Keiser Scholarships: Eligibility & How to Apply (2025)

What types of scholarships does Keiser offer?

Keiser University’s scholarship ecosystem includes several categories that cover a range of student needs and profiles. The main types are:

• Institutional Merit Scholarships: Awards based on academic achievement, high school GPA, test scores, or portfolio. These are typically offered at admission and can be renewed.
• Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: Gift aid awarded based on financial need determined via FAFSA (for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens) or institutional assessment for others. These do not need to be repaid.
• Program-Specific Scholarships: For targeted programs like nursing, cybersecurity, transportation and logistics, homeland security and healthcare-related fields. Keiser’s workforce-focused scholarships often prioritize high-need industries.
• Athletic Scholarships: Awards for student-athletes competing on Keiser teams; these are handled by campus athletics departments and vary by sport and division.
• Foundation and Named Scholarships: Examples include the Keiser Mills Scholarship and other foundation-funded awards targeting leadership, community service, or specific career paths. These have separate applications and targeted eligibility.
• Transfer & International Entry Scholarships: Keiser offers transfer scholarships and freshman/international merit awards (some awards for international freshmen can be as large as ~$19,000 annually).

Key Keiser scholarships explained

Keiser Institutional (Merit) Scholarships

When you apply to Keiser, the admissions office evaluates candidates for merit scholarships. These awards are often tiered (Tier I, Tier II, etc.) based on GPA, transcript strength, and other achievements. Some merit awards are renewable if you maintain a specified GPA. Keiser publishes general application forms and eligibility requirements for these awards.

Keiser Mills Scholarship (Keiser Mills Foundation)

The Keiser Mills Scholarship is an example of a foundation-backed award targeting leaders entering priority industries such as nursing, cybersecurity, and transportation. These scholarships typically open on a posted application window and require additional documentation and essays. The Keiser Mills Scholarship has had rolling or specific yearly application windows (e.g., past cycles opened in October and closed in November). If you qualify, apply through the campus student services office or the foundation contact listed in the announcement.

Athletic Scholarships

Keiser’s NCAA and NAIA-affiliated athletic programs offer scholarship packages that vary by sport, athlete profile, and campus. Contact the campus athletic department or coach for sport-specific award details. Athletic scholarships may cover partial or full tuition depending on the offer.

Program-Specific & Workforce Scholarships

Keiser runs scholarship programs tied to workforce needs — for example, nursing scholarships for students entering clinical programs or targeted funds for homeland security and logistics fields. These awards are often promoted during recruitment and can be supported by both the university and external partners.

International Merit Scholarships

For international applicants, Keiser advertises merit scholarships that can range broadly (commonly noted from $2,000 to $19,000 per year depending on admission type and credential). Admissions usually awards these scholarships automatically based on the international admission packet, though additional awards may be offered case-by-case.

How much can you get? Typical award ranges

Scholarship amounts at Keiser vary by program, campus, and student profile. Here are realistic ranges you can expect:

• Merit Scholarships: Often renewable amounts that can range from a few thousand dollars per year up to full-tuition (rare). Typical merit awards for incoming students often start around $2,000 per year and increase for higher tiers.
• International Merit Scholarships: Advertised ranges show typical awards from $2,000 to $19,000 per year for qualifying international freshmen.
• Keiser Mills & Foundation Awards: These can be substantial (amounts vary by cycle); check the specific scholarship call for exact figures. Past cycles have listed multiple awards distributed to several promising students.
• Athletic Scholarships: Vary wildly — partial tuition coverage is common; full rides are less common but possible at some campuses. For sport-specific amounts, contact campus athletics.
• Need-Based Grants (FAFSA-related): If eligible for Pell Grants or other federal/state grants, these are gift aid amounts determined after FAFSA processing. Keiser encourages U.S. students to submit FAFSA early to maximize grant consideration.

Eligibility — who qualifies and what you’ll need

Eligibility depends on the scholarship type. Here’s a practical checklist and the most common requirements you’ll encounter:

Common eligibility elements

• Admission to Keiser University: Most scholarships require you to be admitted (an active application and acceptance letter).
• Academic records: High school transcript or prior college transcripts to verify GPA and coursework.
• FAFSA or financial documentation: For need-based awards, U.S. citizens/permanent residents must complete FAFSA (Keiser’s FAFSA code: 015159). International students will provide requested institutional financial documentation.
• Test scores or portfolio: Some merit or arts scholarships may ask for SAT/ACT, portfolio samples, or auditions.
• Letters of recommendation and essays: Foundation and named scholarships often require essays and references.
• Proof of eligibility for special categories: Veterans/military, first-generation, or workforce-related applicants may need supporting documentation.

