Posted by Are you a student looking to apply to some of the nation’s top colleges? Unfortunately, these prestigious schools are often very expensive. However, some colleges offer full-ride scholarships, meaning all costs of attendance are covered, including housing, meals, transportation, and books. Other schools offer full-tuition scholarships, meaning that they cover everything but the cost of living.
These scholarships are awarded to students based on academic merit, athletic ability, or other criteria. The scholarships cover all expenses, including tuition, room and board, and other fees.
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How to Qualify for Full-ride Scholarships
To qualify for a full-ride scholarship, you need to demonstrate exceptional academic achievement by earning a high GPA, taking rigorous coursework, or getting near-perfect scores on the SAT or ACT. Leadership and community service are also important factors.
Here are some tips to help you acquire a full-ride scholarship:
- Excel in your specialty: Identify your strengths and interests and focus on excelling in those areas.
- Be involved: Participate in community service and leadership activities.
- Build relationships: Establish relationships with teachers, mentors, and other professionals who can provide recommendations and guidance.
- Make your application exceptional: Submit a well-written essay, a polished resume, and other application materials that showcase your achievements and potential.
Types of Full-ride Scholarships
Full-ride scholarships are financial awards that cover the entire cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and housing. With a full scholarship, you could earn your degree without taking on any student loan debt. There are various organizations, including schools, foundations, private companies, and government agencies, that offer full-ride scholarships.
Here are some common types of full-ride scholarships you might encounter:
- Merit-based: You can earn a merit-based full-ride scholarship if you’ve demonstrated exceptional academic achievement by earning a high GPA, taking rigorous coursework, or getting near-perfect scores on the SAT or ACT.
- Leadership and prestige: Many organizations look for demonstrated leadership when awarding scholarships, such as leading your school council or another organization or committing significant time to community service.
- Athletic: Division I and Division II sports offer some full-ride scholarships to student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom and in their respective sports. Full-ride scholarships are primarily awarded for football, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, or volleyball.
List of 90 Colleges with Full-Ride Scholarships
Below is a table showing 90 Colleges with Full-Ride Scholarships:
30 Colleges with Full-Ride Scholarships
1. Duke University
- Acceptance rate: 8.9%
- Tuition fee: $31,725 per semester
Duke University offers merit scholarships to incoming first-year students that cover the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, room, and board for four years of full-time undergraduate studies.
One of the merit scholarships offered by Duke University is the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program. This scholarship provides eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees for scholars at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill.
In addition, Robertson Scholars have access to generous funding for up to three summer experiences, funding for conferences throughout the academic year, and two semesters of study abroad. The program also offers customized leadership and professional development opportunities, and an extensive community of other Robertson scholars, alumni, and staff.
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is the only four-year merit scholarship at Duke that has a separate application process.
2. Vanderbilt University
- Acceptance rate: 6.67%
- Tuition fee: $61,618 per year
Vanderbilt University is one of the colleges that offer full-ride scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise. The university awards merit-based scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment and intellectual promise.
The merit-based scholarships offered at Vanderbilt are renewable through four years of undergraduate study as long as the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance.
The university offers three signature scholarships: Ingram Scholars, Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholars, and Chancellor’s Scholars. The Ingram Scholarship Program provides full tuition coverage, all required fees, and the value of on-campus housing each year plus a stipend for a special summer service project.
Vanderbilt will provide additional need-based financial aid to those Ingram Scholarship recipients whose demonstrated financial need exceeds the amount of full tuition.
The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship pays for four years of tuition, provided that recipients maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. These students will also receive a stipend for an immersive summer experience to take place during their sophomore or junior year.
3. University of Chicago
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Tuition fee: $62,693 per year
The University of Chicago offers several scholarship opportunities, including the Chicago and Odyssey scholarships.
The Chicago Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students who show the greatest potential for making contributions to the college. Each winner is guaranteed full tuition for four years of undergraduate studies (12 academic quarters) at UChicago provided the student makes satisfactory academic progress.
The Odyssey Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and financial need. It covers tuition, fees, and room and board for four years of undergraduate studies.
