The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship (TMS) is a prestigious award for select first-generation students with:
- Exceptional academic performance
- Outstanding leadership in their community
- Demonstrated financial need.
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Undergraduate Admission
Thurgood Marshall Scholarship
» Thurgood Marshall Scholarship
Ruby Mejia '25
Theatre major, Secondary Education and Organismal Biology minors
"If it weren’t for the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship's assistance, I would not be part of the Panther family and have access to all the opportunities to further my career and education. The TMS scholarship allows me to focus on my classes and be part of the community without stressing about affording college, and for that, I am so grateful."
Scholarship Eligibility
In order to receive your scholarship, you must remain a full-time (12 or more semester credits) undergraduate student at all time. Please contact the Financial Aid Office (finaid@chapman.edu) if you have a special situation that prevents you from meeting this requirement.
Scholarship assistance is only available for study related to meeting the requirements for your first baccalaureate degree. The size of your award is represented as an annual amount. If you enter Chapman during the spring semester you will be eligible for one-half the annual award.
We also encourage you to participate in the First Generation Summer Bridge Program. This is a four-day orientation that is designed to support your transition to the University and introduce you to the larger first-generation community. This program will take place in August before the semester begins. More information on Summer Bridge (and other First Year Programs) is here.
Scholarship Renewal
First-year students are eligible for annual renewal of their merit scholarships for eight semesters of full-time undergraduate enrollment.* Additionally, awards are based on demonstrated financial need, therefore, may vary from year to year.
Transfer students must also maintain full-time enrollment and can receive scholarships for eight semesters minus the number of full-time equivalent semesters attended prior to enrollment at Chapman.
All TMS scholarship recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 to renew their awards, and must submit their FAFSA by the March 2 financial aid recommended deadline each year.
* Renewal qualifications for the Pre-Pharmacy Program adhere to an abridged timeline. Please contact the finaid@chapman.edu for details.Frequently Asked Questions
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What does my scholarship cover?
Your Thurgood Marshall Scholarship helps cover the cost of mandatory tuition and is automatically applied to your financial aid at Chapman, as long as you meet the renewal criteria each year.
Can my award be used to cover summer tuition and/or housing?
No, your Thurgood Marshall Scholarship can only be used over the fall and spring semesters—summer session(s) will not be covered by your TMS award.
Where should I go if I have questions regarding my award any given year?
If you have any questions regarding your financial aid award, including your Thurgood Marshall Scholarship, please refer to our financial aid office at finaid@chapman.edu.
Office of Admission Contacts
Email us:
Call us: (714) 997-6711
Send your documents:Chapman University
Attn: Office of Admission
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866