Scholarships & Awards
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 and may be influenced by the student's on-campus or commuter status.
Merit scholarships are awarded to eligible first-year students in an amount between $14,000 and $20,000 upon acceptance to the College.
Full-tuition scholarships are available through a competitive Scholarship Day program.
Apply online now for Fall 2020!
PLEASE NOTE: Some awards may be combined. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 419-783-2364
or financialaid@defiance.edu for further details. For full-time undergraduate students beginning their Defiance
College education in Fall 2020 or Spring 2021. Renewal based upon academic performance
at Defiance College.
Need-based financial aid is separate from merit aid.
Dean's Scholarship, $20,000
- High school GPA of 3.5/4.0 scale and
- ACT composite of 25 or new SAT combined score of 1200
Scholarship awarded upon acceptance.
Pilgrim Scholarship, $18,000
- High school GPA of 3.2/4.0 scale and
- ACT composite of 24 or new SAT combined score of 1160
Scholarship awarded upon acceptance.
Trustee Scholarship, $16,000
- High school GPA of 2.8/4.0 scale and
- ACT composite of 21 or new SAT combined score of 1060
Scholarship awarded upon acceptance.
Achievement Scholarship, $14,000
- High school GPA of 2.5 and
- ACT composite of 18 or new SAT combined score of 940
Scholarship awarded upon acceptance.
Please note: ACT and SAT writing assessments are not included in the test score criteria for the above awards.
Service Leadership Award, $1,500
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.
- Service Leadership applications are due March 1.
- Any applications after this date will be placed on a waiting list.
More Information | Award Application
eSports Scholarship, $1,500
No application required. Awarded annually to new students planning to participate in the eSports program. Each year, up to 10 incoming students with an interest in eSports are awarded this scholarship to continue their commitment to eSports.
New students must meet the following criteria:
- Full-time student
- Accepted to Defiance College
More Information
Discover Defiance Grant, $1,000
Offered to first-year, first-time students who visit between March 1 and May 1, 2019.
More Information
Alumni Legacy Award, $500
Awarded annually to dependents of DC alumni demonstrating financial need. If your parent attended or graduated from Defiance College, please contact the Financial Aid office at 419-783-2364 or financialaid@defiance.edu.
Award Application
United Church of Christ (UCC) Award, $500
Awarded annually to active members of a UCC church and demonstrating financial need. Verification from a church official may be required.
Award Application
Transfer Award, $10,000 - $15,000
Awarded to accepted full-time transfer students based on academic performance at all previously-attended colleges/universities.
More Information
Richard W. Stroede Scholarship, $2,000
Available for incoming full-time students interested in participating in Music Programs at DC. 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 in music ensembles, and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Recipient must also take one credit hour of an applied lesson per semester. $2,000 annually (half per semester), renewable.
More Information | Audition Request
Music Talent Scholarship, $1,500
Available for incoming full-time students interested in participating in a music ensemble every semester at Defiance College. Scholarship recipients are selected through an application prior to the student’s first fall enrollment. Winners must enroll for a minimum of one credit hour per semester in student music ensembles, and maintain a 2.0 GPA. $1,500 annually (half per semester), renewable.
More Information | Award Application
Marching Arts Scholarship, $1,500
Available for incoming full-time students interested in participating as a majorette, color guard, or drumline performer. Scholarship recipients are selected through an online application prior to enrollment. Winners must enroll in marching band in the fall and pep band (or an alternate ensemble) in the spring. Winners must enroll for a minimum of one credit hour per semester in student music ensembles, and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. $1,500 annually (half per semester), renewable.
More Information | Award Application
Cheer & Dance Scholarship, $1,000
Available for incoming, full-time freshmen/transfer students interested in cheer & dance. Applicants must cheer all three seasons (football, basketball, and competition) and attend scheduled practices and other college functions as determined by the coach. The cheer & dance program supports travel expenses, including meals, lodging, uniforms, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Requirements:
- Full-time student
- Cheer experience (high school and/or all-star)
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- 20 service hours must be completed per scholastic year
NOTE: If you are participating in an intercollegiate sport, you are NOT eligible for this scholarship.
$1,000 annually (half per semester), renewable.
