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There are a wide variety of scholarship opportunities available to Western students. This is only a partial list, offered as an information resource to incoming students. Be sure and visit the Scholarship Center for more info on current opportunities.
Merit Scholarships
Seattle and Bellingham Business Forum Scholarships
The generous contributions of individuals and businesses in the greater Seattle and Bellingham region support approximately fifty $2,000 scholarships for new freshmen and transfers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Recipients are eligible to study in any field of interest. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
Western Alumni Association Scholarships
The WWU Alumni Association offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, including some that are renewable for multiple years. Recipients must demonstrate strong academic achievement, a diverse background in school and community activities, and financial need. Selection priority is given to children and grandchildren of Western Washington University alumni. Freshman applicants are also considered for the Alumni/President’s Scholarship, a $10,000 award payable at $2,500 a year. Refer to the Alumni Office website for application guidelines.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships
The PTK President’s Scholarship is awarded to select community college transfer and running start students with a strong academic foundation who have demonstrated active involvement in Phi Theta Kappa. A separate scholarship application is required. For details, please refer to our PTK Scholarship page.
All-Washington Academic Team Scholarships
Each community college in Washington State is invited to nominate two students to the All-Washington Academic Team, based on academic achievement and community service. Western offers a $2,000 Seattle Business Forum scholarship and a $500 President’s Scholarship to any member of the All-Washington Academic Team who enrolls at Western. Consult with your Community College advisor for details.
Diversity Scholarships
WWU Multicultural Achievement Program Scholarships
Tuition waiver and on-campus housing/dining scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 are awarded each quarter to freshman and transfer applicants whose applications for admission demonstrate an ongoing commitment to multiculturalism and/or diversity. Some awards extend over two years. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary. For details, please refer to our WWU MAP Scholarship page.
Nahbi Ram Joshi Scholarship
This scholarship was established by one of Western's most devoted patrons, Miriam Snow Mathes, in memory of Nahbi Ram Joshi, a foreign student who passed through the University over 90 years ago. Qualified applicants must be full-time undergraduate Western Washington University students. New freshmen and transfer students are eligible to apply. Scholarship applicants must either have been born in India or have a parent or grandparent born in India and must demonstrate strong leadership qualities as well as high academic merit. Contact the Scholarship Center for details.
Northwest Indian College Scholarship
Available to entering transfer students who have completed at least 25 transferable credits at Northwest Indian College, with preference given to students who are NWIC graduates. Awards are based on academic merit and in some cases, financial need. See your NWIC counselor for details.
American Indian Endowed Scholarship
The American Indian Endowed Scholarship program helps financially needy students with close ties to a Native American community to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies. Scholarship money comes from interest generated through an endowment funded by private contributions and the state. Students can use the scholarships at public colleges and universities and accredited independent colleges, universities and career schools in Washington. The program annually awards about 7 new scholarships and 10 renewal scholarships, ranging from about $500 to $2,000. Students are eligible to receive scholarships for up to five years. Contact the Scholarship Center for details.
Oscar Olson Research Scholarships
Six new undergraduates who are interested in majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or physics/astronomy are selected annually to receive a $1,500 merit scholarship and a $500 research stipend. Recipients must have lived in a single parent household, with priority consideration for this privately funded scholarship given to underrepresented minority students. Depending on academic performance and continued interest in the sciences, freshman awards may be renewed for a total of 4 years and transfer student awards may be renewable for a second year. Scholarship application (pdf) is available.
Academic Department Scholarships
Fairhaven College Entrance Scholarships
Several scholarships are awarded to freshmen and transfer students who are new to both Western Washington University and Fairhaven, this scholarship is based on financial need and academic ability. Scholarships are approximately $500 per academic year. Please call (360) 650-3680 for details.
Huxley College Scholarships
A number of different scholarships are awarded by Huxley College and are available to students that have been formally admitted to Western Washington University and Huxley College. More information about the requirements and application process for the various scholarships can be found on the Huxley Scholarships page.
Woodring College Scholarships
The Woodring College Scholarships page contains information on teacher education scholarships, human services scholarships, loan forgiveness programs, scholarship applications, and other resources for Woodring College students.
Grabert Transfer Scholarship
One or two $600 scholarships are awarded to new incoming transfer students entering Fall Qtr and majoring in Anthropology. Flyers are sent to all community colleges in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Alaska by the end of March. The recipient(s) will be notified by mail at the beginning of June. Contact the Anthropology Department for details.
Oscar Olson Research Scholarships
Six new undergraduates who are interested in majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or physics/astronomy are selected annually to receive a $1,500 merit scholarship and a $500 research stipend. Recipients must have lived in a single parent household, with priority consideration for this privately funded scholarship given to underrepresented minority students. Depending on academic performance and continued interest in the sciences, freshman awards may be renewed for a total of 4 years and transfer student awards may be renewable for a second year. Scholarship application (pdf) is available.
Other Scholarships
Educational Opportunity Grant
Available to Washington residents who have completed only two years of college due to family or employment commitments, health concerns, financial need, or other similar factors. The grant is $2,500 for the 2006-2007 academic year, and it is renewable for one additional year if students are in good academic standing and remain otherwise eligible. Financial need is required. Applications are available at the financial aid offices of community colleges and eligible four-year colleges and universities. For more information and a complete listing of eligibility requirements, call (360) 753-7800 or email eog@hecb.wa.gov
Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE)
This award recognizes outstanding vocational-technical education students who are nominated by a vocational instructor while in a public school, community college, or vocational-technical institute. Selections are made by a state-wide committee. The award is approximately the amount of tuition for up to six quarters, dependent upon continued academic success. Contact your vocational or guidance counselor for details.