Incoming Interdisciplinary Honors Student Scholarships

The Honors Program offers a limited number of scholarships for entering Interdisciplinary Honors students. Applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships as part of their application process to the Honors Program. While all of the below scholarships/awards have different, specific selection criteria, we particularly consider those who are challenging themselves academically to learn outside their comfort zones, who are participating in their community and demonstrating how they engage with others, and demonstrate an interest in the Honors Program’s mission and values. We consider all incoming first-year for these awards.

Please note:

  • Applicants cannot apply for these scholarships; no separate application is required or accepted.
  • Notification of a scholarship award will arrive with the Honors email offering admission to the Honors Program. Please do not contact us inquiring about scholarship offers if you have not received one.
  • All awards and terms are dependent on fund availability and subject to change before recipients are chosen. Award amounts listed on this page are updated annually and may not exactly match the amount listed in an award offer and linked contract. Always refer to your award offer and contract to understand the exact terms of your award.

Incoming Interdisciplinary Honors Student Scholarships

Professor Roger and Jane Soder Equity Scholarship

These endowed funds are to support outstanding first or second-year admits to the Interdisciplinary Honors Program who are Washington State residents and have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity. Roger and Jane Soder’s generous gift supports students in their endeavors to shape a world grounded in justice for all communities. Roger Soder, faculty emeritus of UW’s College of Education and beloved Honors instructor and mentor, is invested in the Honors learning community and the complex learning that requires deep introspection, resisting quick and simple answers.

Amount: varies each year

Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award - 4-year resident tuition waiver

These merit-based resident tuition waivers are awarded to a select group of incoming first-year students with Washington state residency. This award waives four years of resident undergraduate tuition, excluding Summer term. This award cannot waive exchange program, study abroad, or UPASS fees. Any student studying away from UW must contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine the applicability of their aid towards program costs.

These are non-renewable awards which cannot be transferred or extended. Only Washington State residents are eligible for consideration.

Amount: a waiver equivalent to Washington state resident tuition at UW Seattle

Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award - Partial resident tuition waiver

These merit-based resident tuition waivers are awarded to incoming first-year or continuing students with Washington state residency depending on funding availability, which changes each year. This award waives a portion of resident undergraduate tuition (as outlined in the award offer and contract), excluding Summer term. This award cannot waive exchange program, study abroad, or UPASS fees. Any student studying away from UW must contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine the applicability of their aid towards program costs.

These are one-time, non-renewable awards and the exact amount of tuition waived and the duration of the award is outlined when the award is offered. Only Washington State residents are eligible for consideration.

Amount: varies by year

Mary Gates Honors Scholarship

The Mary Gates Honors Scholarship is awarded to first-year Interdisciplinary Honors students with Washington state residency on the basis of academic merit. This fund was established by Bill and Melinda Gates to support excellence in undergraduate education at the University of Washington and in particular to create new opportunities for students to become independent learners and community leaders. Bill’s mother, Mary Maxwell Gates (1929-1994), was a great leader who promoted voluntary service and philanthropy both locally and nationally; she served on the University of Washington Board of Regents from 1975 until 1993. Scholarship amounts may vary year to year.

Only Washington State residents are eligible for consideration.

Amount: Award covers approximately $12,000 per year of UW tuition for the first and second years.

Honors Achievement Award - Partial nonresident tuition waiver

These merit-based nonresident tuition waivers are awarded to a select group of incoming nonresident Honors first-year and continuing Honors students and provide a partial waiver of nonresident tuition (for up to two years), excluding summer term. These are one-time, non-renewable awards and the exact amount of tuition waived and the duration of the award is outlined when the award is offered. This award cannot waive exchange program, study abroad, or UPASS fees. Any student studying away from UW must contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine the applicability of their aid towards program costs.

Only non-Washington State U.S. residents are eligible for consideration.

Amount: varies by year

Campbell Scholarship

The Campbell Scholarship is awarded to an entering first-year Washington State resident student who exhibits high academic promise, has financial need, and is the first in their family to attend college. This fund was established to honor Fred Campbell for the many lives that he has touched, and for his contributions to higher education, teaching, and the University of Washington. Fred Campbell retired from the University in 2001 after serving as the Dean of Undergraduate Education and Vice Provost for nine years. He joined the faculty in 1967 and served as chair of the Department of Sociology for seven years. He also held the position of Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education in the College of Arts and Sciences from 1988 to 1992. The purpose of this endowment is tied to Dr Campbell’s own experience as a first-generation college student whose parents never graduated from high school. Scholarship amounts may vary year to year.

Only first-generation Washington State residents with financial need are eligible for consideration.

Amount: $5,000 award (1 year only).

Eberharter Scholarship

The Betty Eberharter Scholarship is awarded to an incoming first-year Washington state resident student in Interdisciplinary Honors who intends to pursue a degree in international studies and has an interest in issues of peace and conflict resolution. This scholarship demonstrates Ms. Eberharter’s dedication to providing students with a means to engage in service and study abroad in conjunction with regular Honors requirements. Scholarship amounts may vary year to year.

Only Washington State residents are eligible for consideration.

Amount: varies by selection year

Lovsted Family Endowed Scholarship

In September 2004, UW alumni Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lovsted established the Lovsted Family Endowed Scholarships. Mr. Lovsted (’52) achieved success in basketball and as a member of the Crew team, winning National Championships and a bronze medal at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. Mrs. Lovsted (’53), graduated from the UW Magna Cum Laude, and was active in many University efforts as an alumna. This scholarship supports students in the Honors Program and is awarded to students demonstrating such qualities as integrity, passion for study and a strong work ethic, and commitment to family and community. To be considered students must demonstrate financial need. Scholarship amounts vary year to year.

US residents with financial need are eligible for consideration.

Amount: varies by selection year

David and Mari Clack Scholarship

Mari and David Clack are UW alums and feel strongly about the University and providing access to education to students from Spokane County who otherwise would not be able to attend without financial assistance. The Clack Scholarship is awarded to an entering first-year student from Spokane County interested in majoring in the College of Arts and Sciences, with demonstrated financial need.  Scholarship amounts may vary year to year.

Only Washington State residents from Spokane County with financial need are eligible for consideration.

Amount: $3,500 award (1 year only)

Honors Undergraduate Equity Scholarship

The Honors Program Equity Scholarships provide support and recognition for incoming scholars who will contribute to the UW’s diversity and commitment to excellence. These scholarships are funded through various private resources. Awards reflect academic merit; proven residency of Washington state; and demonstrated financial need, as evidenced by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarship amounts may vary year to year.

Amount: $4,500 award (1 year only).