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First-Year Student Scholarships

Apply to Willamette and you’ll automatically be considered for merit scholarships starting at $30,000 per year.

A group of students sitting on the grass chatting

All first-year Willamette undergraduate students who apply for admission are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships starting at $30,000 per year. Merit scholarships are based on the quality of a student’s admission application and are awarded at the time of admission. No additional application needs to be completed. Full-time students who are in good academic standing receive the awards for four years (eight semesters), or until the student’s graduation requirements are completed.

Merit scholarships may be stacked with other forms of financial aid such as need-based grants, low-interest loans, competitive scholarships, and student employment. Students who receive scholarships from outside organizations will stack on top of Willamette scholarships and aid offered.

Willamette students must be enrolled full-time each semester in order to be eligible for a merit scholarship.

First-Year Scholarships

  • Merit Scholarships for First-Year Students

    Starting at $30,000 annually

    Students who apply for admission as first-year applicants will be considered for these awards. While consideration is primarily placed on academic performance, all elements of a student’s application are taken into consideration.

  • Competitive Scholarships

    Starting at $2,000 annually

    Competitive Scholarships are awarded to students who will enroll for fall entry based on interests, skills, or background. Requiring a separate application, which is reviewed by program faculty, competitive scholarships are added on top of merit scholarships awarded at the time of admission.

  • Oregon Access Scholarship

    Full tuition

    Oregon residents planning to start college in fall 2027 whose families have an adjusted gross income of less than $80,000 may qualify for Willamette’s Oregon Access Scholarship. For eligible students, the scholarship covers any remaining full-time tuition costs after federal and state grants are applied.

  • Pathfinders Award

    $500 annually

    First-year applicants who apply under our Regular Decision application plan by January 15 of their senior year will receive an additional annual scholarship.

  • Leaders Award

    $1,000 annually

    First-year applicants who apply under our Early Action or Early Decision application plans by November 1 of their senior year will receive an additional annual scholarship.

Merit Scholarship Renewals

All Willamette Merit Scholarships are available for a maximum of eight semesters, or until the student’s graduation requirements are completed, whichever comes first. Funds will be renewed automatically each year provided the student continues to make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree (minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and completion of full-time enrollment each semester). Scholarship amounts will not increase from year to year. They will be renewed for students at the same amount each year, regardless of changes in costs for tuition, fees, room, board, etc. Learn more about renewal requirements.

Two students walking down the stairs of Willamette University

FAQs

Yes, all first-year students who apply and are admitted to Willamette University receive a merit scholarship. Merit scholarships start at $30,000 and are renewed each year for up to four years.

Willamette does not offer any full ride scholarships that include the cost of tuition, room, board, and fees. However, if a student receives sufficient outside scholarships, they may stack those onto other aid offered to cover the full cost of attendance.

There is no separate application for first-year students to apply for scholarships. The amount awarded is based on information submitted on the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir application, as well as academic records.

No, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required to be considered for merit scholarships. No other forms or applications are required and merit scholarships do not take into account a student or family’s demonstrated financial need.

Yes, all scholarships offered by Willamette University stack. All outside scholarships will also stack on top of aid offered by Willamette.

First-year students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree (minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and completion of full-time enrollment each semester). Scholarship amounts will not increase from year to year. They will be renewed for students at the same amount each year, regardless of changes in costs for tuition, fees, room, board, etc.

Stay

Connected

Do you have any questions about Willamette College scholarships for first-year undergraduate students? Our team is here to help. Reach out to the admissions team to learn more about our scholarship programs and award amounts.

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Willamette University

Office of Financial Aid