Scholarship Opportunities

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I apply for more than one Pierce College scholarship at a time?
You can apply for multiple Pierce College scholarships, but you cannot be awarded more than one scholarship per quarter. This applies only to scholarships directly awarded by Pierce College.

How do I prove financial need?
Financial need is based on your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). If you feel the FAFSA does not accurately reflect your situation, you should address this in your essay.

What if I didn't complete a FAFSA?
You may address your financial situation in your essay.

Should I apply if I have a low financial need?
Although financial need is an important factor, it is not the only factor considered. A strong GPA, well-written essay, and quality letter of recommendation can balance out a low need. Also, not all scholarships are need based.

What if I am already receiving a partial scholarship or tuition waiver?
This does not eliminate you from consideration, but it will be taken into account when the committee considers your application.

How is academic merit determined?
Academic merit is based on your Pierce College cumulative GPA if you are a current student or your transfer GPA (high school or other institution) if you are a new student.

What if my GPA is just below the requirement?
The minimum GPA requirement is different for different scholarships. Applications are awarded points based on their GPA. Applicants with a GPA below the minimum will not be considered.

What should I say in my essay?
Your essay should tell the committee something about yourself, why you are pursuing the educational path you have chosen, and any financial or personal challenges that you have overcome or are currently dealing with. You want to make a solid case for why you should be selected to receive a scholarship. Keep in mind that we receive anywhere from 75 to 300 applications each round. The essay is your opportunity to stand out!

How long should I make my essay?
Your essay should not exceed one typewritten page, single-spaced with no less than 10-point font. Essays are evaluated on quality, not word count, but the committee will not read more than one page. Since committee members must thoroughly review every application submitted, applicants who can make their case in a clear and concise manner make the best impression.

Can I use the same essay and letter of recommendation if I'm applying for multiple scholarships?
You may use the same essay, as long as your essay addresses the criteria outlined in the scholarship application materials. You may also use the same letter of recommendation if you choose.

How will I know if I've been awarded a scholarship?
Everyone who applies will be notified in writing of the result of their application, whether t hey were awarded a scholarship or not.

Who selects the scholarship recipients?
The Pierce College District Scholarship Committee consists of faculty, staff, and administrators from various academic programs and departments, as well as, several community volunteers.

Are there any scholarships targeted specifically to women or people of color?
As a state institution, Pierce College is prohibited by law from considering gender or ethnicity in awarding scholarships.

What is the dollar value of the scholarship?
The exact amount of the scholarship will be noted on the cover sheet of the application materials.

Can I use the scholarship funds for books or other expenses besides tuition?
Unless otherwise noted on the cover sheet of the scholarship application, scholarship funds cover tuition costs only. A limited number of Pierce College scholarships may be used for books or other course related expenses, however, most do not.

Can I use the scholarship funds at another institution?
Scholarship funds awarded by the Pierce College Foundation are for those students attending Pierce College, unless otherwise noted in the application materials.

Can scholarship funds be carried over to another term?
Scholarship funds are awarded for a specific time period and cannot be carried over. Any unused scholarship funds remain with the Pierce College Foundation and will be awarded to another recipient.

Are there other obligations attached to receiving scholarships from Pierce College?
All scholarship recipients are required to write thank you letters to the donors. All scholarship recipients are required to maintain the minimum GPA outlined in the scholarship application criteria. All scholarship recipients are required to attend the Annual Scholarship Luncheon, which is held in May. Scholarship recipients may be asked to participate in other events to thank donors who have funded the scholarships.
If for any reason these conditions are not met, recipients may be required to repay in scholarship funds they have been awarded.