How to Apply for Scholarships and Grants at Franklin College

Academic scholarships are awarded to admitted students based on class rank and GPA.  Awards range from $7,000 – $18,000.  Filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is strongly encouraged.

This invitation-only program allows admitted students to compete for our premier scholarships.  To qualify, the student must possess a 3.8 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of admission.  A complete application for admission (including all required documents) must be received on or before Nov. 15, 2022, for consideration.

A Franklin College Alumni Grant will be awarded to admitted students who have a parent or grandparent who graduated from Franklin College.  Awards range from $500-$2000.  Students must submit a completed application on or before December 1.

The Alumni Council Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award is a financial award for financially vulnerable diverse students, funded by the generosity of Franklin College alumni. The award is granted to diverse students experiencing financial need and who are seeking an educational or co-curricular experience to enhance their Franklin College education. The Alumni Council Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award was established by the Alumni Council task force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in winter of 2021. The fund was established in response to the Council’s strong desire to support underrepresented students on campus and help foster an inclusive environment that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recipients of the award must demonstrate need for funds that will help provide for a robust Franklin College student experience. 

For families who have multiple students attending Franklin College simultaneously, we offer a $500 Family Grant to each student.  The grant is renewable for each year the students are concurrently enrolled.

Aside from the scholarships listed above which are individually awarded by our office of financial aid, some academic departments and contributors provide scholarships to qualified students on a competitive basis. Descriptions are provided below.

Each year we award one full-tuition scholarship to a student interested in studying journalism. This scholarship is made possible by an endowment provided by the late Eugene C. Pulliam, former publisher of newspapers in Indianapolis, Phoenix, and other cities. Students who indicate they intend to major in journalism on their application for admission to Franklin College will be asked to include with their application a 400-word essay to be considered for this award.  Students must submit a completed application and essay on or before November 15.

Franklin College offers various music scholarships to prospective students who have been accepted to the college and are available for music majors, music minors, music endorsements, and students who have an interest in continuing music activities through performance ensembles and private applied lessons. Selection criteria include previous performance activities and a music audition.
These are tuition-only awards. Contact the department of music for more information at 317.738.8271 or email Casey Hayes, department chair and director of choral activities.  Students must audition on or before April 1.

The Franklin College Department of Art offers scholarships annually to students who demonstrate excellence in the visual arts. These scholarships are given to students based on the following criteria:

1. 1. 1. An excellent portfolio and interview;
      2. Active participation in the growth of the department of art; 
      3. The pursuit of an art major or art minor.

Students must maintain good academic standing, carry a professional attitude, and fulfill their obligations by enrolling in the required number of art courses required for their art major or minor. Scholarships are renewable on an annual basis AS LONG AS the student has fulfilled their commitments and funds are available.

These are tuition-only awards. Contact the department of art for more information at 317.738.8278 or email Randi Frye, department chair.  Students must submit a portfolio (and/or complete an interview) on or before April 1.

The Franklin College Department of Theatre offers scholarships to prospective students who have been accepted to the college and are available for theatre majors, minors, and for students who have an interest in participating in department-related activities.
These are tuition-only awards. Contact the department of theatre for more information at 317.738.8759 or email Robin Roberts, department chair and director of theatre activities.  Students must audition on or before April 1.

Have you been awarded a Lilly Scholarship? Congratulations on your achievement! Because the Lilly Scholarship covers full tuition to any college of your choice, Franklin College will apply any of its own scholarships or grants you have received to the cost of room and board if you choose to attend Franklin College.