Academics

Financial Aid

Whitman College provides a comprehensive, diversified financial aid program — including scholarships, grants, employment opportunity, and loans — to assist in financing a college education. Awards take into account a variety of circumstances: some are based on need alone, some on merit alone, but most are based on a combination of both elements. The college spent approximately $23 million last year in support of student financial aid.

Many economists have pointed out the enormous potential return from an investment in an education at a top liberal arts and sciences college. At Whitman, we expect that students and families will consider the many loan programs that are available for financing this investment, without incurring excessive levels of debt.

Financial assistance for Whitman students derives from the resources of the college, outside private and corporate sources, and state and federal governments. Federal aid programs include Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study, Stafford Loans, and Perkins Loans. The state of Washington offers State Need Grants, and state work-study program.

Awards to students with need are based on financial information provided on the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Dependent students must complete both the CSS Profile and the FAFSA. Independent students must only submit the FAFSA.

Financial aid awards are made for one academic year. However, if the student is receiving merit-based aid, that aid will be available in successive years. Students who receive need-based aid must reapply in subsequent years to determine their eligibility for all forms of financial aid. Financial aid is available for eight semesters at Whitman or, in the case of students transferring credits to the college, the equivalent of eight semesters when transfer credit and Whitman attendance are combined (regardless of whether or not financial aid was received at the previous institution). For financial aid purposes only, 15 credits is the equivalent of one semester. If a student is unable to earn the necessary credits to complete degree requirements in eight semesters, the student may petition the Admission and Financial Aid Committee for a ninth semester of financial aid (see Residence).

Running Start and Similar Programs

Students who earned credits from Running Start (either Washington’s Running Start or a similar program from another state) will choose one of the following two options: (1) transfer all Running Start credits so as to be enrolled at Whitman at the class level and with the financial aid availability consistent with the number of credits (Running Start and any post-secondary) transferred to the college. Those transferring fewer than 58 credits to Whitman must complete General Studies 145 and 146 in their initial year of enrollment. (2) Transfer no more than 14 Running Start semester credits and be considered first-year students for purposes of financial aid availability if they complete General Studies 145 and 146 (i.e. “Encounters”) during their initial year of enrollment at Whitman (See the Financial Aid Website).

Students must declare to the Registrar whether they plan to choose between option 1 or 2 during their initial registration at Whitman. However, to give students a chance to reconsider their decision in light of their Whitman experience, the choice will not become official until the end of the student’s second semester of coursework. Should a student choose option 2 at this point, he or she will be required to complete General Studies 145 and 146 (i.e. “Encounters”) within his or her next two semesters of enrollment at Whitman.

Filing Deadlines

Students should file a Profile and a FAFSA according to the schedule below. If you are late applying for financial aid, you could be put on a waiting list for scholarship.

CSS Profile (for Whitman Need-Based Scholarship):

  • Early Decision I candidates submitted to CSS by November 15
  • Early Decision II candidates submitted to CSS by January 5
  • Regular admission candidates submitted to CSS by February 1
  • Transfer candidates submitted to CSS by March 1
  • Returning students submitted to CSS by April 15
  • Returning students must complete their financial aid file by May 1, including tax returns. See below.
  • The Profile must be submitted online at www.collegeboard.org.

Whitman’s CSS code is 4951.

FAFSA (for Federal and State Aid):

  • All students should file the FAFSA as soon as their parents (in the case of dependent students) or the student (in the case of an independent student) file the previous year’s tax return — but no later than May 1.
  • The FAFSA should be submitted online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If both the student and at least one parent have a federal PIN, they may use the PINs to sign the form online. Otherwise, the signature and certification page need to be printed out, signed, and submitted to the federal processor.
  • We highly recommend that you use the IRS Data Retrieval tool on the FAFSA. It will automatically populate the income questions with IRS data from your last tax return.

Whitman’s federal code is 003803.

Income Tax Returns:

As part of their application for need-based financial aid, all dependent new and returning students must submit a signed copy of their own tax return and their parents’ tax return and W-2 forms, for the most recent year. Independent students need to submit a signed copy of their tax return and W-2 forms.

Late applications will be considered and additional offers made to late applicants only to the extent that aid funds are available.

Academic Progress Requirements and Financial Aid Probation

Federal and state regulations require that an aid recipient make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward completing his or her degree.  Satisfactory academic progress includes 1.) completing a minimum number of cumulative credits; 2.) maintaining a minimum term and cumulative grade point average; and 3.) completing a degree within a reasonable period of time. 

Please note: These policies govern financial aid and do not have any bearing on your Whitman academic standing as they are separate policies. The College’s catalog has more information on academic requirements.

Satisfactory academic progress for financial aid is reviewed at the end of each semester.  Cumulative credits and cumulative grade point average includes work for the entire time you have attended Whitman College; at the end of each semester, your entire academic history, up to that point, is reviewed.

