Bonner Scholarship

Because it is part of a national program, the Bonner is known as a scholarship yet it perfectly embodies the characteristics of a fellowship at Rhodes. 

If you are passionate about effecting positive change in the world, you may be a good candidate for this award. Each year, we select 15 incoming first-year students with exceptional records of leadership, community service and/or social justice work to participate in a unique, four-year leadership program.

As a Bonner Scholar, you will be challenged to connect your academic studies, personal beliefs, leadership skills and philosophy of service to real-life organizations and situations.

In return, we expect you to:

  • Fulfill 10 hours of weekly service and leadership activities
  • Make community service and leadership development one of your highest priorities
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.67
  • Participate in special activities and annual retreats
  • Attend a group service trip at the end of your first year
  • Work in community service for two summers

What benefits will I receive as a Bonner Scholar?

  • An  award of $12,100 per year in addition to any other financial aid for which you qualify (not to exceed full tuition, room and board)
  • $2,500 in earnings and living expenses for each of the two summers you participate in service projects
  • An additional $500 available to senior Bonner Scholars for a final summer service project or for a special project during senior year
  • A four-year program of leadership development, reflection and service activities

How do I qualify?

Requirements for Bonner Scholarship:

  • Application for admission to Rhodes returned by January 15
  • CSS PROFILE submitted by January 15 and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submitted by March 1
  • SAT-I composite score (Math and Critical Reading) of 1250 or higher OR
    ACT composite score of 27 or higher
  • Top 15% of your high school class if ranked (or equivalent performance in schools that do not rank)
  • Exceptional record of leadership, community service and/or social justice work
  • An Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE of $7,500 or less

Bonner Scholarship (DOC)

All students who meet these requirements will automatically be considered for the Bonner Scholarship.

Funding for this program is provided by the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation.


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