In addition to these scholarships, the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation partners with multiple universities to provide scholarships and grants to exceptional undergraduate students. The UChicago Stamps Scholarship offers enrichment grants of $20,000 to support experience-based learning opportunities for students in their final two years of college.
4. California Institute of Technology
- Acceptance rate: 4%
- Tuition fee: $60,816 per year
The Stamps Scholarship is one of the scholarships that Caltech offers. It covers the cost of four years’ worth of tuition, room, and board, and also includes an additional stipend for educational activities.
Caltech also offers other scholarships that are awarded from institutional or endowed funds to help cover the cost of attending Caltech. Unlike loan and Work-Study funds, there is no standard number of scholarships you should expect in your package.
The award amount depends entirely on your demonstrated financial need. Scholarships can be renewed each year, though the exact amount may change according to your level of need in future years. Some of Caltech’s financial aid funds come from gifts that Caltech has received. These funds are awarded as scholarships that are named for their donors.
5. University of Notre Dame
- Acceptance rate: 15%
- Tuition fee: $62,693 per year
The University of Notre Dame offers a limited number of merit scholarships to admitted first-year students. Recipients demonstrate exceptional accomplishment, leadership, commitment to service, and intellectual promise. Financial need is not a factor unless otherwise noted.
The university offers several full-ride scholarships, including the Stamps Scholarship, which is awarded to ten admitted students each year.
The scholarship covers tuition and fees for up to four years of undergraduate study and provides access to a yearly enrichment fund of $3,000 and a faculty mentor in the student’s chosen field of study.
6. Virginia Tech
- Acceptance rate: 56.5%
- Tuition fee: $12,698 per semester
Virginia Tech offers a Stamps Scholarship that provides full funding for tuition, fees, room, and board for four years. In addition to this, Stamps Scholars are granted access to an enrichment fund for experiential learning and are admitted to Virginia Tech’s Honors College.
Apart from the Stamps Scholarship, Virginia Tech also offers other scholarships such as academic scholarships, scholarships for leadership, and scholarships for students enrolled at the Northern Virginia Campus.
To be considered for institutional scholarships, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the General Scholarships Application in Scholarship Central.
7. Washington University in St. Louis
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Tuition fee: $64,500 per year
Washington University in St. Louis is a prestigious institution that offers a range of scholarships to students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
The university has several full-ride scholarships that cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
Here are some of the full-ride scholarships offered by Washington University in St. Louis:
- John B. Ervin Scholars Program: This program is designed to promote diversity on campus. Ervin Scholars have access to a comprehensive program that includes orientation, meetings with university and community leaders, academic support and advising, and special events. They are also expected to engage in the campus community and participate in community service projects.
- Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program: This scholarship recognizes students of exceptional merit, with noteworthy academic and leadership achievements, and a penchant for community service. Through this scholarship, students gain access to a special orientation, meetings with university and community leaders, academic support and advising, the Rodriguez First Year Seminar, and other special events.
- Danforth Scholars Program: This scholarship is specifically for students passionate about community service. It may cover half or full tuition, and these funds are renewable for each year of the student’s undergraduate study, provided that they maintain certain academic and character standards.
8. Emory University
- Acceptance rate: 19.17%
- Tuition fee: $53,868 per year
Emory University offers merit-based scholarships that provide both partial and full awards. These scholarships are part of the Emory Scholar Programs, which are more than just merit scholarships.
They empower students through resources and support to reach their full potential and make an impact on the university, Atlanta, and the world beyond.
There are three different programs within this scholarship, namely the Emory Scholars Program, the Oxford Scholars Program, and the Goizueta Scholars Program, each with its unique benefits.
The Emory Scholars Program is offered by Emory College of Arts and Sciences and provides merit scholarships, unique programming, a strong Scholars community, and early class registration, among many great benefits.
The Oxford Scholars Program is offered by Oxford College and provides merit scholarships and personalized faculty mentoring. Your scholarship goes with you to the Atlanta campus in your junior year.
