1500 N. Warner St. #1039
Tacoma, WA 98416-1039
Jones Hall, Room 019
Puget Sound commits over $55 million per year to help students pay for their education. All incoming students are considered for merit-based scholarships ranging up to $31,000. Additional need-based grants and talent-based scholarships are available.
Puget Sound’s financial aid program is made up of a variety of scholarships and grants that are funded by tuition revenue, endowment earnings, and gifts. Part of every tuition dollar goes to support Puget Sound aid programs.
The majority of Puget Sound scholarships are offered to incoming undergraduates at the point of admission to the university and are subsequently renewed provided the student meets renewal criteria. A limited number of named scholarships are available to currently enrolled students who meet specific selection criteria established by donors. Scholarships are offered to incoming full-time undergraduates for academic merit and performance excellence in music, theatre, art, and forensics.
Overview
All incoming undergraduates are considered for the Founders, Alumni, Faculty, Dean's, President's, or Trustee scholarships, which are valued up to $31,000 per year. Awards are made based on the student's overall admission application, including academic performance in high school or college. No separate scholarship application is required.
Scholarships
Terms & Conditions
Renewal
Your award is renewable for up to a maximum of ten (10) semesters of undergraduate study or the point of earning your first Bachelor's degree at Puget Sound, whichever comes first, providing you maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Study Abroad
Students studying abroad are permitted to apply Puget Sound scholarships and grants to their study abroad program. Program fees will be assessed for study abroad based on the cost of individual study abroad programs relative to the cost of Puget Sound tuition, and are used to support students prior to and during their study abroad experience. There are three program fee tiers, ranging between $300 up to $2400, with the majority of program fees falling at the $300 tier.
The Lillis Scholarship is University of Puget Sound’s most prestigious honor for students who combine extraordinary promise in academics and scholarship. The award recognizes students in each entering first-year class who demonstrate academic excellence, passionate interest in ideas, and intellectual independence. In Lillis Scholars, Puget Sound sees the promise of outstanding performance during their undergraduate years and the potential to compete for undergraduate and post-graduate fellowships and scholarships, such as the Rhodes Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship, or the Watson Fellowship. The award was established through a generous gift made by the Lillis Foundation of Castle Rock, Colorado.
In love with ideas, Lillis scholars enjoy pursuing intellectual endeavors to discover how they can improve the world. Thriving on knowledge exploration, they possess a natural passion for academic rigor and a commitment to classroom excellence. Two Lillis scholarships are awarded every year – any incoming first-year student can apply and will be considered. Recipients often go on to post-graduate fellowships and scholarships. Lillis scholars currently calling Puget Sound home find themselves engaged in a wide range of academic pursuits, including biochemistry, voice performance, psychology, history, and computer science. They also study abroad, conduct independent research, pursue internships, and present at professional conferences. The award was established through a generous gift made by the Lillis Foundation of Castle Rock, Colorado.
The Lillis Scholarship covers the cost of tuition, standard double room, and standard medium meal plan for up to four years of undergraduate education at the University of Puget Sound. A separate application is required and due by Dec. 1 for consideration.
For Matelich scholars, leadership begins with great intention. They make a difference through their character and commitment and positively impact and inspire their communities. For them, college is about more than building a resume. These scholars embark on challenging paths to achieve personal goals while clearly recognizing the importance of giving back to their community along the way. Every year, two Matelich Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students. Any incoming first-year student can apply and will be considered. Current Matelich scholars perform extraordinarily well in their coursework while leading in a wide range of activities on campus, including independent research, business, outdoor education, music, community service, and international aid work – just to name a few. The award was established in 2010 through the generosity of George E. Matelich ’78 and Susan E. Matelich.
The Matelich Scholarship covers 100 percent of Puget Sound’s tuition and fees (standard double room, standard medium meal plan, and student government fee) for up to four years of undergraduate education at the University of Puget Sound. Applicants must submit a completed admission application and the scholarship application by Dec. 1.
Since 2015, Puget Sound has partnered with The Posse Foundation, a national nonprofit organization, to recruit outstanding young leaders from diverse backgrounds. Each year, Puget Sound selects 10 public high school students from the San Francisco Bay Area and awards each student with a full-tuition scholarship, regardless of financial need. The Posse Scholars Program application and nomination process is coordinated by the Posse Foundation.
Applicants must demonstrate talent in art, forensics, music, or theatre. Recipients are expected to share their talents through performance or other forms of demonstration. Auditions and/or scholarship applications are required.
Art Scholarships
$5,000 per year
Awarded to students who plan to major in the visual arts or art history. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15.
Forensics Scholarships
$1,000 - $3,000 per year
Recipients will compete in intercollegiate speech and debate events. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15.
Music Scholarships
Recipients are expected to take an active role in musical activities and participate either in a university performing music group or as an accompanist. The deadline to register for an in person audition or indicate an intention to submit a video-recorded audition will vary based on your admission application plan. Please review registration details provided in the link above.
