You will automatically be considered for several merit-based academic scholarships once you apply to Whitman. We offer additional scholarships to students who have demonstrated excellence in music, theater and dance, art, or debate.

Yet another avenue for earning merit aid at Whitman is through our partnership with RaiseMe, a micro-scholarship platform through which we reward students for academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.

Ways to Connect with Whitman Now

General Merit-Based Academic Scholarships

When you apply to Whitman, you will automatically be considered for the following merit scholarships. No additional application is necessary.

Whitman awards four-year renewable merit-based scholarships of up to $25,000 to entering students who have excelled academically.

Once you are awarded 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 on campus throughout the school year for socials, networking receptions, roundtable discussions, national grant and fellowship information sessions, and other events. In addition, over spring break of junior year, Garrett-Sherwood Scholars travel to New York City for a career exploration and networking trip. There, they have a chance to 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, or any weekend of their choice.

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

President's and Talent-Based Scholarships

Whitman offers scholarships in music, theatre arts, visual art and debate. These talent-based awards require an additional application and may require an on-campus or video audition.

After submitting your application through the Common App, log-in to Whitman's applicant portal to apply for these scholarships.

The President's Scholarships meet all of the student's demonstrated financial need when combined with scholarships or grants from all other sources, which can amount to the full cost of tuition, housing and other fees for the given year.

Learn more about individual requirements below:

Whitman College invites all students with an interest in theater and/or dance to apply for the President’s Scholarship in Theater and Dance. The department recognizes that not all incoming Whitman students have had equal access or opportunities to develop skills and experience in theater and dance prior to coming to Whitman.   Students who apply should demonstrate a strong commitment to making a contribution to the Theater and Dance department during their entire time at Whitman College. BIPOC, LGBTQ, and first-generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Students receiving the President’s Scholarships are expected to be active contributors to the department by participating in at least one production in the Harper Joy Theater during each semester they are enrolled as a Whitman student. By the end of their second year at Whitman, students who have received the President’s Scholarship should have worked in at least two different areas of theatre and dance such as acting, design, dance, dramaturgy, playwrighting, directing, stage management, technical theatre, production/ theater management, educational outreach, or marketing. During their junior and senior years at Whitman, students who have received the President’s Scholarships are expected to take on department leadership roles, as well as mentor newer students in the Theater and Dance Department.  Recipients of the Theater Scholarship will be reviewed at the end of each academic year by the Theater and Dance faculty to ensure they are meeting the terms and requirements of their scholarship. 

President’s Scholarships are awarded to entering students in recognition of exceptional talent, commitment, and/or potential in the areas of theater and dance. The scholarship meets all of the student’s demonstrated financial need when combined with scholarships or grants from any other sources up to $60,000 per year, depending on available funds. Precise scholarship amounts will be listed in the student’s Financial Aid Award letter. Financial need is determined annually by the Office of Financial Aid Services using data from both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.

Online applications are due by 5:00 p.m., PST on Monday, January 25, 2021.

We will be accepting materials for consideration in the areas of;

  • Acting
  • Dance
  • Dramaturgy
  • Playwrighting
  • Directing
  • Stage Management
  • Design and Technical Theatre
  • Production Management or Theater Management
  • Arts Education Outreach
  • Marketing for Theater and Dance

Details about scholarship requirements are also available in the applicant portal.

President's Scholarship in Theater Arts: All applications are due by 5:00 p.m., PST, on Monday January 25, 2021. Apply here!

Learn more about the application requirements on the department website.

If you have exceptional talent, experience and demonstrated skill in art and intend to at least minor in art, we invite you to apply for a President's Scholarship in Fine Arts. This application requires a 10-piece portfolio of your artwork and a brief artist's statement. The portfolio may cover multiple media. Details about scholarship requirements are available in the applicant portal.

President's Scholarship in Fine Arts: All applications are due by 5:00 p.m., PST, on January 29, 2021. Apply here.

Scholarships are awarded to entering students in recognition of exceptional talent and experience in debate. You can explore more about Whitman debate program on the department website. Details about scholarship requirements are available in the applicant portal.

President’s Scholarship in Debate: All applications are due by 5:00pm, PST on Friday, January 29, 2021. Apply here!

Whitman College invites you to audition for the Music Talent Scholarships. Regardless of potential major, music talent scholarships are awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding musical talent. Learn more about the music scholarship application on the department website. Auditions are offered for voice, piano and organ, and all orchestral instruments. Students receiving a music scholarship must be enrolled in one of our major ensembles. Details about scholarship requirements are also available in the applicant portal. 

For students applying Early Decision I or II: We will not be holding on-campus auditions at this time. Deadline for Early Decision I: November 15, 2020. Deadline for Early Decision II: January 15, 2021. Apply here!

For students applying Regular Decision: We will not be holding on-campus auditions at this time. Deadline: January 30, 2021. Apply here!

National Merit Scholarships

If you are a National Merit finalist and you notify the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by May 1 that Whitman is your first-choice college, you will receive a National Merit Scholarship from Whitman if you are admitted. National Merit finalists who qualify for need-based aid will receive a $2,000 annual scholarship; students that don't qualify for need-based aid will receive a $1,000 annual scholarship.