Special Nomination Scholarships, the most competitive awards offered at Davidson, recognize and reward students who rank among the strongest in the nation.  Recipients are those students who are marked not only by significant accomplishment in their academic and personal lives, but who show extraordinary potential for success as leaders in the future.

Candidates must be nominated for consideration.  Heads of school or college counselors may nominate one candidate per school or program for the Belk Scholarship, and up to three candidates for the Bryan scholarship or the Charles Scholarship.  Nominees may also be identified by members of the Admission and Financial Aid staff, who do so on the basis of the strength of the students' applications for admission.

Bryan Scholarship and Belk Scholarship finalists participate in mandatory selection interviews on campus in November and March, respectively.  Charles Scholarship selection interviews take place in Chicago in March.

Special Nomination Scholarships are renewable for each of the recipients' remaining three years at Davidson, providing established grade point average and progress toward degree requirements are met, and the recipients participate fully and vigorously in the life of the college.

John Montgomery Belk Scholarship
Annual Award Amount: Comprehensive cost (tuition, fees, room and board) and two $3000 summer stipends
Number Awarded: Up to six in each first-year class
Eligibility: Students who demonstrate exceptional promise in academics, character, leadership, and service
Online Belk Nomination Form (preferred)
Belk Nomination Form (.pdf)

Lowell L. Bryan Scholarship
Annual Award Amount: $30,000
Number Awarded: One female and one male scholar-athlete recipient in each first-year class
Eligibility: Students who will contribute in a superlative manner to their sports as well as to academic and co-curricular life at Davidson
Online Bryan Nomination Form (preferred)
Bryan Nomination Form (.pdf)

Charles Scholarship (.pdf)
Annual Award Amount:  Full cost of attendance (room, board, tuition, fees, spending allowance for books, travel, personal expenses)
Number Awarded: Up to three in each first-year class
Eligibility: Graduates of Chicago public high schools with strong records of academic and personal accomplishment who have established financial need.  Preference is given to students of color, particularly Hispanic and Latino students
Online Charles Nomination Form (preferred)
Charles Nomination Form (.pdf)