Theatre Scholarships
$1,000 - $1,500 per year
Recipients will serve as crew or cast members for fall and spring productions. Students are not required to major in theatre. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15.
Incoming first-year students who are National Merit Finalists and list the University of Puget Sound as their first-choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by May 31 are eligible to receive a $1,000 to $2,000 scholarship, depending on their level of financial need. This scholarship is awarded to National Merit Finalists in addition to other academic scholarships they may receive. See more information on National Merit Scholarships.
The All-Washington Academic Team (AWAT) is a scholarship recognition program for Washington State's top academic achievers at the Community College level. Puget Sound will offer up to three $2,000 scholarships to All-Washington Team members. This scholarship is awarded to All-Washington Team members in addition to other academic scholarships they may receive. See more information on AWAT Scholarships.
Private outside scholarships are a great way to help you with your college expenses. We strongly encourage all students to research and apply for these scholarships. The following resources are meant to provide you with a starting place in your search for private scholarships.
Please let us know about your scholarships so that we can include them on your billing invoice. You may report your scholarships by sending an email to sfs@pugetsound.edu.
Outside scholarships will be applied to any remaining unmet financial need. If your need has already been met with other federal, state, or Puget Sound need-based aid, additional scholarships will result in your need-based aid being reduced. Reductions occur in the following order: loan assistance, work study, and finally Puget Sound grant assistance. Puget Sound grant programs are need-based awards and will be reduced in a financial aid package if the total amount of all scholarships combined with the grant assistance exceeds financial need.
Colleges that Change Lives Scholarship
The Colleges That Change Lives Scholarship was established in 2016 to honor the first edition of Loren Pope's classic book and the 10th anniversary of the non-profit organization, Colleges That Change Lives. CTCL will award two $6,000 scholarships ($1,500 per year for 4 years) to a current high school senior. The 2024 application should open in late January 2024 and close in late March. The University of Puget Sound is proud to be a College That Changes Lives member school.
Fastweb
Matches the information in your completed profile to scholarships from a database of over 1.5 million scholarships worth over $3.4 billion.
Fred G. Zahn Scholarship
Eligible students must have or plan to graduate from a Washington State high school, have resided in Washington State for at least 6 months, and demonstrate financial need. Bank of America serves as Trustee. Twelve $1,500 scholarship awards will be given out for 2024-25. The 2024-25 application should open in late January 2024 and close in late March. The 2024-25 application will be added to the above link once it is available in late January 2024. The University of Puget Sound is proud to be a member of the Fred G. Zahn Scholarship Awarding Committee.
Greater Seattle Business Association Scholarship Fund
GSBA awards educational scholarships tostudents who identify as LGBTQ+, are members of LGBTQ+ families, or are cisgender/straight allies who have demonstrated active support of the LGBTQ+ community. Since the GSBA shares an application with the Pride Foundation, students residing in Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon are all encouraged to apply. The GSBA Scholarship Fund and Pride Foundation scholarship applications open every year on October 11 (Coming Out Day) and close on the second Friday of January.
Horatio Alger Association
As one of the nation's largest need-based scholarship programs, the Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs specifically assist high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. The Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as have critical financial need. The undergraduate application is available annually from December 1 to March 15.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Every year, HSF selects 10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from a broad and talented pool of applicants. Scholars are selected based on merit and award amounts range from $500-$5,000, based on relative need. Students must be of Hispanic heritage with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for high school students and 2.5 for college students, and file a FAFSA. Open to entering freshman, continuing students, and graduate students. Application period opens January 1 and closes February 15 each year.
Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW)
Thanks to the generous contributions of donors, ICW is able to provide scholarships to students attending independent member colleges. Some of the scholarships are focused on major, others on community service or place of residence. Application period closes mid-April each year.
Kaiser Permanente Health Equity Scholarship
The Kaiser Permanente Health Equity Scholars Program supports young leaders who have demonstrated interest in pursuing a clinical (e.g. pharmacist, physician practitioner, nurse) or non-clinical (e.g. accounting, business administration, human resources, marketing, public policy) career in the healthcare industry. Students will receive a $2,500 award. Eligible students are current high school seniors who plan to enroll full time in a four-year university the following academic year, minimum GPA of 2.5, and reside in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, or Washington D.C. The application is available annually from January 1 to February 8.
Leadership 1000 Scholarship
The Leadership 1000 Scholarship awards funding to certain high school seniors attending eligible high schools or students enrolled in CSF's College Services who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a Washington state college or university. The Scholarship is renewable and available in amounts up to $5,000 per academic year for students who demonstrate financial need. Scholars receive career and financial aid guidance as well as networking opportunities with CSF Alumni and scholarship donors to ensure they graduate with a college degree and achieve success in life. The Application is available annually from October 1 to November 30.
Phi Beta Kappa Public Service Scholarship
The Phi Beta Kappa Society is a leading national advocate for the value of arts and sciences education. Our Key into Public Service program and scholarship opportunity highlights the wide range of opportunities for arts, humanities, natural science, social science, and mathematics majors to pursue rewarding careers in local, state, and federal government. Each scholar will receive a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship and will participate in a conference that provides training, mentoring, and reflection on pathways into local, state, and federal government careers. Applications for the 2024 Key into Public Services Scholarship are open from November 1, 2023 until January 22, 2024.
