Whether you’re a prospective high school student just starting the college search or you’re down to your final college decision and Butler’s in the running, we’re here to help you through each step of the financial aid process.
Butler gift assistance is available only to full-time undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree and is for tuition only unless otherwise stated.
Award amounts listed below are for the 2024–2025 academic year and may vary for future academic years.
Note: International, undocumented, DACA, and other students not eligible for federal financial aid via the FAFSA may receive full consideration for all Butler Gift Programs below except Butler Tuition Guarantee and the Butler University Grant.
Academic Scholarship Program
To Apply: Complete the Common App.
Application Deadline: Apply by November 1 and be admitted Early Action or Early Decision to receive maximum scholarship consideration. Complete applications received after November 1 and admitted Regular Decision will be considered for scholarship based on available funds.
Award Amounts: Range from $16,000 to $25,000 and vary each academic year based on the quality of the applicant pool.
Selection Criteria: Awards are based on the student’s academic record and test scores (if submitted).
Notification: Academic scholarships are included with the offer of admission.
Renewable? Yes, as long as the student maintains the renewal criteria outlined in the scholarship offer.
Morton-Finney Diversity Scholar Award
The Morton-Finney Diversity Scholar Award is awarded to students who take an active role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their schools or communities and seek to continue these efforts as Butler students.
Award recipients participate in Butler’s Morton-Finney Diversity Scholars Program where they build community through DEI engagement, attend regularly scheduled cohort meetings, and participate in community service. Recipients also submit monthly journal reflections about their experiences as Diversity Scholars.
For more than 30 years, Butler has awarded Morton-Finney Diversity Scholar Awards, which are named to honor the late Dr. John Morton-Finney, an African American alumnus of Butler University. Dr. Morton-Finney earned 11 degrees and practiced law for 53 years until two years before his death at 108 years of age, making him the oldest practicing attorney in Indiana. In addition to his legal accomplishments, he was also the oldest living member of the World War I Army unit of Black soldiers known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Dr. Morton-Finney believed in education and served the Indianapolis Public School system for 47 years as a teacher and administrator.
Scholarship Instructions, Deadlines, and Next Steps:
Early Action and Early Decision Deadline Applicants
Regular Decision Deadline Applicants
Award Amounts:
Awards range from $5,000 to full tuition (with other Butler gift assistance, state, and federal aid)
Selection Criteria:
Candidates must have applied and been admitted by the November 1 Early Action or Early Decision Deadline or February 1 Regular Decision Deadline. In addition to strong academic rigor and performance, candidates must demonstrate commitment and actions to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through high school and/or community activities. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities who have been historically underrepresented in institutions of higher education are encouraged to apply.
Notification:
Award letters are sent by mid-March.
Renewable?
Yes, as long as the student maintains the renewal criteria outlined in the scholarship offer. Award recipients participate in Butler’s Morton-Finney Diversity Scholars Program and must meet program guidelines which include but are not limited to: attendance at designated meetings, regular DEI campus/community engagement, and regular journal reflections.
Questions?
Contact Associate Director of Admission, Makeda Lands.
The Compass Center Scholarship is awarded to students who have a passion for engaging with people of religious, spiritual, and secular backgrounds that are different than their own. Whether you have experience engaging with diverse religious and secular communities or aspire to, the Compass Center Scholarship is a tremendous opportunity to pursue these skills, hone your values, and continue to pursue a life of purpose. It is not required for Compass Center Scholars to have a religious or spiritual affiliation themselves, but they must appreciate hearing and engaging with people of different perspectives, backgrounds, and opinions.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds with an excellent academic record and a commitment to interfaith engagement are highly encouraged to apply. Compass Center Scholars are required to participate in regular meetings of the Scholars cohort and in the interfaith programming as engaged community members through interfaith exploration, leadership opportunities, and service activities. Additionally, recipients of this award are expected to be excellent students, maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA each semester. The Compass Center Scholar in Residence, Dr. Brent Hege, serves as a mentor and guide and creates a unique Scholar community, supporting student success in the program and at Butler.
The Compass Center Scholarship is offered to fewer than 10 incoming students a year for $4,000 per academic year for the first four years at Butler, presuming Scholars meet all requirements. The Compass Center Scholarship is a competitive application process for a unique Butler experience.
To Apply:
1. Complete the Common App (and submit all required supporting materials) by our November 1 deadline.
2. Complete the Compass Center Scholarship application by November 15. (Access to the application will be made available to students on their status page after their application for admission is submitted.)
