All applicants are considered for one of our merit scholarships, ranging from $15,000 to $35,000 a year. Additionally, you may apply for a talent scholarship in art, music or writing, or one of our scholarship programs for underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation students. Need-based grants are available for students who qualify for financial aid. Scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid.
Kenyon is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. Any need not met by scholarships will be covered by additional need-based aid.
Academic Merit Scholarships
Our merit scholarships recognize academic excellence and meaningful involvement in school or community activities. All first-year applicants are considered for these awards, without regard to financial need. No additional application is required, and recipients are notified upon receiving their decision letters. Scholarships are renewable all four years with satisfactory academic progress.
Current scholarships range from $15,000 to $35,000 and include:
- Kenyon Excellence Award
- Kenyon Honors Scholarship
- President's Scholarship
- Distinguished Academic Scholarship
Talent Scholarships
Separate applications are available for competitive scholarships in writing, music and studio art. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of talent, not eligibility for aid, and are renewable for all four years. Students who are eligible for both talent and merit scholarships will receive an enhanced award greater than the highest individual value.
Kenyon awards studio art scholarships of $25,000 per year, renewable for all four years. Based on merit alone, these scholarships are awarded for exemplary ability in studio art. Recipients are expected to take studio art courses each year and encouraged to major or minor in studio art. Learn more about eligibility and requirements for the scholarships.
Kenyon awards music scholarships of $25,000 per year, renewable for all four years. Based on merit alone, these scholarships are awarded for exemplary musical ability in any instrumental or vocal category in which the Department of Music offers private instruction. Recipients are under no obligation to major or minor in music. Learn more about eligibility and requirements for the scholarships.
Kenyon awards a writing scholarship of $25,000 per year, renewable for all four years. Based on merit alone, this scholarship is awarded based on an evaluation of the Common Application or Coalition Application essay and other materials that applicants may wish to submit. Learn more about eligibility and requirements for the scholarship.
This scholarship, recognizing writing talent, will be awarded with preference to a graduate of the Kenyon Review Young Writers program for high school students. Young Writers graduates who apply to Kenyon automatically will be considered for the scholarship, which provides $25,000 per year. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of talent, not eligibility for aid. Learn more about eligibility and requirements for the scholarship.
Scholarship Programs
Two scholarship programs for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation students, eliminate the loan and work-study portions of a need-based financial aid package for all four years. Each includes an intensive five-week summer experience and requires a separate application.
Kenyon Educational Enrichment Program (KEEP) Scholarships are awarded to selected students from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation students. Scholars are selected on the basis of their intellectual engagement and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through leadership or service. These scholarships eliminate the loan and work-study portions of a need-based financial aid package for all four years, and include a $500 book allowance for the first year of classes. KEEP Scholars participate in a five-week KEEP Summer Experience, which includes two credit-bearing courses, cohort-building and a $1,000 stipend. Costs for on-campus housing, meals and tuition are covered by the program for selected students. Learn more about eligibility and requirements for the KEEP scholarship.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarships will be awarded to selected STEM-interested students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, with priority given to those from underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation students. Scholars are selected on the basis of their intellectual engagement, motivation, and potential for academic success in STEM fields. These scholarships eliminate the loan and work-study portions of a need-based financial aid package for all four years, include a $500 annual book and supply allowance, and a one-time allowance of $1,000 to be used towards the purchase of a laptop and scientific software. STEM Scholars join KEEP Scholars in the intensive five-week KEEP Summer Experience, which includes two credit-bearing courses, cohort-building and a $1,000 stipend. Costs for on-campus housing, meals and tuition are covered by the program for selected students. Learn more about eligibility and requirements for the scholarship.
Scholarships for Ohio Students
Kenyon is proud to offer exceptional financial aid opportunities for talented first-year and transfer students who are residents of Ohio or who are currently enrolled in a high school in Ohio.
All applicants from Ohio automatically qualify for this merit-based scholarship valued at $25,000 annually. If a student qualifies for both the Ohio Promise Scholarship and other Kenyon-funded scholarships, the scholarship with the highest value will be awarded.
More about opportunities for Ohio students.
Already receiving the $5,000 Ohio Governor’s Merit Scholarship? Kenyon will match that amount. Combined with the Ohio Promise Scholarship, you’ll receive a total of $35,000 toward tuition.
More about opportunities for Ohio students.
Compete for one of five prestigious full-tuition scholarships awarded annually to the top applicants from Ohio. To be considered, please submit a separate application to supplement your Kenyon application.
More about opportunities for Ohio students.
This scholarship for high school graduates from Knox County, Ohio, covers the difference between Kenyon's tuition and in-state public school tuition (valued at $60,000 annually).
More about opportunities for Ohio students.
Grants
Need-based grants are available for students who qualify for financial aid.
The Kenyon College Need-Based Grant is funded by the College, thanks in part to the generosity of alumni and other donors. The amount of the grant is determined based on the need demonstrated on the student’s financial aid application. Grants are awarded on an annual basis and require a new financial aid application each year to determine eligibility.
Some states provide need-based grants that may be incorporated into a Kenyon financial aid package. Eligibility is typically determined by completing the FAFSA according to deadlines established by each state. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant and Pennsylvania State Grant are two common need-based grant programs available to qualified residents in those states.
Federal Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government based on the FAFSA application. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) are administered by Kenyon College with funds also provided by the federal government. Both programs are available to students with exceptional need and incorporated into a Kenyon need-based financial aid package.
Other Scholarships
Scholarship and grant opportunities are often available from a variety of sources and students are encouraged to seek out these opportunities to help finance their education.
Outside scholarships must be reported to ensure that financial aid awards remain in compliance with federal regulations. In most cases, receipt of merit-based scholarships from non-Kenyon sources will not affect the amount of grant and scholarship assistance that a student receives from Kenyon if the total amount of outside scholarships does not exceed $10,000 and/or the student's cost of attendance.
Any additional amount of outside scholarships earned beyond $10,000 will reduce the Kenyon need-based grant within the financial aid package. Need-based grants, entitlements and benefits from federal, state or other sources (including tuition benefits from student/parent employers) also replace the Kenyon need-based grant.
Outside scholarships may replace packaged self-help (loans and employment) only when the total package including the outside scholarship exceeds the cost of attendance. Additionally, a student's total aid package cannot exceed a student's cost of attendance in a given year. When all grants and scholarships exceed the cost of attendance, the Kenyon need-based grant will be reduced.
Be sure to avoid scholarship scams.
Common scholarship search engines:
The Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship will support a student from Logan County, Ohio, with up to $18,000 in financial aid over four years. Preference is given to students who are interested in majoring in mathematics or a related field. Read more about the scholarship. Hear from a scholarship recipient.
Kenyon sponsors scholarships for students who are selected as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition. The College enrolls one of the highest per capita numbers of National Merit Scholars of any college in the region and exceeds the percentage at many of the nation's other highly selective colleges. The amount awarded through the National Merit Program will be $1,000 per year.
Kenyon is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offered through the Veterans Administration. Additional information about the Yellow Ribbon Program may be found on the United States Department of Veteran Affairs website.