Scholarship America
Since it was founded in 1958, Scholarship America has distributed $4 billion to more than 2.4 million students under the guidance of its nonprofit mission “to mobilize America through scholarships and other educational support to make post-secondary success possible for all.”
ScholarshipExperts.com
Simplifies the scholarship search process in helping students find scholarships to pay for college and grad school. Provides a time-saving, customized list of free scholarships that match your hobbies, interests and academic background. Get unlimited access to a scholarship database of 2.4 million scholarships worth over $14 billion.
Sea Mar Scholarships
Since 1998, Sea Mar has been committed to helping students who face economic barriers by providing scholarships in order for them to go to college, accomplish their goals, and succeed in life. Sea Mar offers a Latino/a Educational Achievement Project Scholarship, a Farmworker High School & College Scholarship, and scholarships for students who attend Foster High School and Grandview High School. Sea Mar will be awarding $1,000 scholarships to students who are of migrant or seasonal farm worker backgrounds. Funding opportunities for incoming freshman, undergraduate students, and graduate students. Application period is open annually between February 1 and April 30.
Sinclair Broadcast Diversity Scholarship Fund
Having provided over $300,000 in tuition assistance since 2013, the Sinclair Broadcast Group Diversity Scholarship program aims to invest in the future of the broadcast industry and help students from diverse backgrounds, who reflect Sinclair's audiences nationwide, complete their education and pursue careers in broadcast journalism, digital storytelling, and marketing. The annual Sinclair Broadcast Diversity Scholarship Fund complements the company's efforts to bring more diversity to the industry. The scholarship application deadline is April 30, 2024.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
The Baccalaureate Scholarship (BaS) provides up to $22,500 in scholarship dollars and access to career-launching support services for high-demand housing, transportation, food, and more. Funding can be used for any eligible STEM or health care major at any eligible public or private college or university in Washington State. Eligible students are Washington residents, have a GPA of at least 2.75, and demonstrate financial need. Application opens January 10, 2024 and closes February 29, 2024.
Washington Student Achievement Council - American Indian Endowed Scholarship
The American Indian Endowed Scholarship helps financially needy students with close social and cultural ties to a Washington State American Indian community pursue a college education. Funding is prioritized for upper-division and graduate students. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 and 15 students are selected each year. Application period is open Dec. 1 to March 1 for the following academic year.
Washington Women in Need
Washington state female residents who meet financial criteria are eligible to apply for a $5,000 education grant. Applications will be accepted online until 11:59 pm PT on April 18, 2024.
Women in Transportation Scholarships
$5,000 scholarships are open to women enrolled in a transportation-related field, such as transportation engineering, planning, finance, logistics, etc.
theWashBoard.org
Make scholarship searching simple by creating a profile that will match you with a number of scholarships for which you are most likely to qualify. Applying online is easy. There are over 200 scholarship providers offering more than $46 million to be matched with scholarship seekers.
United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation is a national foundation based in Nashville, Tennessee. UMHEF provides scholarship aid for United Methodist students attending the over 100 United Methodist-related institutions. Application period is open Jan. 1 to March 1 for the following academic year.
Puget Sound is a NCAA Division III institution. Like other Division III schools, Puget Sound cannot give scholarships based on athletic performance. Other financial aid solutions are available based on academic merit and financial need.
We’re committed to ensuring that students in Tacoma’s public schools have the opportunity to pursue education after high school. Students in the district who work hard, graduate from high school can be eligible to attend Puget Sound with their full financial need met.
Learn More
Puget Sound grant assistance is awarded to undergraduate students based on demonstrated financial need. The amount of grant awarded may vary each year depending upon the level of financial need and other scholarship or grant assistance received. Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need-based financial aid.
Puget Sound grant assistance is awarded to undergraduate students based on demonstrated financial need. The amount of grant awarded may vary each year depending upon the level of financial need and other scholarship or grant assistance received.
Federal Pell Grant - Pell Grants are directed at undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The amount of grant awarded is determined by the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as calculated by the FAFSA. The maximum Pell Grant award is $5,920.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) – SEOG grants are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. The maximum SEOG award is $2,000.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH) - TEACH grants up to $4,000 are available for graduate students who intend to teach in an elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG) - IASGs, up to $5,692.73, are available for students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11. Students must be ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant due to having less financial need than is required to receive Federal Pell Grant funds and must have been younger than 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time at the time of the parent or guardian's death.
Learn more about Federal Grants
The Washington College Grant program helps the state’s lowest-income undergraduates. Eligibility is determined by the Washington Student Achievement Council.
The College Bound Scholarship award amount will combine with Washington College Grant and other state funding to cover tuition and fees (at public institution rates) and a small book allowance for income-eligible students who sign up in the 7th or 8th grade.
For information on state grant assistance for students from states other than Washington, please visit the Department of Education website.