University Awards

Honors students are eligible for all need-based scholarships offered by James Madison University. Eligibility is determined by standardized analysis of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Applications must be submitted each year to the Office of Financial Aid. 

Students should also contact both the Office of Financial Aid for general merit-based awards and the head/director in their major department/school for awards based on achievement in the major. Several honorary organizations, including Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi, also award scholarships based primarily on academic achievement. 

Student research grants of up to $100 provide support for students completing significant research such as the senior honors project. Application should be made through the Office of Sponsored Programs, Hillcrest 105.

Honors Program Awards

Income from two scholarship funds, the Honors Program Scholarship and the Edythe S. Rowley Scholarship, provide $10,000-$15,000 annually to be awarded to honors students in good standing continuing in the program.  

Honors students in good standing who are planning to study abroad are eligible for Honors Program Studies Abroad scholarships. Early in the semester prior to departure, eligible honors students receive written notice of their eligibility and of the procedure, including the deadline, for application. Application is a letter addressed to Honors Program Studies Abroad Scholarship, Hillcrest 107. Awards are typically $500, though they may range from $250 to $1000. 

A limited number of Edythe S. Rowley Scholarships are awarded annually to honors students in good standing continuing in the program. These awards, determined by the director, are based on a combination of need and merit. A FAFSA is not required. Applicants should submit a letter of application and a budget projecting expected income and expenses along with an application form secured from the Honors Office. Send the packet to Honors Program Scholarship Application, Hillcrest 107. Awards are typically $1000 for a year or $500 a semester, though they may range from $250 to $1000 a semester.