Scholarships

MBA - Tuition and Financial Aid - Minority Student Scholarships

Minority Student Scholarships

Darden is a community that thrives on the experiences of people from diverse backgrounds. To elevate the diversity of perspectives at the School, members of the Darden community have created the following scholarships specifically for underrepresented minority students in the United States. No separate application required to be considered for these awards. 

A Note About Our Scholarship Process

Most of Darden’s merit-based scholarships do not require an additional application. If admitted, students will be evaluated for available scholarships, which are competitively awarded based on a variety of metrics and considerations. Some scholarships require a supplemental application.

In addition, certain third-party scholarships and fellowships are independently offered and awarded by the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation (and other third-party scholarships providers). These privately funded scholarships are likely to be targeted towards students from developing countries or underrepresented minority groups, or in specific areas of study. Examples of these non-University awarded scholarships can be found in several of the sections outlined below.

Typically, students will learn of any scholarship offer simultaneous with the offer of admission.


Minority Student Scholarships

  • Charles J. Lewis Scholarship 

    This scholarship was established in 1985 by Lemuel E. Lewis (MBA ’72) in memory of his father, Charles J. Lewis. Lemuel is a former member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, former Darden School Foundation Trustee, and a former member of the Board of Managers of the University of Virginia Alumni Association. An anonymous donor enhanced this scholarship out of gratitude to Josh Darden and Lemuel Lewis, both former members of the University of Virginia’s Board of Visitors. The scholarship is awarded to minority students from Virginia.

  • John L. Snook Jr. Minority Scholarship 

    Family and friends of John L. Snook Jr. established this scholarship in 1989 to honor the former Darden professor. While at Darden, John taught Human Resource Management and Management of Nonprofit Organizations. He also originated and directed the Darden School LEAD program, a summer session in graduate business education for minority teenagers. The scholarship is awarded to minority students with an interest in the non-profit sector.

  • Joel Dean Scholarship

    Established in 1995 by the Joel Dean Foundation to support a female, unrepresented minority First Year Darden student who demonstrates financial need.

  • Kinder Morgan Excellence in Business Administration Scholarship

    The Kinder Morgan Excellence in Business Administration Scholarship was established in 1996 and is awarded to an incoming first-year MBA student who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. The student must be a member of a population group that is underrepresented in MBA programs and the business community. Underrepresented individuals include those who are first- generation college students. The scholarship is awarded based on overall merit, academic achievement, character, leadership ability, and verified financial need.

  • Marietta and Sherwood Frey Scholarship

    This scholarship was established in 2007 by Carroll M. Warfield (MBA ’81), Warren Thompson (MBA ’83), Thomas Baltimore (MBA ’91) and friends of Sherwood and Marietta Frey. The award was established to honor Darden professor Sherwood Frey and his wife, Marietta, and to provide financial support to African American students who, as a result of the opportunities afforded them by their education at the Darden School, show promise and commitment to being role models for future generations of African American leaders. Sherwood Frey joined the Darden faculty in 1979 and is currently the Emeritus Ethyl Corporation Professor of Business Administration. He is well known for his courses on bargaining and negotiations.

  • Thomas J. Baltimore Jr. and Hillary D. Baltimore Fellowship

    This scholarship was established in 2011 by Thomas J. Baltimore Jr. (MBA ’91) and Hillary D. Baltimore to provide financial support to African-American MBA students admitted to the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

  • External Scholarships and Fellowships 

    CONSORTIUM FELLOWSHIPS

    The mission of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, an alliance of leading American business schools and some of our country’s top corporations, is to reduce the underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans in MBA programs and the ranks of management. Qualified U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents who can demonstrate a commitment to the Consortium’s mission and can best assist the Consortium in pursuing this mission should apply. Candidates who apply to Darden through the Consortium and are admitted compete for full tuition fellowships. The Darden School Foundation Scholarship Committee awards several fellowships each year.

    Review Information and Application Materials

    NSHMBA SCHOLARS

    Students of Hispanic heritage or students with a demonstrated commitment to the Hispanic community who have been admitted to Darden may be named a NSHMBA Scholar. Scholars receive:

    • A complimentary full conference registration, which includes all meals functions, for the NSHMBA Annual Conference & Career Expo during their award year (Each student must volunteer at conference a total of four (4) hours in order to receive this complimentary registration.)
    • Each student recipient(s) also receives a special invitation to the scholarship luncheon during conference which honors and recognizes our scholarship recipients
    • Recognition on the NSHMBA website and other materials as a University Partnership Program scholar
    • Connection with local NSHMBA Chapter(s)
    • Complimentary student membership during award year (if student is not already a member)

    ROBERT TOIGO FOUNDATION

    The Robert Toigo Foundation is a premier organization supporting the ongoing advancement, leadership and contribution of exceptional minority graduate business degree students and alumni interested in pursuing careers in finance. The Toigo Fellowship encompasses a comprehensive leadership development program (APEx) that includes professional mentoring and coaching, a merit-based award, networking opportunities and personalized job/career support throughout business school and beyond.

    All prospective MBA students who are interested in pursuing a career in finance and are of African American, Hispanic, Native American/Alaskan Native and/or Asian/Pacific Islander descent, are welcome to apply.

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