Introduction to Scholarship Letters for Need-Based Funding
Applying for scholarships based on financial need requires a thoughtful and compelling approach. A well-crafted scholarship letter can make a significant difference in showcasing your eligibility and sincerity. Below, we provide 16 sample scholarship letters tailored for need-based funding requests, each demonstrating how to effectively communicate your financial situation and academic goals.
These examples cover a variety of scenarios, from undergraduate students to graduate applicants, ensuring you can find a template that aligns with your specific circumstances. Each letter emphasizes financial need while highlighting academic achievements and future aspirations.
1. Undergraduate Student Scholarship Request
Emily J. Smith
123 Maple Street
Springfield, IL 62704
October 15, 2023
Scholarship Committee
University of Illinois
1401 University Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the University of Illinois Need-Based Scholarship. As a first-generation college student, I am eager to pursue a degree in Computer Science but face significant financial barriers. My family’s income limits our ability to cover tuition, and this scholarship would provide essential support toward my academic goals.
I have maintained a 3.8 GPA while working part-time to contribute to my family’s income. I am committed to giving back to my community through volunteer work in local STEM programs. This scholarship would not only alleviate financial stress but also enable me to focus on my studies and extracurricular activities.
Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that your support will help me achieve my full potential and make a meaningful impact in my field.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Smith
2. Graduate Student Scholarship Application
David M. Carter
456 Oak Lane
Boston, MA 02115
November 10, 2023
Graduate Scholarship Committee
Harvard University
1350 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dear Members of the Graduate Scholarship Committee,
I am applying for the Harvard University Graduate Need-Based Scholarship to support my pursuit of a Master’s degree in Public Policy. Despite my academic achievements, including a 3.7 GPA during my undergraduate studies, I face significant financial challenges that could hinder my ability to attend graduate school without assistance.
My research focuses on urban development and economic inequality, and I am eager to contribute to policy solutions that address these issues. However, my family’s limited income and my own student debt from undergraduate studies make it difficult to fund my graduate education without additional support.
This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me cover tuition and living expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies and research. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the Harvard community.
Sincerely,
David M. Carter
3. Single Parent Scholarship Request
Sarah L. Johnson
789 Pine Road
Denver, CO 80210
September 20, 2023
Scholarship Committee
University of Denver
2199 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80208
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
As a single parent pursuing a degree in Nursing, I am reaching out to express my interest in the University of Denver’s Need-Based Scholarship. Balancing my education with raising my two children has been challenging, and financial constraints have added significant stress to our household.
I am determined to create a better future for my family, and this scholarship would provide the financial relief we desperately need. I have worked hard to maintain a 3.5 GPA while managing my parental responsibilities, and I am eager to continue my education to secure a stable career in healthcare.
Your support would mean the world to me and my children. Thank you for considering my application and for your commitment to helping students like me achieve their goals.
Sincerely,
Sarah L. Johnson
4. International Student Scholarship Application
Amara S. Ali
321 Cedar Drive
New York, NY 10001
December 5, 2023
International Student Scholarship Committee
Columbia University
2960 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
Dear Members of the International Student Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Columbia University International Student Need-Based Scholarship. As an international student from Somalia, I have overcome numerous challenges to pursue my education in the United States, but financial difficulties now threaten my ability to continue my studies.
I am currently a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering and have maintained a 3.6 GPA while working part-time to support myself. My family, still living in Somalia, cannot provide financial assistance due to the ongoing economic crisis in our country. This scholarship would be a lifeline, enabling me to focus on my studies and graduate on time.
I am deeply grateful for your consideration and hope to one day use my education to contribute to the development of my home country.
Sincerely,
Amara S. Ali
5. Community College Transfer Student Scholarship
Michael T. Lee
654 Maple Avenue
San Jose, CA 95112
January 8, 2024
Transfer Student Scholarship Committee
University of California, Berkeley
212 Sproul Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the University of California, Berkeley Transfer Student Need-Based Scholarship. As a community college student transferring to UC Berkeley to pursue a degree in Environmental Science, I am eager to continue my education but face financial challenges that could hinder my progress.
At my community college, I have maintained a 3.9 GPA while working part-time to support myself. However, the higher cost of living in Berkeley and increased tuition fees have created a significant financial burden. This scholarship would help me cover these expenses and focus on my studies without additional stress.
I am committed to using my education to address environmental issues in my community and beyond. Your support would be invaluable in helping me achieve this goal.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Lee
6. STEM Scholarship Request for Undergraduate Studies
Sophia G. Martinez
987 Oak Street
Austin, TX 78704
February 12, 2024
STEM Scholarship Committee
University of Texas at Austin
110 Inner Campus Drive
Austin, TX 78712
Dear Members of the STEM Scholarship Committee,
I am excited to apply for the University of Texas at Austin STEM Need-Based Scholarship. As a sophomore majoring in Computer Science, I have always been passionate about technology and innovation, but financial challenges have made it difficult to pursue my degree without additional support.
