Affordable Education for All
You deserve an exceptional education without financial barriers. That's why Gustavus offers a wide range of scholarships that recognize your achievements and, hopefully, put college within financial reach.
Scholarship Calculator
Every Gustie is guaranteed at least $120,000 in scholarships over four years. And that’s just the start. Learn what other merit-based aid you qualify for.
Academic Merit Scholarships
$25,000 - $42,000 annually
Merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission based on academic achievement (official unweighted high school GPA), talent, or other criteria established by the College. These scholarships are given to full-time, first-year students based on your application for admission. No additional application is required.
You can only receive one of the following merit-based scholarships.
- Gold Scholarship: $25,000
- Three Crowns Scholarship: $31,000
- Dean's Scholarship: $35,000
- President's Scholarship: $40,000
- Excellence Scholarship: $42,000
Scholarship Calculator
Learn what merit-based aid you qualify for.
Music Scholarships
Up to $2,000 - $25,000 annually
Music scholarships at Gustavus support students who wish to continue their involvement in music, regardless of their major or minor. These scholarships vary in name, amount, and competitiveness based on your musical talents and those of other applicants. Awards include:
- Gustavus Music Scholarship: Up to $2,000 annually
- Bjorling Music Scholarship: Up to $4,000 annually
- Gustavus Select Music Scholarship: $12,500 annually
- Categories: Jazz, Band, Orchestra, Choir, Keyboard, and Future Music Educators
- Gustavus Premier Music Scholarship: $25,000 annually
You may be considered for multiple awards based on your performance area and application strength.
Evelyn Anderson Theatre and Dance Scholarship
$500 - $6,000 annually
This scholarship is awarded by audition and interview to students who have significant potential in the areas of study offered by the Department of Theatre and Dance.
Art Scholarship
$500 - $2,000 annually
The Art Scholarship recognizes visual arts talent, commitment, and potential for growth. Open to all students—no art major or minor required.
Church Matching Scholarships
Up to $1,000 annually
Established scholarship funds awarded by your home religious and faith community—regardless of religion—will be matched by Gustavus up to $1,000 annually. Written notification from the community indicating the dollar amount or the likelihood of a future award must be received by June 15. The Financial Aid Office must receive funds from the church by September 1.
National Merit Scholarship
If you qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist, you can receive a full-tuition scholarship to Gustavus Adolphus College, renewable for all four years.
Esports and Clay Target Scholarships
$1,000 annually
Each year, five talented student-athletes in Esports and Clay Target competition will be selected to receive a $1,000 annual scholarship, renewable for up to four years ($4,000 total value). These scholarships celebrate dedication, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence—both in competition and in the classroom. No separate application is required. Scholarship recipients will be chosen by the respective coach based on demonstrated skill, leadership, and potential contribution to the team.
Gustavus Esports is a fast-growing, inclusive community where students compete in titles such as League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, and more. With a dedicated on-campus arena and a focus on strategy, collaboration, and sportsmanship, the program helps students “Go Beyond” in and out of the game.
The Gustavus Clay Target team represents precision, focus, and camaraderie. Competing in the USA College Clay Target League, team members bring the Gustie spirit to a sport that demands discipline and teamwork—and celebrates every perfect shot.
Financial Aid Resources
We are committed to transparency about the financial aid process at Gustavus, so you can make an informed decision. Explore our detailed financial aid resources, and let us know if you have any questions. We're here to support you every step of the way!
The Gustie Guarantee
You can maximize affordability while choosing a private college education! With the Gustie Guarantee, we promise an exceptional education that's accessible.
Get a minimum of $120,000 in scholarships ($30,000 per year) when you're admitted and file the FAFSA.
Award Criteria and Other Details
Merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission based on academic achievement (official unweighted high school GPA), talent, or other criteria established by the College.
These scholarships are given to full-time, first-year students based on their application for admission. Academic merit scholarships do not require a student to demonstrate financial eligibility, but may be awarded as part of a need-based financial aid package.
Once awarded, a student's merit scholarship will remain the same for up to four years (or eight semesters) of continuous full-time enrollment, provided they meet the required academic standards and remain in good standing with the College as defined by our Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
These are offered to students who demonstrate financial eligibility by filing the FAFSA. The offered amounts will vary from year to year and are determined based on your family's Estimated Family Contribution as determined by FAFSA and availability of funds.
Returning students must make "Satisfactory Academic Progress" to retain eligibility of all financial aid.
View the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Gustavus provides over $54 million annually in merit scholarships and need-based grants to students. We are able to provide this level of assistance because of the contributions made by our generous friends and alumni.
If a student is selected to be a recipient of a named scholarship, Gustavus grant amounts may be replaced with the amount of the donor funded scholarship.
In its place, the named fund would be listed on the award.
These scholarships may be renewed as part of the annual financial aid process based on annually completing the FAFSA.