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Return-to-Learn Scholarship

The Office of Return to Learn offers atwo semesterscholarship for returning students. All returning students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply! 

Scholarship recipients will have unlimited access to AYCSS resources including career coaches, financial coaches, success advisors, free tutoring, and more.

Apply for a R2L Scholarship Today!

Eligibility

The Office of Return to Learn offers two types of Return-to-Learn Scholarships: Merit-Based and Circumstance-Based Scholarships. As such, all returning students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply!

Students applying for the scholarship need to meet the criteria below: 

  • Applicant must be seeking their first undergraduate bachelor’s degree. 
  • Applicant must be returning to MSU after an absence of at least one academic year (2 semesters). 
  • Applicant must be enrolled in at least 6 credits to apply and must maintain the minimum credits for their enrollment throughout the semester. Students may enroll as Part Time (6-11 credits) or Full Time (12+ credits).  

Selection and Awarding

Return-to-Learn Scholarship awards are awarded based on:

  • Your personal growth as demonstrated by your scholarship essays. 
  • Commitment to comply with scholarship requirements and MSU policy.
  • Creating an Academic Success & Career Plan during your first semester back.

If awarded a scholarship, you will receive an offer letter via DocuSign email to the address on the application with instructions on the steps required to receive your award.

To receive award funds, students must: 

  • Sign and accept the DocuSign offer. 
  • Accept the award and write a Thank You letter in the Cat Scholarships portal. 

Once the steps above have been taken, the award will be applied directly to the student’s account. Funds may be used to pay the semester bill or be refunded to cover room/board, books or other related expenses. 

If awarded a scholarship, we will send an offer letter to the email entered on the scholarship application via DocuSign, with additional instructions on steps required to receive your scholarship award.

R2L Scholarship Program Opportunities and Resources  

The R2L Scholarship Program is part of AYCCS’s Access Success Scholarships, along with the 1893 Scholarship and MT’s Own Scholarship Programs. 

  • The Return-to-Learn Scholarship offers: 
    • A two-semester scholarship award in the amount of $250-$750 per semester, depending on number of credits. 
    • Free tutoring through graduation! 
    • Free Career Assessments such as the Strong Interest Inventory and Nace Competencies. 
    • Events and workshops  
    • A bi-monthly newsletter 
    • Appointments with:  
      • R2L advisors to streamline and improve your academic experiences. 
      • Financial Coaches for support in paying for school and building a strong personal budget that fits your needs. 
      • Career Coaches to improve your resume, interview skills, find mentors and internships and prepare for your career after college. 

R2L and Other Scholarships

The Return-to-Learn Scholarship CAN be combined with Premier Scholarships, Achievement Awards, WUE, outside scholarships, and departmental Cat Scholarships. It can also be combined with military, American Indian, and other tuition waivers. 

The Scholarship CANNOT be combined with: 

  • MSU Hilleman Scholars Program 
  • Horatio Alger Scholars Program 
  • 1893 Scholarship Program 
  • Montana’s Own Scholarship Program.