The Goizueta Scholars Program is offered by the business school and provides guaranteed admission to the business school, priority access to business classes, advice from the dean of the business school, and membership in a close-knit Scholars community.
9. University of Southern California
- Acceptance rate: 12.5%
- Tuition fee: $66,640 per year
The University of Southern California (USC) offers a range of scholarships to its students, including full-ride scholarships. One such scholarship is the Stamps Scholarship, which is a multi-year, full-tuition undergraduate scholarship provided by the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation.
Students who receive this scholarship may also use enrichment funds for experiential learning experiences.
Another full-ride scholarship offered by USC is the Trustee Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a select number of undergraduate freshmen each year, with the number of awards varying by class.
All undergraduate freshmen are automatically considered for this scholarship. Selection criteria include academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
10. University of Virginia
- Acceptance rate: 19%
- Tuition fee: $18,015 per semester
The University of Virginia offers two full-ride scholarship programs: the Jefferson Scholars Program and the Walentas Scholars Program.
These programs aim to attract exceptional undergraduate students to the University of Virginia by providing them with financial support to pursue their passions, develop their talents, and encourage their community involvement.
The Jefferson Scholarship and the Walentas Scholarship are awarded to individuals who have undergone a rigorous selection process and who possess an exceptional record of and the potential for impact both inside and outside the classroom.
The award for the Jefferson Scholarship and the Walentas Scholarship is intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia, plus coverage of supplemental enrichment experiences.
11. Wake Forest University
- Acceptance rate: 20%
- Tuition fee: $64,758
Wake Forest University is one of the colleges that offer full-ride scholarships to students.
Two of the scholarships offered by Wake Forest University are:
- Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to up to five students annually. It covers the cost of tuition, room, and board, plus $3,400 for personal expenses. The recipients of this scholarship can also apply for up to $5,000 in grants for experience-based learning projects.
- Stamps Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to 43 entering first-year students. It covers the cost of tuition, room, and board, and provides funding for other expenses, like computers and experience-based learning projects. Enrichment opportunities are also available to recipients of this prestigious award.
These scholarships are highly competitive and recognize extraordinary achievement, leadership, and talent.
12. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Acceptance rate: 17.69%
- Tuition fee (Out-of-state): $57,273
If you’re looking for a college with full-ride scholarships, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is one of the colleges that offers such scholarships.
One of the full-ride scholarships offered by the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is the Stamps Scholarship. This scholarship covers the full cost of attendance and is renewable every year for up to four years of undergraduate study.
In addition to this, scholars also gain membership to the University of Michigan Stamps Scholar Society student organization, potential enrichment funding of up to $10,000 to support experiential learning initiatives, and the ability to network with Stamps Scholars at more than 40 colleges and universities.
13. UNC (University of North Carolina) Chapel Hill
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- Tuition fee (Out-of-state): $37,550
UNC-Chapel Hill is one of the colleges that offer full-ride scholarships to students. The university has several academic scholarships based on academic merit and/or financial need.
Some of the scholarships that cover full tuition, fees, room and board for out-of-state students include:
- Morehead-Cain Scholarship: This scholarship is the first merit scholarship program established in the U.S. It covers full tuition, student fees, housing, meals, books, a laptop, and Discovery Funds to be used for educational opportunities. Morehead-Cain Scholars also have access to a four-year Summer Enrichment Program.
- Robertson Scholars Leadership Program: This four-year scholarship covers undergraduate tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board. It also gives unique access to the opportunities at both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill, three summers of domestic and international experiences, two semesters of summer abroad, customized leadership and professional development opportunities, and an extensive community.
14. Michigan State University
- Acceptance rate: 52.70%
- Tuition fee (Out-of-state): $42,607
Michigan State University is one of the colleges that offer full-ride scholarships to incoming freshmen. The university has two such scholarships: the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship and the Distinguished Freshman Scholarship.
The Alumni Distinguished Scholarship is awarded to 15 of the most outstanding incoming freshmen based on academic factors like GPA, standardized test scores, and class rank along with participation in the MSU Alumni Distinguished Scholarship competition.
Recipients of these scholarships receive funding for tuition, fees, room and board, and an annual $1,000 stipend.
