Finding Scholarships for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: A Comprehensive Guide

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, renowned for its "Learn by Doing" philosophy and strong programs in engineering, architecture, and agriculture, offers a multitude of scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. Understanding the various types of scholarships available and how to apply can significantly ease the financial burden of college. This article provides a comprehensive overview of scholarships for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, covering university-wide awards, college-based scholarships, outside scholarships, and specific endowments.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

Since Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a public university, the cost of attendance differs for in-state and out-of-state students. The sticker price is approximately $32,321 for California residents and $52,241 for non-residents. These costs are subject to change and generally increase over the four years of college. Individual expenses can vary significantly based on a student's financial situation.

University-Wide and College-Based Scholarships

When you apply to Cal Poly, you are automatically considered for most university-wide and college-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded each year to students who demonstrate academic merit and meet specific criteria. A GPA of at least 3.0 is generally expected.

Need-Based Scholarships: To be considered for need-based scholarships, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application.

Scholarships for Continuing Students: Scholarships for continuing students are typically major-specific and awarded by the respective college or department. Students can access CSU Scholarship applications through the Scholarship QuickLink in the My Cal Poly Portal.

Award Timeline: Scholarships are usually awarded during the spring and summer for the following academic year, with a smaller number awarded in the fall. The scholarship money is divided and disbursed each quarter.

CAED Scholarships

The following are CAED scholarships selected by the CAED Scholarship Committee based on the criteria listed under each award.

Robin L.

This award is to assist worthy students in time of personal need or to reward students demonstrating exceptional effort. Students from all CAED disciplines are eligible for consideration based on effort and talent not necessarily directly associated with traditional measures of academic achievement. Personal statement describing background, educational and career goals. Statement should also address how this scholarship will make a difference in the applicant's life and career.

Alice C.

This scholarship assists Freshman, Sophomore, or Juniors in the College of Architecture with a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Dr. Glenn G.

This scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior student enrolled in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Outside Scholarships

Outside scholarships are funded by private sector companies, philanthropists, or foundations and are not awarded by the government or Cal Poly. Many Cal Poly students receive these scholarships, which can supplement their financial aid packages.

Free Scholarship Search Services: Several reputable free scholarship search services are available to help students find outside scholarship opportunities. Avoid paying for scholarship searches.

Notification Requirement: If you receive financial aid from Cal Poly and are awarded any outside scholarships, you must notify the Financial Aid Office of the scholarship and its amount. The Federal Government requires the university to coordinate this outside scholarship aid with any other aid you are receiving.

Scholarships by Area: To view additional scholarship opportunities, visit Scholarships by Area.

Specific Scholarship Opportunities

Cal Poly offers a diverse range of scholarships, each with its own unique criteria and focus. Here are some notable examples:

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

David and Kay Aaker Scholarship: This scholarship supports students who increasing diversity in the workforce and removing barriers for underrepresented populations.

Alonzo F. and Armistead B. Robertson Scholarship: The Alonzo F. Robertson scholarship supports students who are members of the American Indian Student Association (AISA) or American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). The Armistead B. Robertson scholarship supports students with demonstrated contributions to American Indian and Indigenous communities on and/or off campus. Applicants will demonstrate campus and/or community leadership through extracurricular activities and achievements.

Brian Lawler Scholarship Endowment: Provides support to all class levels of Graphic Communication majors with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Burt E. and Anne L. Harris Scholarship: Supports a student who has stated interest in the medical or health fields and a major in Biology, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Kinesiology, or Business. This scholarship supports students with a minimum 3.5 GPA who are currently enroleld in a graduate degree program in a major that differs from their undergraduate degree.

Cal Poly Alumni Association Scholarships:

Central California Chapter: Supports students from Kings and Tulare counties with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated leadership skills and involvement in activities.
East Bay Chapter: Supports first-generation college students who graduated from a high school in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, or Solano County.
Los Angeles Chapter: Supports students who graduated from a high school in Los Angeles County.
San Luis Obispo Chapter: Establishes a scholarship for students University-wide with a recommended minimum 3.0 GPA.
CPAA San Diego Scholarship: Open to all Colleges (on a yearly rotational basis) for Junior and Senior level students in all majors. Recipients must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and graduated from a San Diego County high school.

