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Scholarships & Fellowships

Centre College offers a range of fellowship and scholarship programs.

There are three types of scholarships – general merit, premier, and special. They all provide financial support in different ways and each has its own application process and award requirements.

General Merit Scholarships

We automatically consider you for these scholarships when we consider you for admission. General merit scholarship consideration is based on a comprehensive review of your credentials and contributions. They are awarded to approximately half of our annual applicant pool. No separate application is required consideration is automatic upon receipt of Common Application. Renewable based on GPA.

Scholarship Award Renewable GPA
Faculty Scholarship $30,000 2.8
Colonel Scholarship $28,000 2.5
Founders Scholarship $26,000 2.25
Centre Award $22,000 2.0
Alumni Award $7,500 2.0

Premier Scholarships 

Centre’s three most competitive scholarship programs recognize 10 incoming students per program annually. We welcome nominations for our premier scholarship programs, although a nomination is not required for consideration. A separate application is required for the Brown Fellows Program and Lincoln Scholars Program is required by December 1st after submission of the Common Application. For Grissom Scholars automatic consideration is given after submission of the Common Application Renewable based on GPA and program participation. 

Scholarship Award Application Renewable GPA
Grissom Scholars Program Full-Tuition-Plus Automatic Consideration 2.67
Brown Fellows Program Full-Cost-Plus Separate 3.2
Lincoln Scholars Program Full-Cost-Plus Separate 3.2

 

Premier Scholarships Details

The Brown Fellows Program recognizes 10 incoming students annually who have achieved academically at the highest level and who are likely to be model scholars at Centre.

The Program Includes: 
  • Four-year, full-cost-plus scholarship, including tuition, room, and board 
  • $10,000 in enrichment funds 
  • On-campus program mentor and additional off-campus travel opportunities

  • Customized leadership projects that span the student’s collegiate career

Learn More

The Grissom Scholars Program is designed for outstanding first-generation college students who exhibit character, ambition, and achievement both in and out of the classroom and have substantial financial need.

The Program Recognizes 10 Incoming Students Annually and Includes: 
  • Four-year, full-tuition-plus scholarship, plus additional aid to cover any remaining financial need $5,000 in enrichment funds

  • Individual mentoring and academic guidance for all four years 

  • Regular leadership and group activities with other Grissom Scholars

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Named for the16th president of the United States, the Lincoln Scholars Program is designed for students who have the capacity and a deep desire to change the world.

The Program Recognizes 10 Incoming Students Annually and Includes: 
  • Four-year, full-cost-plus scholarship, including tuition, room, and board 

  • Fully funded summer enrichment experiences 

  • On-campus program mentor and additional off-campus travel opportunities 

Learn More

Special Scholarships

These scholarships recognize students with special interests who demonstrate the potential to contribute to certain programs or areas of campus life. A separate application or candidate form is required for students to compete for these special scholarship opportunities. The deadline to submit special scholarship applications and candidate forms is February 1. 

Scholarship Award Renewable
Bonner Program  $30,000 + priority consideration for financial aid Yes
New Horizons Program $30,000 + priority consideration for financial aid Yes
Language Scholarship  $3,000-$5,000 Yes and Stackable
Performing Arts Scholarship $3,000-$5,000 2.0 GPA and Stackable
Visual Arts Scholarship $3,000-$5,000 Yes and Stackable

Special Scholarships Details

Established by the Bonner Foundation, the Bonner Program is a need-based program designed for students who are passionate about making a lasting impact through community service and civic engagement. Centre’s Bonner Program includes Bonner Scholars who show commitment to community service and demonstrate high financial need by having an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of no more than $12,000 and Bonner Leaders who prioritize service and qualify for Federal Work Study. Domestic students are eligible for these opportunities. United States citizenship is not required. International students who will be studying at Centre on a student visa are not eligible for this program. Deadline for submitting the Bonner Candidate Form is February 1.

Learn MoreCandidate From

The New Horizons Program is a scholarship opportunity that seeks to develop student leaders with a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion work. The program is designed to provide a diverse group of students the opportunity to build leadership skills, professional development skills, communication skills, empathy, community, and appreciation for service learning. Domestic students are eligible for this opportunity. United States citizenship is not required. International students who will be studying at Centre on a student visa are not eligible for the program. 

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The Language Scholarship recognizes students with a strong background of study in Arabic, French, German, Greek, Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish who wish to continue their study of language and culture at Centre. Majoring or minoring in a language is not required. Students may apply for a Language Scholarship in more than one target language by submitting additional applications; however, students are only eligible for one scholarship in one target language. Students may apply for a Language Scholarship in their native language. International and domestic students are eligible for this opportunity.

Apply for the Language Arts Scholarship

The Visual Arts Scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in the visual arts and are committed to college-level study in studio art and art history. Visual arts scholarship applicants are able to present works from any artistic medium, including (but not restricted to) drawing, painting, multi- media images, sculpture, ceramics, glass, photography, and film. Majoring or minoring in visual arts is not required. International and domestic students are eligible for this opportunity. 

Apply for the Visual Arts Scholarship

The Performing Arts Scholarship recognizes musicians, vocalists, actors, and/or theatre technicians who have experience in and a commitment to further personal development in the musical and/or dramatic arts. International and domestic students are eligible and majoring or minoring in performing arts is not required. Student may apply for a Performing Arts Scholarship in more than one area by submitting additional applications. However, students are only eligible for one Performing Arts Scholarship in one concentration and may be combined with other merit scholarships (excluding premier).

