The University of Washington Tacoma offers a variety of scholarships for students. Some are based on merit; others require applicants to demonstrate evidence of financial need, many are a combination of both need and merit. Students who wish to demonstrate financial need must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority registration date.

Most scholarship applications for the upcoming academic year open between February - May of the current academic year.  Start your search early! At least 12 months prior to needing the funds. Some scholarships may require you to be admitted before applying, and some may not.

Scholarship Highlights

2025-2026 Mortar Board Alumni/Tolo Foundation Scholarship - Closes June 30th
Recognizes students for exemplary scholarship, leadership, and service. To be considered, an applicant must have been an enrolled student at the University of Washington during the 2024-25 academic year and be a sophomore, junior, senior, or an admitted graduate student, at the University of Washington (all campuses) for 2025-26. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher. These scholarships range between $2,000 and $3,000. For more information on eligibility and applying, visit the posting on OMSFA. 

Levinson Emerging Scholars and Washington Research Foundation Fellowship - Closes July 13th
The Levinson Emerging Scholars (LES) Program is designed to support promising undergraduate students at the University of Washington (Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma) who work on creative and sophisticated research projects in biosciences and related fields under the guidance of UW faculty. Each year, about ten students are selected; award amounts are $8,000. You can apply for both awards at the same time.
 

Discover Our Scholarships

Scholarships Open to All Students
Scholarships for First-Year Undergraduates Only
  • Incoming First-Year Merit Scholarship: All legal residents of Washington state with an application for autumn quarter admission received by January 15 are automatically considered for this scholarship; no additional materials are necessary. This scholarship is based on a combination of need and merit, other factors may also be considered. Scholarship amounts vary based on funding allocations received year-to-year.
  • ACCESS in STEM Scholarship
Scholarships for Transfer Students
  • Transfer Priority Scholarship: All legal residents of Washington state with an application for autumn quarter admission received by March 15 are automatically considered for this scholarship; no additional materials are necessary. This scholarship is based on a combination of need and merit, other factors may also be considered. Scholarship amounts vary based on funding allocations received year-to-year.
  • Next Step Scholarship
  • Hites Transfer Scholarship (for Tacoma Community College students only)
Program-Specific Scholarships

The eligibility requirements for these scholarships, including residency, may vary. Please contact the respective unit for additional information. If your academic department is not listed, please check with that department directly for scholarship information.

Scholarships for Students with Developmental Disabilities

Students must present documentation to demonstrate a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or a developmental disability

  • ​Students must be living in the South Puget Sound region
  • ​Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply

Deadline: TBA

Scholarships for the UW Tri-Campus

The University of Washington Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards helps students identify and apply for competitive merit and need based resources for academic and development opportunities. 

Use the OMSFA Scholarship Search database to look for funding opportunities. Some scholarships are open to students at all three campuses, while some may be limited to one or two.

 

Need to Mail a Scholarship Check?

Scholarship checks are processed by Student Fiscal Services and should be mailed to:

University of Washington - Scholarships
PO Box 24967
Seattle, WA 98124-1967

Please have the sponsor include the following information with the check:

  • Student name
  • UW student number or social security number
  • Quarter or academic year that the payment covers
  • Sponsor's full address, including fax and email address, if available. 

 

Received a Scholarship and Need to Let Financial Aid Know?

Remember to report  the resources you receive for the academic year. Our office will need current and complete information on your resources throughout the year, so you are not over-awarded and have to potentially to repay aid.

You can do this via your MyUW Financial Aid Status page. Once on the page, look to the left hand menu and click "resources".

 

Other Useful Sources for Non-UW Scholarships

 

More Links for Finding Financial Assistance and Advice