excellent rising Seniors in the Mathematics Education emphasis planning to complete student teaching the following year.
College of Science Excellence in Research Award
Eligibility: A graduating senior who has shown outstanding achievement in independent, undergraduate research
Frequency: Annual
Application Period: early spring semester
Each year, the College of Science selects an overall award winner from the Excellence in Research award winners selected by each department.
College of Science Galileo Circle Scholars - Undergraduate
Frequency: Annual
Eligibility:
- Major: each department in the College of Science may nominate from among their majors
- Enrollment: full-time
- Citizenship/Residency: none specified
- GPA: 3.2 minimum
- Only one Galileo Circle Scholarship can be awarded per student per year
- Each department may specify additional criteria
Students selected by their department will be directed to submit an application in Scholarship Universe
College of Science Outstanding Senior Award
Eligibility: A graduating senior who has maintained a G.P.A. of 3.5 or better, is involved in research/internship, and is also recognized as a leader within the campus or the larger community
Frequency: Twice a year
Two awards are made each year, one for December commencement (for students who graduated over the summer or in the fall semester) and the other for May commencement (for students graduating in the spring semester). Each semester, the department's selection for Outstanding Graduating Senior is then forwarded to the College of Science for consideration for the College of Science Outstanding Graduating Senior Award. Candidates may be asked to submit supporting materials for consideration.
Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award - other
Many of our majors have an additional major in another subject. When we learn that one of our majors has been selected as the Excellence in Research Award recipient by another major department, they are recognized here.
Dr. Thomas M. Grogan and Candace C. Grogan Endowment Scholarship
Amount: $4000
Eligibility:
- Major: any undergraduate major within the Department of Mathematics
- Enrollment: full-time
- Citizenship/Residency: none specified
- Need: recipients will be selected primarily based on financial need. Applicants who have not filed a FAFSA will need to explain their need in the application.
- Renewal: may be renewed, provided satisfactory academic progress toward degree is made. Students must apply for renewal.
A single application is used for the Bunch, Gordon, Graesser, Grogan, Peet, and Pierce scholarships.
Harry W. and Janet Sine Lusk Awards in the Mathematical Sciences - Travel Scholarship
Frequency: Varies
Amount: Varies
Application Period: Ongoing
Eligibility:
- Major: Mathematical Sciences
- Citizenship/Residency: U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Beginning in 2016, the award funds are to be used to help support travel to conferences for undergraduates with majors in the Department of Mathematics.
When available, excess funds may be used to award non-travel scholarships to students who apply through the standard departmental application in spring.
James R. Bunch Scholarship Endowment
Frequency: Varies
Amount: Varies
Application Period: Spring
Eligibility:
- Major: Mathematics
- Class Standing: Junior or Senior
- Enrollment: Full-time
- Citizenship/Residency: must be eligible to apply for financial aid via FAFSA
- Need: must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA
- Renewal: may be renewed once, provided recipient maintains eligibility. Students must apply for renewal.
A single application is used for the Bunch, Gordon, Graesser, Grogan, Peet, and Pierce scholarships.
McLean First-Generation Scholarship
Frequency: Annual
Amount: $2000 minimum
Application Period: Spring
Eligibility:
- Major: Mathematics
- Enrollment: full-time
- Citizenship/Residency: none specified
- Courses Complete:
- Completion of at least one course from: MATH 223, 313, 254/355; this course must be completed at the University of Arizona (transfer credit does not apply). If applicant has completed only one course from among 223, 313, 254/355, then at least one more must be in progress and expected to be completed by the end of the current spring semester.
- First-generation college student (A student neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a bachelor's degree; OR A student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a bachelor's degree; OR An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or an adoptive parent.)
As much as possible, all McLean scholars will be chosen with attention to their overall GPA, their mathematical aptitude, and emerging leadership within the community.
To apply for consideration, students need to submit the following documentation:
- Completed application form (link available only during application period)
- A current resume (honors & awards, research, teaching, and/or work experiences, service, publications, memberships, and extra-curricular activities), submitted via email to the Math Center: mcenter@math.arizona.edu.
McLean Transfer Scholarship
Frequency: Annual
Amount: $2,000
Application Period: Fall
Eligibility:
- Major: STEM majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Citizenship/Residency: none specified
- Courses Complete: must have completed at least 3 units of mathematics coursework beyond pre-calculus at the University of Arizona (transfer work does not apply) prior to the award semester
- Transfer student - Transferred to the University of Arizona from a 2-year community college in the state of Arizona.
