Academic Scholarships

Jump to:

• Honor, Science and Trustee Opportunity Scholarships
• Distinguished Academic Scholarships
• Newman's Own Foundation Scholarships
• Kenyon Promise Scholarships
• National Merit Scholarships
• Studio Art Scholarships
• Music Scholarships
• Kenyon Writing Scholarships
• S. Georgia Nugent Award in Creative Writing Scholarships
• KEEP Scholarships
• STEM Scholarships

Kenyon Honor, Science and Trustee Opportunity Scholarships

These scholarships, worth $25,000 per year, are designed to recognize students for specific characteristics related to their academic interests and talents as well as the diverse backgrounds they bring to the community. While there are no specific grade point averages or scores that recipients must obtain to be considered for these scholarships, recipients are often at or near the top of their class and have received other selective scholarships or talent recognition programs, such as National Merit Scholarships, National Achievement Scholarships Program, National Hispanic Scholarships, or National Council of Teachers of English awards. Honors Scholarships are awarded to students who represent excellence in the liberal arts. Science Scholars are those students who show promise to excel in the natural sciences. Trustee Opportunity Scholars are top students who come from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation students. These scholarships are renewable for four years. First-year applicants are considered automatically for these awards, without regard to financial need. No additional application is required.

Distinguished Academic Scholarships

This scholarship program recognizes outstanding students whose academic achievement, leadership potential, and accomplishments in activities place them in the top 10 to 15 percent of admitted students. These scholarships are awarded at $15,000 per year and are renewable for four years. First-year applicants are considered automatically for these awards, without regard to financial need. No additional application is required.

Newman's Own Foundation Scholarships

Actor Paul Newman, who was also a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, graduated from Kenyon College in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in drama and economics. In 2007, he endowed the Newman's Own Foundation Scholarship fund, providing support for deserving students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, with priority given to those from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation students. Students are selected on the basis of their intellectual engagement, creativity, community service, and leadership. These scholarships eliminate the loan portion of the financial aid package and are renewable for four years. First-year applicants are considered automatically for these awards. No additional application is required.

Kenyon Promise Scholarships

Kenyon Promise Scholarships are awarded to students who show promise for extraordinary academic achievement. These scholarships are awarded at $10,000 per year and are renewable for four years. First-year applicants are considered automatically for these awards, without regard to financial need. No additional application is required.

National Merit Scholarships

Kenyon also sponsors scholarships for students who are selected as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition. The College enrolls one of the highest per capita numbers of National Merit Scholars of any college in the region and exceeds the percentage at many of the nation's other highly selective colleges. The amount awarded through the National Merit Program will be $1,000 per year.

Studio art scholarships

Kenyon awards studio art scholarships of $15,000 per year, renewable every year for each recipient's four-year Kenyon career. These scholarships are based on merit alone and are awarded for exemplary ability in studio art. Scholarship recipients are expected to take studio art courses each year and encouraged to major or minor in studio art. More details concerning eligibility and requirements for the scholarships are available on the studio art scholarship website.

Music Scholarships

Kenyon awards music scholarships of $15,000 per year, renewable every year for each recipient's four-year Kenyon career. These scholarships are based on merit alone and are awarded for exemplary musical ability in any instrumental or vocal category in which the Department of Music offers private instruction. Scholarship recipients are under no obligation to major or minor in music. More details concerning eligibility and requirements for the scholarships are available on the music scholarship website.

Kenyon Writing Award

This scholarship recognizes a talented writer, providing $15,000 per year. It is renewable for four years, under the same rules that apply to all of Kenyon's merit scholarships. The winner is selected based on an evaluation of the Common Application or Coalition Application essay and other material that they may wish to submit. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of talent, not eligibility for aid. More details about eligibility and requirements for the scholarship are available on the Kenyon Writing Award website.

S. Georgia Nugent Award in Creative Writing

This scholarship, recognizing writing talent, will be awarded with preference to a graduate of the Kenyon Review Young Writers program for high school students. Young Writers graduates who apply to Kenyon will automatically be considered for the scholarship, which provides $15,000 per year. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of talent, not eligibility for aid. More details about eligibility and requirements for the scholarship are available on the S. Georgia Nugent Award in Creative Writing website.

KEEP Scholarships

Kenyon Educational Enrichment Program Scholarships will be awarded to selected students who are from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation students. Scholars are selected on the basis of their intellectual engagement and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through leadership or service. These scholarships eliminate the loan and work-study portions of the financial aid package for all four years, and include a $500 book allowance for the first year of classes. KEEP Scholars must also participate in the five-week KEEP Summer Experience, which includes two credit-bearing courses, cohort-building, and a $1,000 stipend. Costs for on-campus housing, meals, tuition, and stipend are all covered by the program for selected students. More details about eligibility and requirements for the scholarship are available on the KEEP Scholarship website.

STEM Scholarships

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarships will be awarded to selected STEM-interested students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, with priority given to those from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation students. Scholars are selected on the basis of their intellectual engagement, motivation, and potential for academic success in STEM fields. These scholarships eliminate the loan and work-study portions of the financial aid package for all four years, include a $500 annual book and supply allowance, and a one-time allowance of $1,000.00 to be used towards the purchase of a laptop and scientific software. STEM Scholars join KEEP Scholars in the intensive five-week KEEP summer experience, which includes two credit-bearing courses, cohort-building, and a $1,000 stipend. Costs for on-campus housing, meals, tuition, and stipend are all covered by the program for selected students. More details about eligibility and requirements for the scholarship are available on the STEM Scholars Program website.