An affordable option, right at home
As a resident of Shawnee County, an affordable college education is right at home. The Washburn Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship offers graduates from Shawnee County high schools and home schools a valuable financial tool - a $1,000 annually renewable scholarship to attend Washburn University as a full-time student. The Thrives Scholarship is in addition to other financial aid you receive, including academic and department scholarships. All you need to do is complete an admission application and have a valid FAFSA with all required documents on file at Washburn by the priority date:
- Fall 2025 priority date: March 1, 2025 (If you have not submitted the FAFSA by this date and still need help, please contact our Financial Aid office).
A part of Together We Thrive
The Shawnee County Scholarship is part of a financial aid package called Together We Thrive. The scholarship and the Shawnee County Promise can create a tuition-free path while earning your bachelor's degree at Washburn.
The Shawnee County Scholarship can be received up to four consecutive years or until you complete your first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first for students at Washburn University, for a total award up to $4,000. For those seeking to attend Washburn Institute of Technology, a similar $750 annual scholarship also is available.
You're eligible for the Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship if:
You graduated in Shawnee County
You have been a resident of Shawnee County for at least two years, attended junior and senior year at a Shawnee County high school or home school and graduated from a Shawnee County high school or home school. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the U.S.
Your GPA is a 2.0 or higher
You graduate with at least a 2.0 GPA on your high school transcript.
Have a valid FAFSA on file
You must have a valid FAFSA on file at Washburn University by the priority date.
No separate application required!
You're automatically considered for this award when you apply for admission to Washburn.
Shawnee County high schools
You are eligible if you graduated from one of the following schools in Shawnee County:
- Avondale Academy
- Cair Paravel
- Capital City
- Hayden
- Heritage Christian
- Highland Park
- Home School
- Hope Street
- Rossville
- Seaman
- Silver Lake
- Shawnee Heights
- Topeka High
- Topeka West
- Washburn Rural
Renewal criteria
To renew your scholarship, you must complete the following criteria:
- Successfully complete at least 27 credit hours at Washburn during the school year
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 or higher Washburn GPA
- Complete the FAFSA every school year by the priority date and remain financially eligible
Additional Information
- Can the Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship be used in the Summer semester?
- The Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship can only be applied during the Fall and Spring semesters at Washburn University.
- Do I have to maintain full-time status in the fall and spring semesters?
- Yes, you will need to maintain enrollment in at least 12 credit hours each Fall and Spring semester to receive the scholarship. Please contact the Financial Aid Office before dropping below 12 hours.
- Am I eligible to receive the Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship if I am a transfer student?
- Yes, so long as you meet the eligibility criteria in addition to having a 2.0 college GPA.
- Will I qualify if I have already received a bachelor's degree or beyond
- This scholarship is for students pursuing their first bachelor's degree. Students that have already received the equivalent of a bachelor's degree or beyond will not qualify for the scholarship.
- What if I completely withdraw?
- You must contact the Financial Aid Office to speak with a Financial Aid Advisor before completely withdrawing. See official withdrawal policy.
- Do I need to provide my final high school transcript?
- The final high school transcript is required to demonstrate graduation from a Shawnee County high school.
- What if I do not have a final high school transcript?
- Acceptable alternative documentation includes the following: GED or Home School Transcript.
- Must I maintain continuous enrollment in order remain eligible?
- Yes, in addition to meeting all other eligibility requirements, you must remain enrolled full-time in each consecutive fall and spring semesters.
- Is there a maximum time frame that I can receive the Shawnee County Scholarship?
- If you continue to meet renewal criteria, you are eligible to receive the Shawnee County Scholarship for up to 8 consecutive semesters or until you receive your first bachelors degree.
- Will I qualify for the Shawnee County Scholarship if I receive the Washburn Employee Dependent Tuition Waiver?
- Students that receive the Employee Dependent Tuition Waiver are not eligible to receive the Shawnee County Scholarship.
- Who should I contact with questions?
- Please email shawneecounty@washburn.edu with any questions.
GET IN TOUCH WITH Admissions
Washburn University Admissions
Morgan Hall Suite 100
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
785.670.1030
shawneecounty@washburn.edu