The Distinguished Freshman Scholarship is awarded to the 20 runners-up in the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship competition. It covers tuition and other fees for eight semesters.
In addition to these scholarships, Michigan State University offers scholarships to incoming freshmen, transfer students, and international students. The scholarships are awarded based on various criteria such as grade point average, class rank, standardized test scores, or similar criteria. All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships.
15. Purdue University
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- Tuition fee (Out-of-state): $41,614
Purdue University is one of the colleges that offer full-ride scholarships to students. One of the scholarships offered by Purdue University is the Stamps Scholarship.
This scholarship covers the full educational costs of a bachelor’s degree and provides up to $10,000 in enrichment funds to cover expenses for experiential learning endeavors such as summer research internships, professional academic conferences to present research posters, Purdue study abroad programs, and unpaid internships or co-ops.
The Stamps Scholarship is available to highly motivated undergraduate students who have distinguished themselves academically and as leaders in their communities.
16. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Acceptance rate: 44.82%
- Tuition fee (Out-of-state): $39,498
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers several full-ride scholarships for incoming freshmen. One of these scholarships is the Stamps Scholarship which covers the full cost of attending the university and provides an additional $12,000 to support academic and professional development activities.
Stamps scholars also gain access to a community of fellow scholars and professional development activities.
Another scholarship available to incoming freshmen who have graduated from an Illinois high school is the James Hunter Anthony & Gerald E. Blackshear Endowment. This scholarship covers tuition and fees for an academic year and is renewable for four years provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA.
In addition to these scholarships, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers several other merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen based on academic excellence.
These scholarships are available to students regardless of their major and are renewable for up to four years provided the recipient maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continuous full-time enrollment. Some of these scholarships include:
- Matthews Scholars: This scholarship provides $2,000 annually and is renewable for four years.
- President’s Award Program: This scholarship provides $5,000 and is renewable for four years.
- President’s Award Program Honors: This scholarship provides $10,000 and is renewable for four years.
- Provost Scholarship: This scholarship covers full tuition and is renewable for four years.
- Illinois Achievement Scholarship: This scholarship provides up to $10,000 and is renewable for four years.
17. University of Houston
- Acceptance rate: 66%
- Tuition fee (Out-of-state): $27,482
The University of Houston offers a Tier One Scholarship that covers all tuition and mandatory fees for four years of undergraduate studies, on-campus housing, and meal plans for two years.
Scholars also receive up to $3,000 in stipends, the opportunity to build community among other Tier One Scholars, and priority registration during all enrollment periods. Out-of-state students who win this scholarship will receive a waiver for non-resident tuition.
In addition to the Tier One Scholarship, the University of Houston provides several other scholarship opportunities for students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.
Incoming freshmen and transfer students can apply for university-funded merit scholarships, which cover tuition and fees. The university also offers privately funded scholarships, endowed scholarships, and scholarships for international students.
18. The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
- Acceptance rate: 32%
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is a college that offers full-ride scholarships to eligible students.
One of the scholarships offered is the Forty Acres Scholarship. This scholarship covers tuition, textbook costs, and enrichment activities such as community service, international experiences, and professional development.
The Forty Acres Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that provides a rich college experience to its recipients. The scholarship is administered by the Texas Exes, an alumni association of the University of Texas at Austin.
To apply for the Forty Acres Scholarship, students must demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a track record of outstanding success, and passion for living out the core values of the University of Texas at Austin.
19. Ohio State University
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- Tuition fee (Out-of-state): $36,722
Ohio State University offers several merit-based scholarships for incoming first-year students. These scholarships are financial aid that does not have to be paid back and is awarded based on academic achievements.
The university-funded merit-based scholarships are available to incoming first-year students to the Columbus campus.
In addition to the merit-based scholarships, Ohio State University also offers full-ride scholarships that cover the entire cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, room and board, textbooks, and other educational expenses.
These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and community involvement.
The three full-ride scholarships available at Ohio State University are:
- Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program: This scholarship covers the full cost of attendance and provides additional funding for enrichment activities such as study abroad, research, and internships.
