First-Year Scholarships

The Wesley Service Scholarship (WSS) program is for students who choose to take advantage of community service opportunities as a way to explore their vocation or life’s calling. The WSS program honors John Wesley’s commitment to the links between spirituality and service. In his words, “True faith cannot be hidden but will break out and show itself by good works.” The WSS program hopes to motivate students to become engaged in their communities while in college and through that engagement, help them to understand where their passions and gifts intersect with the world’s needs. Any student accepted to Simpson or in good standing as an enrolled student is eligible to apply.

Each Wesley Service Scholar will receive a stipend of $1,000 for the academic year ($500 per semester), credited to the student’s account at the conclusion of each semester after completion of the scholarship requirements. Priority deadline is February 15, 2025. Apply now online.

The Simpson College Speech and Debate Scholarship is awarded based on high school speech, debate and mock trial experience. Consideration can also be given for other public speaking experience. Priority deadline is February 15, 2025. Scholarships will range from $500 – $2,500 annually. Apply now online.

The Simpson College Esports Scholarship is based on high school Esports experience. Scholarships will range from $500 – $2,500 annually. For more information, contact Hubert Whan Tong, director of Esports. Priority deadline is February 15, 2025.

Scholarships are made to full-time students on the basis of musical ability and academic promise. An audition is required. Scholarships are offered to vocal, instrumental and keyboard musicians interested in either activity or music major participation. Music major scholarships are packaged in the amount of $2,500 annually. Music activity scholarships are also available and range from $500 – $1000 annually.
Apply now online. 
For further information, contact Jenny Cresswell, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music.

Scholarships in this area are made to full-time students on the basis of ability and academic promise. An audition or personal interview is required to be a candidate for theatre scholarships. Students who are eligible will be awarded $2,500 annually. Apply now online.
For further information regarding this award, contact Ann Woldt, Department of Theatre Educational Outreach Coordinator.

Scholarships in this area are made to full-time students on the basis of ability and academic promise. This $4,000 annual scholarship is for students who are pursuing a career in music and theater by either double-majority or combining a major and minor in the areas of both music and theater. An audition is required. Apply now online.
For further information, please contact Ann Woldt, Department of Theater Educational Outreach Coordinator.

Awards are made to full-time students planning to pursue a major or minor in graphic design and on the basis of their outstanding ability in art and design. The submission of a representative portfolio of work and personal statement is required. Scholarships are packaged in the amount of $2,500 annually. For further information, contact Justin Nostrala, Department of Graphic Design Chair.

Cowles Fellowship is one of the most prestigious academic awards offered by Simpson College ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 on top of the academic merit-based scholarship. In addition, Cowles Fellows will receive a travel stipend to be used for international/domestic travel or internship study to enhance the student’s educational experience.

Only awarded  to full-time students entering their freshman year, candidates must possess extraordinary academic ability and potential as evidenced by high school performance, including standardized test scores. Leadership skills and participation in high school or community activities will be given strong consideration.

No additional application needed.

Each year, a select group of new, incoming full-time first-year students with a passion for politics and public service will be awarded a renewable annual scholarship of up to $2,500 — in addition to all other merit- and need-based financial aid awarded by Simpson College.

Public service may include contributions made within the context of volunteer work, elected office, government service and civic engagement. In addition to the scholarship, Culver Fellows are the student leaders of the John C. Culver Public Policy Center who are involved in all aspects of the center’s work on campus and in the broader community.

Priority consideration will be given to candidates for this scholarship who submit the Simpson College application for admission and supporting materials by February 15, 2024.

For more information on the John C. Culver Fellows program contact:
Simpson College Office of Admissions: 800-362-2454 or admiss@simpson.edu.

Seth Andersen, Director, Culver Public Policy Center: 515-961-1354 or seth.andersen@simpson.edu.

The Alumni Scholarship recognizes the dependent student whose parent or grandparent(s) attended Simpson College. An Alumni Scholarship of $1,000 per year will be made available to each dependent of an alumnus. The student must be enrolled full time (12 semester hours or more).

Tuition exchange is available to the dependent student whose parent is employed by a participating college or university. In order to receive the tuition exchange benefit, the following two items must be done: a) student must file the FAFSA; and b) tuition exchange papers must be filed and approved with Simpson College. Students accepted for the tuition exchange program will not be eligible for any other Simpson-funded gift assistance. The tuition exchange benefit will be reduced by an amount equal to other federal and state gift dollars so that the maximum benefit will never exceed the cost of tuition.