Hampshire Establishes Merit Scholarships for Transfer Students

Students who transfer to Hampshire College are now eligible for merit scholarships worth up to $10,000 a year.

"We're excited to recognize the academic achievements of our transfer students and welcome them to the Hampshire community," said Associate Dean of Admissions and Transfer Counselor Devon Cruz.

Previously, transfer students have only been eligible for need-based financial aid, but they now will be able to get a combination of both. Cruz noted that Hampshire is seeing more and more students start their education at community colleges, or return to school after years in the workforce, and merit scholarships are a way to make their transition to a four-year college easier.

In addition to the merit and need-based scholarships, women, minority, and first-generation students transferring from community colleges who plan to study science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) are eligible for assistance through a grant from the National Science Foundation. The funding also can be used for optional research opportunities during the summer before transferring to Hampshire.

To become a transfer student, applicants must have earned at least 15 transferable college credits at another institution. For Abby Brownell 12F, whose focus at Hampshire is child development and animal behavior, the College's financial assistance proved essential in making it possible for her to attend.

"I thought about applying to Hampshire in high school, but, after being totally intimidated by the cost of attendance, I decided against that," said Brownell. "Little did I know I would later get a really nice financial aid package."

Students do not have to submit an application for the merit scholarships, as they are automatically considered with their application to the college.

Application information for transfer students >>

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