Computer Science Scholarships
We know that choosing a university isn’t just about academics, it’s also about making sure your education is affordable. Scholarships are one of the most powerful ways to reduce costs, limit student debt, and give you the freedom to focus on what matters most: your learning, research, and career goals.
In the Department of Computer Science, we’re committed to helping you succeed. Our scholarships are designed to:
Provide real financial support to lower the cost of tuition and expenses.
Reward your hard work and potential with recognition that can strengthen your resume and graduate school applications.
Create opportunities for hands-on learning experiences, like research projects and fieldwork, that prepare you for your career.
Keep you competitive—our financial support helps ensure that CMU remains an outstanding choice compared to other universities.
By applying for scholarships, you’re not only easing your financial burden, you’re also investing in your future success. Scholarship awards highlight your dedication, open doors to professional opportunities, and give you the confidence to pursue your academic goals without as much financial stress.
Deadline to Apply: November 30
Explore the scholarships available through our department and take the next step in shaping your academic journey and career in Computer Science.
Available computer science scholarships
Computer Science Endowment Scholarship
About:Established in 2005. Income from the endowment may be used for undergraduate and graduate scholarships, student awards, professional events in the department and other necessary purchases for the benefit of the computer science department.
Eligibility:Undergraduate students must be incoming freshmen who intend to sign a CPS or ITC major, have a minimum 3.3 GPA and a minimum 25 ACT score. Graduate students must be admitted to the CPS master of science degree program, have a minimum 3.6 GPA, 520 on the verbal GRE, 720 on the quantitative GRE, or proof of acceptance of a paper to be published in a journal or presented at a refereed national or international conference.
Leonard and Betty Summers Endowed Scholarship
About:Established in 2007 by R. Kim Summers '78, in honor of his parents, Leonard and Betty Summers. Income from the endowment will support a renewable award for a student enrolled in the College of Science and Technology and Department of Computer Science.
Eligibility:Students should have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference will be given to those from Otsego County who demonstrate financial need and are active in community service.
Harold W. and Dorothy V. Zeoli Computer Science Award
About:Established in 1988 by family, colleagues and members of the Department of Computer Science in memory of Dr. Harold Zeoli for students majoring in computer science. Dr. Zeoli was instrumental in introducing the study of computer science at CMU.
Eligibility:For students majoring in computer science or information technology.
Gongzhu Hu and Shu Lu Scholarship
About:Mrs. Shu Lu retired from Central Michigan University after 30 years of dedicated service, working her way up through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. She retired in 2013 from the position of Financial Aid Systems Analyst, Mrs. Lu was considered an invaluable and integral part of that office and was granted emeritus status upon retirement. Dr. Gongzhu Hu was a professor of Computer Science in the College of Science and Engineering. Dr. Hu retired from CMU after more than 30 years and was also granted emeritus status.
Eligibility: The recipient must be a computer science major student with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Balicki and Elliott Second Chance Scholarship
About:This scholarship was established in 2023 by Robert J. Balicki and Gail A. Elliott. Robert (Bob) graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from CMU in Computer Science in 1979 achieving a Master of Science from another accredited university in 2005. After achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1980 from another accredited university, Gail graduated with a Master of Science in Administration degree from CMU in 1994. Bob and Gail established this scholarship to provide a "second chance" to students who demonstrate financial need, are former foster children, are first-generation students, are sole-parents or from a sole-parent household, or who have documented adversity in their life that has been overcome (i.e., incarceration, drug or alcohol addiction, etc.). Documentation of the latter is strictly voluntary.
Eligibility: Qualified recipients must be an undergraduate student seeking a degree in computer science and must demonstrate financial need.
Roger and Kay Lee Scholarship in Computer Science
About: Established in 2010 by Dr. Roger and Kay Lee. Dr. Lee was a professor in the department of Computer Science and retired in December 2018 with over 30 years of service.
Eligibility: The recipient must be a computer science major student of at least sophomore class standing with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Michael C. Stinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
The Michael C. Stinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2019 by Julie Bond Stinson and Megan Stinson to honor the legacy of Dr. Michael Stinson, an esteemed emeritus faculty member in CMU’s Department of Computer Science.
Dr. Stinson was deeply dedicated to his students and passionate about the ever-evolving world of computing. His commitment to education and innovation continues through this scholarship, which supports undergraduate students within the College of Science and Engineering who are pursuing a major in Computer Science or Information Technology.
Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates financial need, maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA, and will be a rising junior or senior during the award period. Preference is given to students who take an active role in their department, especially those involved in student organizations like the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), and who show leadership and engagement in the computing community.
This scholarship stands as a tribute to Dr. Stinson’s lasting impact, empowering future innovators to carry forward his spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and excellence in computer science.
