An affordable quality education

For you as an Ichabod, the Washburn Advantage is excellence and affordability. You no longer need ACT or SAT scores to qualify for merit scholarships. As an incoming freshman, awards are now based only on your high school grade point average (GPA). 

Washburn also offers competitive scholarships to transfer students, including from community colleges and four-year schools. You could receive up to $12,000 in academic scholarships as a transfer student. Your scholarship is based on your college GPA and can be received for up to six consecutive semesters.

Washburn also offers other scholarships that are based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success. The University recently announced two scholarships opportunities for Shawnee County students: The Thrives Scholarship and Promise Scholarship.

Freshman Merit Scholarships

Merit Scholarships

Name GPA (Based on 4.0 Scale) Amount

Ichabod

 4.0+ $20,000 ($5,000 per year)
Bell Tower 3.90-3.99 $16,000 ($4,000 per year)
Top Hat 3.65-3.89 $12,000 ($3,000 per year)
Bow Tie 3.40-3.64 $8,000 ($2,000 per year)
Blue & White 3.00-3.39 $4,000 ($1,000 per year)

For incoming first-time freshman students who enroll full-time at Washburn University. Award amounts vary from $1,000 to $5,000 per academic year and are based on your final high school cumulative GPA. You can receive freshman merit scholarships for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. Students must meet renewal requirements at the end of each annual review period (renewal criteria below). International students can review their eligibility for freshman merit scholarships on the international scholarship webpage.

  • How to apply: Students are automatically considered, no separate application required.
  • Priority deadline:
    • Fall start: March 1
    • Spring start: November 15
  • Institutional freshman scholarships are first determined with a student's self-reported cumulative high school GPA. Final awards are determined once a student's final high school transcript is received and processed. Awards are withdrawn if you do not submit your transcripts.
  • Washburn University awards merit scholarships based on the final cumulative GPA from the student's official high school transcript.
  • These scholarships are awarded to incoming freshman students who enroll in at least 12 credit hours for both the fall and spring semester at the main Washburn University campus. Scholarships are non-transferable to other institutions, including Washburn Institute of Technology.
  • It is highly encouraged to register for Washburn University New Student Orientation by May 1, 2025.
  • If you feel your application warrants additional review, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
  • It is highly encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine if you are eligible for federal aid (loans and/or grants). Washburn University's Federal School Code is 001949.
  • Students must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA and successfully complete at least 27 hours over the fall, spring and summer semesters at Washburn University.
  • Scholarships are given for a student’s first bachelor’s degree or eight semesters of enrollment, whichever comes first. 
Full-time Kansas students who are designated as a Kansas State Scholar by the Kansas Board of Regents will have a one-time, non-renewable $1,000.00 scholarship added to their first-year freshman award.
Full-time Kansas students who complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, will have a one-time, non-renewable $1,000.00 scholarship added to their first-year freshman award.
Full-time Kansas students who are designated as National Merit Finalists and select Washburn University as their number one college choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, will have a one-time, non-renewable $1,000.00 scholarship added to their first-year freshman award.

Freshman Academic Scholarship Grid

ACT GPA 3.0-3.2 3.21-3.4 3.41-3.6 3.61-3.80 3.81-4.0
21-22 $500 $750 $1,000 $1,250 $1,500
23-24 $750 $1,000 $1,250 $1,500 $2,000
25-26 $1,000 $1,250 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500
27-28 $1,250 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000
29-30 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500
31-32 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 $4,000
33-34 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 $4,000 $4,500
35-36 $3,000 $3,500 $4,000 $4,500 $5,000
  • This grid and renewal criteria applies to incoming Fall 2022 Freshman and prior.
  • Renewal Criteria: To renew, you must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters at Washburn University. You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 if receiving a scholarship between $500-1250. You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 if receiving a scholarship between $1500-3500. You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.40 if receiving a scholarship between $4000-$5000. Eligible students can receive academic scholarships for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met.

Scholarships for Transfer Students

Transfer Academic Scholarships
(begins with students transferring to Washburn in Fall 2023) 

GPA (Based on 4.0 Scale) Amount
3.76 - 4.0+ $12,000 ($4,000 per year)
3.51 - 3.75 $9,000 ($3,000 per year)
3.25 - 3.50 $6,000 ($2,000 per year)
3.00 - 3.24 $3,000 ($1,000 per year)

For full-time students transferring to Washburn University with at least 12 credit hours and a 3.0 GPA or higher. Award amounts vary from $1,000 to $4,000 per academic year and are based on GPA. You can receive transfer academic scholarships for up to six consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms or until you earn your first bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. Students must meet renewal requirements at the end of each annual review period (renewal criteria below). International students can review their eligibility for transfer merit scholarships on the international scholarship webpage.

