Chemistry and Biochemistry Scholarships

Invest in your future, without letting finances hold you back

We offer a range of competitive scholarships designed to recognize your hard work, reward your achievements, and support your active involvement in our department.

Whether you’re an undergraduate just starting your degree or a graduate student deep into research, our merit-based scholarships provide meaningful financial support. Many are renewable as long as you continue to meet academic and departmental expectations. With just one application, you may be considered for multiple awards, helping to lighten your financial load so you can focus on coursework, research, and professional growth.

Why apply?

These scholarships do more than ease your financial burden, they allow you to:

  • Focus on research, coursework, and professional development
  • Take advantage of departmental programs, internships, and conferences
  • Build connections within the chemistry and biochemistry community at CMU

How to apply

  • Complete your scholarship application and submit it to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry office (Dow Science Complex 268).
  • Late or incomplete applications will only be considered if prior arrangements are made, call 989-774-3981 for assistance.
  • Incoming freshmen: Apply separately for the Cobb Scholarship for first-year students.

Tip: Submit early to maximize your chances for multiple awards!

What we look for

Applications are reviewed by a committee appointed by the department chair. Key factors include:

  • Strong academic performance, especially in chemistry and biochemistry courses
  • A clear, compelling personal statement
  • Active participation in departmental opportunities, like research groups, the ACS student chapter, or outreach events
  • Alignment with the criteria for specific scholarships

Award details

Notifications are sent via email in late spring or early summer.

Scholarship funds are applied directly to your student account and split between fall and spring semesters.

Renewal is not automatic; to continue receiving support, reapply each year and demonstrate continued academic excellence and departmental involvement.

Need help?

Our staff is here to guide you through the process:

Apply today and take the next step toward a successful future in chemistry and biochemistry!

    Available Scholarships

      The American Chemical Society (ACS) offers a variety of scholarships to support chemistry and biochemistry students across the country. These awards not only provide financial assistance but also connect you to a respected professional network in the chemical sciences.

      Explore ACS Scholarships

      If you’re a second-semester freshman who has already shown strong commitment to chemistry or biochemistry, this scholarship is designed with you in mind. By rewarding students who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and have completed foundational chemistry courses, the department recognizes your hard work early in your academic journey.

      Winning this scholarship not only helps reduce the financial burden of tuition but also highlights your dedication to the field. It’s a chance to be recognized by faculty, strengthen your academic record, and set yourself apart as you continue into advanced coursework, research, and future opportunities.

      Eligibility: A recipient will be a second semester freshman who has a signed chemistry or biochemistry major and has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Student must have completed CHM 131 and CHM 132 or CHM 161 (or equivalent transfer credits) by the end of the spring semester and be enrolled in at least one chemistry course for the fall semester.

      The George and Luella Cobb Endowed Scholarship gives you a chance to earn financial support while being recognized for your academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service. It’s especially meaningful for students who want to help increase the representation of women in STEM. Being a renewable award, it can provide support throughout your college career, helping you focus on your studies and make an impact.

      Eligibility: For Incoming Freshmen Chemistry or Biochemistry major with a GPA of 3.25 or greater. Must be from the Central Michigan area (Mason, Lake, Osceola, Gladwin, Arenac, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Bay, Montcalm, Gratiot, Shiawassee, or Saginaw County) with a financial need. A preference for students committed to addressing the underrepresentation of women in STEM disciplines and demonstrated commitment through his or her service, including leadership.

      Renewal: This award is renewable

      This scholarship helps senior Chemistry majors with a strong academic record reduce the financial burden of their final year. Established by Wendell and Marcia Dilling, it rewards students who are actively involved in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, giving recognition for both achievement and engagement. With the option to renew for up to one year, it provides financial stability so you can focus on finishing strong—without worrying that better aid elsewhere is your only option.

      Eligibility:Student must be a senior chemistry major with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Student must also be a U.S. citizen and be involved in Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry activities.

      About:Established in 2008 by Wendell and Marcia Dilling.

      Renewal:This award is renewable for up to 1 year of continuous full-time enrollment. Part-time attendance or withdrawal from the university will result in cancellation of the scholarship.

      Created by CMU alumni Fran Falender and chemistry instructor Dr. James Falender, this scholarship provides renewable financial support for Chemistry majors and students in cross-disciplinary programs involving chemistry. It’s designed to ease the cost of college, reward your dedication to the field, and help ensure financial aid isn’t the reason you look elsewhere to continue your education.

