Q: How are applicants selected for the Buntrock Scholarship?
A: After students apply for and complete all steps of the application process (along with applying for admission to Augustana), the scholarship application is reviewed by an application selection committee. This committee includes representatives from Augustana and the ELCA. Committee members review and score the applications using a defined rubric. Students’ identifying information is removed from the application the committee members receive.
Q: Is this scholarship for first-year students only?
A: Yes. The Buntrock Scholarship is for new, first-year students who attend Augustana.
Q: What does the net price of attendance mean? What is covered by the scholarship?
A: The net price of attendance is the cost of items that are associated with attending Augustana, including tuition, housing, meal plan and fees. The Buntrock Scholarship is meant to cover up to half of the student's net price. In determining the amount of the scholarship, the cost of a double standard room on campus and a qualified university meal plan will be used.
Q: Are students required to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive the Buntrock Scholarship?
A: Yes, The FAFSA is available online to file for free each year.
Q: Do students receive the same scholarship amount each year?
A: Yes. Students who receive and accept the Buntrock Scholarship will receive the same scholarship amount for up to four (4) years of full-time enrollment. Students must remain enrolled full time and in good academic standing at Augustana. The scholarship does not increase or decrease. Like all Augustana scholarships and grants, the Buntrock Scholarship is non-refundable, which means students will see an adjustment to their financial aid in the event that their scholarship(s) and grant(s) exceed their direct costs.
Q: Do students need to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) to remain eligible for the Buntrock Scholarship?
A: Yes. Students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. GPAs are checked at the conclusion of each academic year.
Q: Are students required to live on campus and have a meal plan?
A: Yes. First- and second-year students at Augustana are required to live on campus and have a meal plan. This creates community and connects students with peers in meaningful ways. For questions regarding housing, feel free to contact our Residence Life staff.
Q: What if a student is not a member, but is active in an ELCA congregation?
A: The intent of the Buntrock Scholarship is to provide support for students who are active and engaged in an ELCA congregation. If students are not official members of a congregation, but have created a meaningful connection with a congregation and are active in the congregation (and beyond the walls of the church), they meet this requirement.
Q: Is the scholarship available to any Lutheran student?
A: No. The Buntrock Scholarship is available to students who have a meaningful connection with an ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) congregation. The scholarship partner feels a calling to help students who are engaged in an ELCA congregation before and after graduation from Augustana.
Other scholarships at Augustana may be available to students who are not connected to an ELCA congregation.
Q: What if a congregation has a pastoral vacancy?
A: For congregations with pastoral vacancies, the youth pastor, council president or other elected leader may submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
Q: Do students need to attend seminary after graduation?
A: No. The intent of the scholarship is to help students who are active and engaged in an ELCA congregation now and in the future. If a student goes on to seminary after their time at Augustana, that is wonderful. However, it is not a requirement of the scholarship. The scholarship partner would like to encourage any involvement in the ELCA — this could be as a congregational leader, Sunday School teacher, volunteer, etc.
Q: Are students required to be part of the Office of Faith & Spiritual Life at Augustana?
A: Students are not required to hold a leadership or work-study position with the Office of Faith & Spiritual Life. However, students are encouraged to take part in events, services and volunteer opportunities.
