Scholarships
What types of scholarships does Calvin offer?
Academic scholarships: Academic scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000. Consideration is automatic based on the student's admission application (including personal statement), GPA and test scores.
Diversity awards: In order to advance the diversity of the student body at Calvin, these awards are given to new students who come from culturally diverse backgrounds as reflected in their admission application, including the personal statement.
Music scholarships: Scholarships of $250 to $5,500 are available for students who participate in music. Applications are due in January; auditions are held in February.
Additional scholarships: Over 900 named and departmental scholarships are awarded to incoming and returning students based on specific eligibility requirements. Some of these scholarships require a separate letter of application.
How does Calvin determine scholarships?
Incoming students are selected for Calvin's renewable, academic scholarships based on a careful review of the following information:
Returning students' academic scholarships are renewable for up to four additional years if they meet the necessary criteria. Returning students may also apply for additional scholarships using the Upper Class Named Scholarship link in KnightVision (under Resources).
- GPA, academic transcripts and class rank
- scores from standardized tests (either ACT or SAT)
- admission application, including the personal statement
- New students may also apply for named and departmental scholarships, which are based on specific eligibility requirements and require a separate letter of application.
When are scholarships awarded?
The scholarship committee begins its selection process in November and continues to award Presidential, Dean's, Faculty Honors, Honors and Knollcrest scholarships to newly admitted students on a rolling basis. The National Merit, Trustee, music, named and departmental scholarships are awarded in February to new students.
For maximum consideration for all scholarships, applicants should be admitted to Calvin by February 1.
Returning students may begin applying for Upper Class Named Scholarships using the link in KnightVision (under Resources) in January; applications for these scholarships are due March 1.
How do I renew my Calvin scholarship?
All Calvin academic scholarships and diversity awards are renewable for up to four years if the recipient meets the renewal criteria. In most cases, this means the student must maintain the cumulative grade point average required. Get more information on these scholarships »
The Calvin National Merit Scholarship is available for up to four years as long as the recipient is continuously enrolled and making satisfactory academic progress at Calvin. National Merit Scholars are considered for a fifth year scholarship based on their cumulative grade point average.
Returning students should apply for Upper Class Named Scholarships every year using the link in KnightVision (under Resources) by March 1. Departmental scholarship information is available on each department's web site.
Can scholarship amounts change?
Students who significantly exceed the renewal criteria of their original academic scholarship have the opportunity to receive additional academic achievement awards as shown below. This applies only to students who entered Calvin prior to fall 2009.
Original Academic Scholarship Cumulative Calvin GPA Additional Academic Achievement Award Dean's Scholarship 3.80 or higher $ 500 Faculty Honors Scholarship
3.80 or higher $1,000 3.65 to 3.79 $ 500 Honors Scholarship or Knollcrest Scholarship
3.80 or higher $1,500 3.65 to 3.79 $1,000 3.50 to 3.64 $ 500 None 3.80 or higher $2,000 3.65 to 3.79 $1,500 3.55 to 3.64 $1,000 3.40 to 3.54 $ 500
If a student’s Calvin grade point average does not meet the initial renewal requirement for the scholarship originally awarded, renewal is as follows:
Original Academic Scholarship Cumulative Calvin GPA New Academic Scholarship Trustee Scholarship
Presidential Scholarship3.40 to 3.49 Dean's Scholarship Trustee Scholarship
Presidential Scholarship
Dean's Scholarship3.30 to 3.39 Faculty Honors Scholarship Trustee Scholarship
Presidential Scholarship
Dean's Scholarship
Faculty Honors Scholarship3.20 to 3.29 Honors Scholarship Trustee Scholarship
Presidential Scholarship
Dean's Scholarship
Faculty Honors Scholarship
Honors Scholarship3.00 to 3.19 Knollcrest Scholarship
If a student’s entering GPA does not qualify for a an academic scholarship at the time of admission but his/her cumulative Calvin GPA at the end of second semester is at scholarship level, that student will be considered for an academic achievement award the following year.
How do I appeal my scholarship?
Incoming students may have their scholarships re-evaluated based on:
- new academic transcripts with a higher cumulative GPA
- new scores from standardized tests (either ACT or SAT)
You must provide this information to the office of financial aid before March 1.
Appeal process for current students
Students may write an appeal letter to the Committee on Scholarships and Financial Aid by July 15 for first-year students or May 15 for all other students. In your letter:
- describe the special circumstances on which you are basing your appeal
- include any supporting documentation (such as a letter from a doctor or counselor) that would help the committee in its review of the situation
Reinstatement Process
Returning students who have had their scholarships lowered due to GPA but now meet the original academic scholarship’s renewal criteria may request reinstatement by submitting the scholarship reinstatement request form to the office of financial aid.
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