Scholarships

• Types of Scholarships and Where to Look
• How to Apply
• Mason Scholarship Application
• Mason Scholarship Listing
• Outside Scholarship Listing
• Guidelines for Outside Scholarships
• Scholarships Requiring Documentation
• Instructions for Submitting Checks to OSFA
• Scholarship Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Related Information

There are many different resources for students to use when searching for scholarship opportunities. Mason’s Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) provides a listing of Mason Scholarships (Internal) and Outside Scholarships (External) for undergraduate and graduate students to browse. The OSFA posts scholarship opportunities throughout the year. Below you will find general information to help you get started.

Types of Scholarships and Where to Look

GMU Merit Scholarships

Incoming freshmen must submit their admissions application by December 1st to be reviewed for merit-based scholarships. The number of scholarships available is limited and the consideration process is highly competitive. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, and are based on maintaining a minimum grade point average of 3.0 at Mason. The Office of Admissions allocates and notifies scholarship winners at the time of admission to the university.

GMU (Internal) Scholarships

Endowed scholarships at George Mason University are provided through the generous donations of Mason alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students. Private philanthropy both enables the university to recognize the exceptional academic achievement of Mason students and helps to ensure access for all who pursue a degree here.

Outside (External) Scholarships

Outside scholarships are offered through private agencies and organizations such as high schools, community organizations, scholarship foundations, employers, and government agencies. Criteria for Outside Scholarships generally include academic performance, financial need, minority status, heritage, community affiliations, or other unique factors important to the sponsoring individual or organization. Students are encouraged to pursue as many Outside Scholarships as possible.

GMU Academic Program Scholarships

The academic department for your major may have information about scholarships related to your field of study. Students should contact the college/school and department in which they plan to major for departmental scholarship opportunities.

GMU Athletic Department Scholarships

Questions about athletic scholarships should be directed to the appropriate Intercollegiate Athletics Coaches.

How to Apply

If you are applying for Mason (Internal) Scholarships, the 2012-2013 George Mason University Scholarship Application will be available online in early January. This application is used to award some of the scholarships offered by Mason and posted on the Mason Scholarship Listing. When applying for scholarships on the Outside Scholarship Listing please read the application process carefully and complete all requirements. Specific questions about scholarships should be directed to the Scholarship Office located in the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Guidelines for Outside Scholarships

Notification to the Office of Student Financial Aid about Outside Scholarships

Student’s MUST supply the Office of Student Financial Aid copy/copies of all scholarship notification letter(s). These letter(s) should include the following:

• Name of Scholarship
• Mason Student ID Number/G#
• Amount of Scholarship
• If information is available, how the scholarship will be disbursed. (For example, by paper check or electronic transmission of funds (EFT), payable to student or school and if the entire amount is sent at the beginning of the year or semester.)

Outside scholarship awards are considered resources and may reduce the amount of need-based financial aid you are awarded. If the outside scholarship exceeds a student’s financial need and/or cost of attendance, adjustments may be made to the student’s financial aid package to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. The Mason OSFA policy is to reduce loans or federal work-study first.

Scholarships Requiring Documentation

Enrollment and Academic Verification

Some scholarships may require an invoice or billing statement from the university before sending payment to the school. This information is normally noted on the notification letter. Below are some commonly requested documents:

• Billing statement or invoice – Requests for an invoice must be noted in the notification letter along with the agencies contact and billing address information.
• Verification forms - Verification forms can be mailed to us or faxed to 703-993-2350.
• Transcripts or certification of enrollment: Please be advised that we cannot issue official transcripts or enrollment certifications; however students may request these from the Office of the University Registrar. Mason students can access information pertaining to their academic standing, financial aid awards, cost of attendance and more on Patriot Web.

Instructions for Submitting Checks to OSFA

Scholarship checks should be made payable to George Mason University with the following information: student’s full name, Mason ID#, and semester(s) to which the funds should be applied. Scholarship checks should be mailed to the address below.

George Mason University
Office of Student Financial Aid
MS 3B5
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Fax: 703-993-2350

Scholarship checks made co-payable to the student and George Mason University must be endorsed by the student before the funds can be applied to his/her account. You will be contacted by the Mason Cash Office when your endorsement is needed. Information may be sent to the Office of Student Financial Aid via mail or fax.

Scholarship Tips

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I apply for Mason Merit and Foundation Scholarships?

To be considered for Mason Merit Scholarships, simply check the appropriate box on the admission application form. The deadline for merit-based scholarship consideration is December 1. The Office of Admissions selects and will be mailing Freshman Scholarship and Honors College Consideration notifications in mid-February only to students who qualify.

The Mason Scholarship Application is open to all students enrolled or planning to be enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Students are encourage to submit the Mason Scholarship Application available online in early January. This application is used to award campus wide scholarships offered by Mason and posted on the Mason Scholarship website.

When should I apply for an Outside Scholarships?

The Outside Scholarship Listing posts scholarship opportunities with unique criteria important to the sponsoring donor or organization. Scholarships are updated on the website throughout the academic year. Students should check the website on a weekly basis during peak times from October through April. Missing a deadline can mean missing out until the next cycle for many scholarships.

Are there scholarships for transfer students?

Transfer students are eligible for all scholarships available to returning students. Students may submit the Mason Scholarship Application online. Some scholarships require a Mason GPA, which may limited some scholarships for transfers. Students should also check with their college or department.

Are scholarships available for international students?

Scholarships are a great way for international students to obtain financial aid. For more information visit financial aid for international students.

How do I know if my application has been received?

An automated email copy of your scholarship application will be generated to your email account upon successful submission.

When will I hear if I am awarded a Mason Scholarship?

Scholarship award notices will be sent to Mason Scholarship recipients no later than mid August. ONLY those students that have been awarded will be notified.

Why should I notify the scholarship office of an outside scholarship award?

Once our office has received an official notification/award letter from an outside agency, we use it to update the anticipated award to the student’s financial aid award/student’s account. Students should keep a copy of the award for his/her records.

Why was my scholarship check used to pay my balance instead of help pay for my books and supplies, as specified?

If an organization sends a scholarship award check to the University specified to cover books and supplies, the check will be applied to the balance due. Any funds remaining will be provided to the student in the form of a refund, either a paper check or electronic refund (E-Refund).

What information does a donor or outside agency need to provide to the school?

If you are a donor or individual responsible for sending a scholarship check from an outside agency, please review Instructions for Submitting Checks to OSFA.

Related Information:

Quick Links

Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program at George Mason University - The Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program pairs high achieving undergraduate students with faculty mentors to undertake original research or creative projects.

Mason’s Honor College - All students who apply to Mason by December 1st will be considered for the program.

Postgraduate Fellowships and Scholarships - The Director for Postgraduate Fellowships and Scholarships advises promising Mason students and recent alumni regarding the application process for nationally competitive fellowships.

Study Abroad Funding – The Institute of International Education directory features hundreds of study abroad scholarships, fellowships, grants, and paid internships for U.S. undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students, and professionals.

All State Financial Aid Information – A state’s higher education agency may have special programs for college financial aid for residents of the state.

Military Scholarships and Education Benefits - Beyond GI Bill assistance, there are additional education benefits and scholarships available for active military, veterans and their dependents.

Top Ten Myths About Scholarships – Mark Kantrowitz Publisher of Fastweb and FinAid September 23, 2011

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