Minimum Requirements to Remain Eligible for Aid

Minimum Cumulative Credits

Minimum Term GPA

Minimum Cumulative GPA

Complete 66.66% of attempted cumulative credits

1.7 GPA each semester

2.0 cumulative GPA after first semester on campus

Students who fail to meet the College’s academic standards are placed in an academic warning or academic probationary status by the Board of Review.  Academic Warning and Probation are seen as one in the same when it pertains to financial aid.  For that reason, either status warrants automatic placement on financial aid probation. The maximum period of financial aid probation is two consecutive semesters during which time the student will maintain their eligibility for financial aid.  If the student does not resume good standing and/or satisfactory academic progress after two consecutive semesters on financial aid probation, they will lose their eligibility for all financial aid administered by Whitman College.  Students will be notified if they have not maintained satisfactory academic progress.

Minimum Credit Requirement

All students receiving financial aid must complete at least 66.66 percent of the cumulative credits that they attempt each semester, in order to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Note: Recipients of Washington State aid must successfully complete 50% or more of their attempted credits each semester.  Completing less than 50% of attempted credits will trigger immediate suspension of state aid eligibility.  Any less than 100% completion will result in the student being placed in a warning/probationary status for the following term. 

During the warning/probationary period for state aid, the student is expected to complete 100% of attempted credits; if not, suspension of state aid will ensue, with the possibility for appeal.  If approved for an additional semester of state aid probation, the student could receive aid for one more semester, again with the expectation that 100% of attempted credits be completed.  If the student fails to complete 100% of attempted credits in this probationary semester, the student will no longer be eligible to receive state aid.

Minimum Term and Cumulative Grade Point Average

Students must earn a minimum GPA of 1.7 each semester and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 during their second semester at Whitman and subsequently.  Transferred credits, including those received during foreign or domestic off-campus study, do not count in the calculation of the cumulative and term grade point average, but they are included in the calculation of both attempted and completed credits.

Maximum Time Frame

Whitman scholarships are awarded for four years (the equivalent of eight semesters in total). In order for a student to finish his or her degree within the four years, at least 31 credits or more should be finished each year. Transfer students will be eligible to receive institutional scholarships based on the class standing they are assigned upon admission and evaluation by the registrar’s office (i.e., a junior transfer student will have two years of scholarship eligibility).

If a student on Whitman scholarship will not complete their degree requirements within eight semesters and needs additional time to complete the degree, he or she may petition for a ninth semester of Whitman scholarship.  The petition form is available in the financial aid office or on the web at http://www.whitman.edu/content/financial_aid/financial-aid-forms.  The appeal should explain why the degree could not be completed within the time frame allotted and should indicate the amount of additional time needed.  The student must attach documentation from his advisor that substantiates the appeal and indicates the plan to finish the student’s degree successfully.

Students are eligible to receive federal and state financial aid until they have attempted a maximum of 150% of the minimum number of credits required for the degree (186 credits), or completed all the requirements to receive their degree.  Transfer students will be evaluated based on the transfer credits accepted toward the degree and credits attempted at Whitman.  Students with double majors or students who change majors are still held to this maximum time frame requirement. Please note, some federal and state financial aid programs have maximum time limits or funding limits that are not affected by an appeal. For example, the Stafford and Perkins Loan programs have undergraduate aggregate loan limits.

Reinstatement of Eligibility     

Financial Aid Appeal Process

Students who are no longer eligible to receive financial aid after the completion of their financial aid probation semester because of lack of satisfactory academic progress may submit an appeal to the Admission and Financial Aid Committee, care of the financial aid office. We encourage students to submit the appeal as soon as possible; waiting until once the next semester has begun is usually too late for the student to make payment arrangements that include aid.  The appeal consists of two items:

  1. A statement from the student explaining why the degree could not be completed within eight semesters and the courses/credits still needed to graduate,
  2. A letter of support from the student’s academic advisor which corroborates that an academic plan has been made.

If the appeal is denied, the student’s aid will not be reinstated. If the appeal is approved, the student will be granted financial aid on a probationary basis and will be informed what requirements must be met to continue to be eligible for aid.

Failure to Make Satisfactory Academic Progress

Failure After Warning Semester

Failure During Probationary Status

Student is granted one semester of aid eligibility on a probationary status. No special action is required of the student to be granted a warning semester, however, the student should be sure to meet with his or her advisor to assure success during the semester of probation.

Student may appeal by submitting an academic plan for success created with the student’s academic advisor and/or the Academic Resource Center.

Student is ineligible for further aid until he or she can regain eligibility without aid or have an additional appeal granted.

Please note that the Board of Review’s decision to reinstate a student does not mean that a student will once again be eligible for financial aid. The Board of Review’s decisions are distinct and separate from those of the financial aid office.

Regaining Satisfactory Academic Progress Without Benefit of Aid

If a student is still in good standing with the academic affairs office’s educational review board and able to continue his studies at Whitman, but is ineligible for aid, he can raise his cumulative grade point average and/or satisfy credit deficiencies by taking additional course work at Whitman without receiving financial aid.  The usual satisfactory academic progress requirements as listed above must be met at the end of the term without aid in order for aid to be reinstated the following semester. A student who successfully regains satisfactory progress should contact the financial aid office for a review of the student’s progress and the possibility of reinstating aid for the upcoming semester.

A student can only eliminate credit deficiencies - but not grade point average deficiencies - by successfully completing course work at another institution and transferring the credits to Whitman. Transfer credits used to satisfy credit deficiencies cannot be credits that were earned prior to the term in which the student incurred the deficiencies. Students are also encouraged to consult the Office of the Registrar to confirm that the transfer credits will be accepted.  Once the transfer credits have been posted to the student’s academic record at Whitman, the student should contact the financial aid office to have aid reinstated for the upcoming semester.