Cal Poly Wheelmen Scholarship: Supports sophomore students and above who are active members of the Cal Poly Wheelmen Cycling Club and involved in bicycle-related community activities.

Cindee Picanso Memorial Award: Established in memory of Cindee Picanso, this award recognizes students who touched the lives of numerous student employees and co-workers during her time at Cal Poly.

Douglas Gates Scholarship: Acknowledges and rewards the efforts of student assistants in the Kennedy Library, recognizing their intelligence, diligence, and integrity.

Dr. Shirley H. and Floyd O. White Scholarship: The Dr. Shirley H. White Scholarship supports students who are focused on community involvement, to encourage and reward those with an interest in giving back. The Floyd O. White Scholarship supports full time undergraduate students who are Veterans of the United States Armed Forces that have been honorably discharged.

Frank J. Calabrese Memorial Scholarship Endowment: Established to honor Frank's legacy and to commemorate his passion for the education and wellbeing of Cal Poly students.

Fred and Margaret Bradley Scholarship: Provides support for incoming freshman students in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and Environmental Horticulture Science concentration and Landscape Architecture majors in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference for students from Alameda or Contra Costa Counties in California.

Glenn H. and Helen V. Baker Scholarship: The Glenn H. Baker Scholarship supports incoming freshmen who demonstrate financial need and graduated from a high school in Santa Maria, Nipomo or Arroyo Grande with a recomended minimum 3.0 GPA. The Helen V. Baker Scholarship supports incoming freshmen and continuing students who are graduates of Fortune School.

Herbert E. and J.W. Van Dyke Memorial Scholarship Fund Endowment: The Herbert E. Bartel Scholarship supports students who are enrolled in a Cal Poly afilliated for-credit Study Abroad Program in either the twenty-six countries of the Republic of Ireland and/or the six counties of Northern Ireland. The J.W. Van Dyke Memorial Scholarship Fund Endowment was established in memory of J.W. Van Dyke.

International Education Scholarship Endowment: Established by the O'Connell Family Fund to broaden global understanding and respect for other cultures of Cal Poly students by supporting abroad studies and the International Education and Programs Office.

Jeff P. and Jesse E. and June A. In honor of Mr. John C. Karnes and Mrs. Marie K. Prindiville Scholarship: Peter Hoyt is a California native and who served in the United States Naval Reserve. In 2003, Berg was named Cal Poly Alumnus of the year in recognition of his outstanding acheivements as an architect.

Joshua Justin Davis Houlgate Memorial Scholarship: Established in memory of Joshua Houlgate, a 1995 Cal Poly graduate.

Julian A. McPhee University Scholarship and In honor of Ms. Julie V. Detro Scholarship: The Julian A. McPhee University Scholarship supports students who have a strong potential for success. In honor of Ms. Julie V. Detro scholarship students of all majors wiith a preference to those who are prior receipients of a Cal Poly Cares grant or a successor source of aid should the Cal Poly Cares program be discontinued.

K.T. and Lawrence B. and Ruth B. Halvorsen Scholarship: The K.T. Halvorsen Scholarship supports students who are enrolled in a Cal Poly afilliated for-credit Study Abroad Program in either the twenty-six countries of the Republic of Ireland and/or the six counties of Northern Ireland. The Lawrence B. and Ruth B. Halvorsen Scholarship supports students who are enrolled in a Cal Poly afilliated for-credit Study Abroad Program in either the twenty-six countries of the Republic of Ireland and/or the six counties of Northern Ireland.

Lee P. and Lulu G. Vance Scholarship: The Lee P. Vance Scholarship supports students who have a strong potential for success. The Lulu G. Vance Scholarship supports students who have a strong potential for success.

Mader Family Cal Poly Scholars Scholarship: Supports top incoming students in need of financial assistance.

