Scholarships
Incoming First Year Students 2025-26
Ripon College’s extensive scholarship program is designed to recognize and reward applicants for their talents and abilities. We provide 100 percent of our undergraduate students with financial assistance and make it our mission to ensure a great economic and educational value per every dollar spent. With every student receiving at least $30,000 in merit aid, we are confident you will find a Ripon education more affordable than many similar private colleges and in some cases state universities. International applicants and Transfer/Re-entry applicants should visit their respective sections for more information on scholarships.
Academic Scholarships
Academic Scholarships: $30,000 to $40,000 per year per year
Ripon College academic scholarships are reviewed on a rolling basis following acceptance to the College. The admission application, along with its supporting documentation, is reviewed to determine eligibility for all scholarships.
The scholarship committee will begin consideration for an academic scholarship for those students who have achieved academically and have demonstrated leadership and service in their high school communities. All Ripon scholarships and grants are applied towards tuition only and disbursed each year, by semester the student is enrolled.
Knop Science Scholarship: Deadline March 1, 2025
The Knop Science Scholarship is a prestigious four-year, full tuition scholarship based on 2025-2026 tuition figures. The Ripon College Knop Science Scholars Board convenes each year at the beginning of the second semester. The mission of the board is to identify high-achieving students who show the potential to contribute greatly to the science and mathematics departments at Ripon College as well as those who will benefit the most from special scholarly opportunities.
This is an invitation only scholarship. Invitations to apply will be sent to accepted students in early January 2025. Invited students will be asked to submit a five minute video describing their background, experiences, interests and/or career goals in an area of the sciences or mathematics. This video must be submitted to the admission office by March 1, 2025.
William J. Woolley History Scholarship: $2,500 per year, deadline March 1, 2025
Dr. Woolley invites all admitted students who have an interest in pursuing history as a major on campus to apply for this scholarship. For consideration as a candidate, you are asked to write Dr. Woolley an essay, no more than two pages in length, indicating your interest in being considered for the award, a description of what led to your interest in history, and any personal extraordinary experiences, background and opportunities that may pertain to your interest in history. Dr. Woolley will review all essays. Letters must be submitted to the admission office by March 1, 2025.
Fine Arts Scholarships
The Doreen L. Conforti Chemerow ’73 Endowed Theatre Scholarship: Up to $1,000 per year
Students with ability in the area of theatre will be invited to audition or interview with faculty for these scholarships. The student must have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing theatre at Ripon College though a major in theatre is not required. Renewal is contingent on the following criteria: enroll in at least one Theatre Department production per year and a total participation of six productions over the course of a student’s four years at the College, maintain enrollment as a full-time student, and maintain satisfactory progress toward a four-year degree as published in the Ripon College Catalog. If you’re a high school senior student interested in auditioning for a theatre scholarship, click here.
The Joanne Spelman Studio Art Scholarship: Up to $1,000 per year
Students with ability in the area of studio art will be invited to campus for a portfolio review with faculty for these scholarships. The student must have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing studio art at Ripon College. Majoring or minoring in studio art is not required. Renewal is contingent on the following criteria: enrollment in at least one studio art course per year; maintain enrollment as a full-time student; and maintain satisfactory progress toward a four-year degree as published in the Ripon College Catalog. If you’re a high school senior student interested in auditioning for a studio art scholarship, click here.
Wiedey Family Ensemble Scholarships: Up to $5,000 per year
Students with ability in the area of music will be invited to audition with faculty for these scholarships. The student must have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing music at Ripon College though a major in music is not required. Renewal is contingent on the following criteria: enroll in at least one Music Department ensemble each semester, maintain enrollment as a full-time student and maintain satisfactory progress toward a four-year degree as published in the Ripon College Catalog. If you’re a high school senior student interested in auditioning for a music scholarship, click here.
Other Awards and Scholarships
The scholarships and awards listed below will be bestowed upon an applicant after review of the admission application by the scholarship committee. All scholarships and awards from Ripon College are stackable up to $40,000 per year. Additional institutional aid based on financial need also may be available.
Conforti & Chemerow Scholarship: $3,000/year for up to four years
- Your essay must be one page in length or a minimum of 300 words.
- Format your essay in Times New Roman 12 point font, double spaced.
- Your essay must be submitted to [email protected] by March 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm CT to be considered.
Legacy Award: Up to $2,000 per year
The legacy award is given to those students who are continuing the family tradition by attending Ripon College. Students are eligible if their grandparents, parents or siblings have attended or are attending Ripon College.
ROTC Enhancement Grant: Up to $2,000 for first year
Those students who are interested in pursuing a full Army ROTC scholarship are eligible for the ROTC Enhancement Grant. The introductory military science course is required to be taken in the first year on campus.
UCC Award: Up to $2,000 per year
The UCC Award was established to recognize a student’s commitment and dedication to the UCC Church. Students are eligible by demonstrating volunteer activities as well as leadership within their church.
Diversity Award: Up to $2,000 per year
The Ripon College Diversity Award was established to attract talented students who show an invested interest in the advancement of diversity. Students who demonstrate involvement working with diverse communities or organizations are eligible for this award. Eligibility criteria also include a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity and the willingness to share various cultural perspectives at Ripon College. To apply for this scholarship, students should highlight their experiences or involvement with diversity and inclusivity in the essay portion of the application for admission.