As much as possible, all McLean scholars will be chosen with attention to their overall GPA, their mathematical aptitude, and emerging leadership within the community.
The David Lomen Excellence in Mathematics Award Endowment
Frequency: Annual
Amount: $1,500 (minimum)
Application Period: Spring
Eligibility:
- Major: Mathematics
- Class Standing: Sophomore or Junior
- Enrollment: Full-time
- Citizenship/Residency: none specified
- GPA: competitive applicants will have a minimum 3.5 GPA
- Courses complete: must have successfully completed vector calculus (Math 223) and differential equations (Math 355 or Math 254 - may be in-progress at time of application). Both courses must be taken at the University of Arizona to qualify.
- Renewal: non-renewable; each student may receive the Lomen award only once.
Award recipients will be chosen based on their overall GPA, mathematical aptitude, character, and emerging leadership within the UA campus or larger community. For example, a recipient may be involved in research, outreach, teaching, or may have participated in internships in their field of study.
Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by faculty, and must submit an application package including:
- A letter of nomination, addressing the candidate's mathematical aptitude, character, and emerging leadership within the UA campus or larger community. Emerging leadership may be addressed by describing a candidate's involvement in research, outreach, teaching, or internships in their field of study, for example.
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A completed application form (a green Apply button will appear to the right when available)
Recipients' names are added to a plaque in the lobby of the Mathematics Building.
For questions on applying for the Lomen Award, candidates may contact the Math Center: mcenter@math.arizona.edu.
The Marianne Cooke Johnsen Endowment in Mathematics
Frequency: Annual
Amount: $900
Application Period: Deadline: First Friday in April
Eligibility:
- Major: Mathematics or Mathematics Education
- Class Standing: entering Junior year (submission of application should occur in Spring of the Sophomore year) - non-renewable
- Citizenship/Residency: none specified
- Gender: Female
- GPA: minimum 3.0 required.
In addition, applicants are asked to submit an essay along with their application. The essay, of 500 words or less, should address:
- Why I chose to be a Mathematics or Mathematics Education Major
- How I will use my degree upon graduation from the University of Arizona
The essay, which should focus on how the applicant wants to positively impact society, will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Committee or by a Scholarship Committee designated by the Department Head. They will also be included in the annual Johnsen Family newsletter and will be distributed to donors and friends of the Marianne Cooke Johnsen Endowment in Mathematics.
The Richard Pierce Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Frequency: Annual
Amount: Varies
Application Period: Deadline: First Friday in April
Eligibility:
- Major: Mathematics
- Class Standing: must not graduate before fall semester (fall enrollment required)
- Citizenship/Residency: none specified
A single application is used for the Bunch, Gordon, Graesser, Grogan, Peet, and Pierce scholarships.
The Rick Peet Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Eligibility: Outstanding students majoring in Mathematics
Frequency: Annual
Amount: Varies
Application Period: Deadline: First Friday in April
A single application is used for the Bunch, Gordon, Graesser, Grogan, Peet, and Pierce scholarships.
The Robert Gordon Scholarship Endowment in Mathematics
Frequency: Annual
Amount: Varies
Application Period: Deadline: First Friday in April
Eligibility:
- Major: Mathematics
- Class Standing: must not graduate before fall semester (fall enrollment required)
- Citizenship/Residency: none specified
- Renewal: satisfactory academic progress must be demonstrated for continued support. Students must apply for renewal.
A single application is used for the Bunch, Gordon, Graesser, Grogan, Peet, and Pierce scholarships.
The Roy Graesser Foundation Scholarship Endowment
Frequency: Annual
Amount: Varies
Application Period: Deadline: First Friday in April
Eligibility:
- Major: Mathematics
- Citizenship/Residency: AZ Resident
A single application is used for the Bunch, Gordon, Graesser, Grogan, Peet, and Pierce scholarships.
The W.Y. Velez Emerging Mathematicians Legacy Endowment Fund
This award supports mathematics and data science majors in various ways, including scholarships and conference travel stipends. The award was established through generous contributions from alumni, and honors the legacy of Bill Velez to the UA students majoring in mathematics.
NOTE: The above information is constantly being edited and updated. For questions, please email the Math Center at mcenter@math.arizona.edu
