Although the greatest portion of Willamette’s financial aid budget is reserved for need-based financial aid, all admitted applicants are automatically considered for a variety of merit-based scholarships and awards, ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 per year.
Scholarship determination is made primarily on the strength of an applicant’s academic achievements, weighing such factors as GPA, strength of the curriculum and test scores. Significant co-curricular and extracurricular accomplishments are also factors in some of the selections.
Other merit-based scholarships are awarded in partnership with community organizations or in recognition of nationally competitive scholar designations. Included among these are Willamette Scholarships for Oregon Latinos (SOL), Black United Fund Partnership Scholarships (BUFO) and scholarships awarded to students recognized in the National Merit, National Hispanic and National Achievement programs administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Separate scholarship applications or auditions are required for only four merit-based awards available to entering students. These would be the Talent Scholarships in Music, Theatre and Forensics and the Mark O. Hatfield Scholarship for Public Service.
