Merit Scholarships
Applicants to Principia College are automatically considered for merit scholarships. No separate application is required. Scholarship decisions are made at the time of admittance, which means you will receive a scholarship award alongside your admittance letter. Academic scholarships are awarded automatically based on GPA and test score information included in your application for admission. Other scholarships may be awarded holistically based on information provided in your application and additional details shared with your admissions counselor.
Priority consideration for scholarships is given to students who have completed their application for admission by March 1.
First-Year Student Merit Scholarship Ranges
Typical merit scholarship awards for first-year applicants range from $17,000 - $30,000
Transfer Student Merit Scholarship Ranges
Typical merit scholarship awards for transfer applicants range from $16,000–$28,000.
General Merit Scholarship Guidelines
Principia College determines merit scholarship eligibility on a holistic basis during the admission process. This review process considers each student’s academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, demonstrated leadership. All scholarships are renewed for eight total semesters of enrollment.
Merit scholarships are considered a resource when determining eligibility for need-based financial aid.
The following examples are intended to illustrate what this means:
- If a student has $20,000 of demonstrated need (the difference between the cost of attendance and their family contribution) and receives a merit scholarship for $25,000, the student would not receive need-based aid since the scholarship exceeds their need.
- If a student has $35,000 of demonstrated need and receives a merit scholarship for $25,000, the student would be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in need-based financial aid (grant and loan) to meet their remaining need.
As a member of the NCAA Division III, Principia College does not provide financial assistance based on athletic ability.
Academic Scholarships
All academic scholarships are awarded automatically based on academic information included in the student's admissions application.
First-Year Academic Scholarships
Principia College offers two tiers of academic scholarship. These scholarships are automatically awarded based on academic information included in the student's admissions application. If choosing to submit test scores, the combination of GPA and test score will be used to evaluate scholarship eligibility.
| Test Required | ||
|---|---|---|
Chairman |
GPA > 3.75 || ACT/SAT > 27/1280 |
$26,000 |
Trustee |
GPA > 3.50 || ACT/SAT > 26/1240 |
$23,000 |
President |
GPA > 3.25 || ACT/SAT > 25/1210 |
$20,000 |
Dean |
GPA > 3.00 || ACT/SAT > 24/1180 |
$17,000 |
| Test Optional | ||
|---|---|---|
Chairman |
GPA > 3.75 |
$23,000 |
Trustee |
GPA > 3.50 |
$20,000 |
President |
GPA > 3.25 |
$17,000 |
Dean |
GPA > 3.00 |
$14,000 |
Transfer Academic Scholarships
| Transfer Scholarships | ||
|---|---|---|
President's Transfer Scholarship |
GPA > 3.50 |
$22,000 |
Dean's Transfer Scholarship |
GPA > 3.00 |
$16,000 |
Other Institutional Scholarships
Students may also be eligible for the following institutional scholarships based on the requirements listed below:
Scholarship Eligibility Summary
| Name | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Arthur F Schulz Jr. | Awarded to children and grandchildren of Principia alumni. |
| Cornerstone Scholarship | Awarded to students who demonstrate an active commitment to character development, leadership, community, and practical expressions of godliness. |
| Christian Science Camper Award | Awarded to those who have attended one (1) or more summer session at a Christian Science Camp as a camper. |
| Discovery Bound NLC Scholarship | Awarded to students who successfully complete DiscoveryBound’s selective and demanding four-year program emphasizing spiritual growth, leadership, and service. Verification of graduation from this program is required for eligibility. |
| Founder's Scholarship | Awarded to students who demonstrate an active commitment to Christian Science, service, academics, and character growth. |
| Principia Commitment Award | Awarded to graduates of Principia School who matriculate to Principia College. This award is only available in the student's fourth (4th) year of study at Principia College. |
| Principia Veterans' Scholarship | Awarded to those who have honorably served in any branch of the United States military and their children who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. |
Arthur F. Schulz Jr. Alumni Scholarship
In 1982, The Principia Alumni Association established a special endowment fund in memory of Arthur F. Schulz Jr. for children and grandchildren of Principia alumni. This four-year scholarship has an award value range of $2,500-$4,500 each year. First-time freshmen must have achieved a minimum 3.00 high school GPA to qualify for the full award; transfer students must have a 3.00 or higher college GPA.
Cornerstone Scholarship
The Cornerstone Scholarship was established to acknowledge those students who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to character growth, academics, service and leadership in their communities and contribute to this rich heritage within the community of The Principia. This scholarship may not be combined with the Principia Founders' Scholarship.
CS Camper Award
Awarded to those who have attended one (1) or more summer session at a Christian Science Camp as a camper. Confirmation from Christian Science camp required, including dates of attendance. May not be combined with any full-tuition award. Scholarship is capped at tuition.
DiscoveryBound National Leadership Council (NLC) Scholarship
The NLC Scholarship is awarded to students who successfully complete DiscoveryBound’s selective and demanding four-year program that emphasizes spiritual growth, leadership, and service. This scholarship may be combined with all other scholarships.
Verification of graduation from DBNLC is required for eligibility. Scholarship is capped at tuition.
Founder’s Scholarship
Named for Principia’s founder, Mary Kimball Morgan, and the many other dedicated educators devoted to its ideals, the Founders’ Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a deep, active commitment to Christian Science, community, character, and citizenship. This scholarship may not be combined with the Principia Cornerstone Scholarship.
Principia Commitment Award
Awarded to graduates of Principia School who have completed at least 2 years of study at Principia Upper School and matriculate to Principia College, completing an additional 3 years of study at the College. Awardees must enter Principia College as a first-time student. Awarded in the student’s 4th year of study at Principia College, this award is reserved for students enrolling at Principia College beginning Fall 2023. This award may not apply to any study beyond 8 semesters.
Principia Veterans’ Scholarship
The Veterans’ Scholarship is awarded to those who have honorably served in any branch of the United States military and their children who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. This scholarship is renewable up to four years and is applied to the cost of tuition only.
Documentation of honorable discharge or current active military status is required for eligibility. Scholarship is capped at tuition.
Scholarships Available to Current Students
CS Counselor Award
Total award opportunity for this scholarship is $20,000 ($5,000 per undergraduate year).
Awarded to enrolled students who work as a counselor or other summer support staff at a Christian Science Camp the summer immediately preceding the term of award. Confirmation from Christian Science camp verifying the student’s successful completion of summer employment at the camp as a counselor or other summer support staff is required. Scholarship is capped at tuition.
Principia Commitment Award
Awarded to graduates of Principia School who have completed at least 2 years of study at Principia Upper School and matriculate to Principia College, completing an additional 3 years of study at the College. Awardees must enter Principia College as a first-time student. Awarded in the student’s 4th year of study at Principia College, eligibility for this award is reserved for students enrolling at Principia College beginning Fall 2023. This award may not apply to any study beyond 8 semesters.
