Incoming Students
Puget Sound offers scholarships to incoming full-time undergraduates for academic merit and performance excellence in music, theatre, art, and forensics; National Merit designation; achievement in the humanities, mathematics, sciences, and for interest in religious activities. The majority of these scholarships are renewable for three additional years of full-time undergraduate study.
Academic Scholarships
Alumni, Faculty, Dean's, President's, Trustee Scholarships
All incoming undergraduates are considered for the Alumni, Faculty, Dean's, President's, or Trustee scholarships, which range in amount from $15,000 - $19,000. Awards are made based on the student's overall admission application, including standardized test scores and academic performance in high school or college. No separate scholarship application is required.
National Merit Scholarships
Incoming freshmen 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 March 1 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.
Lillis Foundation Scholarships
The Lillis Scholarship is the University of Puget Sound’s most prestigious honor for students who combine extraordinary promise in academics and scholarship. The award, established through a generous gift made by the Lillis Foundation of Castle Rock, Colorado, recognizes students in each entering freshman class who demonstrate high academic achievement in high school and the promise of outstanding performance during their undergraduate years and beyond. Lillis Scholars are recognized by Puget Sound for their academic excellence, passionate interest in ideas, and intellectual independence, and will exhibit the potential to become competitive candidates for undergraduate and postgraduate fellowships and scholarships, such as the Rhodes Scholarship, Truman Scholarship, or Watson Fellowship. Charles and Gwen Lillis are the parents of Puget Sound alumna Jessica Baker Isaacs '05.
Application for the Lillis Scholarship is by invitation. Potential candidates for the scholarship must apply for admission to the university by January 15. After reviewing the applicant pool, the Committee on Admission will invite 30 freshmen candidates to submit a Lillis Scholarship application. The scholarship application will be due February 17. Finalists will be selected by a faculty committee and invited to Puget Sound for an interview. Recipients will be notified of their selection by April 1.
Matelich Scholarships
The Matelich Scholarship is Puget Sound’s most prestigious honor for students who combine extraordinary promise in academics and leadership. The scholarship, established in 2010 through the generosity of George E. Matelich ’78 and Susan E. Matelich, recognizes students in each entering freshman class who exhibit exceptional drive and focus, as well as promise for outstanding academic and personal achievement while enrolled at Puget Sound. Matelich Scholars demonstrate a capacity for a life of leadership and sustained personal growth. While at Puget Sound they will be recognized campus leaders and will continue on paths of leadership after they become alumni.
Application for the Matelich Scholarship is by invitation. Potential candidates for the scholarship must apply for admission to the university by January 15. After reviewing the applicant pool, the Committee on Admission will invite 30 freshmen candidates to submit a Matelich Scholarship application. The scholarship application will be due February 25. Finalists will be selected by a scholarship committee and invited to Puget Sound for an interview. Recipients will be notified of their selection by April1.
All-Washington Academic Team 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.
Scholarship Applications
The following scholarships require a separate scholarship application. You may need to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and download the applications.
Application Deadline February 1: Please submit completed scholarship applications to Student Financial Services by mail, fax, or email.
California Sealbearers Scholarship
$2,000 per year
Awarded to incoming freshmen from California who are members of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and are eligible for a CSF Gold Seal on their high school diploma.
Catharine Gould Chism Scholarships
$5,000 per year
Awarded to incoming freshmen who have demonstrated leadership abilities and intent to major in the arts or humanities. Eligible majors include art, classics, English, foreign language, history, music, philosophy, theatre arts, and religion.
Charles Garnet Trimble Scholarships
$6,000 per year
Awarded to incoming freshmen who demonstrate a strong interest in the study of Asia and undergraduate study in the liberal arts and sciences.
Leonard Howarth Scholarships
$4,000 per year
Awarded to incoming freshmen and transfer students interested in majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, pre-engineering, or physics.
Religious Leadership Awards
$3,000 per year
Awarded to students interested in religious leadership in their home religious community or on-campus while attending Puget Sound.
United Methodist Church Scholarships
$3,000 per year
Awarded to United Methodist students who demonstrate financial need as determined by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Walter Price Leadership/Community Service Scholarships
$3,000 per year
Awarded to incoming freshmen and transfer students on the basis of leadership abilities and community service involvement.
Talent Scholarships
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
$2,500 per year
Awarded to students who plan to major in the visual arts or art history.
Forensics Scholarships
$1,000 - $3,000 per year
Recipients will compete in intercollegiate speech and debate events.
Music Scholarships
$1,000 - $10,000 per year
Recipients are expected to take an active role in musical activities and participate either in a University performing music group or as an accompanist.
Theatre Scholarships
$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.