READ ALSO: Scholarship Management Software for Higher Education

                      Keiser University Scholarship Guide 2025

International student specifics

International applicants can qualify for institutional merit scholarships but are not eligible for federal aid (FAFSA-based) unless they are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Keiser’s international pages report merit ranges and advise contacting financial aid for campus-by-campus specifics.

How to apply — step-by-step (domestic & international)

Get admitted

Submit your Keiser application (online or via an admissions counselor). Most institutional scholarships are only offered to admitted students. The admissions office will often attach scholarship offers to your admissions packet.

Complete FAFSA (U.S. citizens & eligible non-citizens)

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. Keiser’s FAFSA code is 015159. FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and often factors into institutional need-based awards. Note that FAFSA cycles and deadlines have changed recently — file early and check state and institutional deadlines.

Submit scholarship application forms

Some Keiser scholarships require a separate scholarship application or general scholarship profile form. Download and submit the General Scholarship Application (or the campus-specific variant) if requested. Provide essays, references, and any portfolio materials on time.

Contact financial aid & admissions

Call or email the Keiser financial aid office and your admissions counselor to confirm you’ve been evaluated for institutional scholarships and to learn about campus-specific awards like athletics or foundation opportunities.

Apply for foundation or named scholarships

For scholarships such as the Keiser Mills Scholarship, follow the specific timeline and application instructions listed on the Keiser Mills announcement or campus bulletin. These often require additional essays and a campus submission process.

Accept your award & understand renewal rules

If awarded, carefully read the award letter — check renewal criteria, GPA maintenance requirements, and whether the scholarship is applied per semester or annually. Keep lines of communication open with financial aid each term.

International students: what to expect

Keiser actively recruits and supports international students with merit-based institutional scholarships. Important points for international applicants:

• Merit ranges: Keiser’s international merit scholarships commonly range from $2,000–$19,000 per year depending on admission criteria and program. Confirm exact figures with the admissions office.
• No federal aid: International students typically cannot file FAFSA and are not eligible for federal grants/loans.
• Supplementary funding: International students are encouraged to pursue external scholarships (home country awards, Fulbright-type exchanges, employer tuition sponsorships) and to review private scholarship aggregators.
• Visa financing: Keep documentation of scholarship awards and financial ability for the visa interview process (I-20 and SEVIS proof requirements). Admissions and international student services can confirm what documentation works best.

Tips to improve your scholarship chances (practical & tactical)

Winning scholarships often comes down to preparation and clear presentation. Use these actionable strategies:

• Apply early: FAFSA and institutional applications are often first-come, first-served for limited funds. Apply as soon as you’re admitted.
• Polish your essays: Foundation scholarships (e.g., Keiser Mills) often depend heavily on essays and leadership examples. Have a mentor or counselor review drafts.
• Get recommendation letters early: Choose referees who know your academic or leadership work well and can speak to concrete examples.
• Highlight workforce alignment: If applying to nursing, cybersecurity, homeland security or transportation programs (priority fields for some Keiser awards), explain your relevant experience and career goals in applications.
• Maintain or improve your GPA: Renewable scholarships commonly require a minimum cumulative GPA. Know the renewal threshold and plan to meet it each term. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
• Explore campus-specific awards: Each Keiser campus may have its own scholarships; contact the campus student services office directly to learn about hidden or last-minute awards.

Deadlines & timing — when to apply

Deadlines vary by scholarship. General timing guidance:

• Admission-driven awards: Apply for admission as early as possible — many institutional merit awards are decided at admission.
• FAFSA: File FAFSA according to federal and state timelines — early filing increases your chance for grant funds. Keiser’s FAFSA code: 015159.
• Foundation calls: Keiser Mills and similar scholarships publish application windows (e.g., fall windows in past cycles). Monitor Keiser announcements and campus bulletin boards.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing deadlines — check campus and program pages carefully.
• Assuming FAFSA is optional — for U.S. students it unlocks federal grants and is often required for institutional need-based awards.
• Submitting incomplete scholarship packets — essays, references, or transcripts missing can disqualify you.
• Relying on unofficial MP3 or scholarship aggregators without verifying with financial aid — always confirm award details with Keiser financial services.