Scholarships & Grants




Welcome to JMU's Prestigious Scholarships Site

The Honors Program has initiated coordination for nationally competitive scholarships. Please note that this list of scholarships is not comprehensive of all awards that you should consider. Scholarships not listed include: JMU scholarships, state scholarships, need-based scholarships, and scholarships below $5000. The awards listed here represent a select number of nationally competitive scholarships that represent significant funding and recognition for the student and require long-term planning and preparation.

If you are thinking about applying for any of these scholarships, please schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Melinda Adams, JMU's Prestigious Scholarships Coordinator, who will help you learn about scholarship opportunities and guide you through the application process. Also feel free to stop by to see Dr. Adams if you have any questions about any of these scholarships or would just like to talk about possible opportunities. These scholarships are extremely competitive, so it is a good idea to begin the process as early as possible-even a year or more in advance.

Dr. Melinda Adams
adams2mj@jmu.edu
Office: 104 Hillcrest House, MSC 1501

Recent Scholarship Recipients

National Scholarships  

Honors Scholarships

Honors Achievement Scholarships

A select number of incoming freshmen Honors Program students are awarded scholarships based on qualifications similar to the Madison Achievement Scholarships.  These criteria include "academic potential as evidenced by high school course work, grades and standardized test scores" as well as participation in "extracurricular activities that show initiative, leadership, self-discipline and commitment."  The scholarships provide $4000 over two years to students who remain in good standing in the Honors Program.  There is no separate application for this scholarship.  Applying for the Honors Program makes the student eligible for consideration.

Edythe S. Rowley Endowed Scholarships 

Edythe S. Rowley, who believed in public education but never received a college degree, moved to the Harrisonburg area as an adult and demonstrated a generous commitment to JMU through a scholarship bequest made in her will.  The scholarship is awarded to current Honors Program students who are in good standing in the Honors Program, who qualify as need-based students, and who "demonstrate abilities, talents, and perspectives that would contribute excellence and diversity to the James Madison University community."  Priority will be given to students working on senior honors projects.  Applicants must complete the Honors Program's scholarship application form , including a statement and budget, and submit all materials to the Honors Program Office, Hillcrest 105.  The deadline for submission is the last Friday in April.  Scholarships range up to $1000 per year.

Honors Program Endowed Scholarships 

This endowed scholarship supports current Honors Program students in good standing.  Applicants must complete the Honors Program's scholarship application form, including a statement and budget, and submit all materials to the Honors Program Office, Hillcrest 105.  The deadline for submission is the last Friday in April.  Scholarships range up to $1000 per year.

Honors Program Small Grants

The Honors Program's budget and expendable account often permit small grants.  Current Honors Program students may request support for scholarly activities, such as attendance at a conference in order to present their research, Senior Honors Project research, or similar scholarly pursuits.  The maximum award is $500.  There is no deadline for applications, but grants are awarded on a first come, first serve basis, and are contingent upon available funds.  Applicants must complete the Honors Program's scholarship application form, including a statement and budget, and submit all materials to the Honors Program Office, Hillcrest 105.

Financial Aid and other 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. 

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