Nearly $2 million in donor-funded scholarships are awarded to more than 500 Mary Washington students each year. Yet the need for financial assistance is much greater. Nearly half of all undergraduates qualify for need-based aid. Many of these students would not be able to afford a college education without the support of the University's generous donors. Your gift to the General Scholarship Fund or in support of scholarships for underrepresented students will help at-risk students stay in school, take on less debt, and graduate on-time. If you would prefer to designate your gift to a specific scholarship, please choose "Other" on the donation form and note the name of the scholarship in the text box provided.
The General Scholarship Fund is used to augment other sources of financial aid. It gives us the flexibility to help students who are most vulnerable, those facing a financial crisis, or who need extra support.
Scholarships in Support of Underrepresented Students
The cost of higher education is the largest known obstacle to obtaining a degree for many underrepresented students. The following scholarships were established as endowments to address this issue. Your gift to any one of these scholarships will help the endowment grow and support students for generations to come.
Citizenship Award for Diversity Leadership
The James Farmer Multicultural Center awards this scholarship to a student who exhibits leadership and a personal commitment to advocating for an appreciation for diversity on campus. The endowment was established many years ago and generates an annual scholarship of just over $500. Your contribution to grow the endowment is an endorsement of the important mission and services of the Multicultural Center.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1968 to commemorate the ideals of Dr. King. The scholarship serves to recruit and retain underrepresented students from racial and ethnic minority groups with financial need.