  • How to apply: Transfer students are automatically considered, no separate application required.
  • Priority deadline:
    • Fall start: June 1
    • Spring start: November 15

To renew, you must successfully complete a minimum of 27 credit hours over the fall, spring and summer semesters at Washburn University and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

A one-time, non-renewable $1,000 scholarship for incoming full-time transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa. Scholarships are subject to available funding.

  • How to apply: No separate application required, but provide documentation of membership to the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@washburn.edu.
  • Priority deadline: June 1

A one-time, non-renewable $1,000 scholarship for incoming full-time transfer students who are named to the All-Kansas Academic team. Scholarships are subject to available funding.

  • How to apply: No separate application required, but provide documentation to financialaid@washburn.edu
  • Priority deadline: June 1

Other Washburn Scholarships

Washburn also offers specialized scholarships for incoming full-time, freshman undergraduate students based on their interests and achievements, available to those starting in the fall semester. Incoming full-time transfer students are eligible for awards marked with an asterisk (*), available to those starting in the fall semester.

  • How to apply: Some specialized scholarships require an additional application. Additional requirements, such as completing a FAFSA, may be required. Please see the information below. Please contact the Financial Aid Office with questions.
  • Priority deadline: Varies
  • Renewal criteria for all specialized scholarships (except the Richey): You must successfully complete 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters. GPA requirements vary. Please see below. 
    • If you received the specialized scholarships before Fall 2023, you must successfully complete 24 credit hours at Washburn.

Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship

  • Award amount: $4,000 ($1,000 per year)
  • Details: The Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship is part of a financial aid package called Together We Thrive and, along with the Promise Scholarship, can create a tuition-free path at Washburn. You can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To be eligible, you must have been a resident of Shawnee County for at least two years, and attended/graduated from a Shawnee County high school or home school. Also, you must graduate with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA on your high school transcript and have a valid FAFSA on file by the published priority deadline.

Shawnee County Promise Scholarship

  • Award amount: Up to full tuition
  • Details: The Shawnee County Promise Scholarship is part of a financial aid package called Together We Thrive and, along with the Thrives Scholarship, can create a tuition-free path at Washburn. You can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To be eligible, you must have been a resident of Shawnee County for at least two years, and attended/graduated from a Shawnee County high school or home school. Also, you must graduate with at least a 2.0 GPA on your high school transcript. Further, you are eligible if you are Pell Grant Eligible OR demonstrate a household income of $75,000 or less AND have less than $75,000 in assets on your FAFSA.

Finnup* 

  • Award amount: $5,000
  • Details: Priority for Finnup Scholarships is given to students residing in Finney County, followed by students residing in Gray, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Lane and Scott Counties. If funds remain, scholarships can also be awarded to students who reside in Clark, Comanche, Ford, Grant, Greeley, Meade, Morton, Ness, Seward, Stanton, Stevens and Wichita (County). You must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 to receive the scholarship and live on campus your freshman year. In addition to the $5,000 award, recipients have the opportunity to participate in the Finnup Scholars Academy before the beginning of the fall semester and a study abroad international experience during their time at Washburn. Incoming freshmen can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters (six consecutive semesters for transfer students) over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To renew the Finnup scholarship, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and successfully complete a minimum of 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters. The priority deadline for the Finnup scholarship application is February 15, although we will continue to award until funds are exhausted.
  • More about the Finnup Scholarship, including a profile on a former recipient of the award
  • Specialized scholarship application - login with your Washburn username and password that you were given after being admitted.

Garvey Scholarship Competition

  • Award amount: $6,000 ($1,500 per year)
  • Details: Students will have 75 minutes to write a 400 to 500 word essay in response to the prompt: "Washburn’s motto is Non Nobis Solum, Not for ourselves alone, which is ingrained in what it means to be an Ichabod. How will you, as a student at and alumnus of Washburn, embody this motto?" You must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.25 to register for the competition, which Washburn administers in the fall of your senior year. You can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To renew the Garvey Scholarship, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and successfully complete a minimum of 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
  • Garvey Scholarship Competition information
  • Awards are limited and subject to available funds.

Glatt

  • Award amount: $1,000
  • Details: Awarded to students who have graduated from a Dickinson County, Kansas, high school, have a 2.0 cumulative high school GPA, have applied for Washburn University admission and have completed a Glatt scholarship application. The priority deadline for the Glatt scholarship application is February 15, although we will continue to award until funds are exhausted. You can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To renew the Glatt scholarship, you must remain in good academic standing and successfully complete a minimum of 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
  • Specialized scholarship application - login with your Washburn username and password that you were given after being admitted.
  • Awards are limited and subject to available funds.