      Eligibility: Student must be majoring in chemistry or a cross-disciplinary program involving chemistry.

      About: Established in 2007 by Fran Falender, '69, '78 and Dr. James Falender, chemistry instructor at CMU.

      Renewal: This award is renewable.

      Honoring former Chemistry Department chair Malcolm H. Filson, this scholarship supports second-semester sophomores who have demonstrated strong academic achievement in chemistry or biochemistry. It helps cover tuition and academic expenses, allowing you to focus on your studies, lab work, and research opportunities.

      Eligibility: Student must be a second semester sophomore, with a signed chemistry or biochemistry major and has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Student must have completed CHM 131 and CHM 132 or CHM 161, and CHM 211 or CHM 331 or CHM 345 and be enrolled in at least one chemistry course for the fall semester.

      About: Established in 2000 to honor Malcolm H. Filson, former chairperson of the Department of Chemistry.

      The Howell Scholarship recognizes students with exceptional potential to make significant contributions to the chemical sciences. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors pursuing chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, materials science, or related fields, this renewable award supports students who have already begun undergraduate research, allowing them to focus on advancing their scientific work without financial distractions.

      Eligibility:Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science, materials science, or related area. Students in pre-professional programs (pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, pre-health professions, pre-law, etc.) are not eligible for consideration. Preferably, the student will have initiated undergraduate research in the chemical sciences.

      About:Selection of the recipient will be based solely on the potential for significant contribution to the chemical sciences. Need is not a criterion.

      Renewal:This scholarship is renewable.

      Established by Dr. Frank D. Johnson and M. Virjean Johnson, this renewable scholarship rewards high-achieving students in chemistry, biology, or physics who are pursuing a career in the sciences. With a minimum 3.5 GPA requirement, it recognizes academic excellence and allows students to focus on their studies and research while receiving support to advance their scientific careers.

      Eligibility:Student must be a sophomore, junior, or senior majoring in chemistry, biology, or physics with the goal of making a career in the aforementioned sciences. Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above. Alternate years award this scholarship to a science major in teacher education.

      About:Established in 2000 by Dr. Frank D. Johnson, '50, former director of Continuing Medical Education at Central Michigan Community Hospital and his wife, M. Virjean, '51, former elementary teacher. This scholarship is based on academic achievement and not on financial need​.

      Renewal:The award is renewable; student must maintain a 3.5 GPA.

      Established by Robert E. and Cordelia B. Kohrman, this renewable scholarship recognizes junior Chemistry majors who excel in organic chemistry. With a minimum 3.2 GPA requirement, it provides financial support that lets you focus on your studies, lab work, and research opportunities, helping you continue your academic success with confidence.

      Eligibility: Student must be a junior enrolled in the College of Science and Engineering who has a signed major in chemistry, a minimum GPA of 3.2, and demonstrates outstanding performance in organic chemistry.

      About: Established in 2005 by Robert E. and Cordelia B. Kohrman.

      Renewal: The scholarship is renewable for up to 2 years.

      Established by Elwyn and Grace Merrill in memory of their daughter Mary Jane and her grandfather Ernest Merrill, this scholarship supports second-semester junior Chemistry or Biochemistry majors with strong academic performance. By helping cover tuition and academic expenses, it allows students to focus on their studies and lab work while being recognized for their dedication to the field.

      Eligibility:Student must be a second semester junior with a signed chemistry or biochemistry major and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Student must have completed CHM 131 and CHM 132 or CHM 161 (or equivalent transfer credits), CHM 211, and CHM 345 and CHM 346, and be enrolled in at least one chemistry course for the fall semester.

      About:Established in 1969 by parents Elwyn E. Merrill, '44, and Grace Bonnell Merrill, '41, as a tribute to their daughter and her grandfather, Ernest Merrill, Ph.D. Mary Jane was a junior majoring in education who lost her life in a car accident. Ernest was a faculty member from 1921 to 1953 and chairperson of Chemistry and Physics when he retired.

      Established by Dr. John F. O’Connell in memory of Dr. Barbara Leiting-O’Connell, this renewable scholarship supports juniors and seniors in Chemistry, Physics, or Math who demonstrate strong academic achievement and a desire to pursue graduate school. By providing financial assistance, it allows students to focus on advanced coursework, research, and preparation for their future careers while being recognized for their dedication and potential.

      Eligibility: Student must be a full-time junior or senior with a signed chemistry major (first preference), or a physics or math major, with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Preference will also be given to students desiring to attend graduate school and who demonstrate financial need.

