Scholarships
A scholarship is a cash award to help you pay for college. Scholarships come from a variety of sources, including Southwestern College itself, private organizations, public agencies, and individual donors. They are free money and do not need to be paid back. Many people assume scholarships are only for students with high grades, but that is not true. Scholarships are awarded based on all kinds of criteria including financial need, field of study, background, community involvement, and more. You also do not need to be receiving financial aid to apply. Scholarships exist for a wide range of student populations, including veterans, dependents of veterans, students facing health challenges, and many other groups you might not expect.
Every scholarship is different. The award amount, eligibility requirements, and what the funds can be used for are all determined by the organization or donor offering it. If you think you might qualify, apply. Even smaller awards add up and can make a real difference in covering your costs.
Important: Legitimate scholarships are always free to apply for. Never pay a fee to search for or apply for a scholarship. If a site asks for money, it is a scam.
SWC Scholarships
Each year, thanks to the generosity of our donors, Southwestern College offers a wide variety of scholarships for enrolled students. Applications are accepted twice a year, once in September for the fall semester and once in February for spring semester. The entire process is completed online through our scholarship platform.
THE SPRING 2026 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED. Recipients will be notified by mid-April via their SWC email address. Check back this summer for information on the Fall 2026 scholarship application.
When creating or signing into your account, DO NOT USE use Apple or Google Sign In. Select the blue Sign Up or Sign In option only.
A short video tutorial is available below to walk you through the application process.
All SWC scholarships require an essay as part of the general application. Visit the Tips for Scholarships page or stop by the Writing Center for help with writing your essays.
There are more scholarship opportunities out there than most students realize. Visit the External Scholarships & Search Engines page to explore what is available beyond SWC.
For more information or questions about the application process, please contact:
Claudia Gaitan
Scholarship Specialist
(619) 421-6700, x5267
Thousands of scholarships from outside organizations go unclaimed every year. Find tools and databases to help you discover opportunities that match your background and goals.
Scholarships Navigation
Internal SWC Scholarships
Browse scholarships offered through Southwestern College and the SWC Foundation, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.External Scholarships & Search Engines
Thousands of scholarships from outside organizations go unclaimed every year. Find tools and databases to help you discover opportunities that match your background and goals.Tips for Scholarships
Get practical guidance on writing a strong essay, presenting yourself effectively, and making the most of your scholarship search.SWC Foundation
The SWC Foundation supports students in many ways beyond scholarships, including emergency funds, program support, and community partnerships. Explore what the Foundation offers and how it invests in student success at Southwestern College.Support SWC Students
Interested in funding a scholarship for Southwestern College students? Your donation helps change lives.
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