Financial aid reinstatement awards are based on available funds at the time the appeal is granted; therefore, students might not receive a financial aid award that is consistent with prior years’ awards.

General Whitman Scholarships

Whitman scholarships, awarded by the college (one-half each semester), are gifts which are credited to the recipient’s tuition, room, and board charges. A scholarship is not a loan, and its acceptance places the recipient under no more obligation than that of remaining in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward graduation. A complete statement of the conditions of the offer is included with the offer of a need-based scholarship award.

Other Gift Aid Available

The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Pell Grants, and Washington State Need Grants are gift aid provided by the federal and state governments. All programs are based on financial need, and none require repayment. Unless a recipient’s need changes later in the year, Whitman’s original award of gift aid (Whitman scholarship and/or federal/state grants) is a one-year commitment to that amount of total gift aid. The award may be made before information regarding the applicant’s qualification for gift aid outside the college is known. When the applicant later qualifies for governmental gift aid, such as the SEOG, a Pell Grant, or state need grant, Whitman’s scholarship award will be reduced by the equivalent amount, thereby freeing funds so that more students may be helped.

Loan Opportunities

Several types of loan funds are available through the college. Those, including the Perkins Loan and the Stafford Loan, are regulated by the federal government. Each program has some unique features: The Perkins Loan is a program of borrowing for students who demonstrate a high degree of need. The student has the obligation to repay the loan, after leaving college, at an interest rate of 5 percent and a minimum payment of $50 monthly. The Stafford Loan program may be need-based or non-need-based. Within a 10-year period following college attendance, the student is obligated to repay the loan with a minimum monthly repayment of $50. As of July 1, 2012, new subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans will have a fixed interest rate of 6.8 percent.

Students may borrow alternative loans to help with their educational expenses, when the amount of their financial aid does not meet their required level of funding.

There are several existing alternative loan programs, which may be viewed through a link on Whitman’s financial aid website, www.whitman.edu/content/financial_aid. The interest rates and applicable fees vary, and we suggest that students and parents carefully read the information provided about the loans before making a decision about which loan program to choose. A comparison tool for alternative loans may be found at www.simpletuition.com.

Interest on the loans is the responsibility of the family throughout the life of the loan, but may be deferred along with the principal until the student leaves higher education. The Office of Financial Aid Services welcomes your questions about the alternative loans, and will be happy to assist you with the application process.

Short-term loans are available through the Student Loan Office to meet sudden financial needs confronting students.

Whitman encourages students and their parents to use loan funds wisely. Loans place some responsibility for financing higher education on the student, enabling him or her to receive financial assistance when needed and to pay some of the cost of the education at a time when he or she is better able to do so. Consequently, the college expects to give students reasonable financial help in the form of loans. Students should not exceed the amount they need to meet educational expenses when borrowing. Inquiries are welcome and should be sent to the Office of Financial Aid Services.

Employment Opportunities

All Whitman students who apply for financial aid and have need are offered employment opportunities. The offer of federal work-study opportunity often gives a student priority treatment in acquiring part-time work; however, jobs are not guaranteed. There is considerable competition for the most “desirable” jobs. For a current listing of job opportunities, please visit the Student Engagement Center’s website at www.whitman.edu/content/career_internships/student-jobs.

Named Scholarship Funds

Thanks to the generous support of Whitman alumni and friends, the college awards more than $23 million annually in scholarship assistance to its students. Scholarship funds are provided from both named endowments and annual contributions. Scholarship awards are based on financial need and/or merit. In the fall of each academic year, students are notified of the specific funds from which their scholarships are drawn. Named scholarship funds are listed below:

