Donor Funded Scholarships

Scholarship Requirements

Nearly $300,000 are awarded each year for a variety of majors and other award criteria through the generosity of Donor-Funded Scholarships at Southern Wesleyan University (SWU). As an incoming student, your financial aid package and scholarship offer is made possible, in part, by these generous donors. After the start of the fall semester, all students who have received Donor-Funded Scholarship funds as part of their aid will be notified of the name and details of their particular scholarships and given the opportunity to connect with their donors through a variety of meaningful ways during their time at SWU.

For current students who are recipients of Donor-Funded Scholarships, these scholarships will be automatically renewed for up to four years as long as eligibility is maintained. With the new awarding system, you are no longer required to apply annually for these scholarship funds.

The following is required to be considered for Donor-Funded Scholarships at SWU.

Incoming Students:

  1. Minimum grade point average of 3.0
  2. Completion of SWU application for admission and FAFSA

Current Students:

  1. Minimum grade point average of 2.5
  2. Academic and social good standing (Students currently receiving a Donor-Funded Scholarship no longer need to reapply each year.  Awards will automatically renew for up to four years, as long as eligibility is maintained.)

You must be an enrolled incoming student or returning student at Southern Wesleyan University to be eligible for a Donor-Funded Scholarship. 

Terms and Conditions

Receiving a Donor-Funded Scholarship is a high honor and distinction at Southern Wesleyan University. For students who matriculate in the fall of 2025, Donor-Funded Scholarship awards will be determined in the fall semester for the same academic year.  For current students, Scholarship awards are determined in the spring semester for the next academic year. If selected to receive a scholarship, there are high expectations for recipients. Recipients represent Southern Wesleyan University and are expected to comply with the following conditions and requirements:

  1. I will prepare a handwritten thank you note to the donor(s) of the designated scholarship(s).
  2. I must attend the Scholarship Celebration Event. Online students are exempt from this requirement.
  3. I will positively represent Southern Wesleyan University by complying with the university's mission and vision which includes the public presentation of myself in dress and physical appearance as well as on social media platforms and by adhering to all university policies.
  4. I must maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
  5. I may be required to participate in one event per semester (if requested) that is hosted by an office of the University to advance the mission or goals of the University (this is in addition to the Scholarship Celebration Event).
  6. By accepting a Scholarship award, I give SWU permission to use appropriate information I provide on my university application about myself in written, visual, or audio publications, presentations or marketing materials to advance the mission of the university.
  7. If I am selected for a Donor-Funded Scholarship, I understand that failure to comply with the above expectations prior to the scholarship award or at any time during the term of the award could result in the cancellation of my Donor-Funded Scholarship(s) effective immediately.