- Morrill Scholarship Program: This scholarship covers the full cost of attendance and provides additional funding for enrichment activities such as study abroad, research, and internships.
- Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship: This scholarship covers the full cost of attendance and is available only to Ohio residents.
20. Clemson University
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- Tuition fee (Out-of-state): $39,502
Clemson University offers a four-year merit-based scholarship called the National Scholars Program. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other required expenses, and provides dedicated academic, personal, and professional development opportunities for the recipients.
The National Scholars Program is designed to foster a community of learners who are passionate about making a difference in the world.
Clemson University also offers other scholarships such as first-year recruiting scholarships, named scholarship programs, and Clemson University Foundation scholarships for undergraduate students with strong academic performance and determined spirit.
21. College of William and Mary
- Acceptance rate: 33%
- In-state tuition fee: $25,041
- Out-of-state tuition fee: $48,841
The College of William and Mary offers several scholarships, some of which can cover the full cost of attendance. Here are some of the key scholarships:
- 1693 Scholars Program: This is the most selective scholarship, offering approximately eight students in each year’s entering freshman class with extensive benefits worth the amount of in-state tuition, general fees, and room & board. Scholars also receive $5,000 to support independent projects.
- William & Mary Scholars Award: This award is offered each year to a group of academically distinguished students who will add to the vibrant community representative of individuals with diverse backgrounds, talents, and experiences. Students selected receive a scholarship equivalent to at least the full cost of in-state tuition and fees.
- James Monroe Scholars Program: This program offers a $3000 summer research stipend to approximately 10% of accepted freshmen.
All incoming students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships without having to submit a separate scholarship application. The financial aid office determines need-based scholarship assistance based on demonstrated need through the financial aid application process.
22. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate varies between 16% and 21%
- Tuition fee: For the academic year 2022-2023, the tuition fee is $11,764 for Georgia residents and $32,876 for out-of-state students.
The Georgia Institute of Technology offers several scholarships, some of which can cover the full cost of attendance. Here are some of them:
- G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Program: This program provides a debt-free degree to qualifying students from low-income Georgia families, covering a student’s full cost of attendance.
- Stamps President’s Scholars Program: Georgia Tech’s prestigious four-year, full-ride Stamps President’s Scholarship is offered annually to the top one percent of first-year students.
- Provost Scholarship: One of the scholarships offering full tuition cost is the Provost Scholarship. The Provost Scholarship awards 40 first-year, non-resident students an out-of-state tuition waiver for eight semesters.
To be considered for scholarships awarded by Georgia Tech, you must complete the Georgia Tech Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid (GT App) AND the FAFSA. Incoming first-year students must also complete the College Board CSS Profile.
23. Boston University
- Acceptance rate: 18.9%
- Tuition fee: $63,798
Boston University (BU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1839 by a group of Boston Methodists.
The university has more than 4,000 faculty members and nearly 34,000 students, making it one of Boston’s largest employers. BU offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorates, and medical, dental, business, and law degrees through 17 schools and colleges on three urban campuses.
As for the full-ride scholarship, Boston University offers the Trustee Scholarship, which is the most prestigious scholarship at BU. This scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees and is renewable for four years if certain criteria are met.
- Trustee Scholarship: This is BU’s most prestigious scholarship. It covers full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees. The scholarship is renewable for four years if certain criteria are met. All students, including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, and international students, are considered for the Trustee Scholarship.
- Presidential Scholarship: This scholarship is given to first-year students from around the globe who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. All students, including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, and international students, are considered for the Presidential Scholarship. The annual value is $25,000.
- National Merit Scholarship: Finalists in the National Merit Competition who designate BU as their first choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation before March 1 will be considered for this award.
Please note that the competition for these scholarships is keen, and recipients typically rank in the top 5% of their high school class and have shown incredible extracurricular achievements in their schools and communities.
24. Tulane University
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Tuition fee: $65,538
Tulane University offers a variety of scholarships, including full-ride scholarships. Here are some key points:
- Merit Scholarships: Tulane offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships. The scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to those that cover full tuition or even the full cost of attendance.
