Gustavus Adolphus College offers both
merit-based and
need-based grant assistance. Merit-based scholarships do not require a student to demonstrate financial eligibility and must be awarded during the Admission process. They also may be awarded as part of a need-based financial aid package. To be renewed the student needs to maintain the established minimum standards.
Need-based scholarships are offered to students who demonstrate financial eligibility by filing the FAFSA and Gustavus Financial Aid Supplement form. The offered amounts will vary from year to year and are determinded based on your family's EFC (estimated family contribution) as determined by FAFSA and availability of funds.
The following scholarships are based on merit and do not require a student to demonstrate financial eligibility. They may also be awarded as part of a need-based financial aid package. You may not apply for these scholarships as a returning student.
- Presidential Scholarships* of $12,500 are awarded to National Merit Finalists who select Gustavus as their first-choice college. Presidential Scholarship winners who also win a Partners in Scholarship award receive a combined award of $12,500 annually, renewable by maintaining a 3.25 cumulative grade point average.
- National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarships* are awarded to students selected as Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition and who designate Gustavus as their first-choice college. These renewable scholarships, administered through the National Merit Foundation and based on demonstrated need, range from $1,000 to $2,000 annually.
- Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships are awarded annually to ten Phi Theta Kappa members enrolling from a community college. Winners of these $2,500 renewable awards must have completed a minimum of 42 quarter credits or 28 semester hours and have earned a college grade point average of at least 3.5.
- The Jussi Bjorling Music Scholarships offer two levels of award: those students who are granted a Gustavus Music Award are able to continue their private study without paying the Applied Music Fee, a benefit worth $580.00 each year; those who are awarded a full Björling Scholarship receive between $1,000 to $4,000 each year in addition to the waiver of Applied Music Fees. Bjorling Scholarships are available to students of any major. All winners are required to participate in an appropriate ensemble and private lessons each semester in residence.
- Anderson Theatre and Dance Scholarships range from $500 to $2000 annually, recognizing students with demonstrated talent and commitment to theatre and/or dance in a liberal arts context. Anderson Scholarships are available to students of any major. To renew the award, winners must participate in departmental projects and maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average.
- Gustavus Legacy Scholarships of $1,500 annually are available to children and grandchildren of Gustavus alumni who have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.5 or composite test scores of at least 26 on the ACT or 1170 on the SAT.
- Congregational Scholarships of up to $1,000 awarded by a student's home congregation will be matched dollar for dollar by Gustavus each year, provided that churches submit nominations to Gustavus by the priority date of May 15 each year and forward the scholarship funds to Gustavus prior to September 1. Funds received after September will only be matched 50%. Congregational Scholarships from any denomination will be matched.
The following scholarships are offered only to students who demonstrate financial eligibility and meet the additional criteria:
Gustavus Tuition Grants* are awarded to students who demonstrate financial eligibility. Grant amounts vary depending on demonstrated financial need. Eligibility is reviewed each year and may adjust if family circumstances have changed.
Paul L. Rucker Scholarships of up to $5,000 are available to students who bring cultural diversity to campus.
Lutheran Leadership Award range in value from $250 to $2000 and are awarded to students whose home congregation is a member of the Gustavus Association of Congregations.
