Our program is one of the largest per capita in the nation.

Every year, nearly half of our entering students receive four-year competitive fellowships, scholarships and awards. The entering Class of 2011 was awarded 229 competitive scholarships valued at $2,703,555.

I’ve heard of scholarships, but what are fellowships?

At Rhodes, we’ve taken traditional scholarships a step farther by asking students to invest in themselves through professional internships, community service, research or other requirements in exchange for financial assistance. In addition to funding, you’ll receive real-world experience that will put your education into action and build a resume.

(In the listing below we indicate which are fellowships and which are scholarships. Throughout the rest of this section we use the terms interchangeably.)

What are the scholarships and fellowships I may be eligible for?

They include:

• Bellingrath Fellowship (3): Full tuition, fees, room/board
• Morse Fellowship (5): $32,000/year
• Cambridge Fellowship (15): $24,000/year
• University Fellowship (35): $15,000/year
• Ralph C. Hon Fellowship (15): $15,000/year
• Dean’s Fellowship (10): $15,000-$24,000/year for students of color
• Fine Arts Fellowship (8): $12,500/year
• CODA Fine Arts Fellowship (4): $12,500/year
• Bonner Scholarship (15): $12,100/year in addition to any other Rhodes aid
• Taylor Fellowship in Physics (1): Up to $15,000/year in addition to any other Rhodes aid
• Presidential Fellowship (50): $12,500/year
• Rhodes Awards (50): $5,000-$10,000/year

And other awards are available from organizations and in specific areas of study.

How do I apply for one?

Some have unique requirements. Our Admissions Office can assist you with applying. However, the general process is very straightforward:

Step 1:  Submit a complete application for admission and all supporting documents by January 15. All qualified applicants are automatically considered for competitive scholarships.  Fellowships may require the submission of a separate application.

Step 2: Schedule an interview with a member of our admissions staff. While it is NOT mandatory for admission, we strongly recommend a personal interview if you’re a scholarship candidate. The insight into your motivation, abilities and passions helps us distinguish between candidates when it’s time to award the scholarships.

Are the scholarships awarded for one year or longer?

All are renewable each year for a maximum of three renewals. If your demonstrated financial need (based on results of the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE) is greater than the award amount, you may receive additional assistance in the form of grants, loans or work-study.

When will I hear if I have been awarded a scholarship or fellowship?

You will receive official award notification from Rhodes by April 1. You must send us an enrollment deposit of $400 by May 1 to accept your offer of admission and reserve your award. This deposit is non-refundable.

Are there other sources for scholarships?

Many corporations, unions, trust funds, religious and fraternal organizations, associations and philanthropists offer financial assistance to qualified applicants. In most cases, you will need to apply directly to that organization to qualify. To identify these sources:

• Talk to your high school guidance counselor
• Explore free online scholarship search services such as FastWeb.com
• Contact the Rhodes Financial Aid Office
• Look for published financial aid directories at your local public library

If I can’t afford the cost of Rhodes, are there other forms of financial aid that can help?

Yes—you may apply for aid based on your family’s financial circumstances. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS PROFILE online and have the results sent to Rhodes. 

• FAFSA (Rhodes Title IV code: 003519)
• CSS PROFILE (Rhodes code: 1730)