Identified applicants will be invited to attend the Butler Blue Scholars’ Day Program in spring 2025, which will include individual Butler Blue Scholars’ Interviews. Invitations will be sent in December 2024.
Application Deadline:
Apply for admission by November 1; complete the Compass Center Scholarship application by November 15.
Award Amount:
$4,000 per academic year
Selection Criteria:
Students must be admitted Early Action or Early Decision. In addition to submitting an impactful application essay, ideal candidates should have a strong academic record and have demonstrated interest and participation in two or more of the following:
Notification:
Award letters are sent by mid-March.
Renewable?
Yes, as long as the student maintains the renewal criteria outlined in the scholarship offer; students should maintain a 3.0 GPA and will be expected to participate at least 10 hours/semester of interfaith engagement on campus.
To Apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Application Deadline: Butler’s Priority FAFSA Filing Deadline is April 15.
Award Amounts: Vary based on academic strength and financial aid eligibility as determined by the FAFSA.
Notification: Awards are reflected in Butler’s offer of financial aid.
Renewable? Awards are not automatically renewed. Student must submit the FAFSA each year to receive consideration.
Jordan College of the Arts Award
To Apply: In addition to the Common App, an audition, interview, or artwork submission is required.
Application Deadline: Students are encouraged to apply by November 1 and audition early for best opportunity.
Award Amounts: Vary based on performance ability/interview/submitted work and departmental needs.
Selection Criteria: Determined by the department.
Notification: Award letters are sent from the auditioning department by mid–March.
Jordan College of the Arts Award are only available to students majoring within JCA–School of Music; Departments of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration; and the Arts Program.
Athletic Grant in Aid
To Apply: Contact the Athletics Department.
Award Amounts: Vary based on performance ability and the needs of the team.
Selection Criteria: Determined by the coach.
Awards are made in the NCAA Division I athletic programs. Men’s football and women’s swimming are non-scholarship programs.
Butler Tuition Guarantee
This award guarantees gift assistance of full tuition each academic year when combined with all federal, state, and University scholarships and grants.
To Apply: Complete the Common App, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Potential recipients will be invited to attend the Butler Blue Scholars’ Day in spring 2025, with individual Butler Blue Scholars’ Virtual Interviews to follow. Invitations will be sent by December 2024.
Application Deadline: Apply to the University by November 1 and be admitted Early Action or Early Decision. Complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA by the end of January 2025.
Selection Criteria: This award is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA and the following criteria:
In addition to the above criteria, priority consideration may also be given to:
Notification: Award letters will be sent in late February to those selected from the on-campus interview.
Renewable? Yes, as long as the student maintains the renewal criteria outlined in the award offer.
If you’re eligible for federal or state grants, federal student loans, or federal work-study, they can be a big help.
Federal Pell Grant
Eligibility: Awards are based solely on financial aid eligibility as determined by the FAFSA and the number of hours enrolled.
Amount: Award amounts of up to $7,395 each year.
Pell-eligible students may choose to charge their books and supplies to their student account.
Indiana State Assistance
Frank O’ Bannon Grant, 21st Century Scholarship
Eligibility:
Amount: Tuition award amounts range from $900–$12,400, depending on financial need and the high school curriculum completed (Indiana Academic Honors diploma).
Beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year, students will be required to meet certain completion requirements to renew state financial aid awards.
Students receiving the Frank O’Bannon Grant or the 21st Century Scholars Award must complete at least 30 credit hours each year to remain eligible for the maximum state financial aid award. Frank O’Bannon recipients who complete at least 24 credit hours each year will remain eligible for state financial aid but will receive an amount that is less than a student who completes 30 credit hours.
Other Indiana Grant Programs:
Scholarships for Teachers
Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship
Child of Deceased or Disabled Veteran
Child of Purple Heart Recipient or Wounded Veteran
National Guard Tuition Supplement Grant
For additional information about Indiana Grant Programs, including the Next Generation Hoosiers Educators Scholarship, visit the Indiana Commission for Higher Education website.
*These awards are only to full-time undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
Federal Direct Loan
The Direct Loan is a long-term, low interest student loan available in the form of a subsidized (need-based) and/or unsubsidized (not need-based) loan.
Amount: Annual grade level maximums for dependent students:
Freshman $5,500
Sophomore $6,500
Junior $7,500
Senior $7,500
Eligibility: On-campus student employment offered to students who have financial aid eligibility as determined by the FAFSA.
*Available only to full-time undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
