University Merit and Talent Scholarships are awarded to students based on merit and/or talent. A portion of these scholarships are funded through the generous support of alumni and friends and are for tuition and fees only. Some scholarships are available regardless of financial need. Entering students apply for University scholarships via the University of Redlands Application for Admission or the Common Application.
Students must remain in good academic standing to renew the award yearly. Talent scholarships may require that students audition or submit a portfolio or writing sample. Students should note that University policies limit the number and amount of institutional scholarships that students may receive. The most current financial aid award letter will always list your eligibility from multiple institutional sources.
Achievement Award
Achievement Award-up to $36,000 per year
Basis: Awarded to students who have superior academic records and have demonstrated an unusual degree of leadership and accomplishment in school or community activities.
All applicants are considered for an achievement award during the application review process. Awards will be determined by information submitted at the time of application.
Renewal policy: Academic good standing with at least a B average (3.0 GPA).
Hunsaker Scholarship
The Richard and Virginia Hunsaker Scholarship Prize is awarded to approximately eight incoming freshmen annually. This scholarship program is for exceptional applicants who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, leadership and contributions to their schools and communities.
Students selected as Hunsaker Scholars receive scholarship awards ranging from $4,000 to total cost, based upon demonstrated financial need, as determined by the University of Redlands Office of Student Financial Services, using data from the FAFSA. Finalists who interview for the scholarship will receive an additional $2,000. Students who are selected as Hunsaker Scholars but do not demonstrate financial need receive a $4,000 scholarship in addition to any Redlands Achievement Scholarship she/he may have already received.
Watch "R Story" | Alumni couple Richard and Virginia Hunsaker, Class of 1952, give the University its largest-ever single gift for scholarships.
Art Award
Art Award-up to $3,500 per year
Basis: Awards, determined by the Art department, are based upon samples of work (no portfolio, please).
Submission: Apply to the University by regular decision (Jan. 15). Examples of your work (up to 12 pieces) that best demonstrates your artistic talents, should be uploaded to your Redlands portal after your admission to the University. Accepted formats: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png, .bmp.
Renewal policy: Academic good standing with at least a 2.5 GPA and departmental review of work; major required.
Transfer Students - Please reach out to Keith Gissel, Talent Scholarship Coordinator, for more information.
Creative Writing Award
Creative Writing Award-up to $3,500 per year
Basis: Awards, determined by the Creative Writing department, are based upon one of the following: five poems; two short stories; a chapter from a novel; two personal essays; and/or three examples of literary journalism: reviews of books, movies, music, etc.
Submission: Apply to the University by regular decision (Jan. 15). Examples of your work should be uploaded to your Redlands portal once admitted to the University.
Renewal policy: Academic good standing with at least a 2.5 GPA; major required.
Music Award
Music Award-up to $10,000 per year
Basis: Departmental determination based upon auditions; separate music application required. Call Conservatory of Music at (909) 748-8014.
For more information on applying to and auditioning for the Conservatory of Music, please see their Music Admissions page.
Submission: Music awards are offered as a result of application and audition to the Conservatory of Music. Although offered on a "rolling" basis, music candidates are advised to apply to the Conservatory of Music at the same time as they apply to the University, and to submit an audition.
Renewal policy: Academic good standing with at least a 3.0 GPA with requirement of private music study and participation in major conducted ensemble.
Theatre Award
Theatre Award-up to $8,000 per year
Basis: Awards, determined by the Department of Theatre and Dance, are based upon statement of interest in the scholarship and submission of a theatre résumé. Students interested in performance may submit an audition that illustrates performance work (maximum 3 minutes, no in-person auditions). Students interested in design and production may submit a portfolio in the form of annotated slide samples (that indicate student's role in realizing the work).
Submission: Apply to the University by regular decision (Jan. 15), indicate on the application your interest in the award. Examples of your work should be uploaded to your application status portal. Accepted formats: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .avi, .flv, .mlv, .m2v, .m4v, .mov, .mpeg, .mp4, .webm.
Renewal policy: Academic good standing with at least a 2.5 GPA and department review of work; major required.
San Manuel Band of Mission Inn Indians Excellence in Leadership Scholarship
The generous support of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has made it possible for the University of Redlands to provide a level of assistance and instruction for Native American/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian students unmatched by other colleges and universities in the Inland Empire.
Applicants for the scholarship must demonstrate a commitment and connection to a Native community through leadership and advocacy. All scholarship awardees are expected to develop valuable contributions to Native communities after graduation.
Students selected as San Manuel Scholars receive scholarship awards ranging from $5,000 to total cost, based upon demonstrated financial need, as determined by the University of Redlands Office of Student Financial Services, using data from the FAFSA.
For more information and please apply through the Native student programs office.
Outside Scholarships
Students who are awarded "outside" scholarships that may be applied to their total costs will have the funds added to their financial aid packages; this may allow us to reduce their loans or adjust their packages.
Outside scholarships can be awarded by communities, employers, or corporations. There are many opportunities, but we encourage students to do their homework on the scholarship before submitting their personal information. Learn more about additional outside scholarship opportunities. If you have questions about scholarships, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at sfs@redlands.edu.