Annual Award for 2022-23: $44,000
The Powell Scholarship is the university's premier academic merit award, and is designed to cultivate future leaders through mentoring, instruction and service.
Qualified Powell Scholars candidates have:
- A cumulative high school GPA of 3.7 or higher
- Undertaken a rigorous academic curriculum - Honors, AP and/or IB courses
- Demonstrated leadership skills or leadership potential in two or more areas, including but not restricted to student government, community service, cultural groups, research or creative activities, or sports
Students who meet these minimum criteria are encouraged to apply for the Powell Scholarship when you fill out the admission application on the Common App or the Pacific App. Simply look for the Powell Scholarship and answer the supplemental questions.
Apply by Nov. 15 to be considered for Early Action or by Jan. 15 for Regular Action consideration.
A select number of finalists will be invited to campus to interview with the Powell Scholars selection committee.
Selected students will compete for up to 10 scholarships awarded annually by the university. Selection will involve a personal interview designed to assess each candidate's potential for intellectual and leadership development, international study, research and creative endeavors, and the ability to make a difference in the world.
In addition to the generous scholarship award, Powell Scholars will have special access to research opportunities, study abroad programs, and nationally recognized speakers visiting Pacific. They participate in extensive mentoring and leadership development. Each Powell Scholar will have access to up to $5,000 for research projects and up to $2,500 for international travel.
To view the components of the program and some accomplishments of our Powell Scholars, visit the Powell Scholars Program website.
Students apply for the Powell Scholars Program in their senior year of high school. Students enter the program as college freshmen; upperclassmen and transfer students are not eligible. The Powell Scholars award is renewable each year of your undergraduate studies assuming a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 is maintained. The award may be accompanied by additional need-based financial aid, but not other merit-based scholarships from Pacific (including the President's or Regent's awards). If you are selected for more than one of these scholarships you will receive the most advantageous award.
Given the opportunities in research, fellowships, study abroad, cultural experiences and community service supported by the scholarship, the Powell Scholars Program is designed to coincide with a four-year undergraduate curriculum. Therefore, students who apply for and are offered admission to the Powell Scholars Program AND a Pacific accelerated program must choose either the Powell Scholar Program OR an accelerated program for enrollment by May 1. All Powell Scholars must earn an undergraduate degree.
Powell Scholars Program Key Dates (Fall Applicants)
November 15
- Early Action deadline
- FAFSA priority deadline (for best possible financial aid eligibility)
January 15
- Regular decision deadline
- FAFSA priority deadline (for best possible financial aid eligibility
February
- Students selected as finalists will be invited to interview with the Powell Scholars selection committee
Late February
- Powell Scholars Program winners announced
May 1
- First-year student enrollment confirmation deadline