Merit Scholarships
Hampshire College awards a number of renewable merit-based scholarships to candidates demonstrating exceptional promise. No separate application or additional materials are required for consideration; the admissions committee nominates students for merit awards during the file review process.
Merit scholarships are included in the admissions packet and reflected in the final financial aid award. Renewal of four-year scholarships is contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
Starting with the fall 2022 semester, we increased our merit scholarship amounts. Merit scholarships now range from $27,000 to $35,000 — nearly double what we offered in previous years!
Questions about merit scholarships? Email the Admissions Office at admissions@hampshire.edu.
Scholarships for First-Year and Transfer Students
Actio in Ideas Award
The Actio in Ideas award goes to admitted students who turn their ideas into action. You have invested in your own future through hard work and dedication to your studies; now, it’s time to celebrate!
Humanitas Award
The humanities inform much of the work Hampshire students are engaged in. This award goes to students who have demonstrated distinction in their academic endeavors in high school.
International Scholar Award
This award goes to international students who have demonstrated distinction as scholars, leaders, and active members in their communities. As a recipient of this award, you represent the very best of Hampshire’s international applicants.
Non Satis Scire Award
Hampshire’s motto, “Non Satis Scire,” means “To Know Is Not Enough.” This is Hampshire College’s most significant academic merit award. It is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence across disciplines and have the potential to make contributions to the Hampshire community, in and out of the classroom.
Novitatis Award
Hampshire was created to be an innovative institution and place for students to explore. This award goes to students who embody such an innovative spirit and desire to learn.
Scribere Verum Est Award
This award honors the previous leaders of Hampshire who write or speak for truth and justice. We hope and believe you will follow in the footsteps of these inspiring individuals.
Hampshire Opportunity Grant
First-year students with high financial need, and/or from underrepresented groups (including first-generation) may receive one of ten (10) HOG awards. All of these awards include up to 100% of demonstrated need; five (5) of these awards will also replace all federal student loans from the financial aid package.
Alumni Recognition Award
To help foster meaningful connections between the former and incoming generations of Hampshire learners, any students who are formally referred by our alumni and offered admission may receive an additional $2,000, on top of any institutional aid awarded.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: Transfer Students
This award goes to selected transfer students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. Students who earn this recognition are outstanding leaders who have demonstrated academic excellence at their prior institution. Phi Theta Kappa members admitted to Hampshire will receive a merit scholarship of $35,000 per year. If they are students at Massachusetts community colleges, they will also be eligible to receive a MA Community College Scholarship (see below).
MA Community College Scholarship: Transfer Students
Students from Massachusetts community colleges are eligible for the following award:
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A $2,000 award for students who complete over 30 credits with a grade of C or better, including credits with a passing grade.
- Massachusetts Guarantee Achievement Award: A $2,000 award to recognize students who have completed their associate degree at a Massachusetts community college with a combined academic grade point average above 3.00.
- Massachusetts Guarantee Excellence Award: A $4,000 award to recognize students who have completed their associate degree at a Massachusetts community college with a combined academic grade point average above 3.50.