Full ride scholarships are free financial aid. These offers cover the entire cost of tuition and fees plus room and board. Getting full ride scholarships is like winning the college lottery. Full ride scholarships are coveted prizes for today’s freshmen to afford rising tuition rates.
According to CNBC, the average cost of college has soared by 37 percent since 2008. Median tuition prices are $10,230 at public and $35,830 at public colleges per year. America’s most expensive schools charge upwards of $75,000 annually. Therefore, full ride scholarships are beacons of hope for low-income, disadvantaged students. Many scholars wouldn’t be able to pursue their academic and career goals otherwise.
30 Full Ride Scholarships 2022 brings you 30 full ride scholarships that drop four-year bachelor’s degree costs down to $0. Full ride scholarships are rare. Most of them are offered as part of college financial aid packages. Most of our scholarship articles don’t include college-specific full ride scholarships, in order to be as general as possible. In this case, we do feature colleges with full ride scholarships as an example of the kind of financial aid you can find at many colleges around the country.
It’s also important to note the difference between full ride scholarships and full tuition scholarships. Some full tuition scholarships do not cover the cost of:
- room and board
- books
- supplies
However they are still significant scholarships and those things can be covered by additional financial aid. There are plenty of colleges that give full ride scholarships. But some may only offer one every year while others offer many, so keep that in mind.
1. Torch Scholars Program
The Torch Scholars Program considers 500+ students from 50 states for 10 full ride scholarships. It’s designed to help first-year, first-generation Northeastern students who’ve overcome adversity. Regardless of GPA, low-income U.S. citizens and legal residents can be nominated. Nominees must submit a non-cognitive assessment form and three well-written personal essays. Those who receive the scholarship must complete 100+ community service hours each year. Recipients also participate in a summer immersion program and benefit from peer mentoring.
2. Stamps Scholarship
The Stamps Scholarship is the University of Miami’s largest, full ride merit scholarship. It covers tuition plus room and board with a $12,000 enrichment stipend. The scholarship is funded by Penelope and E. Roe Stamps IV. The full ride scholarship applies for all four years and goes to academically gifted U.S. high school seniors. To qualify, incoming freshmen must file before the November 1st Early Action deadline. The Stamps Family Charitable Foundation requires recipients to maintain a 3.0 GPA. They must also take 24+ semester credits annually. Prospective applicants must submit an official transcript, and 650-word essay. The application also requires SAT/ACT scores, and two reference letters.
3. John B. Ervin Scholars Program
The John B. Ervin Scholars Program has given full-tuition scholarships to more than 600 undergrads since 1987. Even better, these full ride scholarships include a $2,500 stipend. The scholarship is named for the first African-American dean at Washington University in St. Louis. The program supports talented students of color. Eligible to apply are:
- United States citizens
- legal residents
- undocumented DACA students
Eligible WUSTL freshmen must display academic merit and a history of community service. During late March, finalists receive a free trip to St. Louis for an interview.
4. Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program
The Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program grants full ride scholarships to 10 New York City high school seniors. Tuition coverage is available for 12 New York City schools. These include:
- Fordham University
- Baruch College
- St. John’s University
- City College
Incoming full-time freshmen with minimum 1000 SAT or equivalent scores are eligible. They must select majors in:
- business
- STEM
- communications
- or liberal arts
Applications must be submitted with transcripts and recommendation letters. Selected Smart Start winners also earn paid JPMorgan Chase internships each summer.
5. Chancellor’s Scholars Program
At Texas Christian University, the Chancellor’s Scholars Program has a 40-year history. The program awards 250 full scholarships each August to high-achieving Horned Frogs. For 2018-19, Chancellor’s Scholars achieved an average:
- 3.98 GPA
- 1500 SAT
- 33 ACT score
This means freshmen receive a whopping four-year value of $187,440 for tuition, fees, and room and board. First-year students who apply by the admission deadline are automatically considered. The selection committee picks 120 finalists who receive a free, three-day trip to Fort Worth for interviews. Scholars also enjoy a one-of-a-kind study abroad experience.
6. National Police and Fire Scholarship
The National Police and Fire Scholarship waives undergraduate tuition at the University of Chicago. This scholarship is for the children of first responders. Dependents of U.S. active-duty, disabled, or fallen firefighters and law enforcement officers attend for free. Freshmen must register full-time for 12 consecutive quarters to remain eligible. File the Coalition or Common Application by January 2nd. Students must submit employment verification from their parent’s municipal, county, or state department.
UChicago also has the Odyssey Scholarship. This is available to first-generation students with family income under $90,000.
