Scholarships and Discounts

There are many financial aid options available to help make your education dreams a reality. Below are some of the discounts and scholarships available to students in the School of Humanities and Sciences; individuals applying to undergraduate programs are also encouraged to inquire with the Student Services Center, while those interested in graduate programs are encouraged to contact Graduate and Professional Student Financial Services.

Department of Biology and Chemistry

Robert and Roberta Wright Science Scholarship

This scholarship is open to allied health, biology, biochemistry, and chemistry students accepted into the premedical track who have completed one biology, biochemistry, or chemistry course at the 300 level or higher. Each year, one recipient is selected and awarded up to $1,000. Applicants must be in good academic standing and must submit a CV and an essay detailing their goals for pursuing a career in medicine. Scholarship applications are due in March.

Women of Excellence—Chemistry

This scholarship is awarded to one junior female chemistry or biochemistry major who excels in her chemistry courses and demonstrates service to the department. Each year, the awardee is selected during the spring semester and awarded up to $500.

Department of Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics, and Statistics

Power Settlements Scholarship

This scholarship is open to any APU computer science major who has been an intern in software development. Each year, $1,000 is awarded to each student whose internship meets the established requirements. Applicants must be sophomore, junior, or senior students, enrolled full-time, and in good standing (not on academic probation) with the program and the university. View Power Settlements Scholarship eligibility requirements, and complete the Power Settlements Scholarship form to apply.

Thomas Plew Scholarship

The faculty consider a pool of top computer science majors and choose 1-2 based on academic excellence and department service. This award is renewable dependent on maintaining a strong GPA and being visibly engaged in department events.

Ken and Brenda Anderson Scholarship

Computer science and computer information systems majors with a 3.2 or higher GPA can apply for this scholarship. Preference is given to non-California students. Applications for this scholarship will be sent to all qualifying students at the end of the fall semester. Although this is a nonrenewable scholarship, recipients may reapply upon completion of the one-year scholarship term.

Department of English

Esselstrom Prize

All English majors or creative writing minors with at least junior standing are eligible to compete for the Esselstrom Prize, an annual cash award of $1,000. Eligible students should anonymously submit a portfolio of their work in at least two genres to the Department of English. The portfolios will then be evaluated by a panel of judges, including APU creative writing faculty and at least one outside reader. The prize is named for David Esselstrom, PhD, now professor emeritus, who taught creative writing at APU for 34 years, and was chair of the Department of English for 12 of them. Winning this prize, or even being named a finalist for it, makes our English and creative writing students more competitive as applicants to MFA or MA programs, extending Esselstrom’s legacy of strong support for creative writers at APU.

Department of Sociology, TESOL, and Modern Languages

Boyd Clarke International TESOL Student Scholarship

This scholarship is open to new and current students in APU’s on-campus and online TESOL programs. Each year, up to $1,000 is awarded to two different recipients. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and should be in good standing with the program and university (not on academic probation or conditionally admitted). Scholarship applications are due November 30 and June 30 and include a 500-word essay. Download the Boyd Clarke International TESOL Student Scholarship Application (PDF) for more information.

Charles and Shirley Stapleton Graduate Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship is open to new and current students in APU’s on-campus and online TESOL programs. Each year, up to $500 is awarded to two different recipients. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and should be in good standing with the program and university (not on academic probation or conditionally admitted). Scholarship applications are due November 30 and June 30 and include a 500-word essay. Download the Charles and Shirley Stapleton Graduate Endowed Scholarship Application (PDF) for more information.

Tsern Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Scholarship

The Tsern TEFL Scholarship is open to new and current graduate students in APU’s on-campus and online TESOL programs who are committed to serving Christ by teaching English. Each year, up to $2,000 is awarded to eligible recipients. This award recognizes Christian scholars who will perpetuate the mission of Azusa Pacific University during their academic studies and later as language educators. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students and should be in good standing with the program and university (not on academic probation or conditionally admitted). Recipients will be distinguished by the rigor and dedication they apply to their graduate studies, the skill and effort they apply to their craft of teaching, and the integrity and Christ-like compassion they demonstrate to their students and colleagues. Scholarship applications are due November 30 and June 30 and include a 1,000-word essay. Download and complete the Tsern TEFL Scholarship Application (PDF). Please note that for the Tsern award, in addition to the questions on the application form, also discuss how your integrity and Christ-like compassion will be demonstrated to your students and colleagues.

Department of Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics, and Statistics

Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics Fellowships

Each year, APU’s Department of Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics, and Statistics offers a fellowship to all incoming students (freshmen and transfers) and two select returning students pursuing a degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, or physics. The fellowship provides financial support ($1,000 for first-year students, and $2,000/year for eligible returning students); helps MPS students develop a sense of belonging in the community and connect their personal faith and values to their vocation in math, physics, or statistics; and provides professional development opportunities through research workshops, peer mentoring, learning assistantships, faith integration discussions, and more.

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School of Humanities and Sciences

School of Humanities and Sciences Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Humanities and Sciences (CLAS) offers an alumni tuition discount for APU alumni starting in the following graduate programs:

• Master of Arts in TESOL
• Certificate in TESOL
• Certificate in TEFL

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Services Center for complete eligibility details.

TeachBeyond Employee Tuition Discount

APU’s School of Humanities and Sciences offers a 15 percent tuition discount (savings of over $2,700) to employees of TeachBeyond for the following online or on-campus programs:

• Master of Arts in TESOL
• Certificate in TESOL
• Certificate in TEFL

Students fill out the MOU Discount Form and provide proof of employment every year of enrollment. Contact Student Services Center for complete eligibility details.

Additionally, TESOL programs are also available to TeachBeyond employees at an already-discounted tuition rate.