  • 10th Reunion
  • 25th Reunion
  • 40th Reunion
  • 50th Reunion
  • Terry Abeyta – Hispanic
  • Thomas R. Adkison
  • Judge David H. Allard
  • Mildred Ebrel Allison
  • Alumni Fund
  • William C. and Jessie Robbins Ammon
  • Alexander Jay Anderson
  • Charles E. and Margery B. Anderson
  • Gordon Shaw Anderson
  • Louisa Phelps Anderson
  • William and Jeanie Anderson
  • John Stirlen Applegate – Teaching
  • Frances Jane Ford Baggs – Montana
  • William H. Bailey – Music
  • Baker Boyer Bank
  • Dorsey S. Baker
  • Frances Paine Ball – Art
  • George Hudson Ball
  • Robert S. Ball
  • Robert S. and Julia Sims Ball Family
  • Dorothy Fiala Beaupré – Drama
  • David Beegle – Environmental Studies
  • Peter G. Behr
  • Lilith J. Bell and Nancy Bell Evans – Music
  • Henry Bendix – Music
  • Donald L. and Anne A. Bentley – Math
  • Emma Jo and Wade Bergevin
  • William E. Berney – Drama
  • Augusta W. Betz
  • Jacob Betz
  • Jacob Betz, Jr.
  • Agnes M. Bigelow
  • Russell A. Bigelow
  • Blackburn Sisters
  • Jay W. and Gladys Blair
  • Grant S. and Etta S. Bond – Washington
  • E. Herbert Botsford
  • Boyce Family – Premedical
  • Arthur Boyer
  • Stephen J. Boyles
  • Emma Jane Kirsch Brattain – Music
  • Robert Bratton – Olympia High School
  • Robert H. and Mary Reed Brome – Senior Women
  • Lorraine G. Bronson
  • James A. and Mary Ellen Gowing Broughton – Music
  • John S. Browning, Sr.
  • Robert and Lynn Brunton Family
  • Emory Bundy
  • Adam M. Burgener
  • Burgess Family – Minority Students
  • Robert B. Burgess
  • Thomas Burke
  • Burlington Northern
  • Byerley International Students
  • Barbara Hanley Campbell–Roosevelt High School
  • Richard L. and Alan K. Campbell
  • Dr. Thomas M. Campbell
  • Hugh S. Cannon Foundation
  • Cecil V. and Helen R. Carpenter
  • Forrest C. and Willena Long Cation
  • Iva I. Cauvel – Women
  • Loretta M. Caven – First-Year/Sophomore
  • Wayne Chastain
  • Ben B. Cheney Foundation
  • Joseph Chulick Jr. – Music
  • Susan E. Clark
  • William S. and Ella S. Clark – Washington/Oregon/Idaho
  • Class of 1926
  • Class of 1930
  • Class of 1945 War Years
  • Class of 1949
  • Class of 1951
  • Class of 1953
  • Class of 1958
  • Class of 1959 – Centennial
  • Class of 1961
  • Class of 1962
  • Class of 1964 – Middle Income
  • Class of 1968
  • Class of 1969
  • Class of 1970 – Junior/Senior
  • Class of 1981
  • Class of 1983 – Study Abroad
  • Class of 1988 – Senior
  • Richard H. Clem
  • Richard H. Clem and Arthur Metastasio
  • Clarence and Lois C. Cleman
  • Maurine Clow – Montana
  • John P. Clulow
  • Helen M. Cole and Marie DuBois
  • J.M. Coleman
  • John Cyril and Mary Alexander Coleman
  • Wayne A. and Eileen Cummins Collier
  • Comstock Scholars
  • Connell Family
  • Vern Conrad – Music
  • Cordes Family – Music
  • Jean Cordiner
  • Elmer G. and Ethel H. Cornwell – S.E. Washington
  • Pauline Corthell
  • Cottle Family
  • Steve S. Cover
  • Frederick R. Cowley
  • Susan Dee Cox
  • G. Dudley and Lois Dambacher
  • Damon Family – English/History
  • J. Leland Daniel
  • John M. Davis – Pre-Engineering
  • Ann Longton Day
  • David M. Deal
  • Bill Deshler
  • Deshler Family
  • Kenneth A. and Elizabeth Dick Award – Idaho
  • Ethel Means Dickson
  • Daniel J. Donno and Elizabeth Story Donno
  • Arthur F. Douglas
  • William O. Douglas – Valedictorian
  • Frederick Dudgeon
  • Harold E. Dupar, Jr. – Foreign Students
  • Kim Dupuis
  • Edward Eben
  • Richard S.F. Eells
  • Thomas H. Elliott
  • Gary R. Esarey
  • Myrtle E. Falk
  • Edward L. Farnsworth – Wilbur, Washington Area
  • Milton W. and Lucile E. Field – Teaching
  • John Freeman Fike – Bellevue High School
  • First Opportunity
  • John J. Fisher
  • Floyd W. Fitzpatrick – Walla Walla Area
  • Fitzpatrick Family
  • Ben Flathers
  • Harold and Annaliese Fleharty
  • Forbes-Jacobs – History
  • Nancy Morrison Frasco
  • David W. Gaiser – Premedical
  • Fay and Mary Garner
  • Robert E. Gardner
  • Kenneth E. and Vivian C. Garner
  • Paul Garrett
  • William H. Gates, Sr.
  • Ralph Gibbons
  • Gary and Cheryl Gibson
  • Michael and Susan Gillespie – Science/Premed
  • Lionel C. and Dorothy H. Gilmour
  • Gordon E. Glover
  • Dr. Harry B. and Gertrude Goodspeed
  • Roy Goodwin
  • Elmina E. Graham
  • Robert W. Graham
  • John Gravenslund
  • George H. Grebe – Portland
  • Paul R. Green
  • Dr. Albert Wright Greenwell – Premedical
  • William E. and Harriet A. Grimshaw – Medicine/Law
  • Leland B. Groezinger, Jr. – Economics
  • Mixail Petrovich Gromov – Foreign Language Students
  • John J. and Stella A. Gurian
  • La Verne Mansfield Hagan and Paul Hagan
  • Edwin T. Hanford
  • Hansen Family
  • Julia Crawford Harris – Music
  • Haruda Science Scholars
  • Jeannette Hayner – First-year Female
  • Hearst Foundation
  • Carroll and June Heath
  • Irma Grace Kester Henderson and Chester G. Henderson
  • Margaretta Herbert
  • Mary Olive Evans Higley
  • Mary Olive Evans Higley – Music
  • Ida Belle Martin Hoegh
  • Harold F. and Olga Johnson Holcombe
  • Thomas Howells
  • James Fee Huey – Washington
  • Richard and Dorothy Hundley – Music
  • Harrison Harden Hungate
  • Bradley J. Hunt – Merit
  • Hunter International
  • Vie Illona Hopkins Husted – Music
  • Bonnie Jean Hyre – Music
  • Harold and Gertrude Jackson – Study Abroad
  • Robert W. Jamison – Premedical
  • Richard and Alvia S. Jansen
  • Arthur Payne Jaycox
  • Sarah Delaney Jenkins
  • Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Jean Jaycox Jones
  • Nettie Langdon Jones
  • Keane Family
  • Isabelle Welty Keith
  • Carleton H. and Carolyn M. Kelley – Washington
  • John G. Kelly
  • John G. and Martha M. Kelly
  • David D. and Maureen E. Kennedy
  • Mohammed Nasir Khan – International
  • Judd D. Kimball
  • Snyder and Ingrid King
  • Margaret Gentry Kirk
  • Margaret Bradford Kittel – Art/History
