Eligibility: Low-income high school seniors, U.S. citizens, or permanent residents.
Award: Full tuition, room and board, and other fees for 4 years.
About: QuestBridge partners with 48 top U.S. colleges and universities to provide full scholarships to high-achieving, low-income students. The goal is to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds have access to a quality education, regardless of financial constraints. The scholarship is incredibly competitive and seeks students with strong academic records, leadership skills, and a drive to succeed in college. QuestBridge is not just about financial aid, but about creating opportunities and giving students the support they need to thrive both academically and personally. Students who are selected for the National College Match are matched with top colleges that align with their goals, ensuring a strong fit and a pathway to success.
Eligibility: Minority, high school senior, U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
Award: Full tuition, fees, books, room, and board for up to 4 years.
About: The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective scholarship designed to help exceptional, minority, high school seniors from low-income backgrounds attend college. The scholarship covers full tuition, room, board, and fees for the entire college career, and includes support for graduate school. This program not only provides financial relief, but also connects students with a network of peers, mentors, and resources to support their success. Gates Scholars are expected to lead their communities and use their education to make a positive impact.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, high school senior, financial need, and involvement in community service.
Award: Up to $25,000 for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
About: The Horatio Alger Scholarship is all about recognizing and supporting students who have shown resilience in overcoming obstacles. Whether it’s financial hardship, family struggles, or other adversity, these students have demonstrated the strength of character and a determination to succeed. The scholarship offers a significant financial award, but also mentorship and career development opportunities to ensure recipients have the support they need during college and beyond.
Eligibility: High school senior, U.S. citizen, demonstrated leadership, academic achievement, and service.
Award: $20,000 for tuition, fees, and books.
About: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate scholarships in the U.S. Each year, 150 students are selected to receive a $20,000 scholarship to cover college expenses, along with an invitation to attend an annual leadership summit. This scholarship is unique in its focus on leadership and service, looking for students who are not only strong academically but also dedicated to improving their communities. Scholars join a network of accomplished individuals who share a commitment to making a difference in the world.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, high school senior, financial need.
Award: $20,000 in college funding, laptop, textbook credits, and a mentoring program.
About: The Dell Scholars Program is all about providing support for students who have faced challenges in their lives but have remained determined to pursue a college education. The scholarship not only provides $20,000 for tuition, fees, and textbooks, but it also gives recipients a laptop and access to a network of mentors who help guide them through their college years. Dell Scholars are recognized for their resilience and potential, and the program provides ongoing support to help them overcome barriers and succeed academically.
Eligibility: High-achieving high school seniors with financial need.
Award: Up to $40,000 per year for tuition, fees, living expenses, and books.
About: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program offers one of the largest and most generous scholarships for undergraduate students in the U.S. This scholarship is designed for high-achieving students who show potential but need financial assistance to attend a top-tier college or university. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 per year, covering not just tuition, but also fees, books, and living expenses. It’s an opportunity for students to attend some of the best colleges without the burden of financial stress.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, African American, enrolled or planning to enroll in a UNCF member institution.
Award: Varies by scholarship, typically up to full tuition.
About: The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is one of the oldest and largest organizations supporting African American higher education. It offers a wide range of scholarships for students enrolled or planning to enroll in one of the 37 member institutions. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need. The UNCF strives to ensure that talented African American students have the resources they need to pursue higher education and become leaders in their communities.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, high school senior, leadership potential, strong academic record.
Award: Full tuition to partner colleges for four years.
About: The Posse Foundation seeks to identify high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds and provide them with the opportunity to attend top colleges and universities. Unlike traditional scholarship programs, Posse focuses on the power of peer support. Scholars are part of a “posse,” a group of 10 students who attend college together, providing each other with a network of support, encouragement, and motivation. The scholarship not only covers full tuition but ensures students are set up for success with a strong community behind them.
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors, academic achievement, leadership, and financial need.
Award: Up to $50,000 over four years.
About: The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and financial need. The scholarship offers up to $50,000 over four years, helping students pursue higher education. Additionally, it provides personal development opportunities, including participation in Elks community activities. The Elks Foundation is committed to supporting students who will go on to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Eligibility: U.S. high school students, top scorers in the PSAT/NMSQT.
Award: $2,500, full-tuition scholarships, and other awards.
About: The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition for U.S. high school students. Based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores, finalists compete for various scholarship awards, including $2,500 merit-based awards and full-tuition scholarships. This program recognizes students for their exceptional academic achievement and provides an opportunity to receive substantial funding for college. It also serves as a hallmark of academic excellence, helping students stand out in college applications.
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