Merit & Talent Scholarships

Whitman awards four-year renewable merit-based scholarships of up to $30,000 to applicants who have excelled academically.

Once you are offered a merit scholarship you will continue to receive the same merit award during each of your four years at Whitman. If you are enrolled less than full-time in any year, your scholarship amount will prorated based on the number of credits you take.

The Garrett-Sherwood Scholarships are awarded by Whitman to exceptional applicants who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, leadership and contributions to their schools and communities.

While at Whitman, Garrett-Sherwood Scholars meet regularly for socials, networking receptions, roundtable discussions, national grant and fellowship information sessions, and other events. In addition, Garrett-Sherwood Scholars travel to New York City for a career exploration and networking trip. There, they meet local alumni who are leaders in finance, business, media, culture and government and can assist the scholars in making contacts in their potential career fields.

Garret-Sherwood Scholars are also invited to campus to visit at Whitman's expense during the weekend of Admitted Students Day.

This scholarship is awarded to an entering student who has financial need and demonstrates high academic achievement and talent in the fine arts, performing arts or humanities. The Eells Scholarship covers tuition and fees for four years and includes a research grant.

Students with a passion and intent to study art are invited to apply for the Fine Arts Talent Scholarship.

This application requires a 10-piece portfolio and a brief artist’s statement about the students’ art background and future plans in studio art. Portfolios may include multiple media and should include samples that show strong concepts, an understanding of contemporary art and a sense of your personal voice. 

Fine Arts Talent Scholarship Expectations

Throughout their time at Whitman, recipients must major or minor in Art and maintain a departmental GPA of 3.0.

Apply through the applicant portal! After submitting the Whitman admission application, the Talent Scholarship applications will be listed in the applicant portal.

Students with an interest and commitment to music are invited to apply and audition for the Music Talent Scholarship.

In person and virtual auditions are offered for brass, percussion, piano, strings, voice, wind, and all orchestral instruments. Ideally, each audition should include two contrasting examples.

Music Talent Scholarship Expectations

Throughout their time at Whitman, students receiving a music scholarship must be enrolled in one of our designated musical ensembles, which include Chorale, Collaborative Piano, Jazz I or II, Orchestra, or Wind Ensemble. Students are also encouraged to take Music courses to further develop their skills

Apply through the applicant portal! After submitting the Whitman admission application, the Talent Scholarship applications will be listed in the applicant portal.

Students who enjoy lively discussions are invited to apply for the Debate and Forensic Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes talent in debate, forensics, and related events including Mock Trial, Student Congress and Model United Nations—regardless of experience level. 

The scholarship application requires a letter describing the student’s experience in speech and debate, a letter of recommendation from a debate coach, an example of work in debate and a brief statement on their interest in debate and forensics at Whitman.

Debate and Forensics Talent Scholarship Expectations

Throughout their time at Whitman, recipients must participate in Whitman’s Debate and Forensics team. Once students begin to develop their skills, they will begin mentoring each other and sharing useful tips. This is important in ensuring new students have a strong social support network.

As part of the Debate and Forensic team, scholarship recipients will represent Whitman at competitions, plan campus wide debate events, host public debates and volunteer in the Walla Walla community.

Apply through the applicant portal! After submitting the Whitman admission application, the Talent Scholarship applications will be listed in the applicant portal.

Students aspiring to be on stage or behind the scenes are invited to apply, audition and interview for the Theater and Dance Talent Scholarship.

Areas of consideration include acting, dance, design, dramaturgy, playwriting, directing, stage management, technical theater, production or theater management, educational outreach, and marketing for theater and dance.

For information regarding the audition or interview procedure contact the Theater and Dance Department at 509-527-5279.

Theater and Dance Talent Scholarship Expectations

While at Whitman, recipients are expected to major or minor in Theater and Dance and participate in at least one production of the Harper Joy Theater each semester. By the end of their second year, recipients must have worked in at least two different areas of theater and dance such as acting, design, dance, dramaturgy, playwriting, directing, stage management, technical theater, production/ theater management, educational outreach, or marketing. During their junior and senior years, recipients are expected to take on leadership roles, as well as mentor newer students in the Theater and Dance Department.

Apply through the applicant portal! After submitting the Whitman admission application, the Talent Scholarship applications will be listed in the applicant portal.