Competitive Scholarships
Recipients of the following competitive scholarships, as well as Honors Program participants, are invited to take part in Focus on Excellence. This program provides exciting opportunities to enrich college life by attending a special series of cultural activities. The program of events, selected each year from a variety of on-campus and off-campus offerings, expands one’s exposure to music, art, film, science and theatre. Participating in the series also fosters friendships among students who seek new ways to heighten their learning experiences.
Meredith College Legacy Scholarships
The Meredith College Legacy Scholarship, Meredith’s highest merit recognition available to entering freshmen, is awarded on the basis of exceptional academic achievement, intellectual promise, and leadership ability. A recipient receives a scholarship that covers tuition, room and board (provided the student lives in campus housing), fees and various other college expenses that meet the cost of attending Meredith College as determined by the Office of Financial Assistance. The scholarship is renewable for a total of four years subject to the recipient’s remaining in good standing, being a full-time student, and maintaining a minimum quality point ratio of 3.30 on all courses completed at Meredith. In addition, a recipient has the opportunity to apply for an additional stipend to help cover a study abroad experience while they are a student at Meredith.
In addition to the monetary award, Legacy Scholars are invited to join the President of the College for special events and activities, including travel opportunities, and are mentored by the President, other administrators and faculty, and alumnae. Recipients of a Legacy Scholarship are encouraged to participate in the “Focus on Excellence” series and other activities planned for Scholars of the college. Legacy Scholars are also encouraged to participate and lead in campus life and to participate in community activities and organizations which strengthen the bond between Meredith and the community at large. Legacy Scholarships have been endowed through the generosity of alumnae and other friends of Meredith College.
Presidential Scholarships
Meredith College Presidential Scholarships are available each year for entering freshmen. The selection of recipients for this prestigious award is based on merit, taking into account superior academic achievement, intellectual promise and leadership ability. Recipients receive a tuition scholarship. The award is renewable for a total of four years subject to the recipient’s remaining in good standing, being a full-time student, and maintaining a minimum quality point ratio of 3.25 on all courses completed at Meredith. In addition, a recipient has the opportunity to apply for an additional stipend to help cover the cost of a study abroad experience while they are a student at Meredith.
Presidential Scholars are invited to join the President of the College for special events and activities, including travel opportunities, and are mentored by the President and other administrators and faculty. Recipients of the Meredith College Presidential Scholarship are encouraged to participate in the “Focus on Excellence” series and other activities planned for Scholars of the college. Presidential Scholars are also encouraged to participate and lead in campus life and to participate in community activities and organizations which strengthen the bond between Meredith and the community at large.
Meredith College Academic Awards
These awards recognize students having superior academic ability, achievement and leadership potential. Meredith College Academic Awards are available each year for entering freshmen having superior credentials. The awards are renewable for a total of four years subject to the recipient’s remaining in good standing according to Satisfactory Academic Policy, and being a full-time student.
Students interested in receiving scholarships should apply for admission to the College by January 15. Students applying for the Honors Program or talent scholarships in art, music or interior design must filea separate scholarship application by January 15 for full consideration.
Art Scholarships
Eleanor Layfield Davis Scholarship
Ruby C. and Ernest P. McSwain Scholarship
Lois Griswold Outland Scholarship
Each year freshman applicants are selected to receive the Eleanor Layfield Davis Scholarship, the Ruby C. and Ernest P. McSwain Scholarship, and the Lois Griswold Outland Scholarship on the basis of talent.
To be considered for an art scholarship, a student must be accepted for freshman admission to the College. Students must file the special Talent Scholarships Application with the Office of Admissions and arrange a preliminary portfolio review with the Department of Art by January 15.
On the basis of the portfolio reviews, the department selects finalists who will be invited to interview with the art faculty on the campus in February.
The Eleanor Layfield Davis Scholarship, the Ruby C. and Ernest P. McSwain Scholarship, and the Lois Griswold Outland Scholarship are renewable annually for a total of four years, subject to the recipient’s remaining in good standing, being a full-time student pursuing a major in art, and maintaining a minimum quality point ratio of 3.0 (B average) on all art courses completed at Meredith College.
Music Scholarships
Each year freshmen applicants are selected to receive The Robert H. Lewis Scholarship, The Mary Perry Beddingfield Scholarship, The Adelaide Bunker Sink and Dorothy Sink Sykes Scholarship and other Music Talent Scholarships according to the recipient’s financial need.
To be considered for a music scholarship, a prospective freshman must file the special Talent Scholarships Application with the Office of Admissions by January 15.
A student must be accepted for admission to compete for a music scholarship. Selection of scholarship recipients is then based on musical talent, academic ability, previous performance, commitment to the field of music, and potential achievement in the field. On the basis of auditions in the fall or winter, finalists are chosen in early February by the Department of Music; the finalists are invited to the campus in late February for another audition and for interviews with the music faculty.
The Robert H. Lewis Scholarship, the Music Talent Scholarship and the Mary Perry Beddingfield Scholarship are renewed annually for a total of four years, subject to the recipient’s remaining in good standing, being a full-time student pursuing a major in music, and maintaining a minimum quality point ratio of 3.0 (B average) on all music courses completed at Meredith.
Sandra Graham Shelton Scholarship in Interior Design
Meredith College each year awards entering freshmen Sandra Graham Shelton Scholarships in Interior Design. The scholarship recipients are determined on the basis of scholarship and potential for success in the field of interior design. The Sandra Graham Shelton Scholarship is renewed annually, for a total of four years, subject to the recipient’s remaining in good standing, being a full-time student pursuing a major in interior design, and maintaining a minimum quality point ratio of 3.0 (B average) in all courses in the interior design program completed at Meredith.
To be considered for the Sandra Graham Shelton Scholarship, a student must be accepted for freshman admission to the College. Students must file the separate Talent Scholarship Application in the Office of Admissions by January 15. Finalists in the competition will be invited to the campus in February for interviews with and a review of samples of creative work by the faculty selection committee.
Thomas Meredith Baptist Heritage Scholarships
Meredith College has established the Thomas Meredith Baptist Heritage Scholarships to pay tribute to its rich Baptist history and to recognize outstanding students who are North Carolina Baptists. The scholarships are named for Thomas Meredith, founder and editor of The Biblical Recorder, who chaired the committee that recommended to North Carolina Baptists in 1835 that a college for women be established.
The Thomas Meredith Baptist Heritage Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen on the basis of academic excellence, outstanding service to church and/or community, and leadership ability. Applications are available from the Office of Admissions.
A recipient must be a member of a North Carolina Baptist church and be recommended by a church official (director of the W.M.U. or other similar women’s organization, pastor or youth minister). At least three scholarships valued at $1,500 per year are awarded annually. The scholarships are renewable for a total of four years, based upon the recipient’s remaining in good standing, being a full-time student, and maintaining a minimum quality point ratio of 2.50 on all courses completed at Meredith. Recipients are designated as Thomas Meredith Scholars.