Admitted first-year and transfer students are automatically considered for a John Greenleaf Whittier Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded based on the academic record and overall strength of the applicant to the College. Academic performance is the primary driver for this scholarship. For admitted first-year students the Whittier Admission GPA (9th - 11th grade weighted GPA) is considered. For admitted transfer students the cumulative college GPA is considered.
John Greenleaf Whittier Scholarships will range from $20,000 to $36,000 per year and are annually renewable as long as the recipient maintains full-time enrollment (at least 12 units per semester) and good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA). The amount of the John Greenleaf Whittier Scholarship a recipient is awarded at the time of Admission will remain the same throughout your attendance at Whittier College.
Whittier College is proud to invest in the educational and professional futures of youth in its surrounding communities. Whittier awards all high school seniors and community college students enrolled in an accredited public, charter, private school, or community college in Los Angeles or Orange County a $2,000 Gateway Scholarship.
Whittier College offers Creative Arts Scholarships for newly admitted students interested in participating in our Art, Music, Theater, or English departments. Creative Arts Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of an applicant’s audition or portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity for students looking to continue their participation in the fine or performing arts regardless of their intended major. Scholarship amounts are up to $5,000 per year. Students may apply for Creative Arts Scholarships in more than one area, but may only accept one if more than one scholarship is offered. International students are not eligible to receive Creative Arts Scholarships.
Ten newly admitted students from Whittier Union High School District, local Whittier private schools, or homeschooled Whittier residents will be selected to receive up to a $10,000 scholarship.
Students who do not live in Los Angeles or Orange County and will be living on Whittier's campus may qualify for the Residency Scholarship. This scholarship is a need-based scholarship that ranges from $500 to $2,000 and can be renewed annually as long as the student maintains full-time enrollment (at least 12 units per semester), good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA), and residency on Whittier’s campus.
Whittier College acknowledges its gratitude to the many benefactors who have contributed scholarship funds to the university. Due to their generous donations, the Office of Financial Aid is privileged to offer numerous leadership, academic merit, and need-based scholarship opportunities to Whittier College students.
Most endowed scholarships are awarded automatically to students by the Office of Financial Aid based on criteria established by the funding donor. Endowed scholarships do not require a separate scholarship application but students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate school year to be eligible to receive an endowment.
Students selected for these scholarships will be notified via a revised financial aid award letter. Students awarded an endowed scholarship from an individual or organization may be required to attend the Annual Salute to Scholarship Luncheon. All recipients of an endowment are required to provide a written thank you to the contributor.
The John Greenleaf Whittier Scholarships are awarded by the Offices of Admission and Financial Aid upon a student’s admission to Whittier College. The amount of the award is determined by the student's entering GPA and/or additional criteria evaluated by the selection committee. This award is applied to the cost of tuition only.
Creative awards are awarded by the departments for each category of talent. The amount awarded depends on the ranking of the audition or submission of material. These awards can be used towards tuition and room and board.
In situations where the student is awarded additional aid that may only be applied to tuition, such as Cal Grant A, Tuition Remission, Tuition Exchange, outside scholarships, or a Yellow Ribbon benefit, the total of these awards plus the John Greenleaf Whittier scholarship may not exceed the cost of tuition for any given academic year.
