How to Apply for the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship as a Nebraska Student

Updated

You qualify for the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation (STBF) scholarship only if you are a first-time freshman entering college, live in Nebraska, graduated from a Nebraska high school (or earned a GED), plan to attend a Nebraska public college, and can demonstrate financial need. If you meet all of those conditions, the process is: complete the FAFSA, then submit the STBF application online between December 1 and March 1. Awards are competitive and limited, so meeting the eligibility rules does not guarantee a scholarship.

Confirm Your Eligibility Before You Start

The Foundation states that scholarships go to first-time freshman entering college who meet all of the following:

  • Nebraska resident — you live in Nebraska.
  • Nebraska high school graduate or GED — you graduated from a Nebraska high school or earned a GED.
  • First-time freshman — you are entering college for the first time.
  • Nebraska public college — you plan to attend a public college in Nebraska.
  • Financial need — you can demonstrate financial need.

If any one of these does not describe you, the application is not the right fit. The Foundation also notes that there are a limited number of scholarships and it cannot award all eligible candidates, so plan your college funding with a backup in mind.

Follow the Three Application Steps

The Foundation lists the process in order, and the FAFSA comes first.

Step 1 — Complete the FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The scholarship application depends on financial need, so finish this before moving on. Keep your FAFSA confirmation or Student Aid Report handy; you will need your financial aid information when you fill out the STBF application.

Step 2 — Start the STBF Application on December 1

The 2027 application opens December 1st. Apply for the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship beginning on that date. Starting early gives you time to gather your materials and resolve any questions before the deadline.

Step 3 — Submit Online by March 1

Submit your STBF Scholarship Application online by March 1st. Treat this as a hard deadline: build in time for slow internet, missing documents, or a question to the Foundation that takes a few days to answer.

Verify Your Submission

After you submit, confirm that you received a confirmation from the online application and that your FAFSA is on file. If you have not heard anything and the deadline is close, contact the Foundation using the details below rather than assuming your application went through.

Common Pitfalls

  • Skipping or delaying the FAFSA. The FAFSA is Step 1 for a reason; without it, your financial need cannot be assessed.
  • Applying as a transfer or returning student. The scholarship is for first-time freshmen entering college.
  • Planning a private or out-of-state college. The award is tied to attending a Nebraska public college.
  • Waiting until late February. The window runs from December 1 to March 1; use the earlier part of it.
  • Assuming eligibility equals an award. Awards are competitive and limited.

Contact for Scholarship Questions

The Foundation responds to questions about college scholarships only and does not respond to other inquiries.

Use these channels for questions specific to the scholarship application, eligibility, or deadlines.