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Merit Scholarships

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Trinity's FAFSA code: 003647

The 2012-2013 FAFSA is available January 1, 2012 at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Priority filing date for the FAFSA is February 15.

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Trinity offers a variety of scholarships to students who have distinguished scholastic records or special talent or skill in specific areas. The majority of scholarships are awarded based solely on achievement, however a few are based on a combination of achievement and financial need. Academic scholarships are awarded to first year students and recipients are selected without regard to income. The amount offered to each student will vary and does not require repayment. Academic progress is reviewed at the end of each academic year to determine renewal eligibility. Trinity scholarships are automatically renewed on an annual basis as long as renewal criteria are met.

  • Over 70% of freshmen received at least one scholarship last year.
  • Admitted students applying for scholarships awarded on the basis of achievement and financial need must submit the FAFSA by February 15.
  • All Trinity scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters, as long as the recipient meets each award's specified criteria.
  • Scholarships are applied toward fall and spring tuition only, and are not available for summer study.

Below you will find details regarding scholarship application procedures and renewal criteria.

   

TRINITY ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Murchison, Trustees', President's and Dean's Scholarships
($6,000 - $18,000)

Trinity recognizes academic performance by offering these scholarships to students who have distinguished scholastic records. Students are considered for these awards based on a variety of factors, including: academic preparation and performance (high school grades, course rigor and class rank [if reported]), standardized test scores, application essay and writing skills, co-curricular involvement, including contributions to school and community, and recommendation letters.

Who's eligible

  • All entering first year students are considered for Trinity Academic Scholarships.

How to apply

  • No additional forms are needed to be considered for these awards, since the application for admission is used to determine eligibility.

Award notification

  • Recipients learn of their selection to receive an academic scholarship in the letter notifying them of admission to Trinity.

Renewal criteria

  • Academic scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. To ensure renewal, students must achieve a minimum 2.5 cumulative Trinity GPA at the end of each academic year.

NOTE:  Recipients of the Dean's Scholarship who entered Trinity prior to Fall 2011 must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative Trinity GPA for renewal.

Contact

  • Questions regarding the awarding of academic scholarships should be directed to your admissions counselor at 1-800-TRINITY or admissions@trinity.edu.  Questions regarding the renewal of academic scholarships should be be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.

FINE ARTS & DEBATE

Baker Duncan Scholarships
($3,000 - $10,000)

First year students who plan to participate in music or debate, major or minor in drama, or major in art may qualify for these awards. A separate application  is process is required, and students may submit materials in more than one area of the arts.

Who's eligible?

  • Entering first year students who plan to participate in music or debate, major or minor in drama, or major in art.

How to apply
Potential candidates should contact the following program(s) or visit the websites listed below for more information on requirements and application procedures.

  • Baker Duncan Application Deadline: February 20, 2012
  • Baker Duncan Audition Deadline: February 25, 2012

Award notification

  • Candidates/recipients should communicate directly with a department representative.

Renewal criteria

  • The Baker Duncan Scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. To ensure renewal, students must participate/major in TU fine arts/debate and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the end of each academic year.

Contact
Questions regarding the Baker Duncan Scholarship should be directed to the corresponding program:

Music Scholarships 

  • Selection for this award, which is available to both music majors and non-majors, is based on a campus or taped audition. For more information, contact the Department of Music at 210-999-8212.

Who's eligible?

  • Entering first year students, both music majors and non-majors, who audition.

How to apply

  • Applications for Music Scholarships are available online.
  • Recipients will be selected based on a campus or taped audition.
  • For more information, visit the Department of Music online or call 210-999-8212.

Award notification

  • Candidates/recipients should communicate directly with a department representative.

Renewal criteria

  • Music Scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. To ensure renewal, students must participate in a TU music ensemble and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the end of each academic year.

Contact

  • Questions regarding Music Scholarships should be directed to the Department of Music at 210-999-8212.

Urban Debate League Scholarship

Trinity University is pleased to offer the Urban Debate League Scholarship to talented debaters from high schools participating in the Urban Debate Leagues network. An Urban Debate League Scholar will be awarded a combination of scholarships and grants equal to the full cost of tuition. The awarded scholarships and grants will come from a variety of sources, including government programs and institutional funding.