- Academic, Leadership, and Service Scholarships: These awards often cover full tuition. They recognize superior academic performance, exceptional community and secondary school involvement, potential for leadership, and extraordinary intellectual promise.
- Paul Tulane Scholarship: This scholarship covers full tuition and is renewable for four years (five years for students pursuing the five-year accredited professional program track in Architecture) provided the student maintains at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average and continuous primary undergraduate enrollment in a Newcomb-Tulane College school.
- International Student Financial Aid: Tulane offers a variety of generous need- and merit-based scholarship opportunities for international students.
To be considered for these scholarships, you should complete the Common Application for admission, and the CSS Profile by the financial aid deadlines, submit supporting documentation when requested by the Office of Financial Aid, and complete the Tulane Scholarship Application.
25. University of Buffalo
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- In-state tuition fee: $10,781
- Out-of-state tuition fee: $30,571
The University at Buffalo offers several scholarships, some of which can cover a significant portion of your expenses. Here are a few:
- Presidential Scholarship: This is the most selective and highly valued award in the SUNY system, available to academically exceptional first-year students. It requires a separate application through the University Honors College.
- Pride of New York Scholarship: High-achieving first-year students from New York State are considered for this scholarship. The funds are exclusively for non-tuition costs such as fees.
- Provost Scholarship: High-achieving first-year students are considered for this scholarship. The award amounts are based on academic merit and cost of attendance.
- Empire State Diversity Honors/Daniel Acker Scholarship: These scholarships are awarded to academically competitive first-year students who are eligible for the Daniel Acker Scholars Program.
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Empowering Advancement Scholarship: Prospective first-year students in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences may be selected for this scholarship.
Please note that the University at Buffalo administers more than $370 million in scholarships and financial aid annually to its students.
26. University of Maryland, College
- Acceptance rate: 44%
- For in-state students: $11,505
- For out-of-state students: $40,306
The University of Maryland, College Park offers several scholarships, some of which can cover the full cost of attendance. Here are some key points:
- Freshman Merit Scholarships: These are offered to some of the University of Maryland’s most academically talented incoming students. These competitive scholarships are based on past academic performance and potential to excel at the university, not financial need.
- Banneker/Key Scholarship: This is one of the merit scholarships offered by the university.
- President’s Scholarship and Dean’s Scholarship: These are also part of the merit scholarships offered.
27. Indiana University Bloomington
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- For Indiana residents: $11,790
- For non-residents: $40,482
Indiana University Bloomington offers several full-ride scholarships. Here are a few examples:
- Wells Scholars Program: This program guarantees the full cost of attendance for eight semesters of undergraduate study.
- 21st Century Scholarship Covenant: This is an IU-funded award designed to supplement the state-funded 21st Century Scholarship. It helps eligible Indiana residents with high financial need earn college degrees. The 21st Century Scholarship will cover the costs of tuition and mandatory fees. For eligible students who have unmet financial needs after other scholarships or grants are applied, the Covenant will provide additional funding to assist with budgeted housing and living, books, and supplies.
- Adam W. Herbert Presidential Scholars Program: This program gives top-achieving high school graduates in Indiana a head start on reaching their college goals with a four-year renewable scholarship.
Other prestigious scholarships provide full tuition, mandatory and course-related fees, and a living stipend for four years.
28. University of Georgia
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- For Georgia residents: $11,180
- For out-of-state students: $30,220
The Foundation Fellowship is the University of Georgia’s top academic scholarship, available through the Morehead Honors College. It was founded in 1972 by UGA Foundation trustees1.
This full-ride scholarship provides generous academic funding, stipends for group and individual travel study, and research and conference grants. The stipend approximates the cost of attendance.
