The starting point
WWU (Seventh-day Adventist) publishes a fully transparent Achievement Scholarship grid — $9,000-$15,000/yr by GPA, ACT, or SAT, whichever pays most over four years — plus a $2,500 Out-of-Area Grant, National Merit full tuition, and unusual earn-and-match awards for camp and colporteur work.
More than one award path. Some awards use published academic thresholds. Others have different selection criteria. A score chart does not describe every award at this school.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 4 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Achievement Scholarship (GPA / ACT / SAT grids)
$9,000-$15,000 · Published range
Recorded as automatic on academic criteria; all conditions apply.
GPA: 3.0-3.24: $9,000; 3.25-3.49: $10,000; 3.50-3.74: $11,000; 3.75-3.89: $13,000; 3.9-4.0: $15,000 · SAT: 1150-1180: $9,000; 1190-1210: $10,000; 1220-1350: $11,000; 1360-1430: $13,000; 1440+: $15,000 · ACT: 23: $9,000; 24: $10,000; 25-28: $11,000; 29-30: $13,000; 31+: $15,000
Eligibility: Only ONE of the GPA/ACT/SAT scholarships, whichever has the highest cumulative dollar value over four years; high school GPA must be validated by the student's school; GED scores do not qualify
Renewal: Fully renewable for three additional years as long as the student meets SAP requirements at WWU.
Other terms: Program designed for first-time freshmen enrolling after January 1, 2025, with provisions applying over four years of eligibility. Transfers with <36 credits may qualify by GPA only.
https://www.wallawalla.edu/admissions-and-aid/student-financial-services/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman-scholarships
National Merit Scholars Award
$1,000-Full tuition · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Placement in the National Merit Scholarship competition: Finalist = full tuition (President's Scholarship); Semifinalist = $1,500 (WWU Merit Award); Commended Student = $1,000 (WWU Merit Award)
Renewal: Finalist (President's Scholarship): 100% tuition for two years and 50% tuition for two additional years if the student maintains a 3.80 cumulative GPA at WWU. Semifinalist/Commended awards fully renewable for three additional years with a 3.80 cumulative GPA.
Other terms: IMPORTANT: the Finalist full-tuition award STEPS DOWN to 50% tuition in years 3-4. Finalists are eligible for leadership scholarships but NOT other academic scholarships, including the Out-of-Area Grant. Semifinalists/Commended students remain eligible for the GPA or ACT/SAT scholarship and Achievement Bonus. Transfers not eligible.
https://www.wallawalla.edu/admissions-and-aid/student-financial-services/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman-scholarships
Spirit of Excellence Scholarship
Amount not published · Published award terms
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
GPA: 4.0+ with ACT 33 / SAT-R 1450; 3.9-3.99 with ACT 34 / SAT-R 1490; 3.8-3.89 with ACT 35 / SAT-R 1530; 3.7-3.79 with ACT 36 / SAT-R 1570 (minimum GPA plus EITHER the minimum ACT OR SAT for that band) · SAT: 1450-1570 depending on GPA band · ACT: 33-36 depending on GPA band
Eligibility: Must be admitted to WWU to apply; must live in WWU housing; must submit FAFSA (need not show need); application period for Fall 2026 starts has CLOSED
Renewal: Renewable each year if Satisfactory Academic Progress is maintained, up to 3 additional years or 12 quarters.
Other terms: Described as 'Up to full tuition (when combined with other scholarships) for those who qualify' — it tops up other awards to full tuition rather than paying full tuition alone. Students whose Educational Subsidy already covers 100% of tuition may receive an additional $1,000 instead.
https://www.wallawalla.edu/admissions-and-aid/student-financial-services/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman-scholarships
