Scholarship Awards

Hampden-Sydney awards competitive merit scholarships to select students who have demonstrated the highest levels of academic achievement and leadership and who understand the dedication to scholarship necessary to be successful in our challenging liberal arts curriculum.

Scholarship awards, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. Scholarship award recipients may also qualify for other types of financial aid based on demonstrated need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

All applicants for admission are considered for scholarships.

No special scholarship forms are required. All students will be reviewed for both an admission decision and scholarship award upon submission of their application and receipt of all required application materials.

Merit Scholarships for Freshmen

Birthplace Scholarship - $45,000*
Cushing Scholarship - $37,000
Venable Scholarship - $32,000
Middlecourt Scholarship - $27,000
Penshurst Scholarship - $22,000
Garnet & Grey Scholarships - $15,000 - $20,000

(All amounts above are for students entering as freshmen for the 2026-2027 academic year.)
*Any student awarded the Birthplace Scholarship is eligible to compete in the Top Scholar Competition.

Top Scholar Competition

The Top Scholar Competition recognizes exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and potential. Selected participants will have the opportunity to compete for additional merit scholarship awards that can be added to their existing scholarship. Awards include:

Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to those who compete in the Top Scholars Competition.

The Citrone Scholars Program
full-tuition for four years
The Citrone Scholars Program, established by Rob Citrone ’87 and his wife, Cindy Citrone, will award four-year, full-tuition merit scholarships to talented prospective students. The number of available scholarships may vary each year.

Madison Scholarship
full scholarship including tuition, fees, room, and board for up to four years
The Madison Scholarship, established by Alumni and Friends of the College, is a full scholarship offering tuition, fees, room, and board for up to four year. It is awarded to one exceptional student who has excelled in the classroom and has made a positive impact on his community.

The Hurt Scholarship
$10,000 award
The Hurt Scholarship, established by W. Glenn Hurt ’60, will award $10,000 to talented prospective students interested in the sciences. Top Scholars interested in the sciences can compete by invitation only for the Hurt Scholarship.

The Davis Fellowship
full-tuition for up to four years
The Davis Fellowship, established by Norwood and Marguerite Davis, is a full-tuition scholarship and is awarded every other year to one member of the incoming class matriculating at Hampden-Sydney College.  

The Garland Award
$2,500 per year for all admitted out-of-state students
The Garland Award honors the legacy of Anita Garland, whose four decades of leadership in the Office of Admission shaped generations of students. Just as Ms. Garland welcomed each incoming class, the Garland Award warmly welcomes every student from out-of-state with this award.

Leadership Scholarships for Freshmen

Eagle Scout Scholarship
$140,000 granted as $35,000 per year over four years for new students beginning in the fall of 2027
Any accepted applicant who earns (or will earn before matriculation) his Eagle Scout and attends Hampden-Sydney College will receive this award in place of any primary academic scholarship.

Boys State Participant Scholarship
$120,000 granted as $30,000 per year over four years for new students beginning in the fall of 2027
Any accepted applicant who has participated in Boys State and attends Hampden-Sydney College will receive this award.

Scholarships for Upperclassmen

Harrison Scholarship
$5,000 for two years
The Harrison Scholarship was established to honor enrolled students who have excelled in the classroom and have made a positive impact in the campus community. The award is $5,000 in addition to any academic award per year for two years.

Sprinkle Scholarship
This regional scholarship is awarded to students entering the pre-medicine studies program.

Army ROTC Scholarship
full tuition and fees per year, $1,200 for textbooks and supplies, and a monthly stipend of $420
The Army ROTC program offers two-, three-, and four-year scholarships and other financial incentives to those individuals seeking leadership training and experience. Participants who successfully complete the program are commissioned 2nd Lieutenants in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard. These scholarships are merit-based and not awarded on financial need or family income. Applicants accepting a scholarship sign a contract with the U.S. Army and must participate in Military Science classes and required military training.

If awarded an ROTC scholarship, an applicant receives full tuition and fees per year for each year of the scholarship. In addition, the scholarship awards an annual allotment of $1,200 for textbooks and supplies plus a tax-free monthly stipend in the amount of $420 while school is in session. For more information, contact Col. R. Dwayne Bowyer ’92.