# Access College Early (ACE) Scholarship Program

> Amount varies from Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. December 15 for Fall; February 15 for Winter; May 15 for Spring; July 15 for Summer.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/access-college-early-ace-scholarship-program
- Provider: Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (State)
- Award: Amount varies
- Deadline: December 15 for Fall; February 15 for Winter; May 15 for Spring; July 15 for Summer
- State list: https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/state/ne
- Official page: https://ccpe.nebraska.gov/access-college-early-ace-scholarship-program
- Last verified by CollegesRef: Nov 6, 2026

## About this scholarship

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.

## Who can apply

- Residents of: NE
- Education level: High school student
- Year: 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, 12th grade
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen, Eligible noncitizen
- College types: 2-year college, 4-year college, Public college, Private college
- Must be a high school student enrolled in an eligible college course for a grade. Must demonstrate financial need through participation in federal assistance programs, experienced extreme hardship, or participation in a designated Career Education program. Students without legal status, including DACA recipients, are ineligible.

## How to apply

Complete the online ACE Student Application and submit the required documentation verifying participation in an approved federal need-based program or proof of extreme financial hardship.

## Related scholarships

- [Davis-Chambers Scholarship](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/davis-chambers-scholarship): Amount varies
- [Nebraska Cooperative Council](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/nebraska-cooperative-council): Amount varies
- [Door to College (DTC) Scholarship Program](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/door-to-college-dtc-scholarship-program): Up to $5,000
- [Nebraska Career Scholarship](https://www.collegesref.com/scholarships/nebraska-career-scholarship): Up to $15,000

## Explore Nebraska

- [Colleges in Nebraska](https://www.collegesref.com/state/nebraska)

Always confirm amounts, rules and deadlines on the official page before applying.