Merit Scholarships for First Year Students
SOU’s Office of Admissions automatically considers most first year students for merit-based scholarships upon admission through September 1st of the academic year.
Additional scholarships may be awarded to students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Southern Oregon Scholarship Application (SOSA).
2025-2026 First Year Scholarships for Oregon Residents, WUE‡ State Residents, and Non-Residents:
Raider Scholar*
Minimum GPA: 3.95+
Oregon residents: $5,000/yr
WUE residents: $4,000/yr
Non-residents: $12,000/yr
Laurels Scholarship*
Minimum GPA: 3.65 to 3.949
Oregon residents: $3,500/yr
WUE residents: $3,000/yr
Non-residents: $10,000/yr
Churchill Scholarship*
Minimum GPA: 3.2 to 3.649
Oregon residents: $2,000/yr
WUE residents: $1,500/yr
Non-residents: $8,000/yr
Siskiyou Scholarship*
Minimum GPA: 3.00 to 3.199
Oregon residents: $1,500/yr
WUE residents: $1,000/yr
Non-residents: n/a
Oregon residents and WUE students with a 2.85 to 2.99 GPA will receive a $1,000 Siskiyou Scholarship
Additional First Year Scholarships for Oregon Residents, WUE‡ State Residents, and Non-Residents:
Diversity Scholarship
Up to $1,500/yr awarded to students whose ethnic and cultural backgrounds and/or experiences contribute to the SOU’s diversity. Applicants must complete the SOSA.
Honors College Scholarship
Students admitted to the Honors College will receive $2,000 in addition to any merit scholarships awarded for in state students and $5,000 for WUE/Non-Residents.
Southern Oregon Scholarship Application (SOSA)
The SOSA is a general scholarship application for over 80 scholarships. Available to all incoming and current SOU students. Must be admitted to SOU to apply. Deadline extended – March 15th
Departmental Scholarships for Oregon Residents, WUE‡ State Residents, and Non-Residents:
Several departments operate their own scholarship programs. Students who have declared a major should check with their department about how to apply for departmental scholarship opportunities.
* Admitted students are automatically considered upon admission to SOU. Scholarship is renewable if recipient maintains full-time status AND good academic standing.
‡ Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Tuition Savings
Residents of the 16 participating WUE states automatically receive Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition rate upon admission to SOU, a savings of almost $13,000 per year! Not available to students eligible for North State Promise or California Exchange tuition rates.