      About: Established in 2007 by Dr. John F. O'Connell, '83, in memory of Dr. Barbara Leiting-O'Connell.

      Renewal: The award is renewable assuming continuous full-time enrollment. Part-time attendance or withdrawal from the university will result in cancellation of the scholarship. Student must also maintain a 3.25 GPA.

      Established by Greg and Antoinette Rickle, this scholarship supports students with financial need who maintain strong academic performance. Alternating yearly between the Chemistry and Anthropology departments, it provides meaningful financial assistance so students can focus on their studies and research, making it easier to pursue their education without financial stress.

      Eligibility: Student must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

      About: Established in 2010 by Greg (Class of 1973) and Antoinette (Nina) Rickle (1973). This award alternates yearly between the chemistry and anthropology departments. If no qualified recipient is available, the other department may award the scholarship for that year.

      This renewable scholarship supports Chemistry majors who aspire to become high school chemistry teachers and are actively involved on campus. By submitting a brief essay demonstrating financial need, students can receive financial assistance that allows them to focus on their studies, leadership, and campus involvement, helping them pursue their career goals with confidence.

      Eligibility: Student must have a signed chemistry major, intent of becoming a high school chemistry teacher, and be involved in campus activities, such as the American Chemical Society student affiliates or intramural sports.

      About: Students must submit a one-page essay that demonstrates their financial need.

      Renewal: This award is renewable.

      This renewable scholarship supports students in the College of Science and Engineering pursuing careers in science education. With a minimum GPA of 2.75, it provides financial assistance that helps students focus on their studies, teaching preparation, and professional growth while easing the cost of their education.

      Eligibility: A renewable award for a student enrolled in the College of Science and Engineering pursuing a career in science education with a minimum GPA of 2.75.

      Renewal: This award is renewable.

      This renewable scholarship supports junior and senior Chemistry or Biochemistry majors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher who come from a rural or farming background. By providing financial assistance, it allows students to focus on their studies, lab work, and research opportunities, helping make college more affordable and rewarding.

      Eligibility: Must be a junior or senior chemistry or biochemistry major with a GPA of 2.5 or greater and come from a rural/farming background.

      Renewal: This award is renewable 1 time.

      This renewable scholarship supports students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who are pursuing careers in chemistry, including teaching, medicine, or other health-related fields. By providing financial assistance, it helps students focus on their studies, research, and career preparation, making it easier to achieve their professional goals.

      Eligibility: Must have a GPA of 3.0 or greater with chemistry career aspirations including teaching, medicine, or otherwise health related.

      Renewal: This award is renewable 2 times.

      This scholarship supports graduate students pursuing an MS in physical chemistry, providing financial assistance that allows you to focus on advanced coursework, research, and professional development. It’s an opportunity to be recognized for your dedication to the field while easing the cost of graduate study.

      Eligibility: Must be a chemistry graduate student pursuing a MS degree in an area related to physical chemistry.

      This scholarship supports undergraduate Chemistry majors who demonstrate strong academic performance, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher overall and in Chemistry courses. By providing financial assistance, it allows students to focus on their studies, laboratory work, and research opportunities, helping make their education more affordable and rewarding.

      Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate signed chemistry major with a GPA of 3.0 or greater AND a 3.0 of greater in Chemistry classes with a minimum of 8 credit hours of chemistry.

      This scholarship supports junior and senior Chemistry majors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, giving special preference to Michigan residents, especially those from Midland County. By providing financial assistance, it helps students focus on their studies, lab work, and research while easing the cost of their education.

      Eligibility: Must be a junior or higher student majoring in chemistry with a GPA of 3.0 or greater.  Must be a Michigan resident (very strong preference given to Midland county residents).

      This renewable scholarship supports students in qualifying Chemistry majors who demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. By providing financial assistance, it allows students to focus on their studies, research, and lab work, making their education more affordable and helping them achieve academic success.

      Eligibility: Student must be enrolled in a qualifying major within the Chemistry Department. Student must demonstrate financial need and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. This award is renewable.

      This scholarship supports junior and senior Chemistry majors who demonstrate financial need. By providing assistance for upper-level coursework, it helps students focus on their studies, lab work, and research opportunities, making it easier to continue their education with less financial stress.

      Eligibility:Student must be at the junior or senior level, majoring in Chemistry and demonstrate financial need.

      About:Established to provide assistance to upper level Chemistry majors.

      Renewal:This scholarship is not renewable.