Merit Scholarships

Each year Occidental College awards a limited number of merit scholarships at the time of admission. Merit scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to $55,000 annually, are based on academic ability, achievement, motivation, and promise. Recipients are selected by the Office of Admission. Students who complete their admission application are reviewed for merit scholarships, there is no separate application. Merit scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years provided that the student maintains the academic requirements of the scholarship.

Merit scholarships are only considered at the time of admission and are not awarded or re-assessed at any later point.

Scholarship amounts are pro-rated if you do not attend for the entire academic year or are enrolled less than full-time. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 units to be considered full-time. Students enrolled in less than six units are not eligible for merit scholarships. If you plan to drop below 12 units of study, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Achievement Awards of $5,000 per year are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $20,000), as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

Honors Scholarships of $7,000 per year are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $28,000), as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

Dean’s Scholarships of $10,000 per year are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $40,000), as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

The Upward Bound Achievement Award of $10,000 per year is renewable for three additional years (for a total of $40,000), as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. One Upward Bound Achievement Award is awarded each year.

Trustee Scholarships of $12,500 per year are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $50,000), as long as the student maintains a cumulative grade point average of 2.7. For students who fall below a 2.7 GPA, a one-year probation period is granted in order to regain eligibility. If a 2.7 GPA is not re-established, no further extensions are granted at the end of the probation period.

President's Scholarships of $15,000 per year are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $60,000), as long as the student maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. For students who fall below a 3.0 GPA, a one-year probation period is granted in order to regain eligibility. If a 3.0 GPA is not re-established, no further extensions are granted at the end of the probation period.

Boys & Girls State Leadership Scholarships of $15,000 per year are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $60,000), as long as the student maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. For students who fall below a 3.0 GPA, a one-year probation period is granted in order to regain eligibility. If a 3.0 GPA is not re-established, no further extensions are granted at the end of the probation period. Two State Leadership Scholarships are awarded each year.

Occidental Leadership Scholarships of $15,000 per year are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $60,000), as long as the student maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. For students who fall below a 3.0 GPA, a one-year probation period is granted in order to regain eligibility. If a 3.0 GPA is not re-established, no further extensions are granted at the end of the probation period.

Margaret Bundy Scott Scholarships of $20,000 per year are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $80,000), as long as the student maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. For students who fall below a 3.0 GPA, a one-year probation period is granted in order to regain eligibility. If a 3.0 GPA is not re-established, no further extensions are granted at the end of the probation period.

Centennial Scholarships are awarded to one student from each of the following Los Angeles high schools:  Eagle Rock, Franklin, and Roosevelt. This scholarship is awarded to students with outstanding academic records who demonstrate a strong commitment to their community.  The scholarship covers tuition, fees, a double room, and Meal Plan B. The scholarship is renewable for three additional years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. Awards are not pro-rated for less than full-time enrollment. If the student chooses to live Off-Campus, this scholarship will only cover tuition and fees.

Oxy National Merit Scholarships are awarded to scholastically talented high school students through an annual competition. To be considered for the award, students must have taken the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in their junior year of high school.  Awards are generally $2,000 per year. The scholarship is renewable for three additional years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. Awards are not pro-rated for less than full-time enrollment.