General Merit Scholarships

• Application Deadline: First Tuesday in February or as funds remain available
• Scholarship amounts range from $28,000 to $40,000 annually.
• Southwestern recognizes academic rigor, academic achievements, and leadership among your school and community in our scholarship review process.

 

Southwestern University considers all students for a merit scholarship through a holistic review process, with emphasis on academic performance, rigor of classes, personal essay, leadership, and extracurricular and volunteer activities.  A visit to campus, legacy connections, United Methodist Church membership, achievement/recognition in national programs, and other elements also help us get to know you better.

General Merit scholarship notifications are typically sent electronically within a week of a student’s offer of admission, and can be found by visiting the student’s Personal Application Portal  .

Competitive Scholarships

• Application Deadline:  First Tuesday in December
• Admission Interview Deadline:  First Tuesday in February
• Application for Admission is the Application for Competitive Scholarships
• Amounts vary

Competitive Scholarships offered by Southwestern University are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong community engagement and leadership. To be considered, you must meet the deadlines and requirements below, along with an admission interview. Both a letter of recommendation and a visit to campus are high encouraged as well.

The Brown Scholarship

The Brown Scholarship, (valued at $48,000 per year) is Southwestern’s most prestigious and competitive award. Candidates must rank minimally in the top 5% of their high school class or, if high school does not rank, have the equivalent of a 3.8 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale.  All candidates must interview by the first Tuesday in February.

The Garey Scholarship

The Garey Scholarship program recognizes academic excellence and awards students two $5,000 stipends for up to two high-impact experiences, (e.g., study abroad, internship, collaborative research, civic engagement) during their Southwestern career. Candidates must rank minimally in the top 10% of their high school class, (or if high school does not rank, have the equivalent of a 3.7 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale).  All candidates must interview with a member of the admission staff by the first Tuesday in February, and finalists must participate in our scholarship event in March.

Pre-Ministerial Scholarship

• Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
• Application Deadline: May 1st
• Apply now. 

Pre-Ministerial Scholarships are available for students who plan to enter full-time ministry and participation in the Southwestern Pre-Ministry Connection organized by the University Chaplain. Candidates should speak with the University Chaplain prior to submitting a Pre-Ministerial Scholarship application.

Sarofim Fine Arts Scholarships 

• Application Deadline: The first Tuesday in February or as Funds Remain Available
• Interview Deadline:  Requirements and deadlines on the Sarofim School of Fine Arts site.
• Amounts vary

Sarofim Scholarships have the additional requirement of an audition or portfolio submission. Students choosing to major in the fine arts are eligible for awards in music (vocal and instrumental), theatre (acting or design) or studio art. Sarofim Awards are awarded by April 1.

Visit the Sarofim School of Fine Arts site for requirements, deadlines and general information.

Additional Awards

Music Performance Awards 

• Up to $2,500 Per Year

Audition or evaluation required. Fine Arts Music Performance Awards are for students not majoring in music, but who wish to perform in ensembles. Additionally, students will receive a fee waiver for private lessons. Visit the Sarofim School of Fine Arts   website for requirements, dates and general information.

Beneficiary Grant

• Amounts Vary starting at $2,000

Southwestern University Beneficiary Grants are awarded to the dependent child of an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church, who is an ordained minister under appointment, is retired, or is deceased. Visit the United Methodist Beneficiary Grant Application for more details.

 

Other Important Information

• All General Merit Scholarships have a total of 8 semesters (4 years) of eligibility and have differing academic requirements to maintain. More information about our scholarship stacking policy and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy can be found on the Important Dates, Policies & Forms webpage.