Marjorie A. In honor of Ms. Marilyn Hudson Darraq Scholarship: In honor of Ms. Marilyn Hudson Darraq and her parents, Marge and Al Hudson, who made it possible for her to attend Cal Poly, this scholarship supports former foster youth students who demonstrate high financial need.

Mark A. and Sharon A. Mazer Scholarship and The Matthew and Leslie Pease First Generation Scholarship Endowment: The Mark A. and Sharon A. Mazer Scholarship supports students who are enrolled in a Cal Poly afilliated for-credit Study Abroad Program in either the twenty-six countries of the Republic of Ireland and/or the six counties of Northern Ireland. The Matthew and Leslie Pease First Generation Scholarship Endowment was established to support first generation college students.

Maurice E. Faulkner Scholarship: Supports students in the Mustang Band who exemplify dedication, commitment, and spirit to the organization.

Michael KÃ¶ehn Memorial Scholarships:

London Experience Memorial Scholarship: Supports students with demonstrated need and artistic interest to participate in a Cal Poly Study Abroad program in the United Kingdom.
Make a Difference Scholarship: Supports business majors who wish to apply their skills in a non-traditional way.

Milano Rodeo Scholarship Fund and Milano Rodeo Scholarship Endowment: Gives support to all majors and class levels, with a preference for incoming freshmen. Recipient must be a member in good standing of the Cal Poly Rodeo Team and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrolled in at least 12 units each quarter.

Mia Hoglund-Kettmann and John Kettmann Scholarship: This scholarship supports students who increasing diversity in the workforce and removing barriers for underrepresented populations.

Mustang Band Alumni Association Scholarship: Supports students in the Mustang Band who exemplify dedication, commitment, and spirit to the organization.

Patino High School Cal Poly Scholars Scholarship: Supports students in the Cal Poly Scholars program who are graduates from Phillip J. Patino School of Entrepreneurship in Fresno, CA.

R. W. and Ralph R. and Ralph V. Filice Scholarship: The R.W. Filice Scholarship supports students who have a strong potential for success. The Ralph R. Filice Scholarship supports students who have a strong potential for success. The Ralph V. Filice Scholarship supports students who have a strong potential for success.

Raul Z. and Josephine M. Antle Scholarship: In Memory of Mr. Rick L. Antle, this annual scholarship supports first-generation incoming freshmen from Monterey County.

Rita B. and Robert D. Koob Endowment for Student Success: The Rita B. Hanson Scholarship supports students who have a strong potential for success. The Robert D. Koob Endowment for Student Success provides support in the form of scholarships, internships, stipends and other assistance associated with a student's successful pursuit of education.

Samir Pathak Scholarship: Supports students who are focused on community involvement, encouraging and rewarding those with an interest in giving back.

Saidman-Thorne Family Cal Poly Scholars Scholarship: Supports students in the Cal Poly Scholars program of any major.

Sheila and Yosef Tiber Scholarship: Supports students who have a strong potential for success.

TeamEvo Innovative Thinkers Scholarship: Supports seniors in engineering, science, and mathematics who exemplify the future, have demonstrated their skills in a non-traditional way, with non-corporate entities (cultural, environmental, entrepreneurial, or social justice organizations), and create positive social change. The student must have the drive to make a difference and act as a leader to inspire others.

The Ultimate Frisbee â Alumni Scholarship Endowment: Established by a group of Cal Poly alumni with a history of Ultimate Frisbee at Cal Poly.

Wesley Goodhart Scholarship Quasi Endowment: Provides support to all majors and all class levels of students from Riverside County, CA with a preference to those students from Hemet and its environs.

William and Adelaide V. Schmidt Scholarship and William B. and Candace K. Terry Scholarship: The William and Adelaide V. Schmidt Scholarship supports students who are enrolled in a Cal Poly afilliated for-credit Study Abroad Program in either the twenty-six countries of the Republic of Ireland and/or the six counties of Northern Ireland. The William B. Terry Scholarship supports students who have a strong potential for success.

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