Silhouette of students locking arms in unity with sun shining brightly in the sky.

Unity Scholars Program

Unity Scholars is Gonzaga's premier scholarship program in support of the commitments listed in Gonzaga's mission: "The Gonzaga experience fosters a mature commitment to dignity of the human person, social justice, diversity, intercultural competence, global engagement, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, and care for the planet. Grateful to God, the Gonzaga community carries out this mission with responsible stewardship of our physical, financial, and human resources."

The Unity Scholars Scholarship Program fulfills this mission, in part, through support for Washington students with financial need who have demonstrated leadership and experiences with the commitments outlined in Gonzaga's mission. 

Benefits:

  • Grant and scholarship aid for four years to cover the cost of tuition, academic fees, housing, and meal plan charges at Gonzaga University
  • Enrollment in BRIDGE Pre-Orientation Program
  • Peer, staff, and faculty mentorship
  • Four-year leadership cohort supported by UMEC and other campus partners
  • Enrollment in an Intergroup Dialogue course
  • Customized support in searching for a paid internship/job/research opportunity on campus
  • Opportunities for funding to study abroad
  • Tailored post-graduation career preparation and advising

Eligibility:

  • The Unity Scholars Scholarship Program is competitive with a limited number of recipients. 
  • Be a Washington state resident*
  • Apply for admission to Gonzaga University as first-year applicant and meet Gonzaga University admission requirements. Priority consideration for students who apply to GU by the Early Action deadline of November 15. Final deadline to apply to GU is February 1. Nursing applicants must apply by the November 15 deadline. 
  • Submit the Unity Scholars Application by January 10
  • Submit FAFSA / WASFA* (FAFSA availability expected October 1)
  • Have demonstrated financial need. Priority is given to students who family income is below 70% of Washington's median (e.g. $80,000 for a family of four).
  • Applications are reviewed holistically in conjunction with materials submitted for admission to Gonzaga University. Holistic evaluation includes assessing applicants' demonstrated leadership in and experiences with the commitments listed in Gonzaga's mission statement:
    • dignity of the human person
    • social justice
    • diversity
    • intercultural competence
    • global engagement
    • solidarity with the poor and vulnerable
    • care for the planet
  • In addition to the evaluation listed above, applicants will also be reviewed based on academic performance as measured by grades and course rigor, writing proficiency, and demonstrated resilience in the face of barriers or obstacles.
  • Unity Scholars is open to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, sex, or other protected characteristics.
*Undocumented Washington residents are eligible to apply for Unity Scholars. Applicant must submit a WASFA.

Application Process and Timeline:

  • Apply for admission to Gonzaga University. Priority consideration for students who apply to GU by the Early Action deadline of November 15. Final deadline to apply to GU is February 1. Nursing applicants must apply by the November 15 deadline.   
  • Submit the Unity Scholars Application by January 10
  • Submit FAFSA (most students) / WASFA (students who cannot submit a FAFSA)
  • Finalists Selected - mid-February
  • Virtual Interview of Finalists - mid/late-February
  • Notifications of Unity Scholar Recipients by early-March 
Apply Today

Questions? Contact the Office of Admission (admissions@gonzaga.edu)

“Our ongoing examination of who we are in our full humanity, embracing all of our identities, creates the possibility of building alliances that may ultimately free us all.”
--Beverly Daniel Tatum