Merit Scholarships

Each year Occidental College awards a limited number of merit scholarships at the time of admission. Merit awards, ranging from $500 to $47,000 annually, are based on academic ability, achievement, motivation and promise. Recipients are selected by the Office of Admission. Merit awards are renewable for up to three additional years provided that the student continues to make academic progress.

The conditions and amounts outlined here apply to awards beginning in the 2007-08 academic year. Scholarship amounts are prorated if you do not attend the entire academic year or are enrolled less than full time. Students enrolled in less than six units are not eligible for merit scholarships.

Occidental Opportunity Grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per year are renewable for three additional years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

Achievement Scholarships 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 are awarded in the amount of $7,000 per year and are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $28,000), provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

Director's Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $5,000 per year and are renewable for three additional years (for a total of $20,000), provided 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 GPA. 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 GPA. 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.

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 range from $500 to $2,000 per year. The scholarship is renewable for three additional years provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. Awards are not pro-rated for less than full-time enrollment.