7. Alan and Jane Handler Endowed Scholarship
The Alan and Jane Handler Endowed Scholarship is a merit-based University of Rochester program. The scholarship goes to the top 1 percent of freshmen (academic performance). Its benefits include:
- full, four-year tuition
- personalized mentoring
- one-time $5,000 stipend
First-year students must exhibit academic achievement and leadership skills. They must also demonstrate persistence against obstacles, and high financial need. Students are nominated by:
- teachers
- principals
- school counselors
Handler Scholarship nominees are interviewed during a special, three-day Rochester orientation in March.
8. LMU Trustee Scholarship
The Trustee Scholarship is Loyola Marymount University’s most generous fund. It covers the full tuition of $52,533 plus room and board for eight full-time semesters. To qualify, Incoming freshmen must achieve a minimum:
- 3.60 GPA
- 1300 SAT score
- or 29 ACT score
Interested high-achieving students should apply early before the February 1st priority deadline. Students who maintain a course load of 12 units per term and at least 3.0 GPAs keep receiving money.
Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles also bestows the Father Pedro Arrupe Scholarship for $12,500 up to full tuition.
9. Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholarship
The Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholarship assists five promising freshman scholars each year. These scholars must be in the top 1 percent at Wake Forest University. Currently, funding covers the full College of Arts & Sciences cost of attendance of $77,342. Recipients are given $3,400 for miscellaneous expenses and $5,000 for research projects or study abroad programs. Students generally must meet the minimum:
- 3.75 GPA
- 1450 SAT
- 33 ACT
Besides academics, first-year Demon Deacons must be creative leaders who better the community. Apply and complete the FAFSA form before January 1st for consideration.
10. Flinn Scholars Program
Headquartered in Phoenix since 1965, the Flinn Foundation runs the Flinn Scholars Program. The program distributes full ride scholarships to 20 Arizona high school seniors. Students must attend one of three schools. These are:
- Arizona State University
- Northern Arizona University
- the University of Arizona
Two free three-week study abroad experiences with the CIE Exchange are also included. Flinn Scholars must rank in the top 5 percent with minimum 3.5 GPAs. Composite test scores above 1340 (SAT) or 29 (ACT) are expected. Due September 19th are:
- applications
- transcripts
- two recommendations
- three 300-word essays.
11. Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program has provided $1.6 billion to 20,000+ minority students. These scholars have achieved a 90 percent six-year graduation rate. Students have attended 1,742 different accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions. Each finalist receives a free undergraduate degree in:
- STEM
- public health
- or education
Leadership development workshops are also integrated for professional growth. Applicants must:
- be graduating high school students of color
- have a 3.3 GPA
- be eligible for a Pell Grant.
12. Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
This program was funded by Josie and Julian Robertson in 2000 for $24 million. The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program has helped 459 alumni from 23 countries afford college. Scholarship packages cover:
- full tuition
- residential costs
- fees
- two study abroad semesters
High school seniors or gap year students apply until November 15th. Only incoming freshmen at Duke University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill qualify. Domestic and international applicants must pass a Skype interview in late February. If chosen, recipients also earn a $1,000 LEAD Grant. This goes toward extra-curricular professional activities.
13. SMART Scholarship for Service
Since 2005, the DoD has hosted the SMART Scholarship for Service program. SMART stands for Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation. Each year, nearly 300 undergrad STEM majors get full funding to complete a bachelor’s degree. They must be attending an accredited U.S. university. The program also includes monthly living stipends and health benefits. Students will receive textbook vouchers. Students will also be eligible for paid 12-week DoD summer internships. In exchange, SMART scholars must agree to four years of full-time civilian work at one of 190 participating DoD facilities. Interested students age 18 or older who maintain minimum 3.0 GPAs should apply between August 1st and December 1st.
14. Ingram Scholars Program
At Vanderbilt University in Nashville, we find the Ingram Scholars Program. This program has honored E. Bronson Ingram’s life since 1993. Funding covers:
- the entire tuition
- fees
- room and board
Freshmen are chosen for their:
- exemplary civic service
- leadership talents
- ambitious strength
Renewing the scholarship each year requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA. Ingram Scholars must also complete 20+ volunteer hours monthly and participate in a summer service group.
15. Tier One Scholars Program
The University of Houston accepts ApplyTexas applications from in-state high school seniors. These scholars must be pursuing the Tier One Scholars Program. Full ride scholarships are rewarded with $1,000 research stipends and $2,000 study abroad stipends. Freshmen and sophomores get their room and board costs exempted. Non-Texans receive an out-of-state tuition waiver to save over $40,000 instead. To qualify, entrants must rank in the top 10 percent of their graduating classes. At least 1400 SAT and 30 ACT scores are mandated. Finalists must display outstanding academic and career promise at the January interview.
