Scholarships for 2025-2026Financial Aid

Affordable Education For All

Every student deserves to get 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.

The Gustie Guarantee means 100% of full-time, first-year students receive an academic merit scholarship – getting at least $120,000 in scholarships ($30,000 per year) when they're admitted and file the FAFSA.

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Academic Merit Scholarships

A scholarship is a recognition of your academic achievements in high school and an investment in your future success at Gustavus. These scholarships are given to full-time, first-year students based on their application for admission. No additional application is required.

Scholarship amounts vary based on your official unweighted high school GPA. Use the calculator below to see what scholarship you might receive. Amounts listed are the annual value and are renewable for up to four years. A student can only receive one of the following merit-based scholarships.

See Your Scholarship

  • $25,000 Gold Scholarship
  • $30,000 Three Crowns Scholarship
  • $34,000 Dean's Scholarship
  • $38,000 President's Scholarship
  • $40,000 Excellence Scholarship

Fine Arts Scholarships

The arts are an integral part of the Gustavus community. For students looking to continue their involvement in music, dance, theatre, or art, we recommend applying for fine arts scholarships. A separate application for these awards is required.

Fine arts scholarships are open to any major. Annual scholarship amounts are listed below and based on a faculty review of your artistic ability. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years if criteria is met, such as participating in an ensemble. A student can receive up to one scholarship from each fine arts area.

Applications can be submitted within your Applicant Portal after you apply for admission. If you apply for a fine arts scholarship after receiving your financial aid offer, your overall offer may be adjusted.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by December 1, 2024.


Group photo of a Gustavus band.

Additional Scholarships and Awards

Other scholarships are available, depending on your circumstances. Annual scholarship amounts are listed below and all scholarships are renewable for up to four years if criteria is met.


  • Referral Scholarship
    • $2,000
    • Referral and student's application for admission due November 1 of their senior year.
    • Refer a Student
  • FAFSA Filer Award
    • $2,000
    • Priority consideration will be given to those who file the FAFSA by March 15.
    • For any admitted student that files the FAFSA, this award will be stacked on top of their academic merit scholarship.
    • Filing the FAFSA may also qualify you for additional need-based aid through grants, loans, and student employment.
    • Gustavus FAFSA Code: 002353
  • National Merit Award
    • Full Tuition Scholarship
    • For National Merit semifinalists or finalists, by invitation, after interviewing.

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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.
  • Get first-year free tuition if you live in Minnesota and your family makes less than $80,000 per year.
  • Get a degree in four years or Gustavus will cover your tuition for a ninth semester.

Learn more about the Gustie Guarantee

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!

Gusties discussing over a chalk board.

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