The Department of Economics currently offers four scholarships for undergraduate students. Questions regarding the application process should be sent to Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Dan O’Neil.
The application deadline for Spring 2025 will be announced at the start of spring term. Students can expect final decisions before the end of the academic year.
Grace Miller Economics Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is intended for students interested in teaching economics after completing their degree at UO. Recipients may use the award for tuition, textbooks, living costs, and any other educational expenses. Selection is based on the following:
- Can demonstrate an interest in teaching economics at the high school or college level.
- Must be an Oregon resident and an economics major.
Special consideration may be made to women, those from underrepresented communities, and those at financial disadvantage; however, all are encouraged to apply.
Award: $2,500
How to apply:
- Submit the scholarship application.
- Submit a cover letter explaining your suitability for the award.
Alanson H. Kleinsorge Economics Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship serves students who have faced and overcome academic challenges earlier in their careers. The award will be applied to UO tuition and school fees. Recipients are determined by these criteria:
- Has had past academic difficulties in high school or early college but has sustained success in the economics major at the University of Oregon.
- Must be eligible for federal financial aid and have filed a FAFSA.
- Must be an economics major currently enrolled at UO.
- Must have already attended two (2) terms at the university and planning attend during the academic year in which the scholarship is awarded.
Award: $1,500
How to apply:
- Submit the scholarship application.
- Submit a cover letter explaining your suitability for the award.
H. T. Koplin Economics Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in economics who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement. The awarded funds may be put toward tuition, textbooks, living costs, and any other educational expenses. Students are chosen based on the following requirements:
- Must earn a 3.6 GPA or higher with the bulk of their coursework (75% or more) completed at UO.
- Must demonstrate financial need as determined by the University of Oregon Office of Student Financial Aid.
- Must be an Oregon resident and an economics major.
Award: $3,000
How to apply:
- Submit the scholarship application.
- Submit a cover letter explaining your suitability for the award.
Mitchell S. Wright Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is intended for students majoring in economics who are in need of financial assistance. The awarded funds may be used for tuition, textbooks, living costs, and any other educational expenses. Students will be chosen based on the following requirements:
- Must be an economics major of junior or senior standing.
- Must demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Special consideration may be given to students who come from out of state, and therefore have higher tuition fees; however, all are encouraged to apply.
Award: $5,000
How to apply:
- Submit the scholarship application.
- Submit a cover letter explaining your suitability for the award.
Cheryl and John Benson Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is awarded to either undergraduate or graduate students in Economics. The awarded funds may be put toward tuition, textbooks, living costs and any other educational expenses. Preference is given to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the University of Oregon Office of Financial Aid.
- Must be an economics major of junior or senior standing.
Award: $1,000
How to apply:
- Submit the scholarship application.
- Submit a cover letter explaining your suitability for the award.
Other Scholarships
Apply for other scholarships in the College of Arts and Sciences.
For general University of Oregon scholarship information please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Graduation Awards
In addition to the departmental scholarships, the Economics Department awards a number of specific prizes at graduation for particularly outstanding students. Each award carries a cash prize. These are as follows:
Best Solo-Authored Senior Thesis Paper
Best Senior Thesis Written as a Group Project
University of Oregon Economics Club Award: This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of members of the UO Economics Club, including past leaders and those who have demonstrated leadership “from the bench.”
Most Valuable Player Award: This award recognizes the hard work of students who went above and beyond to contribute to the betterment of the program by being a team player, contributing thoughtful questions and insights in the classroom, and getting involved in extracurricular activities outside of the classroom to deepen their understanding of the field of economics.