Office of
Financial Aid

Free Money

Scholarships and grants are gifts to you that go directly onto your PLU student account. Unlike loans, you don't have to pay these funds back. Outside scholarships from non-PLU sources are added to your account, and depending on your financial aid package, your need-based financial aid may be reduced by a like amount. PLU endowed scholarships will replace the amount of your other PLU support (like Q-club and Academic Scholarships), dollar for dollar.

Types of free gifts

  1. Merit-Based Awards - Scholarships awarded to recognize academic achievement and leadership. These awards are not based on financial need.
  2. Need-Based Awards - Scholarships and grants from PLU as well as state and federal sources. These awards, which do not have to be repaid, are based on financial need and academic ability.
  3. Grants - Some grants are awarded to students for reasons that are independent of the student's merit or need.
  4. Restricted Awards - Scholarships that are made available to PLU students through the generous contributions of donors and friends of Pacific Lutheran University.  These scholarships are awarded by the PLU Financial Aid Office or designated departments.  There is no separate application process associated with the awarding of these awards unless indicated otherwise.

  5. Outside Scholarships - Scholarships that PLU students can apply for that are made available from outside organizations. These organizations have their scholarship information posted in the scholarship matching website, www.thewashboard.org.

Scholarship Resources

thewashboard.org

A new scholarship search engine specifically for Washington state residents or students attending colleges and universities in Washington state.

college scholarships.org

A scholarship search site that doesn't require you to login or register.  Scholarships can be filtered by your state, student type, academic area, degree type, and other extra curricula activities.  Additional information is provided on writing scholarship essays and thank you letters,  and other saving tips.

Scholarships.com
Search their database for scholarships that might apply to you. Or sign up for their newsletter and receive information right to your e-mail!

College Board Scholarships

The College Board's online Scholarship Search. After a brief questionnaire, the site brings up a listing of scholarships for which you might be eligible.