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.

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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:

The Department of Theater and Dance invites all students with an interest in theater and/or dance to apply for the President’s Scholarship in Theater. You can explore the application requirements on the department website (linked). We will be accepting materials for consideration in the areas of:
  • Acting
  • Dance
  • Design
  • Dramaturgy
  • Playwriting
  • Directing
  • Stage Management
  • Technical Theater
  • Production or Theater Management
  • Educational 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 $2,000 annual National Merit Scholarship from Whitman if you are admitted.