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We’re not sure if you heard, but it turns out college is really expensive. Taking out loans is sometimes an option, but graduating with a lot of debt is far from ideal. Scholarships help, but usually don’t cover enough of the tuition.
If you arrived on this page, you’re probably wondering if it’s possible to go to college, entirely free, on a full-ride scholarship.
We’re here to tell you that it is possible, but definitely not easy. Read on to learn how to win a full-ride scholarship.
First, we’ll give some background info, then we’ll list some schools and scholarships you can apply for.
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Check for scholarshipsWhat Are Full-Ride Scholarships?
Full-ride scholarships are financial awards that cover the entire cost of college. There may be differences from scholarship to scholarship, but generally, they cover the cost of tuition, room, and board, books, and fees. A lot of full-ride scholarships even pay for things like a laptop and study abroad experiences.
Full-ride scholarships are the most generous type of scholarships out there. Therefore, they are also the most competitive. They award high achieving students who have a proven record of academic excellence.
Colleges are the number one source of full-ride scholarships. But, you can also find them from private organizations and the government.
Different Types of Full-Ride Scholarships
Several types of full-ride scholarships exist. They are as follows:
- Needs-based full-ride scholarships- Scholarships that award students who have a financial need.
- Merit-based full-ride scholarships- These are the most common full-ride scholarships. They award students who have outstanding grades and test scores.
- Government-sponsored full-ride scholarships- These scholarships award students at the military academy or ROTC.
- Athletic-based full-ride scholarships- Scholarships that award student-athletes. There are scholarships in gymnastics, football, men’s and women’s basketball, and tennis.
Difference Between Full-Ride Scholarships and Full Tuition Scholarships
Full tuition scholarships are exactly as they sound. They are scholarships that cover the cost of college tuition. Some may cover other expenses but generally they only cover tuition.
Getting a full-tuition scholarship is a big feat, but getting a full-ride scholarship is even better.
A full-ride scholarship covers tuition plus all the other costs of college. This includes room and board, textbooks and may cover studying abroad and living expenses.
Remember, the two terms are often used interchangeably. You may come across full-tuition scholarships that cover expenses like room and board and travel.
Can Transfer Students Get Full-Ride Scholarships?
Transfer students are sometimes eligible for full-ride scholarships. It is always best to check before applying for a scholarship.
How Hard Is It To Get a Full-Ride Scholarship?
The higher the scholarship award, the more difficult it is to get. So you can imagine that full-ride scholarships are the holy grail of scholarships. Fewer than 1 percent of students receive full-ride scholarships.
Most full-ride scholarships are merit-based. They award students with high GPAs and test scores. In the next section, we will talk about what you need to win one.
How To Win a Full-Ride Scholarship?
Unless you are a high-performance athlete or plan to join the army, you will need really strong grades to win a full-ride scholarship. Each scholarship has its own requirements. Here is what scholarship committees are generally looking for:
- Strong academic records- You’ll need excellent grades to win a full-ride scholarship. Some full-ride scholarships require a minimum GPA, such as 3.5. Some require you to rank in the top 10% of your class.
- Test scores- Likewise, you will need high scores on the SAT and/or ACT.
- Letters of recommendation- Get a letter of recommendation from a teacher that can vouch for your potential. This can go a long way.
- Personal statement- write a personal statement that wows the scholarship committee. This can help set you apart from the other candidates.
Which Schools Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?
- Boston University
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- California Institute of Technology
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- Duke University
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- Emory University
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- Georgia Institute of Technology
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- Tulane University
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- University of California
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- University of Michigan
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- University of Notre Dame
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- University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
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- Vanderbilt University – Nashville, Tennessee
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- Washington University in St. Louis – St. Louis, Missouri
Other Full-Ride Scholarships
In addition to universities, some other organizations also give away full-ride scholarships. Each scholarship has different requirements and application dates.
Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship
This full-ride scholarship covers full tuition and housing for four years. It awards students who have been golf caddies for at least the last two years.
High school juniors and seniors must be nominated for the award. They must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have a financial need. They should also show leadership skills and integrity.
Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, transcript, SAT/ACT scores, and a personal statement. They must also submit a caddie evaluation from their golf club’s manager.
Scholarship winners usually attend a school that has a scholarship house. All scholars live together for the first years of college. There are around 20 colleges that offer a scholarship house.
The application deadline is October 30.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship awards up to $40,000 per year for four years of college. It covers tuition, room and board, books, and other fees. The scholarship awards high-achieving high school seniors who have financial needs. Scholarship winners attend top universities and pursue many different fields. There are 30-40 scholarship winners every year.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and a minimum SAT score of 1200 or an ACT score of 26. They must show financial need.
The application deadline is in November.
Microsoft Tuition Scholarship
The scholarship may cover the entire tuition and other expenses. Applicants must show an interest in the software business and have a financial need.
The application deadline is in January.
Act Six Scholars Program
This scholarship program awards students at two-year colleges. Applicants must be leaders who want to make a difference on campus or in their community. They must live in one of the seven Act Six program sites. They also must have a desire to attend at least one of the Act Six partner colleges.
The application deadline is December 1.
USDA/1890 National Scholars Program
This scholarship awards full-ride scholarships for up to four years of college. Scholarship winners receive employment with the USDA during summers and after graduation. They must commit to working for the USDA for the number of years that they receive the scholarship.
To be eligible, students must enroll in one of the eighteen 1890 historically black land-grant universities. They must start their freshman year in the upcoming year. Requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and a 1080 or higher on the SAT or a 21 or higher on the ACT. Applicants must plan to study agriculture, food, or natural resource sciences.
The application deadline is January 31.
