Access College Early (ACE) Scholarship Program

The Access College Early (ACE) Scholarship Program, administered by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, helps low-income high school students in Nebraska pay for college courses. The program covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible dual-enrollment or early enrollment classes taken for a grade. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need by showing participation in federal assistance programs, experiencing extreme hardship, or participating in a designated Career Education program. Students without legal status in the United States, including DACA recipients, are ineligible. Applicants must submit an application and provide documentation verifying their financial need or hardship. While the program does not require a FAFSA, students must meet the specific state eligibility criteria. The application deadlines are December 15 for Fall, February 15 for Winter, May 15 for Spring, and July 15 for Summer.