  • Rodney Phelps Kittel – Music/Physics
  • Marion Klobucher – Teaching
  • Virginia Lee Knight
  • Ralph and Vivian Knudsen
  • Amy Jane Reichert Ladley – Kappa Kappa Gamma
  • Gerald DeRoss Ladley – Sophomore
  • James Lamar
  • Lange Community College Spark
  • Henry G. Laun
  • Grace Lazerson
  • Cynthia Ann Lechner
  • Marion LeFevre – Foreign Language
  • Mary Emily Winters Legge
  • Miriam Edwards LeRoux – Music
  • Ferdinand Libenow – American Indian
  • Robert C. Lile
  • Iris Myers Little and Agnes Little
  • George Solomon and Thomas Livengood
  • Fred P. and Miriam Lincoln Loomis
  • Harry C. Luft – Colville, Washington
  • Tristram S. Lundquist – Sophomore/Junior
  • Bertha C. MacDougall – Voice
  • Angeline M. Malloy – Music
  • William Mantz
  • H. Archie and Christina Marshall
  • Ann Inman Martin – Idaho
  • C.W. “Bill” Martin, Sr.
  • Suzanne L. Martin
  • Stephen H. Mathews
  • Nancy Ellis Mathiasen – Women
  • Chester C. Maxey – Beta Theta Pi
  • Gertrude Maxwell – Junior/Senior
  • Mary Elizabeth Cottrell May and Michael May
  • Ruth C. McBirney
  • Helen Lanier McCown and William Lanier McCown – Prelaw
  • Edna McEachern – Music
  • McFadden Family – Merit/Science/Math
  • McKay Clise Family
  • McMurchie Family
  • Russell F. and Margaret Gibbs McNeill
  • McNellis Family
  • William and Loran Meidinger
  • Memorial Scholarship
  • Annie Carter and Albert Metcalf
  • Roland E. Miller – Music
  • Russell T. Miller
  • Sandra Miner, M.D.
  • W.L. and Dorothy Minnick
  • Frank G. and Sally Taylor Mitchell
  • Laura M. and Orla L. Moody
  • Robert L. and Elsie P. Moore
  • Joseph O. Mount
  • Kit Sheehan Muller
  • L.T. Murray Foundation
  • Charles and Patricia Nelson/Great-West Life – Colorado/Washington/Oregon
  • Nontraditional Student
  • Northrup Family
  • Edward R. and Dorothy J. O’Brien
  • William L. and Kathryn Williams O’Brien – Science and Economics
  • Paul O’Reilly
  • Harold Ottesen
  • Frances Penrose Owen
  • Edward A. Paddock – Idaho
  • Roy Ross Painter
  • Parents Fund
  • Parents Fund – Diversity
  • Ida S. Parkinson
  • Elizabeth Jones Parry – Music
  • B.F. Parsons
  • Mildred H. Patterson – Utah
  • Robert Patterson – Sociology
  • Sara Lloyd Pekarsky and Abraham L. Pekarsky
  • Sara Lloyd Pekarsky and Abraham L. Pekarsky – Jewish Students
  • Mary S. Penrose
  • J. Logan and Ivy Wadsworth Peringer – First-year
  • Joseph Hartshorn Perry
  • Howard S. Pfirman
  • Phi Delta Theta
  • Phi Delta Theta – honoring Fred Wilson
  • Grace F. and Andrew J. Phillips – Olympia High School
  • Grace Farnsworth Phillips
  • Phillips, Wade, and Cronin
  • Harold Allen Piper – Economics
  • NaShuntae Pleasant-Miles – Special Needs
  • Wallace M. Pollard
  • Estelle Powell
  • Helen Tower and Helen Torrey Pratt
  • Burrill L. Preston, Jr.
  • John P. Privat
  • Puget Sound First Generation
  • Dr. William E. and Lorraine Purnell
  • Arthur L. Raaberg
  • Rachel Kester Rall – Female/Arts or Humanities
  • Emelia and Freeman Ramsey – Music
  • John T. Ramstedt
  • Yvonne Ravasse
  • Reader’s Digest Foundation
  • Homer Reed
  • Pete and Hedda Reid
  • Esther Bienfang Richardson and Rosella Woodward Richardson – Piano
  • Stephen L. Riddell
  • Mary Ann Moren Ringgold – Music
  • Victor and Nora Robart
  • Charles W. Rosenberry II
  • Rotary Club of Walla Walla
  • Orrin Sage
  • Catherine, Matilda, and Elizabeth Sager
  • Salzman-Medica – Speech and Debate
  • Bessie Sandon
  • Fredric F. Santler
  • Kenneth and Martha Philips Schilling – Vocal Music
  • Marie Schmidt
  • David and Alma Schoessler
  • Sigmund and Rose Schwabacher
  • John M. Scott
  • Gordon Scribner
  • Security Pacific Bank
  • Esther and Delbert Shannon – Yakima/Prosser
  • Donald Sheehan
  • Harold L. and Helen M. Shepherd
  • Cameron and Marion Sherwood – Politics
  • Claire Sherwood – Women
  • Donald and Virginia K. Sherwood
  • Gene Kelly Sherwood
  • Anna Ennis and Walter Guest Shuham
  • Robert and Nadine Skotheim
  • Emma A. Smith
  • J. Malcolm “Mac” Smith – Political Science
  • Scott Bradford Smith – Study Abroad
  • Ralph Waldo and Aimee Snyder – Business
  • Soukup Family
  • Marilyn Sparks – Theatre
  • Eliza Hart Spaulding
  • Spokane Area Ashlock Scholarship
  • Jane C. Staats
  • Charles F. and Elizabeth Greenwell Stafford – Prelaw
  • Marjorie Haddon Stansfield
  • Agnes C. Steere and David C. Campbell – Music
  • Barbara Holmes Stevens
  • David Stevens – Economics
  • Mary J. Stewart
  • Samuel and Althea Stroum
  • George II and Myrtle Bond Struthers
  • Elbridge and Mary Stuart – Washington/Oregon/Idaho
  • Richard K. Stuart
  • Joseph L. Stubblefield Trust
  • W. Price and Ruth S. Sullivan – Junior/Senior
  • Norm and Lynn Swick – Special Needs
  • Sumio and Mii Tai
  • Edmund Taylor
  • Lucille M. Thomas
  • Frank and Lillian Thompson – Teaching
  • 3-2 Engineering
  • Agnes Stephanson Tibbits – Women
  • Winton A. Ticknor
  • Ed and Rosa Viola Tucker – First-year
  • Sherrel Tucker
  • Robert Tugman
  • Guy M. Underwood
  • Nathaniel W. and Bessie O. Usher – Washington
  • Dean and Esther Vail
  • William E. Wadsworth – First-year
  • Marjorie E. Ward
  • James Prentice Warner and John Leigh
  • J. Walter and Katherine H. Weingart
  • Carrie Welch Trust
  • Dr. Robert Welty and Eva Roberson
  • Mary F. and Sarah Wheeler
  • Velma Harris Whitlock
  • Whitman Alumni Association
  • Robert L. Whitner – History
  • Eunice V. Wiemer
  • Jean D. Wilkinson – Minority Students
  • June Wilson Williams – Music
  • Robert Jack Williams – Music
  • A.D. Wilson
  • Ron Witten
  • Hans and Elizabeth Wolf Foundation
  • Edna Mae and Clare Woodward
  • George Woodward – Mathematics
  • Dexter K. Yamada – Chemistry
  • Robert and Jacqueline Young
  • Augusta Wilsen Betz and Katharina Betz Zimmerman
  • Carroll L. Zimmerman – Science
  • Bertha H. Zoellner

