If you have earned a scholarship from an organization outside of Southwestern Adventist University, great news—we accept the vast majority of them. In fact, SWAU accepts over 99% of external scholarships, giving you even more flexibility to fund your education.

Visit our scholarship website to explore options previously arranged by our financial aid office.

External scholarships are awarded by organizations outside of SWAU, such as:

• Community foundations
• Churches and faith-based groups
• Employers
• Corporations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Local clubs (e.g., Rotary, Lions, PTA)
• Scholarship websites and databases

These scholarships are not need-based from SWAU, but they can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and student loan needs.

How They Work

Once you are awarded an external scholarship:

1. Notify Student Financial Services as soon as possible.
2. Submit any required documentation (such as the award letter) to ensure it is properly applied to your account.
3. Funds are usually sent directly to SWAU and applied to your tuition and fees.

Note: If your scholarship funds exceed your billable charges, you may be eligible for a refund depending on the source’s policy.

Tips for Finding External Scholarships

• Start local. Community and regional organizations often have smaller applicant pools and better odds.
• Look into your affiliations. Religious, cultural, or professional associations often offer student funding.
• Search trusted databases. We recommend:
  • Fastweb
  • BigFuture
  • Scholarships.com
  • CareerOneStop
  • IEFA (for international students)

Employer Tuition Benefits

If your parent or guardian’s employer offers a tuition assistance program, we accept those too. Be sure to check with the employer’s HR department to understand eligibility and application steps.