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Financial Aid

Scholarships and Grants

Westcliff University is proud to offer a number of scholarships designed to support student success across all of our academic programs. These scholarships reflect Westcliff’s priorities in developing a diverse and motivated student body looking to unlock their potential through higher education and reach their own lofty academic and career goals. Westcliff has a simple application process that allows current and prospective students to use one application to apply for all scholarships for which they are eligible.

Step 1

Ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications in one or more of the scholarships you are applying for

Step 3

As part of your application, submit your essay along with up to 3 documents that demonstrate your aptitude for success prior to applying at Westcliff (ex. professional resume, letter of recommendation, certifications, awards and commendations) 

Step 2

Draft an essay that answers the following question in 350 to 500 words:

What is your specific plan for success in pursuing this degree at Westcliff University?

Step 4

Complete the online application at the link provided to you by Westcliff University

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the available scholarships and your scholarship eligibility, please send an email to the Westcliff Scholarship Committee.

Scholarship Application Deadlines

Our scholarship application deadlines vary depending on the semester and session start dates to which you are applying. (Note: Scholarship decisions will be given 2 weeks after the deadline) Please visit the following page for our list of important dates and deadlines.

Distinguished Scholarships

Dr. David McKinney Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a select number of students who demonstrate an aptitude for excellence, a grand vision for the future, and a keen sense of social responsibility to leave the world a better place when they are gone.

Additional Essay Prompt: Express a vision for using your degree for social betterment.

Students who meet the criteria below and would like their applications to be considered for the Dr. David McKinney Memorial Scholarship should address the above prompt in their essays.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility limited to new students to Westcliff University
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $10,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility requires an annual renewal application and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5

Industry Scholarships

Industry scholarships are available to new students

Corporate Partner Scholarship

Established to support new students currently employed with one of Westcliff University’s U.S. partner organizations.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on partnership.

To learn more and determine eligibility, contact outreach@westcliff.edu.

Civil Servant Scholarship

Established to support new students employed in U.S. civil services. 

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Award amount: 20% tuition discount
  • Application fee waiver
  • Eligible populations include educators, school district employees, federal employees (City, County and State) and first responders in the United States.
  • Scholarship cannot be combined with another industry scholarship
  • Total aid cannot exceed the total cost of tuition.
  • No separate scholarship application is required: This scholarship will be awarded automatically to eligible students. Proof of employment will be required during the enrollment process.

Non-Profit Scholarship

Established to support new students currently employed with a non-profit organization in the United States.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Award amount: 20% tuition discount
  • Scholarship is available to employees of Westcliff partner organizations

To learn more and determine eligibility, contact outreach@westcliff.edu

Law Enforcement Scholarship

Established to support new students employed in U.S. law enforcement agencies.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Award amount: 20% tuition discount
  • Application fee waiver
  • Awarded on a continuous basis
  • Eligible population: Current or retired U.S. law enforcement personnel (municipal, county, tribal, or regional level). 
  • Scholarship cannot be combined with another industry scholarship
  • Total aid cannot exceed the total cost of tuition.
  • No separate scholarship application is required: This scholarship will be awarded automatically to eligible students. Proof of employment will be required during the enrollment process.

Military Scholarship

Established to support U.S. military dependents and reservists. Available to new students.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Award amount: 20% tuition discount
  • Application fee waiver
  • Eligible populations: 
    • Military Dependants: Spouses and children (up to age 26) of U.S. military personnel and veterans. 
    • Reservists. Total aid cannot exceed the total cost of tuition.
  • Scholarship cannot be combined with another industry scholarship
  • Total aid cannot exceed the total cost of tuition. 
  • No separate scholarship application is required: This scholarship will be awarded automatically to eligible students. Proof of employment or military dependent status will be required during the enrollment process.

Full Stack Coding Bootcamp Certificate Introductory Scholarship

Established to support U.S. students pursuing the Full Stack Coding Bootcamp Certificate at Westcliff University.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • $1,500 introductory scholarship available to all U.S. students
  • An additional $1,500 scholarship is available to members of Women in Tech 
  • No separate scholarship application is required: This scholarship will be awarded automatically to eligible students.
  • This scholarship is applicable to the standalone certificate.

Cybersecurity Bootcamp Certificate Introductory Scholarship

Established to support domestic students pursuing the Cybersecurity Certificate at Westcliff University.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • $1,500 introductory scholarship available to all U.S. students
  • An additional $1,500 scholarship is available to members of Women in Tech 
  • No separate scholarship application is required: This scholarship will be awarded automatically to eligible students.
  • This scholarship is applicable to the standalone certificate.