Financial Benefits:
- Annual stipend for in-state students: $14,150 plus the Zell Miller Scholarship (worth $9,790 per year)
- Annual stipend for out-of-state students: $23,400 plus a Presidential waiver (worth $19,040 per year)
- Annual stipend for international students: $26,080 plus a Presidential waiver (worth $19,040 per year)
- Housing supplement of $650 for in-state first-year Fellows and $1,250 for out-of-state first-year Fellows
- Three fully funded spring travel-study programs (first through third years, valued at $12,000)
- One fully funded summer study abroad program at the University of Oxford immediately following the first year (valued at $8,500)
- Individual travel-study grants up to a cumulative total of $10,000
- Research and academic conference grants up to a cumulative total of $2,000
The Foundation Fellowship emphasizes community, sharing of resources and ideas, and lifelong friendships. Activities include peer mentoring, dinner seminars, book discussions, cultural events, group travel, and twice-a-year off-campus retreats.
The application requires excellent academic credentials but also considers leadership, character, and other talents.
29. The University of Texas at Dallas
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- For in-state students: $16,412
- For out-of-state students: $44,812
The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for incoming first-time freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students, as well as for all continuing students.
These scholarships are sometimes referred to as “gift aid” because they provide funding that does not have to be repaid. Some scholarship programs provide funding throughout the student’s undergraduate or graduate career, provided the student meets continuing eligibility requirements.
One of the full-ride undergraduate merit scholarship programs at UT Dallas is the Eugene McDermott Scholars Program (EMSP). This program is open to both domestic and international students in all majors.
Around 20 McDermott Scholarships are awarded each year. The scholarship package includes complete coverage of UT Dallas tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight semesters, a $4,000 per semester cash stipend to defray the costs of books, supplies, and other expenses, and a $1,500 per semester stipend for on-campus housing.
These scholarships represent UT Dallas’ commitment to attracting and supporting talented students. They provide significant financial assistance, enabling students to focus on their studies and make the most of the opportunities available at the university.
30. Drake University
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- Tuition fee: $50,114
Drake University is a mid-sized private university located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It was established in March 1881. The university offers over 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional programs in Business, Education, Law, and Pharmacy.
Drake University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to its students. Here are some key points:
- 100% of full-time, new undergraduate students pursuing a campus-based degree program at Drake receive gift aid (scholarships and/or grants).
- The university offers schooling grants designed to reward your academic achievement or talent in fine arts or athletics, and financial aid to help meet your family’s level of financial need.
- There are specific scholarship opportunities and financial aid for first-year students, transfer students and international students.
- For international students, the renewable International Student Grant may offer a partial award toward financial need. However, it will not provide full funding; although it may be awarded along with other scholarships, the total combined aid will not exceed 40% of the total cost of attendance.
- There is a full-ride scholarship available to entering first-year students at Drake who are interested in studying business or journalism. Eligible students must be residents of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above while at Drake.
- The university also offers 2 full Ride alumni scholarships (school fees, room, and board) and 3 full Tuition fees.
- One of the full-ride alumni scholarships is the George Carpenter Scholarships.
- There is also a full tuition National Alumni Scholarship to Drake University.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a full-ride scholarship?
A full-ride scholarship covers the entire cost of a student's education, including tuition, fees, room and board, and sometimes additional expenses like books and travel.
What criteria do colleges consider for full-ride scholarships?
Criteria vary but often include academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and sometimes financial need. Check each college's scholarship requirements for specific details.
Are full-ride scholarships only for academic achievement?
No, while academic achievement is a common criterion, some scholarships also consider leadership, extracurricular activities, and community service.
Can international students apply for full-ride scholarships?
Some colleges offer full-ride scholarships to international students, but eligibility criteria may differ. Check the specific requirements outlined by each college.
How competitive are full-ride scholarships?
Full-ride scholarships are often highly competitive due to the significant financial support they provide. It's essential to showcase a well-rounded profile, including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal accomplishments.
Can I apply for multiple full-ride scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but be sure to carefully read and follow each scholarship's application guidelines. Keep track of deadlines and requirements to maximize your chances.
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Conclusion
It’s no secret that college tuition fees are skyrocketing, and many students are struggling to pay for their education. However, some colleges offer full-ride scholarships, to help students with the cost of their education.
We hope that this list of colleges with full-ride scholarships will help you in your search for the perfect college.
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