Special Scholarship Programs

Alexander J. Anderson Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to entering students who have achieved high academic excellence in their college preparatory work. These awards for the current year are $10,500 and are renewable for four years. Students who receive need-based financial aid will be awarded the Alexander J. Anderson Scholarship as part of their need-based financial aid package. Those students who do not demonstrate need will receive the Alexander J. Anderson Scholarship and any other merit-based scholarships for which they qualify. All applicants for admission are considered for the scholarship. The award is based upon a calculation of grade-point average, SAT or ACT scores, and subjective criteria.

Walter Brattain Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to entering students who have achieved high academic excellence in their college preparatory work. These awards for the current year are $12,500 and are renewable for four years. Students who receive need-based financial aid will be awarded the Walter Brattain Scholarship as part of their need-based financial aid package. Those students who do not demonstrate need will receive the Walter Brattain Scholarship and any other merit-based scholarships for which they qualify. All applicants for admission are considered for the scholarship. The award is based upon a calculation of grade-point average, SAT or ACT scores, and subjective criteria.

Campbell Music Scholarships are awarded to a select group of entering students in recognition of exceptional musical talent and achievement from the proceeds of the Agnes C. Steere Trust. The general purpose of this scholarship program is to recognize students who will contribute to the excellence of the Whitman music community. More specifically, the Campbell Music Scholars will contribute through the study of the instrument or voice on which they have successfully auditioned and through performance in the appropriate college ensemble, chamber orchestra, choir, or band. The minimum scholarship award is $500 annually; the maximum is $2,000 annually.