Flinn Foundation Scholarships
Flinn Foundation Scholarships award high-achieving high school seniors in Arizona. Every year, 20 students win a scholarship. Applicants must be planning to study at a public university in Arizona.
The full-ride scholarship covers the entire cost of tuition, fees, room and board for four years. Scholarship winners also receive a summer seminar in China and an extra study abroad experience. They also do an internship program, receive mentorship, and attend social activities.
Scholars connect with researchers, business leaders and alumni, and faculty members.
Scholarship applicants must have a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA and be in the top 5% of their class. To apply, they must submit five personal statements and two letters of recommendation.
The application deadline is in early October.
Army ROTC Scholarships
The Army ROTC offers tons of scholarships to high school seniors and students in college. They cover the entire cost of tuition as well as room and board, books, and other fees. Students may also receive a monthly stipend to pay for extra costs.
Applicants must be US citizen between 17-26 years old. They must commit to eight years in the Army. They also need to have a minimum 2.5 GPA, a high school diploma, a minimum of 1000 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT, and meet physical requirements.
Air Force ROTC Scholarships
The Air Force offers full-ride scholarships to high school seniors and college students. Scholarship winners also receive monthly stipends of up to $500.
Scholarship winners must commit to four years with the Air Force. Other requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, a high school diploma, a minimum of 1240 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT and plans to study an approved major.
The application deadline is sometime in December or January.
Navy ROTC Scholarships
The Navy ROTC offers full-ride scholarships to high school seniors and college students. Scholarship winners may also receive $750 a year for books, uniforms, three summer cruises, and a monthly stipend between $250-$400.
Scholarship applicants must be between 17-23 years old, study an approved major, and meet physical standards. They also must have a minimum 1200 SAT score and at least 21 on ACT Math and 22 on English. A five-year service commitment to the Navy ROTC is required.
The scholarship deadline is in January.
Science Ambassador Scholarship
The Science Ambassador Scholarship awards undergraduate women pursuing a STEM field. Undergraduate students and high school seniors may apply. Applicants must submit a three-minute video in which they discuss a scientific topic.
The application deadline is December 14.
5 Strong Scholarship Program
This scholarship awards full-ride scholarships to students in the Metro Atlanta area. Applicants must have a minimum 2.8 GPA and a minimum SAT score of 990 or 19 on the ACT. They must show leadership potential. Scholarship winners must attend two college-ready prep sessions a month.
The application deadline is December 1.
SMART — Science, Mathematics & Research for Transformation
The SMART Scholarship awards full-ride scholarships to STEM students. Winners receive full tuition and stipends between $25,000-$38,000 per year. They also receive summer research internships, health insurance, mentoring, and employment after graduation.
Applicants must be a citizen of the US, Australia, New Zealand or the UK. They must be at least 18 years old and an undergraduate or graduate student. High school students may not apply. Scholarship winners must complete at least one summer internship. After graduation, they must work for the Department of Defense for the number of years that they received funding during college.
The application deadline is in early December.
Posse Scholars Program
The Posse Scholars Program awards full-ride scholarships to high school seniors in the 20 cities that the Posse Community works in. Applicants must be nominated through their high school or community-based organization.
Applicants must be in the first semester of their senior year. They must show leadership in their high school and community and academic excellence.
Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship awards full-ride scholarships to 300 high school seniors. Applicants must be of an ethnic minority. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books, and other personal fees. It is renewable for up to five years of undergraduate study. Applicants must be eligible for the Pell Grant and have a minimum 3.3 weighted GPA. They must be in the top 10% of their class and show leadership.
The application deadline is September 15.
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
This scholarship awards students at Duke University or UNC-Chapel Hill. Winners receive full tuition coverage. They also receive funding for up to three summer experiences, two semesters of study abroad, and conferences. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and test scores.
The application deadline is in November.
Stamps Scholarships
The application deadline varies among schools.
JP Morgan: Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program
The JP Morgan Smart Start Program awards high achieving high school seniors. Scholarship winners receive full-ride scholarships and a paid internship at JP Morgan. To be eligible, applicants must be from New York City. They must be interested in a career at a financial services firm.
The application deadline is in mid-January.
The Society for Science: Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is a STEM research competition that awards full-ride scholarships. High school seniors are eligible to compete. Applicants must do independent science research at their school, in the field, or at home. To apply, they must submit essays, an original scientific paper on their research, and letters of recommendation. 40 students are invited to compete as finalists in Washington D.C. One student wins an award of $250,000.
The application deadline is November 10.
Coolidge Scholarship
The Coolidge Scholarship is a presidential full-ride scholarship. Two or three high school juniors win the award every year. The merit scholarship covers all expenses including tuition, room and board, and other fees. Applicants may use the scholarship money at any college and pursue any major.
The scholarship deadline is in February.
Cameron Impact Scholarship
The Cameron Impact Scholarship awards full-ride scholarships to 10-15 high school students. Applicants show excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Scholarship winners may attend any accredited college. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.7 and be a high school junior. They must be involved in extracurricular activities and in their community.
The application deadline is September 10.
Questbridge National College Match
The Questbridge scholarship awards high school seniors with full-ride scholarships. Applicants must show academic excellence and have a financial need.
The application deadline is mid-September.
Final Thoughts
Winning a full-ride scholarship is tough, but not impossible. If you have high grades and high ambition, there’s a decent chance you can win one.
When looking for full-ride scholarships, make sure you check the school you are applying for.
Even if your school of choice doesn’t offer one, there are lots of other organizations that do.
Be prepared to wow them with your grades and your achievements. It’s not easy but there is lots of money to be won if you apply yourself.
Many of the scholarships listed above can be found in ScholarshipOwl’s database. Sign up to apply for them all with one application.
