Skip to main content

Cal Poly Scholarships

When you apply to Cal Poly, you are automatically considered for most of our university-wide and college-based scholarships. For need-based scholarships, you must also complete a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. If you qualify for any university-based scholarships that do require separate applications, you will be emailed instructions on how to apply.


Scholarships for continuing students are usually based on majors and are determined by the specific college or department. Continuing students should complete the application in March using the Scholarship QuickLink in your My Cal Poly Portal.

Scholarships are awarded each year. Generally, a student should have at least a 3.0 grade point average. Both undergraduate and graduate students are considered for scholarships.

CSU Scholarships

Students at California State Universities have access to numerous scholarships that have been generously provided by donors. The scholarships offered cover a broad spectrum of opportunities and provide financial assistance to support academic goals. Continuing students may also complete CSU Scholarship applications using the Scholarship QuickLink in the My Cal Poly Portal. All CSU Scholarship applications are due by April 9, 2023.

Scholarships Offered

University Wide Scholarships

College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences

College of Architecture & Environmental Design

College of Engineering

College of Liberal Arts

Orfalea College of Business

College of Science & Mathematics

School of Education

Scholarship Notification and Distribution

Scholarships are normally awarded during the spring and summer for the following academic year, although a smaller number of scholarships are awarded in the fall. The scholarship money is divided and disbursed each quarter. Scholarships are posted on the My Cal Poly Portal, and you will also receive an email with instructions on how to accept the scholarship and access other scholarship information. Recipients must be in good academic standing and maintain full-time enrollment while receiving a scholarship (continuing education and concurrent enrollment units are excluded).

Thank Your Scholarship Donors
It is customary to send a thank you note to the donor after receiving a scholarship. Donor information including their name and mailing address are available under the scholarship information on your portal. When you accept a scholarship, you are giving your permission for us to share your name, contact information and academic history to the scholarship donor.