Who's eligible

  • Must qualify for admission to Trinity University
  • Must qualify for need-based financial aid as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Must graduate from a high school participating in the Urban Debate Leagues network

How to apply

  • Apply for admission to Trinity University by February 1 using the Common Application (www.commonapp.org).
  • Submit the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov), including Trinity's code: 003647, by February 15. Submit the following by March 1:
  • A letter of interest outlining your involvement in competitive debate and your academic goals and interests
  • A tournament-by-tournament record of debate competitions
  • A letter of recommendation from your high school debate coach
  • Optional: letters of recommendation from anyone in a position to evaluate your potential as a Trinity University debater

Award notification

  • Recipients will be notified by the Office of Admissions.

Renewal criteria

  • The Urban Debate League Scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. To ensure renewal, students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the end of each academic year and maintain participation in TU debate.

Contact

  • Questions regarding the Urban Debate League Scholarship should be directed to Sarah Topp at 210-999-8582 of the Department of Speech & Drama 210-999-8511.

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, & MATH SCHOLARSHIPS

Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science

The Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science Award is a full-tuition scholarship, available to entering new first year students, which includes a one-time $5,000 stipend to be used for research support, professional travel, materials and supplies. The Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science Award is available to students planning to major in certain designated areas (see Who's Eligible section below). US citizens, permanent residents, and US citizens living overseas may apply for this scholarship. It may be applied toward participation in a study abroad program.

Who's eligible

  • Entering first year students who plan to major in one of the following academic areas: Biology, Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Geosciences, Math, Neuroscience, or Physics and Astronomy.

How to apply

  • Complete your Early Action I or II application for admission to Trinity, including all supporting documents, by the deadline listed here. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Complete the Semmes Distinguished Scholar in Science application online by January 1. Click here to find out more information about the application process and submit your application.

Award notification

  • Candidates will be notified by the Office of Admissions in early February. Interview and campus visit information will be provided to finalists.

Renewal criteria 

  • The Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science Award is renewable for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. To ensure renewal, students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA at the end of each academic year.
  • Semmes recipients who change to a non-designated major will lose their scholarship eligibility; however, funds already received are not required to be repaid. Approved majors include: Biology, Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Geosciences, Math, Neuroscience, or Physics and Astronomy. 

Contact

  • Questions regarding the Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 1-800-TRINITY or admission@trinity.edu.

Financial Aid for Science and Technology Grants

Trinity's Financial Aid for Science & Technology (FAST) grants will be available to select academically talented incoming students with financial need who plan to major in the sciences, engineering, or mathematics. These $4,600 annual awards are designed to replace need-based student loans and are renewable for up to four years. While all eligible applicants will be considered, first generation and students of color are especially encouraged to apply.

Partial support for this program was provided by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed regarding the FAST Grant are those of Trinity University, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Who's eligible?

  • Must be eligible for federal student aid.
  • Must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Trinity's FAFSA filing priority date is February 15.
  • Must demonstrate outstanding academic ability, as indicated by your Trinity application for admission.
  • Must indicate a strong intention to study/major in one of the "STEM" science areas: Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Science,
  • Geosciences, Mathematics and/or Physics through your application for admissions and FAST application form.

How to apply

  • Submit the FAST application form by February 1.
  • Online forms and downloadable pdf files are available at www.trinity.edu/fast.
  • Submit the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov), including Trinity's code: 003647, by February 15.

Award notification

  • Recipients will be notified by the Office of Admissions.

Renewal criteria

  • The FAST Grant is renewable for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. To ensure renewal, students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA at the end of each academic year and must have either declared a major or be on track to major in one of the supported science areas.

Contact

  • Questions regarding the FAST Grant should be directed to your admissions counselor at 1-800-TRINITY or admissions@trinity.edu.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

International Student Scholarships

Trinity offers merit scholarships and need-based gift aid (which does not have to be paid back) to International Students who are neither U.S. citizens nor U.S. permanent residents. Please note that we take into account whether an applicant can finance their Trinity education when reviewing his or her application for admission.

Merit scholarships are based on a student's course rigor and academic performance, standardized tests, strength of essay, involvement outside the classroom, and recommendations from school officials. Your application for admission is also your application for merit scholarships. Need-based financial aid is based on the demonstrated financial support of the student's family, as established by their International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA), a required form when applying for admission. Eligibility for need-based aid is determined by the formula below:

 Trinity's Cost of Attendance
 - Demonstrated Financial Support
 = Demonstrated Financial Need

Who's eligible?

  • All entering first year international students are considered for International Student Scholarships.

How to apply

Award notification

  • Students will be notified of scholarship eligibility by the Office of Admissions.

Renewal criteria

  • All International Student Scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. To ensure renewal, students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative Trinity GPA at the end of each academic year.

Contact

TRANSFER STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Transfer Student Scholarships

Trinity rewards academic performance by offering a limited number of scholarships to select transfer students who have distinguished scholastic records. Students are considered for these awards based on a variety of factors, including academic preparation and performance in college and high school, standardized test scores, writing, and contributions to school and community.

