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The Presidential Scholarship Program offers 35 scholarships ranging from $29,000 per year to full tuition. These scholarships are offered to incoming students and are renewable for four years.

The Presidential Scholarship deadline has passed for fall 2024 freshmen. Join our mailing list to receive more information and updates about Carthage scholarships.

Presidential Scholarship Program applicants will be notified in late December if selected to compete in the second round. If selected to compete, candidates for the Presidential Scholarship Program will be invited to a competition in January or February to have a conversation with two faculty/staff members and complete an essay. Both on-campus and remote options will be offered. Parents are invited to an interactive session to learn more about the benefits of a Carthage education.

Students who attend the second-round competition will receive a $2,000 grant toward tuition, renewable for four years.

In addition to submitting the scholarship application, you must also apply for admission. Submit your application for admission and supporting materials including high school transcripts to Carthage by December 3 to be considered for these scholarships.


How to Apply

Candidates interested in applying for a Presidential Scholarship must do the following no later than December 3:

  • Submit an application for admission to Carthage and supporting materials (high school transcripts).
  • Submit the Presidential Scholarship Program Application. (available in October 2024; join our mailing list to receive updates)
  • Submit the Presidential Scholarship Program Application. (Deadline: December 3, 2023)
  • Submit a 250-word maximum essay: Evaluate how a significant experience or achievement in your life has helped shape who you are today. (This is part of the online scholarship application.)
  • Submit a list of all high school and community organizations and activities (including work) in which you have participated. (This is part of the online scholarship application.)

The Presidential Scholarships

LINCOLN SCHOLARSHIPS

(3 offered) Full tuition per year, renewable
The Lincoln Scholarship symbolizes the College’s strong commitment to students seeking the challenge of
the Carthage Honors Program. Named for Abraham Lincoln, an early Trustee of the College, this prestigious
scholarship covers full tuition for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study — an award worth more than $145,000. Carthage selects three Lincoln Scholars from the incoming class.

CLAUSEN SCHOLARSHIPS

(3 offered) Full tuition per year, renewable
The Clausen Scholarship extends the College’s commitment to excellence even further. Named for distinguished alumnus A. W. “Tom” Clausen ’44, this prestigious scholarship covers full tuition for up to four consecutive years—an award of more than $145,000. Carthage selects three Clausen Scholars from the incoming freshman class.

RUUD SCHOLARSHIPS

(3 offered) Full tuition per year, renewable
The Ruud Scholarship continues the College’s commitment to students exhibiting academic and leadership excellence. Offered through the generosity of Susan (Young ’69) and Alan Ruud, this prestigious scholarship covers full tuition for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study — an award of more than $145,000. Carthage selects three Ruud Scholars from the incoming freshman class.

HAY SCHOLARSHIPS

(11 offered) $29,000 per year, renewable
Named for President Lincoln’s private secretary and secretary of state for presidents McKinley and Roosevelt, the John M. Hay Scholarship will be offered to 11 competitors from the incoming freshman class. In tribute to Secretary Hay’s leadership and diplomacy, these scholarships offer $29,000 per year for up to four consecutive years.

LENTZ/DAHL/ANDERSON/CAMPBELL SCHOLARSHIPS

(15 offered) $29,000 per year, renewable
Named for Carthage’s 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st presidents, Harold Lentz, Erno Dahl, Alan Anderson ’50, and F. Gregory Campbell, these scholarships symbolize the College’s strong commitment to students seeking the challenge of a top liberal arts program. These scholarships offer $29,000 per year for up to four consecutive years.


Application Review

The Office of Admissions screens applications and identifies candidates most suitable for the Presidential Scholarship Program. The College notifies these students in January and invites them to a hybrid competition (on-campus and remote options) in January or February 2024, offering a unique opportunity to interact with Carthage faculty, potential classmates, and Carthage Honors students, while competing in the Presidential Scholarship Program.


Additional awards for top students

The Carthage commitment to scholars extends beyond the 35 scholarships in the Presidential Scholarship Program. Top students typically receive a substantial package of multiple non-need-based awards. Many qualify for additional need-based assistance, making Carthage quite affordable.

The Presidential Scholarships may incorporate all Carthage assistance. Scholarships and grants may be combined with federal and state grants, not to exceed full tuition. Scholarship amounts listed above are for students starting classes at Carthage in fall 2024 or later. Carthage also offers additional scholarships. See our scholarship page for details.