Students who apply to Willamette are automatically considered for merit scholarships, primarily based on academic achievement. Willamette also offers competitive scholarships in areas of co-curricular talent or involvement. Application requirements vary by scholarship.
Students are encouraged to apply for all scholarships that meet their interest and talents, but can only receive one award to stack on top of their previously awarded merit-based scholarship. Generally, scholarships are awarded equally over eight semesters or until the student’s degree requirements are completed, whichever comes first. Scholarships are automatically renewed provided the student continues to make satisfactory academic progress with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students should review all requirements and stipulations of the specific scholarships after being awarded and prior to enrollment.
Debate Scholarships
Willamette sponsors an active and successful program for students interested in intercollegiate debate and speaking competitions. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of prior accomplishments and an interview. Prior debate experience is encouraged, but not required.
Scholarships awarded up to $4,000 annually.
Recipients will participate on the Willamette speech and debate team.
Music Scholarships
Willamette's music ensembles and programs seek talented students to participate at all levels. Music scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate ability and achievement in composition, vocal, band, or orchestra performance.
Scholarships awarded up to $10,000 annually.
Recipients will participate in at least one Willamette music ensemble, enroll in the music scholarship course during their first year at Willamette, and take private lessons through the department.
Theatre Scholarships
Willamette’s theatre department performs a variety of plays, musicals, and dance concerts every year, and seeks passionate, dedicated students to participate in every element of theatrical production.
Scholarships awarded up to $12,000 annually.
Recipients are required to major in theatre, participate in every production, and contribute significantly to Theatre Department events and activities.
Studio Art Scholarships
Studio art students at Willamette will take classes across many different mediums and gain significant experience in gallery installation. Students who complete a major in art will exhibit their collections in the Hallie Ford Museum of Art during their senior year.
Scholarships awarded up to $4,000 annually.
Recipients must declare and complete a major or minor in art and contribute to the art department in a meaningful way.
STEM Scholarships
With robust experiential, research and internship opportunities, the STEM fields are among the most popular at Willamette. For students with demonstrated financial need who show passion and academic promise, the STEM Fellows Program provides financial support and mentorship toward a career in STEM. Recipients will join a STEM Fellows cohort providing additional peer and faculty mentorship, field trips, tutoring and more. The STEM Fellows Program is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
Scholarships awarded up to $10,000 annually (first-year students only).
Recipients must major in selected STEM fields.
Heatherington Public Health Scholarship
Willamette’s distinctive program, which can’t be found at any other liberal arts institution in the Pacific Northwest, features frequent hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for graduate-level coursework. Recipients of the Heatherington Scholarship have a record of commitment to public health equity through a combination of involvement in extracurricular school-based activities, community service and employment.
Scholarships awarded up to $11,500 annually.
Recipients will have a continued interest in public health, but may pursue any major.
Dempsey Scholarship Program
Students studying environmental science at Willamette continuously explore in the classroom and beyond, including the Oregon coast and the university’s own forest at Zena.
Scholarships awarded up to $4,000.
Recipients are academically accomplished, focused on a career in environmental studies and have demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement. They must reapply annually and are expected to assist faculty in planning and facilitating co-curricular department activities. Renewal is prioritized for second- and third-year students who have maintained a 3.3 GPA and declared a major in environmental science.
Additional Academic Scholarships
Unlike our other competitive scholarships, these awards do not require a separate application. Instead, recipients are selected based on the strength of their application as it relates to the eligibility criteria for the scholarship.
Fairweather Fellows Scholarship
Data science students learn how they can use data to change the world, such as by tracking disease transmission, analyzing social media trends, or using satellite imaging to further sustainability efforts. To be considered for the Fairweather Fellows program, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Scholarships awarded up to $10,000 annually.
Fellows are guaranteed additional academic opportunities including one paid (up to $4,000) summer experience such as an internship or collaborative research project. Fellows also have priority access to Computing & Data Science events, such as guest lectures with industry professionals, semester lunch with the Dean, access to graduate-level professional development activities and career advising.
Fellows are not required to declare a major in computer science or data science.
Schmidt Scholars Program
Ronald and Lila Schmidt (Class of 1966) established the Schmidt Scholars Program to help high-performing applicants attend Willamette University by removing financial barriers.
Scholarships awarded at $7,500 annually (first-year students only).
Recipients must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA, or another FAFSA equivalent for students with DACA status or who are undocumented) and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $19,500 or less. Preference is given to students with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 or higher.