Giving Opportunities for Achievement and Learning (GOAL)

Founder’s Scholarship for Business (Doctoral)

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a doctorate in business administration at Westcliff.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25

Founder’s Scholarship for Business (Graduate)

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a master’s degree in business administration at Westcliff.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25

Founder’s Scholarship for Business (Undergraduate)

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Westcliff.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Founder’s Scholarship for TESOL

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a master’s degree in TESOL degree at Westcliff.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree OR from at least 2 consecutive semesters at Westcliff
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25

Founder’s Scholarship for Education (Undergraduate)

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in education at Westcliff.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Founder’s Scholarship for Computer Science (Graduate)

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a master’s degree in computer science at Westcliff.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25

Founder’s Scholarship for Information Technology (Graduate)

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a master’s degree in information technology at Westcliff.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25

Founder’s Scholarship for Engineering Management (Graduate)

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a master’s degree in engineering management at Westcliff.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25

Founder’s Scholarship for Information Technology (Undergraduate)

Established for high-performing students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in information technology degree at Westcliff.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA from a qualifying degree (or credits completed)
  • Award amount up to $5,000 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Building Leaders for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (BLEND) Scholarships

President's Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (China)

Established for accomplished students from China who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA

President's Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (Northeast Asia - excluding China)

Established for accomplished students from nations recognized as part of Northeast Asia, excluding China, who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President's Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (Southeast Asia)

Established for accomplished students from nations recognized as part of Southeast Asia who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President's Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (India)

Established for accomplished students from India who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President's Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (Southern Asia - excluding India)

Established for accomplished students from nations recognized as part of Southern Asia, excluding India who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President's Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (Russia)

Established for accomplished students from Russia who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President’s Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (MENA, or Middle East and North Africa)

Established for accomplished students from nations recognized as part of the Middle East and North Africa who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President’s Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (Sub-saharan Africa)

Established for accomplished students from nations recognized as part of Sub-saharan Africa who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President’s Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (Europe)

Established for accomplished students from European countries who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President’s Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (South America)

Established for accomplished students from South American countries who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President’s Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (Australia)

Established for accomplished students from the continent of Australia who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President’s Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (Mexico & Latin America)

Established for accomplished students from Mexico and nations recognized as part of Latin America who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

President’s Scholarship for Diversity and Inclusion (Canada)

Established for accomplished students from Canada who are pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to create a more inclusive world in their field of study.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.25 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Maintaining eligibility for the year requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Humanitarian Scholarships

President’s Scholarship for Afghanistan

Established for international students from Afghanistan who are interested in or are currently pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to support their studies.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given

President’s Scholarship for Sri Lanka

Established for international students from Sri Lanka who are interested in or are currently pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to support their studies.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given

President’s Scholarship for Ukraine

Established for international students from Ukraine who are interested in or are currently pursuing a degree at Westcliff in order to support their studies.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded 3 times per year (prior to each semester)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given

Warrior Scholarships

Warrior Scholarship

Established to support students in overcoming financial barriers to pursuing academic success at Westcliff.

Additional Essay Prompt: What is your financial situation, and how do you intend to overcome challenges related to your situation (in addition to receiving a scholarship) in order to be successful in the pursuit of your degree?

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded six times per year (prior to each session)
  • Eligibility open to new and continuing students
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 (undergraduate) or 3.0 (graduate) from a qualifying degree
  • Award amount up to $2,500 distributed over one year with continuous enrollment
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Scholarship renewal requires good academic standing
  • Students must apply 30 days prior to any session start

Social Responsibility: Community Non-Profit Partners Scholarship

Established to support students in overcoming financial barriers to pursuing academic success at Westcliff University.

Currently including Laura’s House, OC Innovation High School, and Second Harvest. Visit our Social Responsibility webpage to learn more about Westcliff’s dedication and contribution to the local community.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Awarded three times per year 
  • Eligibility open to new students 
  • Graduates from qualifying high school or GED
  • Award amounts will vary based on need and academic merit
  • Award amount will not exceed total tuition after other sources of aid  
  • Students are encouraged to apply for federal aid (FAFSA) to determine need
  • Multiple awards may be given
  • Scholarship renewal requires good academic standing
  • Students must apply 30 days prior to starting a program and can apply early for early notification

**This scholarship is only for eligible applicants referred by one of our affiliated non-profit partners. 

Separate application form or email to contact to apply***

Additional Resources

External Resources (United States)

Please note: These scholarships are not governed by the Financial Aid Department at Westcliff University and are subject to change without notice.

College Choice

Fast Web

Big Future | College Board

Broke Scholar

Chegg

Unigo

Bold.org

External Resources (Latin America)

Please note: These scholarships are not governed by the Financial Aid Department at Westcliff University and are subject to change without notice.

OAS – Rowe Fund
The Rowe Fund is an educational loan program of the Organization of American States (OAS) that helps citizens from Latin America and Caribbean OAS Member States finance their studies or research in accredited universities across the United States by awarding interest-free loans of up to US$15,000 dollars.

CONAPE Scholarship (Costa Rica)
A state institution specialized in loans for higher and technical education that provides accessible conditions to Costa Rican students who require financial support, inside and outside the country.

Juventud EsGTO
JuventudEsGto is a decentralized public body of the Executive Power of the State for the purpose of providing the basis for establishing the State System for the Development and Attention to the Youth of the State of Guanajuato, as well as the formulation, monitoring and evaluation of policy for the development and attention to the youth of the State of Guanajuato, Mexico.

External Resources (Global)

Please note: These scholarships are not governed by the Financial Aid Department at Westcliff University and are subject to change without notice.

Global Student Fund
Global Student Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which supports international students with financial aid. The goal of our fund is to support students worldwide, to get financial support through donations, fundraisings and to give students an opportunity to realize their dreams, since the world can be a better place only with the help of knowledge the students will get.

We Make Scholars
WeMakeScholars is a platform that helps Indian students find scholarships and arrange affordable education loans from 12 top lenders in India, with more than 26,000 international scholarships available. Indian students can apply online and use this opportunity to fund their education.

Ready to apply for your scholarship?

As a Westcliff student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. Scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success.