“History is who we are and why we are the way we are.”” —David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize Winner
At Gettysburg College, history is not just studied; it’s lived. Located at the site of one of the most pivotal moments in American history, we believe that understanding the past is essential to making meaningful change in the present. The Gilder Lehrman Institute History Scholarship recognizes high-achieving students who demonstrate a strong interest in studying history—whether through academic achievement, independent research, or personal experience. Named for Gettysburg’s Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History partnership and our commitment to public history, this scholarship supports students who see the past not as something static, but as a tool for understanding and shaping the future.
We seek students who see history not as a series of dates and facts, but as a dynamic force. These are students who have already shown a commitment to learning from the past and applying that knowledge to the world around them. Through this scholarship, we empower them to take that passion further. Recipients will join a vibrant intellectual community at Gettysburg College and benefit from access to unique resources like the Civil War Institute, Eisenhower Institute, world-class faculty, and our close proximity to one of the most iconic historic landscapes in the country.
Each year, the Admissions Office awards a limited number of GLI History Scholarships, valued at $48,000 per year (totaling $192,000 for four years of full-time study at Gettysburg College), based on the strength of a student’s admissions application and their response to the supplemental scholarship essay prompt.
Apply for the GLI History Scholarship
Application Requirements and Process
Complete and submit both the Common Application and the GLI Scholarship application by the designated deadline dates:
- Early Decision I: By November 15 (notified of admission and scholarship by December 15)
- Early Action: By December 1 (notified of admission and scholarship by February 1)
- Early Decision II: By January 15 (notified of admission and scholarship by February 15)
- Regular Decision: By January 15 (notified of admission and scholarship by March 15)
Priority consideration is given to students who apply via Early Decision and Early Action.
Students who are not recipients of the GLI Scholarship will be automatically considered for the College’s other academic merit scholarships as part of the admissions review process.