Institutional Scholarships and Grants for 2025 and 2026

What Are Institutional Grants and Scholarships?

Institutional grants and scholarships are financial aid awards provided directly by colleges and universities to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid. These awards are typically based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria set by the institution.

How Do Institutional Grants Differ from Federal or State Grants?

Institutional grants are provided by the college or university you attend, while federal and state grants come from government programs. Key differences include:

• Institutional Grants: Awarded based on the college’s own criteria, which can include academic achievement, financial need, or program-specific requirements.
• Federal Grants: Need-based aid like the Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
• State Grants: Need-based or merit-based awards provided by state education departments.

Many students receive a combination of these types of aid.

What Types of Institutional Scholarships Are Available?

Colleges and universities offer a variety of scholarships, including:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with exceptional academic, athletic, or artistic achievements.
• Need-Based Scholarships: Based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA or CSS Profile.
• Program-Specific Scholarships: For students enrolled in certain majors or programs, such as STEM, business, or education.
• Diversity Scholarships: Designed to promote inclusion and support underrepresented groups.
• Leadership Scholarships: For students with demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities or community service.

How Do I Qualify for Institutional Grants?

Eligibility for institutional grants depends on the specific program. Common requirements include:

• Completing the FAFSA or CSS Profile: Many institutions use these forms to determine financial need.
• Maintaining Academic Standards: Merit-based awards often require a minimum GPA or SAT/ACT scores.
• Program Enrollment: Some grants are only available for students in specific programs or majors.
• Residency or Citizenship: Certain grants may be limited to in-state or U.S. citizens, while others are open to international students.

Check your college’s financial aid website for specific eligibility criteria.

How Do I Apply for Institutional Scholarships?

To apply for institutional scholarships:

• Complete Your Admissions Application: Many colleges automatically consider applicants for merit-based scholarships during the admissions process.
• Fill Out Financial Aid Forms: Submit the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile to be considered for need-based grants and scholarships.
• Check the College’s Scholarship Portal: Many institutions have a portal where students can apply for additional scholarships.
• Submit Supplemental Materials: Some scholarships require essays, letters of recommendation, or portfolios.

Apply early to ensure you meet all deadlines.

What Are Some Examples of Institutional Grants and Scholarships?

Examples of institutional aid include:

• Harvard University Financial Aid: Need-based grants that can cover up to 100% of tuition for low-income families.
• Duke University Merit Scholarships: Full-tuition scholarships like the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program.
• University of California Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Covers tuition for California residents with family incomes below $80,000.
• University of Michigan HAIL Scholarship: Provides full-tuition scholarships to high-achieving, low-income students from Michigan.
• Texas A&M Regents’ Scholarship: Awards for first-generation college students with financial need.

Each institution offers unique programs, so explore your school’s financial aid options.

Are There Institutional Scholarships for Transfer Students?

Yes, many colleges offer scholarships specifically for transfer students. Examples include:

• Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: For community college students transferring to four-year universities.
• Institutional Transfer Scholarships: Available at schools like Arizona State University, which awards up to $10,000 annually for high-achieving transfer students.
• Program-Specific Transfer Scholarships: For students entering certain majors, such as engineering or nursing.

Transfer students should check with their prospective college’s financial aid office for opportunities.

Are There Institutional Scholarships for Graduate Students?

Yes, many universities provide scholarships and grants for graduate students, including:

• Research Assistantships (RAs): Provide funding and tuition remission in exchange for research work.
• Teaching Assistantships (TAs): Offer financial support in return for teaching responsibilities.
• Program-Specific Fellowships: Awards for graduate students in fields like business, engineering, or public health.
• Institutional Grants: Need-based or merit-based awards for graduate students.

Graduate students should contact their department or program for specific opportunities.

How to Maximize Institutional Aid?

To maximize your institutional aid:

• Apply Early: Many scholarships and grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Excel Academically: Higher GPAs and test scores often lead to larger merit-based awards.
• Demonstrate Financial Need: Complete the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile accurately and early.
• Inquire About Additional Opportunities: Reach out to your school’s financial aid office to learn about department-specific or less-publicized scholarships.

Proactively seek out opportunities to secure the maximum amount of aid available.