16. Evans Scholarship
In 1930, World Golf Hall of Famer Chick Evans started a life-changing scholarship. This scholarship funded full tuition at Northwestern University for two caddies. Today, the Western Golf Association carries on the legacy by giving 1,010 Evans Scholars a full ride at 18 top U.S. colleges. Candidates applying are judged based on academic and caddie record plus financial need. On average, recipients have an expected family contribution of $7,500. The four-part application process requires a two-page personal essay. Applicants must submit SAT/ACT scores and federal tax return copies. Finally, the application requires two recommendation letters.
17. Air Force ROTC Scholarship
The U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps provides full ride scholarships. These pay 100% of direct student costs at public or private colleges with ROTC chapters. Finalists also receive a monthly room and board stipend and $900 textbook allowance. Native or naturalized U.S. citizens must pass a physical fitness assessment first. Academically, students need a minimum:
- 3.0 GPA
- 26 ACT score
- 1240 SAT score
Selected scholars must attend 13-day Maxwell AFB training courses. After graduation they must serve at least four years in the Air Force.
18. Goizueta Foundation Scholarship
Agnes Scott College in Decatur partners with the Goizueta Foundation to award a full ride scholarship. The scholarship is for a disadvantaged high school senior with financial need. For 2020-21, funding will cover the $43,920 tuition plus $13,050 for room and board. Full-time undergrads can renew the scholarship over four years for over $220,000 in total. Priority is given to Hispanic/Chicana cis and transgender women who are DACA recipients or non-citizens. Goizueta Scholars must exhibit:
- strong academic merit
- leadership potential
- personal character
First-year ASC Terriers must submit a separate application before February 1st.
19. BU Trustee Scholars Program
Boston University runs the Trustee Scholars Program. This program delivers full, four-year merit full ride scholarships to extraordinary freshmen. Scholarship recipients must excel intellectually and creatively. Funding covers BU tuition and mandatory fees. Most Trustee Scholars rank in the upper 1 percent with perfect high school GPAs of 4.0. Also considered are:
- active engagement in service
- social experiences
- cultural experiences
Aspiring Boston Terriers must file the Common or Coalition Application before December 1st. Don’t forget the 600-word essay describing how you seek equality and social justice like alumnus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
20. National Scholars Program
The National Scholars Program at Clemson University grants full four-year, merit-based full ride scholarships. These full ride scholarships can eliminate tuition costs. Scholars also receive a room and board allowance. They also get a free Maymester study abroad trip. Only Calhoun Honors College members who’ve applied by the deadline are eligible for funding. Freshmen must present a minimum 1380 SAT or 30 ACT score. Maintaining a full-time status with a 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA is necessary. Each National Scholars Program cohort adds 10 students. These students mentor one another and receive small-group staff advising.
21. Charles Scholarship
Davidson College distributes the Charles Scholarship. The scholarship goes to nominated Chicago Public Schools seniors. They must demonstrate outstanding academic and leadership abilities. The four-year, renewable award is worth roughly $65,819 annually. The scholarship covers tuition plus room and board. Recipients even get free roundtrip airfare for three visits back to Chicago from North Carolina. Both legal U.S. residents and DACA recipients are eligible. Priority is given to underrepresented minorities, especially Latine undergrads.
22. Army ROTC Four-Year Scholarship
The U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps offers the ROTC Four-Year Scholarship. This covers full tuition for cadets between 17 and 26 years old. Eligible United States citizens must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test with:
- push-ups
- sit-ups
- two-mile runs
High school graduates or GED recipients must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students need at least 19 ACT or 1000 SAT scores. Application rounds open on June 12th for reviews in October, January, and March. Selected ROTC members with must serve full-time in the Army or Army Reserve for eight years.
23. Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship
This scholarship is endowed for $737 million. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation in Virginia has offered a College Scholarship Program since 2000. The program is designed to empower high-achieving high school seniors. Scholarships worth $40,000 per year are will cover full tuition at many accredited U.S. universities. Freshmen must exceed the 3.5 GPA, 1200 SAT, or 26 ACT minimum. On average, recipients have a low household income of $35,000. Applicants must display:
- intellectual curiosity
- determination
- leadership
- volunteerism
Use the Common App system to submit required documents by the November 13th deadline.
24. Navy ROTC National Scholarship
The U.S. Navy offers full ride scholarships. These full ride scholarships go to Reserve Officers Training Corps members. They must be enrolling at Navy-affiliated postsecondary institutions. Funding is renewable if undergrads take 30+ credits per year with GPAs above 2.5. Freshmen initially need a minimum 1150 SAT or 21 ACT score. Fulfilling the physical and medical requirements for active-duty preparedness is also critical. Chosen ROTC members under age 27 must serve at least two years in the Navy or Marine Corps after graduation. Students taking the Navy Nurse Corps Option must enlist and serve four years.
25. Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholarships
Since 1942, the Society for Science & The Public has hosted the Regeneron Science Talent Search. This delivers $3.1 million in prizes, including a huge $250,000 first-place scholarship. America’s largest STEM scholarship more than exceeds full tuition at most universities. About 2,000 high school seniors compete each year. Each submits original scientific research. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to send a typed, 20-page paper about their STEM discoveries. Entry forms, including transcripts and two recommendations, are due on November 13th. All 30 finalists chosen in March will receive $25,000 or more.
26. USDA/1890 National Scholars Program
The United States Department of Agriculture has offered the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program for 30 years. The program pays for:
- full tuition
- fees
- books
- room and board
Funding is reserved for students enrolled full-time at 19 historically Black, land-grant colleges. Examples include:
- Tuskegee
- Florida A&M
- Langston
- Alcorn State
Qualifying freshmen must pursue bachelor’s degrees related to agriculture. This includes food science and natural resources. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and 1080 SAT score or 21 ACT score. Students must also submit an 800 word essay.
27. USU Presidential Scholarship
At Utah State University, the Presidential Scholarship is the highest award. This merit-based scholarship covers full in-state or out-of-state tuition and fees. Freshmen are automatically considered when applying by the June 1st deadline. Utah State uses a sliding scale based on GPA and test scores to determine eligibility. For instance, first-year Aggies with 3.8 GPAs need at least 35 ACT or 1560 SAT scores to qualify. Respective scores down to 1450 and 32 are accepted with 4.0 GPAs. The Utah State Ambassador Program also provides full-tuition scholarships.
28. CGF Full Ride Scholarship
Over the years, The Colorado Garden Foundation has gifted over $10 million in scholarships. These scholarships support students who intend to pursue horticulture. The Full Ride Scholarship is a program that pays 100 percent of tuition, room, and board for “Centennial State” students. Enrolling full-time at public Colorado colleges with a 2.5 GPA or greater is required. Freshmen must select plant-related majors, such as:
- botany
- agriculture
- agronomy
- landscape architecture
Documenting 20+ unpaid hours of community service is also mandatory. Submit applications with a two-page personal statement and two references by March 15th.
29. Posse Foundation Scholarships
The Posse Foundation is a New York-based nonprofit. It awards full ride scholarships to STEM students. The foundation was created in 1989 by MacArthur Fellow Deborah Bial. High school seniors in 10 metropolitan areas nationwide must be nominated by school leaders. The Posse Foundation has given $1.5 billion to youth. Recipients have 90% graduation rate. Nominated teens must register at 58 partner colleges. Examples are:
- Tulane
- Syracuse
- Oberlin
- Pepperdine
Talented, ambitious Posse Scholars gain access to the Pre-Collegiate Training. More than 200 corporate partners offer internships to recipients. This includes companies like:
- Barclays
- Spotify
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Facebook.
30. Trinity Tower Scholarship
Trinity University in San Antonio crowns 20 Trinity Tower Scholarship recipients each Spring. This waives full bachelor’s tuition and fees. Incoming, first-year freshmen must present a minimum 3.75 high school GPA. Undergrads need at least a 31 ACT or 1400 SAT score. Students with GPAs under 3.85 must achieve perfect 36 ACT or 1600 SAT scores though. Only Early Action applicants who’ve filed before November 1st are considered. Those choosing STEM majors earn the full-tuition Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science Award.
Full ride scholarships aren’t hidden gems that students need to search hard for. These 4-year scholarships are fairly common. If you know where to find them and how to target them, it’s likely you can get one. Meeting eligibility is the most challenging element. However there are many full ride scholarships that don’t require perfect grades and hours of community service.
It’s all about finding the best full ride scholarships for you, and applying to the schools offering them. Full ride opportunities are abundant across all 50 states to waive all college expenses. Whether based on merit or financial need, full ride scholars programs make a bachelor’s degree attainable for many. Funding these big-dollar prizes each year are:
- universities
- community foundations
- nonprofit organizations
- government agencies,
- churches
Use the above 30 scholarships as a starting point to search for full tuition coverage. Other colleges with full ride scholarships include:
- Emory University
- Virginia Tech
- Notre Dame University
- Michigan State University
- Southern Methodist University
- Purdue University
- Auburn University
- Washington State University
- Northeastern University
- Alabama University
- University of Maryland
- New York University
- Miami University.
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