Undergraduate Applicants
Graduate Applicants
Scholarship Universe
History Scholarships
History scholarships become available during the Spring semester of an academic year. The application cycle typically ends in March. Awards are typically distributed in the following Fall semester.
Spring 2025 Application Cycle
History students may be eligible for scholarships. For all scholarships, except for the Ted Mote scholarship, you must apply via Scholarship Universe. A public facing directory of History scholarships is also available on Scholarship Universe (scroll down to see the list).
History scholarship applications start in February and will close March 21, 2025 unless otherwise noted in the scholarship listing. Most awards are applied to tuition and fees for the following fall and spring semesters, though this may be different for students applying for research support. By submitting this application, you grant permission for History to verify the information you provided and share your application with your scholarship donor if selected to receive an award. In addition, all recipients may be asked to submit a short biography and thank you note that we will send to your scholarship donor.
Important notes:
- If a scholarship recipient has a balance on their account, award monies will first be applied to any outstanding tuition and/or fees.
- All applications must include 2 recommendations from supporting NAU faculty members using the Faculty Scholarship Recommendation Form.
- Awardees will be invited to attend the awards dinner held at the end of April.
Other scholarships are available through the NAU Foundation Scholarship e-application on the NAU Foundation website. Apply for NAU Student Financial Aid scholarships on the website of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Also, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because most financial awards cannot be given to you unless a FAFSA is in your records.
Undergraduate
Disbursements are generally posted towards student fee bills August/January. For questions about your disbursements, please contact the Financial Aid office.
Dewain and Susan Barber History Teacher Scholarship Accordion Closed
You are eligible if:
- You are enrolled in the BSEd Program in the History Department
- You have completed more than 60 degree hours
You must include with your application:
- A 500-word personal statement
- An unofficial NAU transcript
- 2 faculty letters of reference
Valeen Tippetts Avery History Scholarship Accordion Closed
Established in memory of Dr. Avery by her children to honor her contributions to the university. Dr. Avery’s commitment to students was her great legacy at NAU. The award is intended to provide financial support to one deserving undergraduate student who has at least finished the first semester of their freshman year and has earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or greater. Prior winners may reapply.
William J. Roosen History Scholarship Accordion Closed
Established in 1994 in memory of Arizona Regents Professor William J. Roosen, who taught at NAU from 1967 to 1993. Applicants are not required to be a history major but must be a full-time student with junior or senior status (60 or more credit hours earned). The student must have an interest in European History and be nominated by a Europeanist faculty member. Preference will be given to those showing promise and aptitude for historical research by way of a submitted graded writing sample included with your application.
William Tinsley Scholarship Accordion Closed
Commemorates NAU Professor of History and Chair of the Department of Social Studies from 1927-1961. The purpose of the award is to encourage academic excellence to majors in History. Preference given to majors of junior (60+ hours) or senior status, based on scholarly ability and demonstrated financial need.
Graduate
Garland and Evelyn R. Downum Award Accordion Closed
Established in honor of Professor Garland Downum, who taught at NAU from 1944 to 1976, this award provides financial assistance to deserving students in history and is open to MA students.
George and Elinor Kyte Award Accordion Closed
Established in 1987 by Professor George W. Kyte, who taught at Northern Arizona University from 1966 until his retirement in 1985. Open to full-time, thesis-track MA students in history.
Undergraduate or Graduate
Disbursements are generally posted towards student fee bills August/January. For questions about your disbursements, please contact the Financial Aid office.
William H. Lyon U.S. History Scholarship Accordion Closed
Established in 1990 in recognition of Professor and History Department Chair, William H. Lyon, who served the NAU History Department from 1958 until his retirement, the award is intended to provide funding to a meritorious undergraduate or graduate student in U.S. History. Preference will be given to applicants who are conducting research focusing on the history of the trans-Mississippi West, Southwest, and the borderlands.
G. M. Farley Scholarship Accordion Closed
Established in 1988 to provide scholarship support to meritorious students pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree with a concentration on western history and culture. Open to part-time and full-time students. Prior winners may reapply.
Ted Mote History Study Abroad Scholarship (Coming Soon!) Accordion Closed
The Ted Mote application is not yet open. Please check back for more information soon!
The Department of History announces the Ted Mote History Study Abroad Scholarship for a student or students who are studying abroad during the Fall 2025 and/or Spring 2026 terms [excludes summer programs]. $5,000 will be awarded to one qualified student; however, if that student cannot accept the entire amount, due to issues that will adversely affect their other financial aid, a runner-up will receive the remaining balance
This Fund shall be used for a scholarship for studying history while abroad for an undergraduate or graduate student in Department of History, with the following criteria:
- Students enrolled in a history degree program.
- Students must have sophomore, junior or senior class standing at the time they will study abroad
- Students must be enrolled in a semester or yearlong study abroad program approved through NAU’s Center for International Education (CIE).
- Preference will be made to students who plan to study abroad in countries where English is not the majority native language.
- Students must write a thank you letter to the donor upon notification of winning this scholarship(details will follow) and be willing to meet with him and an NAU representative after they return.
Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Department of History in coordination with the NAU Office of Student Financial Aid. The annual scholarship award will be disbursed for the semester(s) during which the student studies abroad through an NAU program.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Derek Heng for clarification
Other Regulations:
This scholarship will be awarded based on merit, academic accomplishments, and to undergraduate or graduate students who are pursuing a major or minor degree in a history