The Paul Garrett Scholarships for Men are supported by the $3 million Paul Garrett Whitman College Trust, which also provides for admission recruitment in areas removed from Washington, for travel of scholarship candidates to the college, and for a trip for the Paul Garrett scholars to New York City to visit financial and business centers. Students who do not demonstrate need will receive a $4,000 scholarship. Both the merit-based and need-based awards are renewable for a total of eight semesters, including semesters transferred from other colleges and universities. Students who have demonstrated need will receive 100 percent of their need in gift aid, which may include federal or state grants as well as the Paul Garrett Scholarship. Scholars are those “whose personal qualities and records of achievement hold promise that they will assume roles of constructive leadership in business and industry in their mature lives.” Awards are not limited to those ready to declare vocational aims, but it is hoped that there will be a significant number of Paul Garrett Scholars who will later emerge as responsible leaders of business and industry. Paul Garrett ’13 was vice president and director of public relations for General Motors Corporation.

Lomen-Douglas Scholarships are awarded to selected applicants from backgrounds that are underrepresented at Whitman College. The scholarship (combined with other scholarship and grant aid) is in an amount designed to advantage the applicant.

Pearson Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to entering students who have achieved high academic excellence in their college preparatory work. These awards for the current year are $7,000, and are renewable for four years. Students who receive need-based financial aid will be awarded the Pearson Scholarship as part of their need-based financial aid package. Those students who do not demonstrate need will receive the Pearson Scholarship and any other merit-based scholarships for which they qualify. All applicants for admission are considered for the scholarship. The award is based upon a calculation of grade-point average, SAT or ACT scores, and subjective criteria.

Stephen B.L. Penrose Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to entering students who have achieved high academic excellence in their college preparatory work. These awards for the current year are $8,500, and are renewable for four years. Students who receive need-based financial aid will be awarded the Stephen B.L. Penrose Scholarship as part of their need-based financial aid package. Those students who do not demonstrate need will receive the Stephen B.L. Penrose Scholarship and any other merit-based scholarships for which they qualify. All applicants for admission are considered for the scholarship. The award is based upon a calculation of grade-point average, SAT or ACT scores, and subjective criteria.

National Merit Scholarships are awarded to selected National Merit finalists with Whitman as the sponsoring organization. The college awards $1,000, plus any merit-based scholarship the student is eligible for, to students who do not apply for, or who do not qualify for need-based scholarship. Students who demonstrate need will receive an additional $2,000 in National Merit Scholarship.

President’s Scholarships are awarded to entering students in recognition of exceptional talent. Students may qualify for a President’s Scholarship in any of the following talent categories: academic, art, debate, or drama. Scholarships in the program meet all of the student’s demonstrated need when combined with other scholarships or grants from any other sources and vary from $4,000 to the amount of demonstrated need. President’s Scholarships for students without need will be $4,000.

The Claire Sherwood Memorial Scholarships for Women were established in the memory of Claire Sherwood by her parents, Donald and Virginia Sherwood. Recipients of these scholarships are outstanding women students who are both deserving and needy. Women students without demonstrated financial need will be awarded $4,000. Students who have demonstrated need will receive 100 percent of their need in gift aid, which may include federal or state grants as well as the Claire Sherwood Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is renewable for a total of eight semesters, including semesters transferred from other colleges and universities. Claire Sherwood Scholars, like Paul Garrett Scholars, visit New York for a career enrichment experience. Their expenses for the trip are paid by the scholarship program.

Student Awards

  • Abshire Research Scholar Award
  • Bates Foundation Award – Wind Ensemble
  • Sheila Berger Prize in 3-2 Engineering
  • Borleske Athletic Trophy
  • Mignon Borleske Athletic Trophy for Women
  • J. Stanley Brode Memorial Biological Life Study Award
  • David Campbell Award for Outstanding Senior Recitalist
  • Connie Jill Carlstrom Endowed Award in Japanese Studies
  • Cherry Production Awards
  • Ely Chertok Award in Sociology
  • Class of 1986 Minority Student Award
  • Edith Blackman Merrell Davis Award
  • Delta Gamma/Hattie Fry Greek Leadership Award
  • Russell J. DeRemer Award for Outstanding Involvement in Student Affairs
  • Dovell-Gose Speech Awards
  • Adam Dublin Award for the Study of Global Multiculturalism
  • Myron Eells Prize in Northwest History
  • Executive Council Award for Outstanding Contribution to ASWC
  • Robert Y. Fluno Award in Politics
  • Robert W. Graham Award for Excellence in Student Leadership
  • Gunsul Holmes One-Act Play
  • Ivar Highberg Award – Physics
  • Mary Highberg Award – Music
  • Robert R. Hosokawa Awards for Journalism Excellence
  • Bradley J. Hunt Memorial Award – Theatre
  • Hurlow Family – Environmental Studies
  • Paul J. Jackson Award for Excellence in Literary Study
  • Norman Klockman Award
  • Cynthia Ann Lechner Biology Prize
  • Brandon Bruce Lee Drama Awards
  • Dr. Albert Ripley Leeds Memorial Prize in Geology
  • Eugene Marx Service Award
  • Chester C. Maxey Prize in Politics
  • Guthrie McClintic Drama Award
  • McConn Awards – Theatre
  • Jan Mejer Award for Best Essay in Environmental Studies
  • David Nord Award in Gay and Lesbian Issues
  • Robert Norton Science Research Awards
  • Louis B. Perry Student Art Awards
  • Louis B. Perry Summer Research Awards
  • Laurie Pitts Stage Manager Award
  • Genevieve Rasmussen Service Award
  • Ronald V. Sires – Robert L. Whitner History Award
  • Jim Soden Student-Faculty Research Award
  • William W. Soper Prize in Philosophy
  • Jean Morgan Stone Award – Theatre
  • Arthur Belden Watts – Student Research
  • James Albert and Bertha May Steers Winston Debate Award
  • Jonathan Woodward Work Memorial Award
  • Wynn/Vernazza Award – Music

The Abshire Research Scholar Award is awarded annually to professors and students having a need for assistance for research in their scholarly pursuits. They are selected by the ASID committee on the basis of merit.