I have maintained a 3.7 GPA while participating in coding competitions and leading a student tech club focused on developing solutions for local non-profits. However, my family’s limited income and my own part-time job leave little room for savings, making it difficult to cover tuition and living expenses.
This scholarship would provide the financial stability I need to continue my studies and contribute to the tech community. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact through my work.
Sincerely,
Sophia G. Martinez
7. Law School Scholarship Application
James R. Wilson
432 Pine Street
Chicago, IL 60611
March 15, 2024
Law School Scholarship Committee
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
375 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law Need-Based Scholarship. As a first-year law student, I am committed to pursuing a career in public interest law, but the high cost of legal education has created significant financial challenges for me.
During my undergraduate studies, I maintained a 3.8 GPA and worked as a legal assistant at a non-profit organization, where I saw firsthand the impact of legal representation on underserved communities. However, my family’s financial situation limits our ability to cover the full cost of law school, and I am relying on scholarships to make my education possible.
This scholarship would be a crucial investment in my future and my ability to serve others through the legal profession. Thank you for your consideration and support of students like me.
Sincerely,
James R. Wilson
8. MBA Scholarship Request
Rachel K. Brown
321 Walnut Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
April 20, 2024
MBA Scholarship Committee
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
420 Jon M. Huntsman Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dear Members of the MBA Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Wharton School MBA Need-Based Scholarship. As a professional with five years of experience in marketing, I am eager to pursue an MBA to advance my career and develop the leadership skills necessary to drive innovation in my industry. However, the cost of the program poses a significant financial challenge for me.
In my current role, I have led successful campaigns that increased revenue by 20% and mentored junior team members to help them grow in their careers. Despite my professional achievements, my savings are limited, and I rely on financial aid to make my MBA dreams a reality.
This scholarship would provide the financial support I need to focus on my studies and contribute meaningfully to the Wharton community. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to learn from and with my peers.
Sincerely,
Rachel K. Brown
9. Nursing Scholarship Application
Laura S. Garcia
654 Birch Road
Seattle, WA 98105
May 10, 2024
Nursing Scholarship Committee
University of Washington
1959 NE Pacific Street
Seattle, WA 98195
Dear Members of the Nursing Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the University of Washington Nursing Need-Based Scholarship. As a registered nurse pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), I am committed to advancing my education to provide better care for my patients. However, the financial burden of continuing my education has become a significant challenge.
I have worked as an RN for three years, during which I have consistently received positive evaluations for my patient care and dedication. However, my family’s limited financial resources and my own student loans from my initial nursing training have made it difficult to pursue my BSN without additional support.
This scholarship would enable me to focus on my studies and continue my passion for delivering high-quality patient care. Thank you for considering my application and for your support of nursing students like me.
Sincerely,
Laura S. Garcia
10. Engineering Scholarship Request
Daniel M. Kim
987 Cedar Lane
Los Angeles, CA 90024
June 5, 2024
Engineering Scholarship Committee
University of Southern California
3737 McClintock Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Dear Members of the Engineering Scholarship Committee,
I am applying for the University of Southern California Engineering Need-Based Scholarship to support my studies in Aerospace Engineering. As a junior with a passion for rocket propulsion and space exploration, I am eager to continue my education but face financial challenges that could hinder my progress.
I have maintained a 3.6 GPA while working on research projects and interning at a local aerospace firm. However, my family’s income is limited, and I have had to take on significant student loans to cover tuition and living expenses. This scholarship would help alleviate some of that financial burden and allow me to focus on my studies and research.
I am committed to using my education to contribute to the advancement of space exploration and inspire future generations of engineers. Your support would be instrumental in helping me achieve this goal.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Daniel M. Kim
11. PhD Scholarship Application
Olivia R. Taylor
321 Spruce Street
Madison, WI 53706
July 25, 2024
PhD Scholarship Committee
University of Wisconsin-Madison
432 North Lake Street
Madison, WI 53706
Dear Members of the PhD Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the University of Wisconsin-Madison PhD Need-Based Scholarship in the Department of Chemistry. As a first-year PhD student, I am excited to contribute to cutting-edge research in organic chemistry, but financial constraints have made it challenging to focus on my studies without additional support.
During my undergraduate studies, I maintained a 3.9 GPA and conducted research in synthetic chemistry, resulting in two published papers. However, my family’s financial situation limits our ability to cover the full cost of living and tuition, and I am relying on scholarships to continue my education.
