1. Admission & Financial Aid
  2. Apply as an Undergraduate
  3. Application Process
  4. Frances Perkins Scholars

Frances Perkins Scholars

Are you ready to finish your bachelor’s degree?

If you have recent college coursework and are at least 25 years of age, a veteran or active military member, or under the age of 25 but with dependents, we can help make your educational dreams a reality.

At Mount Holyoke College, we value perspectives across lived experiences. Here you’ll be challenged academically, celebrated for who you are and discover your full potential. Each year we welcome up to 25 Frances Perkins scholars who receive generous financial support to make the completion of their education possible. As a women’s college that is gender diverse, we accept applications from students who identify as female, transgender and nonbinary.

We know that nontraditional students have different concerns than first-year students. Prior to matriculation, we’ll work directly with you to evaluate credits. During orientation, you’ll find programming designed especially for you, and that transfer support is continued — both formally and informally — throughout your time at the College.

Am I eligible to apply as a Frances Perkins Scholar?

If the following criteria apply to you, the answer is yes:

  • You are at least 25 years of age or a veteran, active military member or under the age of 25 but with dependents.
  • You do not hold a bachelor’s degree but have earned between 40 and 64 college credits.
  • You are eager to take on the intellectual — and personal — challenge of fulfilling the same requirements as all other Mount Holyoke students, whether through a full or part-time schedule.

A few things to know as you prepare to apply:

  • You may apply for either spring or fall transfer consideration.
  • Submit your application and supporting materials by the posted deadlines.
  • Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended — we cannot accept unofficial transcripts.
  • Interviews are required for Frances Perkins candidates, so be sure to schedule your interview well in advance of the application deadline.
  • You may indicate your preference for housing in your application — note that on-campus housing is limited and does not accommodate families.

Application materials

To apply, candidates should submit the following:

  • Apply using the Common Application for transfer students. Please select “The Frances Perkins Program”.
  • Official transcript(s) for all college-level coursework completed.
  • Official high school transcript.
  • Recommendations:
    • If currently enrolled in coursework, two academic recommendations are required.
    • If not currently enrolled, two professional or personal recommendations are required, though academic evaluations are also welcome.
  • Mid-year report for those currently enrolled in college.
  • Resume.
  • Interview.

How we read applications

We value proven academic excellence and pay close attention to your performance in college-level coursework. (Read more about transferring credits.) But who you are as a person matters in our review too. We’re excited by Frances Perkins applicants who value some of the same things we do, including wide-ranging curiosity, a commitment to open-mindedness and a desire to make a positive impact — whether on a personal, community or global level.

Frances Perkins, MHC class of 1902, was the first female Presidential Cabinet member in United States history. As the namesake for our nationally recognized scholarship program, she continues to serve as a reminder of the impact Mount Holyoke students can make.

Please contact the Office of Admission by phone (413-538-2023) or by email with questions at any time.