Honorary Scholarships

MA Honorary Scholarships

Southwestern College awards a number of Honorary Scholarships three times per year, during the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms, to MA students enrolled in our Graduate Programs. These scholarships are available to degree-seeking students who are enrolled or preparing to enter a program and are taking at least 4 quarter units. The Financial Aid Office publicizes these scholarships to students through postings and via campus emails each quarter prior to registration. 

MA Students Requirements/Guidelines/Information:

• Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. GPA requirement is waived for new entering students.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program (in at least 4 units).
• Essays are submitted via the SWC online scholarship application for the requested quarter.
  • Note: Students should not send copies of their essays directly to SWC Financial Aid Staff as this negates the blind read screening process.
• Essays are scored/ranked by anonymous readers.
• Selection is based upon essay scores and credited directly to the student’s account.
• Scholarships are valued at 2.0 units to 4.5 units each.
• Preference in selection will be to first-time recipients annually.
• Essay must not be more than 500 words (maximum).
  • Note: Equal time should be spent on each of the 2 questions as each question is ranked/scored separately. It is up to each student how many words you write for each question overall.
• One essay submission per student, no exceptions.
  • Note: Your 1st submission is considered your final submission. Submissions after the 1st one will not be considered. Make sure you proofread and follow all instructions prior to submitting.
• For maximum scoring consideration, essay must address all topics as noted.

The scholarship application must be completed and submitted online each quarter for which a scholarship is requested. Deadlines for applications are sent out from the Financial Aid Office quarterly.

Winter Honorary Scholarship Information and Application – Apply November 21 – December 13, noon.

Spring/Summer Honorary Scholarship Information and Application – Apply March 2 – March 20, noon

Fall Honorary Scholarship Information and Application  – Apply August 22, noon – September 7, 5PM

PHD Honorary Scholarship

PHD students have a single Honorary Scholarship. Applications are accepted annually before the start of the Fall Quarter. Awards are granted to 4 students, one student per quarter, selected from the Fall submissions. These scholarships are available to degree-seeking students who are enrolled or preparing to enter a program and are taking at least 3 quarter units. The Financial Aid Office publicizes this scholarship to students through postings and via campus emails each quarter prior to registration. 

PHD Students Requirements/Guidelines/Information:

• Four recipients selected annually from all eligible essay submissions.
• Applicants must be passing all courses. Note: This requirement is waived for new entering students.
• Applicants must be enrolled in the PhD program (in at least 3 units).
• Essays are submitted via the SWC online scholarship application for the PHD Scholarship.
• Essays are scored/ranked by anonymous readers.
• Four recipients are selected to receive a single quarter scholarship each.
• Selection is based upon essay scores and credited directly to the student’s account.
• Scholarships are valued at $835 per quarter (1 PhD unit)
• Preference in selection will be to first-time recipients annually.
• Essay must not be more than 500 words (maximum).
• One essay submission per student, no exceptions.

The scholarship application must be completed and submitted online annually before the Fall Quarter. Deadlines for applications are sent out from the Financial Aid Office annually.

PHD Honorary Scholarship Information and Application  – Apply August 1, noon – August 17, 5PM