This scholarship would provide the financial stability I need to focus on my research and academic pursuits. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the scientific community at UW-Madison.
Sincerely,
Olivia R. Taylor
12. Teacher Education Scholarship Request
Christopher J. Hall
654 Fir Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
August 15, 2024
Teacher Education Scholarship Committee
Portland State University
1721 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201
Dear Members of the Teacher Education Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Portland State University Teacher Education Need-Based Scholarship. As a prospective teacher pursuing a Master’s degree in Education, I am committed to inspiring and empowering future generations of students. However, the financial demands of graduate school have created a significant challenge for me.
During my undergraduate studies, I maintained a 3.7 GPA while volunteering at local schools and working with at-risk youth. My passion for education is unwavering, but my family’s limited financial resources have made it difficult to pursue my graduate degree without additional support.
This scholarship would provide the financial relief I need to focus on my studies and prepare for a career in teaching. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of my future students.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Hall
13. Art and Design Scholarship Application
Ava M. Bennett
987 Beech Road
Atlanta, GA 30309
September 30, 2024
Art and Design Scholarship Committee
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
1600 Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Dear Members of the Art and Design Scholarship Committee,
I am excited to apply for the SCAD Art and Design Need-Based Scholarship. As a sophomore majoring in Graphic Design, I am passionate about creating visually compelling and meaningful designs, but financial challenges have made it difficult to continue my education without additional support.
I have maintained a 3.6 GPA while working on freelance design projects and contributing to campus art initiatives. However, my family’s limited income and my own part-time job leave little room for savings, making it challenging to cover tuition and art supplies.
This scholarship would provide the financial support I need to focus on my creative pursuits and develop my skills as a graphic designer. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the SCAD community.
Sincerely,
Ava M. Bennett
14. Social Work Scholarship Request
Ethan S. Mitchell
432 Chestnut Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
October 20, 2024
Social Work Scholarship Committee
University of Maryland, Baltimore
620 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Dear Members of the Social Work Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the University of Maryland, Baltimore Social Work Need-Based Scholarship. As a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, I am committed to addressing systemic inequalities and supporting vulnerable populations. However, the financial demands of graduate school have created a significant challenge for me.
During my undergraduate studies, I maintained a 3.5 GPA while interning at a local non-profit organization, where I worked with homeless veterans and families in need. My passion for social work is rooted in my desire to make a difference in my community, but my family’s limited financial resources have made it difficult to pursue my graduate degree without additional support.
This scholarship would provide the financial relief I need to focus on my studies and prepare for a career in social work. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the social work field.
Sincerely,
Ethan S. Mitchell
15. Business Scholarship Application
Chloe E. Brooks
321 Walnut Lane
Dallas, TX 75201
November 25, 2024
Business Scholarship Committee
Southern Methodist University
6210 Bishop Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75205
Dear Members of the Business Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Southern Methodist University Business Need-Based Scholarship. As a junior majoring in Finance, I am eager to continue my education and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the business world. However, financial challenges have made it difficult to pursue my degree without additional support.
I have maintained a 3.7 GPA while working as a financial analyst intern at a local firm and leading a student investment club. However, my family’s limited income and my own part-time job leave little room for savings, making it challenging to cover tuition and living expenses.
This scholarship would provide the financial stability I need to focus on my studies and prepare for a successful career in finance. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the SMU business community.
Sincerely,
Chloe E. Brooks
16. Medical School Scholarship Request
Liam O. Connor
987 Ash Street
Miami, FL 33101
December 10, 2024
Medical School Scholarship Committee
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
1600 NW 10th Avenue
Miami, FL 33136
Dear Members of the Medical School Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the University of Miami Medical School Need-Based Scholarship. As a first-year medical student, I am committed to pursuing a career in primary care to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. However, the high cost of medical school has created significant financial challenges for me.
During my undergraduate studies, I maintained a 3.8 GPA while volunteering at free clinics and working as a medical scribe. However, my family’s limited financial resources and my own student loans from undergraduate studies have made it difficult to cover the full cost of medical school without additional support.
This scholarship would provide the financial relief I need to focus on my studies and prepare for a career in medicine. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of my future patients.
Sincerely,
Liam O. Connor
Conclusion
Each of the 16 sample scholarship letters above demonstrates how to effectively communicate financial need while highlighting academic achievements and future aspirations. By tailoring your letter to your specific circumstances and emphasizing your commitment to your field of study, you can create a compelling case for need-based funding. Remember to maintain a professional tone, clearly state your financial situation, and express gratitude for the scholarship opportunity.
Use these examples as a starting point to craft your own unique scholarship letter, ensuring it reflects your personal story and goals. Best of luck with your applications!