Merit Scholarships for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
First Year merit-based scholarships are offered through alumni gifts and corporate endowments.
First Year Designated Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are offered early in the admissions process based strictly upon the information in your admissions application and your interview. It is recommended that for merit-based scholarship consideration that you apply for admission by the earliest deadline possible. Your admission essays will be used to assess fit for the scholarships listed.
Merit-based scholarship decisions are made by the First Year Scholarship Committee at the end of each admissions response cycle. Announcements of merit scholarships are mailed on the last day for admissions notifications, (i.e. Round 1, - January 28, 2010).
Note to Round 1 Applicants :
Round 1 is ideal for applicants/reapplicants that have completed their research about MBA programs and have decided that Darden is their first choice. Round 1 allows applicants to secure their offer of admission to Darden by January 28, 2010. A distinct feature of Round 1, moreover, is that applicants will automatically compete for over 70 two-year scholarships ranging from one-third to full tuition per year.
The following is a list of merit-based scholarships available to U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents. No additional essays are necessary unless requested by the Darden Scholarship Committee.
Darden Jefferson Fellowships - 2 - Full cost-of-attendance fellowships including full-tuition, living expenses, books, and research stipend - Established by various alumni of the Darden School in partnership with the Jefferson Scholars Foundation to secure the most exceptional candidates who have applied for admission for the MBA at Darden. In identifying such candidates, judges will seek evidence of ethical leadership, diplomatic decisiveness, and a track record of putting ideas into action, together with a superb record of academic achievement. Candidates interested in being considered for this fellowship should possess superior intelligence and academic excellence, but must also demonstrate leadership, citizenship, integrity and honor. Fellowship candidates will be selected from those applicants who have applied and been offered admission to the Darden MBA program. To be considered for a Darden Jefferson Fellowship, candidates must complete their application to Darden by October 28, 2009. Consortium applicants will be considered as long as submissions arrive by the November 15, 2009 1st round deadline. Click here for details.
Batten Media Fellowship -full tuition plus book and computer stipend-Established by media entrepreneur Frank Batten, this fellowship is awarded to a candidate engaged in a career at newspapers or in other news gathering organizations. The candidate must be full-time editorial or media employee with at least three years experience, possess a strong interest in creating and/or leading media organizations after receiving an MBA, be U.S. citizens, and qualify for regular admission to the Darden School. A special application must be obtained from Darden's Office of Financial Aid and interviews will be conducted by the Director of Financial Aid and VP of Communications. Contact: MillsA@darden.virginia.edu for special application and to schedule interviews. Application for admission must be received by January 7, 2010 and all interviews completed by February 22, 2010.
Batten Scholarships--Up to 10 given out
Batten Entrepreneurial Scholarships-–scholarships designated for candidates who have demonstrated experience in past entrepreneurial ventures, have an entrepreneurial spirit, strong leadership skills, and a drive for innovation. Candidates will indicate in their Admissions application these entrepreneurial experiences and commitment for their future endeavors.
Batten Technology Scholarships-–scholarships designated for candidates who have demonstrated exemplary experience within the high-tech industries. These industries could include, but not limited to, hardware, software, medical devices, and communications. Candidates will indicate in their Admissions application a commitment to advancing technology in their future endeavors.
Batten Innovation Scholarships---scholarships designated for candidates who have been recognized as instrumental in implementing innovations along the value chain of various businesses. Innovation could occur in, but not be limited to, segments of larger business, such as engineers in manufacturing or research scientists in medical devices. Candidates should also indicate a desire to take leadership responsibility within innovative fields of business.
Col. James L. Fowler USMC Scholarship Fund-Scholarship for student with honorable U.S. military experience, with preference for a member or veteran of the United States Marine Corp (USMC) or United States Marine Corp Reserves.
John and Mary Kay Strangfeld Scholarship--U.S. military experience.
G. Gilmer Minor III Military Scholarship--U.S. military experience.
Henry Clay Hofheimer II Fellowship--Scholarship for candidates who are residents of Virginia or North Carolina and a graduate of a Virginia or North Carolina college.
Robert E. Lamb II Dean's Scholarship--An endowed full tuition scholarship established by Robert E. Lamb III (M.B.A. '70)
Henry Wayne and Annie Griffin Lewis Scholarship-–An endowed scholarship established with a gift from Samuel A. Lewis, a former member of The Darden Foundation’s Board of Trustees, in honor of his parents for students at the Darden School.
John Patterson Mast Memorial Scholarship--Established in September of 1988 by Mrs. Louise Gilmer Mast, in honor of her late husband to fund scholarships for students who demonstrate financial need and were either born in or are current residents of twenty-two southwestern Virginia Counties: Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, Roanoke, Russell, Scot, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe.
William Wooding Sihler Scholarship--–Established in 2000 by alumni of the Darden School in recognition of Professor Bill Sihler’s dedication to students and learning. Up to four Sihler Scholarships will be made without regard to need; to candidates accepted for admission to the first year MBA Program, whose academic record is above average and who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit.
C.W. Darden Scholarships–-Established in 1981 for students at the Darden School.
William Richmond Scholarship––For students at the Darden School who have demonstrated academic excellence and an interest in entrepreneurship.
Roger H. Sherman Scholarships--an endowed fund established by Lucille H. Sherman as a memorial to her husband, Roger H. Sherman, for students who give promise of becoming outstanding citizens.
David L. Tashjian Fellowship--For students at the Darden School.
D.W. and G.B. Richardson Scholarship--Originally established in 1956 to honor Douglas W. and George B. Richardson. Candidate must be an Virginian.
Sydney F. Small Memorial Fellowship--An endowed scholarship fund established with income from a trust bequeathed by a former and dedicated supporter of the Darden School.
DuPont Scholarship--For students at the Darden School. Candidate must be an Virginian.
Dean's Scholarship--for students at the Darden School.
State Restricted-In State Only Scholarship--for students at the Darden School.
James Su-Ting and Jeanette Wang Cheng China Scholarship--Students from Taiwan, China, Hong, Kong, Malaysia, Macau or Singapore. If these preferences cannot be met, then the scholarship may be awarded to a student from other East Asian countries.
Chesapeake MBA/ME Scholarship--Established by the Cheaspeake Corporation Foundation in Richmond, Virginia, this scholarship gives first preference to joint MBA/ME students and second preference to students who have a graduate engineering degree and the desire to put their engineering skills to work after receiving their MBA.
Class of 1957 Charles C. Abbott Scholarship--Awarded to students who bring diversity of work experience to the classroom from non-traditional work backgrounds.
Class of 1968 William E. Fisher Memorial Scholarship--An endowed scholarship for students at the Darden School.
Class of 1972--Established in 1987 by the Class of 1972, the Killgallon Family Foundation, and the Ohio Art Company, for outstanding students at the Darden School.