Who's eligible?

  • All entering transfer students are considered for Transfer Student Scholarships.

How to apply

  • No additional forms are needed to be considered for these awards, since the application for admission is used to determine eligibility.

Award notification

  • Students will be notified of scholarship eligibility by the Office of Admissions.

Renewal criteria

  • Transfer Student Scholarships are renewable for a number of semesters of undergraduate study as determined by the number of credit hours transferred to Trinity University. To ensure renewal, students who entered Trinity prior to Fall 2011 must maintain a 2.0 cumulative Trinity GPA at the end of each academic year. Students who enter Trinity in Fall 2011 or later must maintain a 3.0 cumulative Trinity GPA at the end of each academic year.

Contact

  • For more information, please contact Lauren Ghishan at 210-999-8165 or admissions@trinity.edu.

2011-2012 Alamo Colleges Transfer Academic Grant

Trinity University is offering academic grants valued at half the cost of tuition to qualified graduates of the Alamo Colleges schools.

Description/Requirements

  • Must be enrolled at San Antonio College, St. Philip's College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, or Northeast Lakeview College
  • Must be admitted as a transfer student to Trinity University for the fall 2011 semester
  • Must qualify for need-based financial aid as determined by the results of their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Must be awarded an Associate's Degree from an Alamo College with a minimum 3.0 GPA

How to apply

Interviews and Award Notification

  • Grant finalists will be notified by April 1 by the Office of Admissions.
  • Finalists must complete a campus visit and interview by mid April.
  • Grant recipients will be notified by May 1 by the Office of Admissions.

Renewal Criteria

  • The Alamo Colleges Transfer Academic Grant renewal length will be determined by the number of transferable hours brought in by the student, not to exceed 5 semesters.
  • To ensure renewal, students who entered Trinity prior to Fall 2011 must maintain a 2.0 cumulative Trinity GPA at the end of each academic year. Students who enter Trinity in Fall 2011 or later must maintain a 3.0 cumulative Trinity GPA at the end of each academic year.

Contact

  • For more information, please contact Lauren Ghishan at 210-999-8165 or admissions@trinity.edu.

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

National Merit Scholarships ($2,000)

 National Merit Semifinalists who list Trinity as their first-choice school, are selected as National Merit Finalists, and enroll at Trinity University will receive a combined $2,000 award from National Merit corporate and/or institutional dollars. National Merit scholarships are renewable at the awarded amount for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study, provided that the student maintains full-time enrollment (at least 12 credit hours per semester).

Who's eligible

  • National Merit Semifinalists who list Trinity as their first-choice school, are selected as National Merit Finalists, and enroll at Trinity University.

How to apply

  • Notify the Office of Admissions as soon as possible of your status as a National Merit Semifinalist.

Award notification

  • Students who have identified themselves to Trinity as recipients will be notified of their potential eligibility of funds by the Office of Admissions. Actual disbursement of these awards will be limited to National Merit Finalists who designate Trinity as their first-choice school.

Renewal criteria

  • National Merit scholarships are renewable at the awarded amount for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study, provided that the student maintains full-time enrollment (at least 12 credit hours per semester).

Contact

  • Questions regarding National Merit Scholarships should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 1-800-TRINITY or admission@trinity.edu.

SAN ANTONIO FIRST GENERATION ACCESS SCHOLARSHIPS

San Antonio First Generation Access Scholarship

Trinity University is pleased to offer the San Antonio First Generation Access Scholarship to select high-achieving first generation college students. A San Antonio First Generation Access Scholar will be awarded a combination of scholarships and grants equal to the full cost of tuition. The awarded scholarships and grants will come from a variety of sources, including government programs and institutional funding.

Who's eligible

  • Must graduate from a Bexar County public school
  • Must qualify for admission to Trinity University
  • Must qualify for need-based financial aid as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Must be a first generation college student, defined as neither parent having earned a four-year college degree

How to apply

  • Apply for admission to Trinity University using the Common Application (www.commonapp.org)
  • Submit the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov), including Trinity's code: 003647, by February 15.
  • No additional scholarship application is required.

Award notification

  • Recipients will be notified by the Office of Admissions by April 1.

Renewal criteria

  • The San Antonio First Generation Access Scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. To ensure renewal, students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA at the end of each academic year.

Contact

  • Questions regarding the San Antonio First Generation Access Scholarship should be directed to Andres Arredondo at 210-999-7207 or andres.arredondo@trinity.edu.