Each year, Purdue student-athletes have the opportunity to apply for scholarships awarding worthy individuals an opportunity to continue their studies with varying amounts of aid. To accommodate the student-athlete's quest to find these scholarships, this page will have monthly updates containing more information about the various scholarships below. For more information, please contact Nicole McKinney.
Purdue Black Alumni Organization Roger Blalock Scholarship
Must be a current Purdue student of African or Hispanic descent. Must have 2.80 GPA or higher. Awards are for $1,000. Applications are typically due in mid-February.
Amelia Earhart Scholarship
Based on academic merit and leadership; open to juniors and seniors enrolled in any school at the West Lafayette campus. Must have 3.20 GPA or higher. Applications are typically available in January and due in late February.
Class of 1937 Scholarship
Must show leadership ability and leadership potential; open to freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Must have 2.00 GPA or higher and be a domestic student. Award amount varies. Applications are typically available in January and due in early March.
Mortar Board Challenge Scholarship
Awarded to sophomores who have excelled in scholarship, service and leadership with the potential to have an even greater impact on the Purdue community as they continue their educational experience. Five finalists are recognized at the annual Mortar Board Awards Dessert, with the winner receiving $500. Applications are typically available in January and due in early March.
Mortar Board Fellowship Awards
For students who graduated the previous December, or who will graduate in May, August or December of the current year, and plan to enroll in a graduate degree program immediately. Students must have a 3.20 GPA. Awards are for $2,500 and based on academic record, character, community service and professional goals. Applications are typically available in January and due in early March.
For information on other Purdue University scholarships, click here.
Don't forget to check with your specific department and/or school regarding scholarships available to its students.
NCAA SCHOLARSHIPS
NCAA Ethnic Minority & Women's Enhancement Programs' Postgraduate Scholarship
For ethnic minorities and women interested in pursuing an advanced degree in a sports-related field who will be entering their initial year of postgraduate studies the following year. Student-athlete must be a U.S. citizen and have performed with distinction as a member of the student-body. Recipients of the award are required to attend the NCAA Career in Sports Forum. Awards are for $6,000. Applications are typically available in early September and due in early December.
NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship
For student-athletes in their final season of competition who intend to enroll in a graduate degree program within three years. Student-athlete must have performed with distinction in the sport in which they are being nominated and have a 3.20 GPA or higher. Student-athlete must have performed with distinction in his/her respective sport; the degree of athletics achievement will be weighed along with academic performance, university involvement and community service. Awards are for $7,500. Applications are typically first available in early September and due as follows:
- Fall Sports (Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Volleyball): mid-January
- Winter Sports (Basketball, Swimming & Diving, Indoor Track & Field, Wrestling): mid-March
- Spring Sports (Baseball, Golf, Softball, Tennis, Outdoor Track & Field): mid-May
Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship
Fased on outstanding undergraduate achievement and potential for success in postgraduate study and chosen career. Student-athlete must be in his/her final season of competition and enrolled in or intending to enroll in a graduate degree program within five years; must have superior character and leadership and have a 3.50 GPA or higher. Awards are for $24,000 and are renewable for a second year upon evidence of satisfactory performance. Applications are typically available in late September and due in mid-January.
Jim McKay Scholarship Program
For those who have demonstrated aptitude and commitment to the communications field with the potential to make a contribution in the sports communication industry; must have also shown superior character and leadership. Students must have a 3.50 GPA or higher and be enrolled in a graduate degree program or be a graduating senior committed to enrolling in a graduate degree program within five years. Awards are for $10,000. Applications are typically available in December and due in late January.
NCAA Degree Completion Award
For student-athletes who have completed their eligibility, exhausted eligibility for athletics-related aid and are within 30 credit hours of completing an undergraduate degree. Awards are for full tuition and fees plus a book stipend. A room and board stipend is available through Purdue Athletics pending completion of required work hours per week in the department. Applications for spring/summer/fall are typically available mid-August and due in late September; applications for fall/spring are typically available in mid-March and due in late May.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarship
Applicants will be evaluated based primarily on their achievements in academics; one male and one female recipient from Purdue will be selected. Must have overall GPA of at least 3.20 and be participating in final season of athletics competition. Student-athlete must serve as example to other students and demonstrate leadership qualities. Student-athelte must be enrolled in, or intend to enroll in, full-time graduate degree program and be accepted for matriculation within three years. International students are eligible. Award is worth $7,500. Applications are available in early January and due at the end of February.
NACDA John McLendon Memorial Minority Postgraduate Scholarship
For ethnic minority student-athletes who intend to pursue a graduate degree in athletics administration. Must be enrolled full-time as a senior, have been involved in the community and/or campus organizations and have a 3.00 GPA or higher. Awards are for $10,000. Applications are typically available in late February and due mid-April.
AWARDS
This is for informational purposes only; coaches submit possible nominees for these awards and administrators determine final nominees.
NCAA Today's Top 10 Award
Nominee must be a letter-winner and have exhausted eligibility in the previous year; must also have a 3.20 GPA or higher. Selection criteria is based on the following: athletics achievement and ability (50%); academic achievement (30%); character, leadership, and activities (15%); an additional 5% may be awarded in any category. Recipients must attend the Honors Celebration at the NCAA Convention in January.
NCAA Woman of the Year Award
Nominee must be a letterwinner and have exhausted eligibility during the previous year and earn her degree by the end of the summer term. Nominee must have a 2.50 GPA or higher. Selection criteria is based on the following: service and leadership (28%), academic achievement (28%), athletics excellence (28%) and personal statement (16%). The top 10 nominees from each division and the nine finalists will be honored, and the Woman of the Year will be named at an Honors Dinner in Indianapolis in October.
Big Ten Conference Wayne Duke Postgraduate Scholarship Award
Nominee must be an undergraduate completing his/her last year of eligibility with plans to enroll in a graduate school program within 18 months of graduating. Nominees must honorably represent Purdue while exhibiting excellence in academic, athletic and extracurricular activities and display strong character and leadership skills. One male and one female student-athlete from Purdue will be nominated, with one male and one female recipient from the Big Ten being selected to each receive an award worth $5,000.
Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup Award
Recipients are recognized as athletes of excellence both on and off the field and as role models both as performers and persons. Criteria for nominees include superior work ethic, demonstrated sportsmanship, positive relationships with teammates and coaches, ability to win or lose with grace and dignity, and community service involvement. Finalists are honored, and the recipient is announced, at a banquet held at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta in late April.
Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Award
Nominee must be a student of color with a demonstrated record of service to the campus or community. Nominees must have been at Purdue for at least one full academic year, have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA, and be an active member of an intercollegiate athletic team for the current academic year.