Eastern University, located in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, is a private Christian institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. For international students who wish to study in the USA, Eastern University provides several scholarship opportunities to help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees. These scholarships are designed to support students based on merit, need, and other special criteria.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the scholarships offered by Eastern University for international students in 2024.
1. Eastern University International Student Grant
The International Student Grant is a need-based financial aid option for international students. This grant aims to support students from abroad who demonstrate financial need and are committed to contributing to the Eastern University community.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Available to international students who demonstrate financial need and academic promise.
- Amount: Varies based on the student’s financial situation and available institutional funding.
- How to apply: Students need to fill out the Eastern University Financial Aid Form and submit additional documentation regarding their financial status.
- Renewal: This grant is renewable each year, provided that the student maintains good academic standing and continues to demonstrate financial need.
2. Merit Scholarships for International Students
Eastern University offers merit-based scholarships for international students who exhibit strong academic performance. These scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission to undergraduate programs based on the student’s academic credentials, such as GPA and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT).
Key Merit Scholarships:
- Presidential Scholarship:
- Awarded to students with exceptional academic records.
- High academic achievers, typically with a GPA of 3.9+ or equivalent.
- Renewable annually as long as the student maintains a certain GPA.
- Provost Scholarship:
- Awarded to students with strong academic achievements.
- Typically requires a GPA of 3.7+ or equivalent.
- Renewable each year, subject to academic performance.
- Dean’s Scholarship:
- Designed for students with above-average academic records.
- Typically awarded to students with a GPA of 3.5+ or equivalent.
- Renewable annually based on maintaining good academic standing.
How to Apply:
- Students are automatically considered for these scholarships when they apply for admission. No separate application is required for merit scholarships.
3. Templeton Honors College Scholarships
Eastern University’s Templeton Honors College offers a unique and competitive honors program for outstanding students. International students accepted into the Honors College may also be eligible for Templeton Honors Scholarships, which provide substantial financial support.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Must be accepted into the Templeton Honors College, which requires a separate application and interview.
- Scholarship Amount: Varies but can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.
- Application Process: Apply for the Templeton Honors College alongside the standard admission application. Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to the college’s values.
4. Leadership and Service-Based Scholarships
Eastern University recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills or a commitment to community service. International students who have been active in leadership roles or service projects in their home countries may qualify for these scholarships.
Key Scholarships:
- Leadership Fellowship:
- Awarded to students with a strong record of leadership in their school or community.
- Requires submission of leadership experience and references.
- Recipients are expected to contribute to leadership initiatives at Eastern University.
- Faith and Service Scholarship:
- For students who have demonstrated a commitment to faith-based community service.
- Requires documentation of service activities and a personal statement outlining the student’s faith journey and service experience.
How to Apply:
- Students must submit additional essays or documentation detailing their leadership or service experience.
- Applications are reviewed by a committee, and scholarships are awarded based on the student’s demonstrated leadership or service potential.
5. Athletic Scholarships for International Students
Eastern University offers athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes who participate in one of the university’s NCAA Division III sports teams. Although NCAA Division III schools typically do not offer direct athletic scholarships, Eastern University provides merit-based and need-based financial aid packages that take into account a student’s athletic contributions.
Key Sports:
- Men’s and women’s soccer
- Basketball
- Lacrosse
- Volleyball
- Field hockey
- Tennis
- Track and field
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Talented student-athletes who demonstrate athletic ability and academic performance.
- How to apply: Prospective student-athletes must contact the respective sports coach and express interest in joining the team. Scholarships are awarded based on the student’s athletic and academic performance.
6. Eastern University Partner Scholarships
Eastern University collaborates with several global organizations and ministries to provide scholarships for international students. These partnerships may provide financial aid for students affiliated with specific organizations or regions.
Key Partner Programs:
- World Vision Scholarship:
- For students who are sponsored by World Vision or other similar global organizations.
- International Ministry Partners:
- Eastern University partners with international ministries to provide scholarships for students involved in church and community development efforts.
How to Apply:
- Contact Eastern University’s admissions or financial aid office for more information on specific partner scholarships.
- Students will likely need to provide documentation of their involvement with the partnering organization or ministry.
7. Graduate Scholarships for International Students
Eastern University offers scholarships for international students enrolled in graduate programs. These scholarships vary by department and program but generally include merit-based awards for academically strong students.
Key Graduate Scholarships:
- Graduate Assistantships: These positions allow students to work part-time on campus in exchange for tuition reduction or a stipend.
- Program-Specific Scholarships: Some graduate departments offer their own scholarships based on academic performance or financial need.
How to Apply:
- Check with the specific graduate program for available scholarships.
- Graduate assistantship applications are typically part of the admissions process.
8. Church Matching Grant
Eastern University’s Church Matching Grant program encourages local and international churches to support their members who wish to study at Eastern. The university matches financial contributions from churches, up to a certain amount.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: International students who receive financial support from their church or religious organization.
- How to apply: Submit documentation from your church detailing the amount of financial support, and Eastern University will match up to a specified limit.
9. Eastern University Endowed Scholarships
Eastern University offers various endowed scholarships funded by alumni and donors. Some of these scholarships are open to international students based on academic merit, leadership, or financial need.
How to Apply:
- Students must apply for these scholarships through the university’s general scholarship application process. Some scholarships may require additional essays or documentation.
10. Need-Based Financial Aid for International Students
In addition to the scholarships listed above, Eastern University offers need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate significant financial need.
How to Apply:
- Complete the Eastern University Financial Aid Form and submit relevant financial documentation, such as bank statements and family income records.
- This aid is renewable each year based on continued financial need and academic standing.
Conclusion
Eastern University provides a range of scholarships and financial aid options for international students. Whether you’re a high-achieving academic, a talented athlete, or someone who has demonstrated leadership and service in your community, there are numerous opportunities to receive financial support. Prospective students should carefully explore the available options and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.