Apply for the Performing Arts Scholarship

For more information see the Performing Arts Scholarship Requirements below this box.

Performing Arts Scholarship Requirements

Music Scholarship Recipients
• Enrollment and passing grade in an appropriate ensemble each semester (when not abroad). Ensemble participation will be determined each semester in consultation with, and the approval of, your scholarship advisor (one of the four full-time faculty professors).
• Enrollment in applied lessons or a music class (or both) each semester with a grade of at least “C” in graded music classes (when not abroad).
• Enrollment and grade of at least “C” in MUS 116 and one of MUS 120, MUS 220, or MUS 232 during or before the Junior year.

Theatre Scholarship Recipients
• Enrollment in three Theatre classes: Acting 1 (THR 117); one of Intro to Tech Theatre OR Intro to Design (THR 150 or 160); one of Foundations of Drama & Theatre 1, Foundations of Drama & Theatre 2, or Theory & Criticism (THR 133, 134, or 230).
• Students should also plan on making a significant contribution to the life of the theatre program. Taking classes, participating in productions, working in shops—just being around to help us make theatre!

Piano/Instrumental Applicants*
• Perform two pieces in contrasting styles. Maximum total time is 12 minutes.

Composition/Songwriting Applicants
• Provide scores and/or recordings of two representative original works.

Voice Applicants*
• Perform two or three songs in contrasting styles from two different genres. Examples of genres include folk songs, art songs, music from worship, musical theater, country, pop, etc. Maximum total time is 12 minutes.

Theatre Applicants
Acting: Prepare two contrasting pieces (about two minutes each). For example, one comic and one dramatic OR one classical (e.g.,Shakespeare) and one contemporary.
Production/Technical Theatre: Bring to your interview a portfolio with photos of examples of sets or other production work you have done as well as a resume listing the productions you have been involved with and what your role was in each.
• As an actor or production/technical theatre applicant, you should be prepared to discuss your process, your previous theatrical experience and where you would like your liberal arts education to take you.

Enhance your visit with an overnight stay!
Contact Admission Counselor, David DeWitt

Questions about requirements?
Contact Performing Arts Coordinator, Victoria Pook

*You may bring your own accompanist, but it’s completely acceptable to audition without one. If you need the college to provide one, please provide copies of your music along with the request for an accompanist at least two weeks prior.

 

Scholarship Nominations

Although a scholarship nomination is not required in order to apply for scholarships, the admission office welcomes nominations to help us identify and learn more about potential scholarship candidates. A nomination can be completed by a school counselor, core-course teacher, community-based organization liaison, employer, or independent college counselor. The priority deadline for nominations is December 15, but we accept nominations through January 15. 

Go to the Nomination Form

 

Scholarship Guarantees

Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program Scholarship 

Students who completed Kentucky’s Governor’s Scholars Program will be recognized with an automatic GSP Scholarship worth $120,000 ($30,000 annually for each of your four years of study) upon admission to Centre. The GSP Scholarship cannot be stacked on top of other general merit scholarships, but we encourage Scholars to explore our premier and special scholarship options for more specialized offerings. These separate scholarship deadlines range from November 15th to January 15th. 

Centre Legacy Scholarship

The Legacy Award is a $3,000 renewable annual award given to admitted students who are children or grandchildren of Centre alumni. To be considered, students who apply for admission to Centre should mention that their parent(s) or grandparent(s) attended Centre on their application materials. 

Centre Fellows Scholarship

Established by Centre alumni, The Centre Fellows Program recognizes high-achieving and engaged high school juniors and seniors who would benefit from a liberal arts education. There is no commitment on the recipient’s part and students are eligible to compete for higher awards. Domestic and international students are eligible for this opportunity. High school seniors must be nominated by January 1, 2023 to be eligible for the Centre Fellows Program. Candidates must be nominated by their high school counselor and all nominations must be approved by the Centre College Admission Office.

Benefits include a guaranteed, minimum scholarship in the amount of $26,000 per year for four years. Centre Fellows may be considered for higher scholarships which, if received, will replace the Centre Fellows guarantee.

Successful Candidates Should Exhibit the Following Credentials 
  • A minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 and/or a standing at or very near the top 5% of their high school class 
  • A challenging course load comprised of some of the highest courses available at the school 
  • A sincere interest in a liberal arts and sciences education 
  • A concern for their high school and/or local communities as demonstrated by various personal commitments 

For more information contact: Associate Director of Admission, David DeWitt

Go to Nomination Form

Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship Opens Doors for Ohio Students 

Centre College is pleased to offer the Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship. The award is a merit scholarship designated for students from Ohio who are interested in mathematics or majoring in a STEM field. 

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation was created by Austin “Dutch” Knowlton (1909- 2003) in 1981 “to promote and advance higher education in the United States and to provide direct grants and contributions to qualified colleges and universities.” Mr. Knowlton grew up in Bellefontaine, in Logan County, Ohio, and studied architecture at The Ohio State University. He then joined and later led the Knowlton construction company which completed more than 600 major construction projects, including school buildings, hospitals and libraries, throughout Ohio and the Midwest. Mr. Knowlton was a minority-stake owner of the Cincinnati Reds and a co-founder of the Cincinnati Bengals. 

For More Information