Hindman*

  • Award amount: $3,000-$4,000
  • Details: Awarded to students who graduated from a Rooks County, Kansas, high school. Incoming freshmen can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters (six consecutive semesters for transfer students) over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To renew the Hindman scholarship, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and successfully complete a minimum of 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters. The award is subject to available funds. You must apply for admission, submit a Rooks County high school transcript, and submit the Hindman scholarship application. The priority deadline for the Hindman scholarship application is February 15, although we will continue to award until funds are exhausted.
  • Specialized scholarship application - login with your Washburn username and password that you were given after being admitted.

Presidential & Bryden

  • Award amount: $1,000 - $2,500
  • Details: A $1,000 scholarship awarded to select students from each Shawnee County high school or home school. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and be nominated by your guidance counselor. You can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To renew the scholarship, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and successfully complete a minimum of 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters.

    Homeschool Presidential scholarship application (for home school students only) - login with your Washburn username and password that you were given after being admitted.

    Additionally, one freshman who is a Presidential Scholarship recipient will be awarded a Bryden Scholarship. You must submit an essay as part of the application for this scholarship, which replaces the Presidential Scholarship. Recipients can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To renew the scholarship, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and successfully complete a minimum of 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Richey

  • Award amount: $40,000 ($10,000 per year)
  • Details: Awarded to select students who achieve a high school GPA of at least 3.9 and earn an ACT composite score of at least 28. Recipients will be required to live on campus within the Honors Learning Community during their first year as an Ichabod. The Office of Enrollment Management invites eligible students to apply. The award is stackable with other freshman academic scholarships. You can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To renew the Richey scholarship each year, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete 30 credits hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
  • For recipients of the Richey Scholarship prior to the Fall 2023 semester, please refer to the scholarship renewal notices sent by the Financial Aid Office regarding your renewal requirements.
  • Richey scholarship application information

Shaw*

  • Award amount: $1,250
  • Details: Awarded to select students pursuing a pre-law or pre-medicine major. To be eligible you must have applied to Washburn, a GPA of at least 3.5, an ACT score of at least 28, and a completed Shaw Scholarship application. Incoming transfer students must have a college GPA of at least 3.5 and applied to Washburn. The priority deadline for the Shaw scholarship application is February 15, although we will continue to award until funds are exhausted. Incoming freshmen can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters (six consecutive semesters for Transfer students) over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met, and by remaining in a pre-med or pre-law major. To renew the Shaw scholarship each year, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
  • Specialized scholarship application - login with your Washburn username and password that you were given after being admitted.
  • Awards are limited and subject to available funds.

Wiseman

  • Award amount: $500
  • Details: Awarded to select students who graduate from Topeka High School, Topeka West High School or Highland Park High School with a minimum GPA of 2.0. The student must also demonstrate financial need (as shown through the completion of the FAFSA) and have resided in Topeka for five years prior to graduating high school. The priority deadline for the Wiseman scholarship application is February 15, although we will continue to award until funds are exhausted. You can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To renew the Wiseman scholarship each year, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, complete 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters, and complete a yearly FAFSA.
  • Specialized scholarship application - login with your Washburn username and password that you were given after being admitted.
  • Awards are limited and subject to available funds.

Woodbury-Ramskill*

  • Award amount: $1,000
  • Details: Available to freshmen and/or transfer students who graduated from a Rush County, Kansas, high school. Incoming freshmen can receive this scholarship for up to eight consecutive semesters (six consecutive semesters for transfer students) over the Fall and Spring terms, or until your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first, contingent upon annual renewal requirements being met. To renew the Woodbury-Ramskill scholarship, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and successfully complete a minimum of 27 credit hours at Washburn in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
    The priority deadline for the Woodbury-Ramskill scholarship application is February 15, although we will continue to award until funds are exhausted.
  • Specialized scholarship application - login with your Washburn username and password that you were given after being admitted.
  • Awards are limited and subject to available funds.

Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship

For students whose parent, grandparent, sibling or spouse is currently attending or graduated from Washburn University or Washburn Institute of Technology. Applicants (excluding first-time freshmen) and their legacy connection must be members of the Washburn Alumni Association. Although GPA is a qualifier, recipients are chosen on the basis of financial need and a legacy connection.

Washburn Women's Alliance Single-Parent Scholarship

The Washburn Women’s Alliance (WWA) Scholarship Fund is dedicated to assisting single-parent students as they earn their degree and create a better future for their family. Students at Washburn University and Washburn Institute of Technology are encouraged to apply.

Mary N. Fix Natural Sciences Scholarship

This renewable scholarship is awarded to select incoming freshmen whose primary course of study is within the sciences (physics, biology, or chemistry), and may be used for tuition, fees, books, and/or living expenses. Students who are interested in teaching science at the secondary level are also eligible. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years and a fifth year in special circumstances. You are awarded through a selection process based on GPA, ACT scores, and stated area of study. 

