Scholarships and Awards

Office of Financial Aid

Defiance College rewards deserving entering students through a dynamic scholarship program designed to recognize academic achievement. Scholarships are offered to eligible students the first year and are renewed each year according to established renewal requirements. Final scholarships are coordinated with other federal, state, and Defiance College sponsored awards.

The Defiance College Scholarship is awarded to eligible students in an amount between $5,000 and $12,000 upon acceptance to the College.

Awards from the Scholarship Day Program on Saturday, December 7, 2013, February 1, 2014, or February 15, 2014 offer significant additional amounts that will replace the previously awarded Defiance College Scholarship. Review the criteria for your eligibility to participate in the Scholarship Day Program. All students who participate will receive a Scholarship Day Program award. Don’t pass up this excellent opportunity to be rewarded for all your hard work!

Apply online now for Fall Semester 2014.
In order to attend the Scholarship Day, students must be accepted for admission by November 29, 2013, January 24, 2014 or February 7, 2014, respectively. Invitations for the Scholarship Day Program will be sent following your acceptance.

Please note: ACT and SAT writing assessments are not included in the test score criteria.

Presidential Scholar Program

$14,000 - $18,000

Two top Presidential Scholars will receive full-tuition scholarships.

General Eligibility Criteria:

High school GPA of 3.5/4.0 scale and
ACT composite of 27 or SAT combined score of 1210
Awarded through Scholarship Day participation

Pilgrim Scholar Program

$13,000 - $16,000

General Eligibility Criteria:

High school GPA of 3.2/4.0 scale and
ACT composite of 24 or SAT combined score of 1090
Awarded through Scholarship Day participation

Achievement Scholar Program

$12,000 - $15,000

General Eligibility Criteria:

High school GPA of 2.8/4.0 scale and
ACT composite of 21 or SAT combined score of 980
Awarded through Scholarship Day participation

Service Leadership Award ($2,000)

New students with a demonstrated record of service in their communities are eligible. The Service Leadership Program offers Defiance College students unique and meaningful programs to develop leadership skills that will strengthen their individual career interests and can include travel opportunities.

More Information | Award Application |

Priority Date is March 1 for non-Scholarship Day participants.
For Scholarship Day participants, the Service Leadership Award Application deadline is as follows.
- December 7^th deadline is December 13^th.
- February 1^st deadline is February 24^th.
- February 15^th deadline is February 24^th.

Lillian Rae Dunlap Award ($1,000)

Defiance College is committed to fostering diversity across the campus community. Awarded annually to recognize and financially assist today's under-represented student populations and to promote learning from the perspective of differing life experiences. Minimum 2.25 high school GPA. Award is for first-year freshmen and transfers only.

More Information | Award Application | Priority Date is March 1

Defiance College Scholarship ($5,000-$12,000)

Monies are awarded when accepted in good standing and are based upon review of academic performance, i.e. official high school transcripts, college transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, high school or college grade point average, and coursework.

Alumni Legacy Award (Up to $4,000)

Awarded annually to dependents of DC alumni demonstrating financial need.

United Church of Christ (UCC) Award (Up to $2,000)

Awarded annually to active members of a UCC Church and demonstrating financial need. Verification from a Church official may be required.

Richard W. Stroede Scholarship ($1,000)

Available for incoming full-time students interested in participating in Music Programs at Defiance College. Scholarship recipients are selected through on-site auditions prior to the student’s first fall enrollment. Winners must enroll for a minimum of one credit hour per semester of music ensembles, and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Recipient must also take one credit hour of an applied lesson per semester.
$1,000 annually ($500 per semester)
Learn more

Music Talent Award ($500)

$500 annually ($250 per semester)
Learn more

Marching Band Scholarship ($1,000)

Available for incoming full-time students interested in participating in the Yellow Jacket Marching Band at Defiance College. Scholarship recipients are selected through on-site auditions prior to the student’s first fall enrollment. Winners must enroll for a minimum of one credit hour per semester of marching band/music ensembles, and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

$1,000 annually ($500 per semester)

Learn more

*Some awards may be combined to increase your total aid package. Contact your admissions representative for further details. For full-time undergraduate students beginning their Defiance College education in Fall 2014 or Spring 2015. Renewal based upon academic performance at Defiance College.

Need-based financial aid is separate from merit aid.

Federal Student Aid

Apply For FAFSA

SCHOOL CODE: 003041
PRIORITY DEADLINE: APRIL 1

financialaid@defiance.edu

Defiance College admits students regardless of race, color, creed, sex,
national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability.