Contact Us
Financial Aid
Office of Financial Aid
- financialaid@depauw.edu
- (765) 658-4030
-
Emison Building
204 E. Seminary
Greencastle, Indiana 46135
DePauw offers a range of merit-based scholarships to support high-achieving students who demonstrate strong academic records, leadership potential and a commitment to making positive contributions to their communities. With a wide range of scholarship opportunities available, including those for students with specific interests or backgrounds, we are committed to helping every student reach their full potential.
Merit scholarships at DePauw can cover up to half the cost of attendance, ensuring that talented students have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields.
All applicants are considered for merit scholarships, and no separate application is required. Scholarship recipients will be notified of their award when they receive their admission decision.
Since 1992, DePauw University has welcomed 20-student cohorts of Bonner Scholars each year with the goal of promoting access to education through opportunity to serve. Through a wide variety of intensive service and civic engagement opportunities during their time at DePauw, Bonner Scholars work with communities local to Putnam County as well as those closer to their homes.
Prospective students who have demonstrated commitment to service and financial need are selected to become part of the 4-year service-based Bonner Scholar Program. Lateral applications to the Bonner Scholar Program are open on the basis of spot availability in the first-year and sophomore cohorts.
Program requirements, selection process details and more information are available here.
The DePauw Distinguished Scholarship recognizes academic excellence and leadership through automatic consideration during the admission review process, requiring no separate application. Awarded to first-year and transfer students based on academic performance, test scores, community service, and leadership, it provides merit-based support ranging up to half the cost of attendance. This scholarship is contingent upon maintaining at least a 2.75 GPA at DePauw and making satisfactory academic progress toward your degree.
The Rector Scholarship at DePauw University, established in 1919 as the institution’s preeminent merit award, recognizes exceptional academic talent and leadership. Founded by Edward and Lucy Rector, it was designed as a transformative investment in students’ potential to contribute to society. Awarded to top academic performers — typically the top 5% of applicants — recipients receive full-tuition scholarships and access to exclusive programming, including networking opportunities with alumni and fully funded extended studies experiences.
Selection criteria include rigorous academic records, leadership abilities and a required essay, with invitations extended to eligible candidates. To maintain eligibility, scholars must uphold a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Over 4,000 graduates have benefited from this prestigious award, many becoming distinguished alumni. The Rector Scholarship remains a cornerstone of DePauw’s commitment to fostering excellence, blending financial support with enriching academic and professional development opportunities.
Granted to music majors who demonstrate exceptional talent during an audition, Music Performance Awards vary in amount and may be combined with University Merit Awards. Non-major musicians who commit to enrolling in auditioned large ensembles may audition for Music Performance Awards ranging up to $3,000. All music Performance Awards are limited to tuition expenses only. Students who complete this audition will also be considered for an Applied Lessons Fee Waiver of $1,100. Learn more about auditions.
The Presidential Award of Excellence is DePauw University’s signature merit scholarship, recognizing top academic achievement and exceptional leadership potential among incoming students. Awarded automatically during the admission review process without requiring a separate application, it honors students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, rigorous coursework, and a strong record of leadership or community engagement. Recipients receive tuition-focused support up to half the cost of attendance, contingent on maintaining a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and making satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.
The Prindle Institute for Ethics Scholarship recognizes students committed to integrating ethics into their academic and co-curricular pursuits. Awarded automatically through the admission review process without requiring a separate application, this renewable scholarship supports students who demonstrate a strong aptitude for ethical inquiry and leadership. Recipients must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA, complete two ethics-related activities annually (curricular or co-curricular) and meet with the Prindle Institute Director each semester to discuss their progress.
As the only national ethics institute at a liberal arts college, the Prindle Institute places students at the forefront of critical ethical discourse, fostering leadership and engagement with contemporary moral challenges. This four-year award reflects DePauw’s commitment to cultivating ethical thinkers prepared to address global complexities.
Named in honor of 1968 DePauw University graduates Steve and Karen (Ogren) Sanger, the Sanger Leadership Award recognizes students with a distinguished record of leadership. Sanger Scholar candidates are identified through the application for admission and embody qualities that define exceptional leaders: learning agility, a continuous learning mindset, social consciousness, ethical reasoning, critical thinking, data-driven problem-solving, robust communication skills and a collaborative spirit.
The Sanger Leadership Award is available for four years (i.e., eight semesters), provided students participate in Sanger Leadership Scholar activities and maintain a cumulative 2.75 or higher GPA as a DePauw University student.
Named in honor of 1957 DePauw University graduate and civil rights attorney Vernon E. Jordan, the Jordan Scholarship recognizes students with a distinguished record of community involvement and leadership. Jordan Scholar candidates are identified through the application for admission and embody qualities that define exceptional civic leaders: learning agility, a continuous learning mindset, social consciousness, ethical reasoning, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, robust communication skills and a collaborative spirit.
The Jordan Scholarship is available for four years (i.e., eight semesters), provided students participate in Jordan Scholar activities and maintain a cumulative 2.75 or higher GPA as a DePauw University student.
Available to students from Decatur County, Braden Scholarship recipients will receive funding equal to the value of tuition, room and board; a book stipend; and an opportunity to participate in a Winter Term experience. Eligible students will automatically be considered with their application for admission; no separate application is required.
Awards will be based primarily on academic and personal merit. Financial need may be considered but will not be given a higher priority in the selection criteria than merit factors.
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program provides a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to selected students from each Indiana county and can be used at any accredited public or private Indiana college or university.
As a Lilly winner, you will receive a DePauw scholarship equal to the value of room and board and a book stipend from the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Additionally, you will benefit from an additional advisor to identify and guide you through opportunities that will support your success; one fully-funded extended studies experience, such as an overseas trip during winter or May term; and being considered an Honorary Rector Scholar, granting you access to special programming, networking events and more. Full details, including application information, is available here.
Available to students graduating from Lebanon High School, the Robert Lee Copeland Award covers the full cost of tuition through a combination of institutional and state funding. Eligible students will automatically be considered with their application for admission; no separate application is required.
The Malpas Trust Award provides full demonstrated financial need for outstanding Indiana public school students who might otherwise be unable to attend DePauw due to financial constraints.
The 21st Century Scholars Program is Indiana's early-college promise initiative, offering income-eligible Hoosier students up to four years of paid tuition at participating Indiana colleges or universities. To maintain the full-tuition scholarship, recipients must enroll full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester), earn at least 30 credits each academic year, file their FAFSA by the April 15 deadline annually and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The scholarship covers regularly assessed tuition and fees but does not include expenses such as room, board or books.
Students must enroll in the program during their 7th or 8th grade year, meet income eligibility requirements and complete the Scholar Success Program activities throughout high school to activate their scholarship. Program requirements and more details are available here.