The Johnson Scholarship

The Johnson Scholarship is one of the premier merit-based scholarship programs in the country.

W&L’s Johnson Scholarship recognizes and rewards students on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and integrity, and their potential to contribute to the intellectual and civic life of the W&L campus and the world at large in years to come.

Scholarships are awarded to up to 44 incoming students each year (roughly 10% of the first-year class).

Johnson Scholarships cover tuition and fees, housing and food, and $10,000 in funding for a summer experience — a grand total of more than $89,000 per year. Students with additional financial need may also see their scholarship amount increased to cover additional costs of attendance, which may include textbooks and supplies, travel expenses, and technology costs.

Finalists for Johnson Scholarships participate in an on-campus competition and are notified in late March of their status. All costs associated with attending the competition will be paid by Washington and Lee University.

Did You Know?

Applying for a Johnson Scholarship ensures that you're considered for other merit scholarships, too.

View 2024-25 Scholarships

Johnson Scholarship FAQs

More than a Scholarship

The Johnson Scholarship is just one aspect of W&L's Johnson Program for Leadership and Integrity, a program that offers opportunities and funding for the entire student body.

Full Scholarship

The Johnson Scholarship

Up to 44 students a year receive awards of at least tuition, room and board as Johnson Scholars. Students are selected on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and their potential to contribute to the intellectual and civic life of the W&L campus and of the world at large in years to come.

About the Scholarship

A premier merit-based scholarship program that covers the full cost of attendance — you can’t afford NOT to apply.

Johnson Scholars in the News

Our scholarship winners tackle challenges and continue to earn accolades as students and alumni.

Johnson Scholar & Rhodes Scholarship Winner

Tahri Phillips

Tahrington (Tahri) Phillips ’23, a cognitive and behavioral science and English double major, is Washington and Lee University’s 18th Rhodes Scholar. Tahri has also been honored on campus by the Student Affairs Committee for her commitment to personal scholarship and nurturing the intellectual life at W&L. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society and a four-year member of the W&L women’s basketball team.