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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
Admission with Highest Honors
Students ranking in the top one percent of our incoming freshmen class, based on cumulative GPA and test scores, are Admitted with Highest Honors, assured admission into Western’s Honors Program and offered a 2-year $2,000 merit scholarship. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
Western Washington University Presidential Scholarships
Admitted students demonstrating superior academic achievement are eligible for Presidential Scholarships, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Selection for the scholarship is comprehensive, taking into consideration the cumulative grade point average, SAT or ACT, curricular rigor – including advanced coursework and courses beyond core requirements, and achievements exhibited in the personal statement. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
Western National Merit Scholarships
National Merit finalists are guaranteed a minimum of $10,000 scholarship assistance from Western distributed over four years of consecutive undergraduate study. National Merit Finalists need only submit a copy of their award form to the Admissions Office to be eligible.
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.
Washington Achievers
Students at Cleveland, Clover Park, Davis, Foster, Henry Foss, Kent-Meridian, Kittitas, Lincoln, Mabton, Mariner, Mount Tahoma, Stevenson, Tonasket, Truman, West Valley, and Yelm High Schools may be eligible for the Washington Achiever’s Scholarship. Scholarships are expected to average $20,000 for a four-year program. For details, please refer to the College Success Foundation website.
Washington Scholar Award
The Washington Scholars program recognizes the accomplishments of two high school seniors from each of the state’s 49 legislative districts. Students receive scholarships for up to four years of tuition and fees, currently valued at over $20,000 at Western. High school principals nominate the top 1 percent of their school’s graduating senior class on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and community service. For additional details, refer to the Higher Education Coordinating Board website.
Western Undergraduate Exchange Program (WUE)
Through WUE, high-achieving, non-resident freshman applicants may enroll at Western for a reduced tuition level – the equivalent of approximately $36,000 over four years. WUE scholarship selection is competitive, and priority is given to students with at least a 3.8 cumulative GPA, 1200 SAT or 27 ACT score, and rigorous coursework. For details, please refer to our WUE resource page.
James Michael Haskell Memorial Scholarships
Entering freshmen from Washington State who demonstrate an exemplary record of academic achievement as well as financial need may be eligible for a James Michael Haskell Scholarship. Awards are $2,500 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $10,000. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
John and Inda Mayfield Slater Scholarship Endowment
The scholarship supports an entering freshman at Western Washington University who is a graduate of a high school in Washington State, with preference given to graduates of Whatcom County high schools. The scholarship is awarded to students who have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, with additional consideration given to applicants who work to meet all or part of their expenses. Individual awards range from $500 to $1000 dollars and is dependent upon annual funding.
Lorraine M. Mortimer Scholarship
Recognizes an entering freshman from Washington who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, financial need, a history of community-oriented activities, and potential for leadership at Western Washington University. The award covers tuition and fees for four years. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
Oswald Hall and Henny Lund Scholarship
Recognizes a new freshman with $6,800 per year for four years of study, for a total scholarship of $27,200. Selection criteria include outstanding academic achievement and financial need. 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.
Washington Achievers
Students at Cleveland, Clover Park, Davis, Foster, Henry Foss, Kent-Meridian, Kittitas, Lincoln, Mabton, Mariner, Mount Tahoma, Stevenson, Tonasket, Truman, West Valley, and Yelm High Schools may be eligible for the Washington Achiever’s Scholarship. Scholarships are expected to average $20,000 for a four-year program. For details, please refer to the College Success Foundation website
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.
Garfield High School Scholarship
One or more entering freshman from Garfield, Franklin, Cleveland, or Rainier Beach High Schools will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Academic achievement and financial need are primary considerations in the selection process. Preference shall be given to an African American student. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
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.
Area High School Scholarships
Thomas Frazier Scholarship
Entering Freshman from Ballard, Cleveland, Franklin, Ingraham, Garfield, Nathan Hale, Nova Project, Rainier Beach, Roosevelt, Sealth or West Seattle High Schools with demonstrated financial need and outstanding academic achievement may be eligible for this scholarship, worth $10,000, renewable for a second year. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
Garfield High School Scholarship
One or more entering freshman from Garfield, Franklin, Cleveland, or Rainier Beach High Schools will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Academic achievement and financial need are primary considerations in the selection process. Preference shall be given to an African American student. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
August and Carol Radke Scholarship
Two students from Sehome High School will be awarded $2500 scholarships based on their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and financial need. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
Thomas D. Wynn Family Scholarship
An incoming freshman from Ferndale High School is awarded an annual scholarship of $6,000, renewable for up to four years – for a total scholarship value of $24,000. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, athletic ability, or financial need (or a combination of any of these three criteria). Applications are available at Ferndale High School.
Earl Hutchins Memorial Scholarship
One scholarship is offered to an entering freshman from Mark Morris or R.A. Long High School who plans a career in public education. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
Academic Department Scholarships
Distinguished Scholar and Future Scholar Programs
- College of Business and Economics
- Huxley College of the Environment
- College of Science and Technology
- Woodring College of Education
- Journalism Department
Incoming freshmen that demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a desire to major in one of the areas listed above can be invited to participate in enriched first-year programs at Western. These programs are designed so that students can participate in their academic interests early on in their experience at Western. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
Scholtz Memorial Scholarship – Art
One or more scholarships are available for entering freshman that show talent and potential as artists. Admitted Freshmen to Western Washington University who pass the Department of Art portfolio review are automatically considered for this scholarship. Scholarship award amounts vary. Contact the Art 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.
Forensics (Debate) Alumni Scholarship
One or more scholarships equal to in-state tuition for one quarter is awarded to an entering freshman with demonstrated success in high school forensics who plans to participate in Western's forensics program. Contact the Communications Department for details.
Mathematics Memorial Scholarship
Several scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to entering freshmen. Applicants must possess a strong record of academic achievement in mathematics courses and exhibit an interest in math-related activities throughout their four years of high school. Contact the Mathematics Department for details.
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.
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.
Woodring Future Scholars Program
Students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement in high school and desire to pursue a degree in the Woodring College of Education are invited to participate in enriched first-year activities to make connections with faculty and academic opportunities in Education. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.
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.