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Undergraduate Admission

Thurgood Marshall Scholarship

» Thurgood Marshall Scholarship

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. 
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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