  • How to apply: Complete the application and submit it by email.
  • Priority Deadline: January 26, 2024
  • Final Deadline: February 23, 2024

Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement Scholarship

Direct from high school, transfer students, and current students are invited to complete an Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement scholarship. These are competitive scholarships suitable for students who exhibit leadership initiative and/or seek additional community engagement developmental opportunities during their college years.

Most scholarships start at $1,250.

Brunt Honors Scholarship

A $500 to $1,000 award for incoming freshmen involved in the University Honors Program. Awards are distributed to transfer students as funds are available.

Athletics Scholarships

Washburn University is an NCAA Division II school and a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Washburn competes in 14 programs: football, basketball, baseball, track, cross country, tennis and golf (in men’s sports) and volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, track, cross country and tennis (in women’s sports). Washburn’s athletic scholarships are offered by the coach of each program.

Award amount: $1,000 (one-time scholarship)
Details: Full-time students who attend Washburn University within one year of high school graduation and have completed at least 9 credit hours through participation in Washburn's Concurrent Enrollment Partnership (CEP) and/or Senior Academy programs are eligible to receive this one-time award to live on campus. Students do not need to apply and the award will be added to their account automatically if they meet the qualifying criteria.

Washburn University does not determine the recipient of these awards nor determine the awarding criteria. Questions regarding these awards should be directed to the organization providing the scholarship.

The Financial Aid Office at Washburn University will only post scholarships which it believes to be legitimate in order to protect you from any scams. Please use your personal judgment before applying for any scholarships.

When you receive an external scholarship please be sure to check out these instructions and share it with the donor. 

State of Kansas Scholarships and Grants

  • Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant
  • Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance
  • Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship
  • Kansas State Scholarship
  • Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship
  • Kansas Military Service Scholarship

Review the application, deadlines and eligibility requirements for State of Kansas Financial Aid Programs.

Local Scholarships

These scholarships are available annually and generally open a few months before the deadline.

Kansas Masonic Scholarships

Deadline: March 15

  • General Scholarship ($1,000) – available to all Kansas residents
  • Legacy Scholarship ($1,000) – available to legacy of a Kansas Mason. The student must be one of the following to be eligible:
    • A Kansas Mason
    • Son/Daughter of a Kansas Mason
    • Member of DeMolay International for at least 2 years
    • Member of International Order of Rainbow Girls for at least 2 years
    • Member of Job’s Daughter International for at least 2 years
  • Cynthia Ruth Russell Scholarship ($5,000) – available to all Kansas residents who have a medically approved disability.

Kansas Kiwanis Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: February 1

The Kansas Kiwanis Foundation is proud to offer scholarships to deserving students who are currently enrolled in institutions of higher education.

KCA Construction Education Foundation

Deadline: February 14

The Kansas Contractors Association is offering scholarships ranging from $500 up to $2,500 for any student enrolled or intending to enroll for the 2020-21 school year, in construction management, construction science, construction engineering technology or related field of study at an accredited Kansas university, community college or technical college.

O'Brate Foundation Traditional College Scholarship Application

Deadline: May 1

The O'Brate Foundation strives to improve opportunities for disadvantaged Kansas youth by assisting with emergency needs, providing scholarships to deserving youth, and addressing stumbling blocks lying in the path on the road to success. Our Traditional College Scholarships are based on financial need, renewable and range in size from $500 to $5,000 annually.

Scholarship Toolbox Kit

Local scholarship search sites

Topeka Community Foundation

Wamego Community Foundation

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Central Kansas Community Foundation

Greater Salina Community Foundation

General scholarship search sites

FastWeb

Unigo

College Board

Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae Graduate School

Minority scholarship search sites

UNCF scholarships

American Indian Graduate Center

America's Black Collegians

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

American Indian Scholarship Fund

Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund

Military scholarship search sites

Kansas Military Service Scholarship
Hannah Poort was a recipient of the Hahn Scholarship, a $5,000 award that drastically reduced her cost for college as a senior.

Success story: Hannah Poort

Hannah Poort arrived at Washburn as a shy freshman. She ended up spending four years as a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and currently works as a third-grade teacher after graduating with her degree in Elementary Education.

Balancing work with student-teaching would have been difficult to say the least while she was at Washburn, but a scholarship helped her focus on what matters the most.

"Student-teaching was basically a job. I'm there from 7:30 to 4:30 every day, then at night I go home and grade papers and work on my lesson plan," Poort said. "Without the scholarship, I would have been very stressed about how I'm going to pay for things. This scholarship allowed me to focus on my students, which made me a better teacher for them."

Poort received the Hahn Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship that made life much easier during her final year of college.

"The Hahn Scholarship helped by taking a financial burden off me," she said. "It helped me to focus on my education. Scholarships are important because they offset a lot of the cost of tuition."

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GET IN TOUCH WITH Admissions

Washburn University Admissions
Morgan Hall Suite 100
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
785.670.1030
admissions@washburn.edu

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