The Bates Foundation Award was established in 2003 by Patricia Bates Mattingley ’70 for the purpose of providing assistance to senior Wind Ensemble members who display strong leadership skills.

The J. Stanley Brode Memorial Biological Life Study Award was established by Mrs. J. Stanley Brode in memory of her husband. This fund aids a student for a summer scholarship in biology.

The Connie Jill Carlstrom Endowed Award in Japanese Studies is awarded to a promising student of Japanese language and culture with an interest in pursuing a career or graduate studies in some aspect of relations between Japan and the United States.

The Ely Chertok Award in Sociology was established in 1985 by friends and students of Professor Chertok. This award is made annually to a senior sociology major who has written a thesis which best demonstrates careful scholarship in pursuit of answers to general questions about the nature of man in society.

The Class of 1986 Minority Student Award is presented to a student in the late fall on the basis of demonstrated leadership and active involvement at Whitman or in high school, and financial need.

The Dovell-Gose Prizes, established in memory of William Thomas Dovell, Class of 1888, and Christopher Columbus Gose, Class of 1886, are awarded upon the basis of persuasive speaking contests held once during the academic year.

The Adam Dublin Award for the Study of Global Multiculturalism provides research stipends to qualifying faculty and student teams doing scholarly or creative work on issues concerning multiculturalism in the United States or abroad. This endowment was established in 2003 by Trustee Kari Glover ’72 and her husband, Thaddas Alston, in memory of Adam Dublin ’96 and his commitment to raising awareness of diversity.

The Robert Y. Fluno Award is given annually to the author of the most outstanding student paper in the fields of political science and government. The endowment for this award was established by admiring former students of Professor Fluno.

The Gunsul Holmes One-Act Play Endowment provides support for the annual One-Act Play competition, including prize money to reward imagination and encourage creativity in the entries.

The Robert R. Hosokawa Awards for Journalism Excellence are given annually for distinguished student journalism in The Pioneer. Established by David and Beverly Hosokawa and the Hosokawa Family Foundation, this award honors Robert Hosokawa ’40 who wrote for The Pioneer and Clock Tower and earned his tuition as director of the Whitman news bureau while at Whitman. Mr. Hosokawa went on to work as a reporter and editor on several papers in the Midwest and in New York.

The Paul J. Jackson Award for Excellence in Literary Study is made to the student who, during the course of the academic year, writes the best paper in a class given by any of the departments of literature and language.

The Cynthia Ann Lechner Biology Prize is awarded to an outstanding senior biology major as selected by the department of biology faculty, when it is deemed appropriate.

Brandon Bruce Lee Drama Awards and Internships provide financial assistance for outstanding students with a strong interest in drama at Whitman College. The Internship Award provides funds to grant stipends to students who otherwise would not be compensated for worthy drama internship experiences.

The Dr. Albert Ripley Leeds Memorial Prize in Geology is awarded each year to recognize one or more students with outstanding potential in the geological sciences. The prize was established by his daughter, Mrs. Warren Sheble, and other family members.

The Chester C. Maxey Award is presented to a worthy student who has attained distinction in the study of political science.

The Guthrie McClintic Drama Award is given each year to the male student in the college who has given the best dramatic performance of the year.

The David Nord Award in Gay and Lesbian Issues is awarded to a student, faculty member, or student/faculty team to address contemporary issues facing the gay and lesbian community through a variety of creative and scholarly mediums.

The Robert Norton Science Research Award provides support for students working closely with faculty to conduct research in the sciences.

The Louis B. Perry Student Art Awards present a first, second, and third prize to students entering work in the Winter Student Art Salon at Sheehan Gallery. A selection committee shall judge student artwork.

The Louis B. Perry Summer Research Awards were established to honor Louis B. Perry, eighth President of Whitman College, for his continuing leadership in the Whitman community. The purpose of the award is to encourage faculty to recruit Whitman College students to join them as collaborators in their professional scholarship.

The Sires-Whitner Prize in History is awarded annually to the outstanding senior history major as chosen by the faculty of the department of history.

The William W. Soper Prize in Philosophy was established by friends and family of Professor Soper in 1987. This award is made to the most outstanding senior philosophy major, to be selected by the faculty in the department.

The Arthur Belden Watts Student Research Fund supports biology or geology students. Art Watts was a member of the Class of 1975 who made a career as a development and exploration geophysicist. His friends and family established this award in his memory.

The Jonathan Woodward Work Memorial Endowment is awarded to a student to support his/her activities in enhancing and furthering the preservation and restoration of natural habitats.