So… how exactly do you get a full-ride scholarship? Do you have to be a star athlete, or a straight-A student, or maybe the president of every extracurricular club? What if you come from a regular background with no mind-blowing achievements?
If you’ve been asking yourself these things, you’re definitely not alone. Most students want to go to college while going into as little debt as possible. And we’d strongly agree with that approach—student debt can be a serious burden—making this kind of scholarship the ultimate dream.
Well, here’s a dose of reality: full-ride scholarships are incredibly competitive and limited in number. But there are ways to maximize your chances of receiving one.
To help with that, this guide will teach you what you need to know, including lists of private organizations and colleges that offer full-ride scholarships to a select few students.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is a full-ride scholarship?
Let’s start with the basics: A full-ride scholarship is an award that covers the total cost of attending college, including tuition, fees, room and board, and sometimes even books and other expenses.
Which means that, if you receive one, you can potentially attend school without paying a dime out of pocket. No student loans. No financial stress. No need to worry about working to help cover tuition.
Which probably sounds pretty awesome. So how do you get such a scholarship? That depends on factors like your academic achievements, athletic skills, financial need, or even state residency.
Types of full-ride scholarships
There are a few types of full-ride scholarships available. Let’s explore each type to see which might be the best fit for you to explore.
Academic achievement/Merit-based
Academic or merit-based scholarships are awarded based on high academic achievement. These scholarships typically require excellent grades, high test scores, and sometimes additional criteria like leadership, community service, or extracurricular involvement. (Note that most highly selective colleges, e.g. the Ivy League Schools, don’t offer institutional merit-based aid.)
Athletic
Athletic scholarships are for students who demonstrate exceptional athletic ability in a specific sport. Colleges and universities, especially those in the NCAA Division I and II, offer these scholarships to recruit talented athletes for their teams. To qualify, you must usually be scouted or directly recruited by coaches and maintain specific academic standards while playing for the college.
State-sponsored
State-sponsored scholarships often cover tuition and other college expenses for students attending in-state public universities. They may be awarded based on academic performance, financial need, or a combination.
Government (ROTC)
The U.S. government offers ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) scholarships to students who commit to military service after college. These scholarships cover the total cost of tuition, fees, and sometimes even living expenses. In exchange, recipients agree to serve as officers in the military for a specified number of years after graduation.
Need-based
Need-based scholarships help students from low-income families afford a college education. Many private universities offer need-based full-ride scholarships to admitted students whose family income meets specific requirements. (Head here for a full guide to “need-blind” colleges.)
How hard is it to get a full-ride scholarship?
It’s really hard to get a full-ride scholarship. To be blunt, you probably have a better chance of getting into an Ivy League college. Seriously! Something like 0.1% of students get full-ride scholarships.
If you find that surprising, think of it this way: Imagine how many students compete for a handful of full-ride scholarships nationwide—A LOT.
So, you should also explore other ways to pay for college to be safe, and work on stacking many scholarships and grants whenever possible. You can also use some strategies to increase your chances of receiving a full-ride scholarship.
So let’s dive into those.
How do you get a full-ride scholarship?
Applying for a full-ride scholarship is generally going to be highly competitive, and most successful applicants go through a careful, multi-step process to make their application stand out.
Here’s what you need to know to give yourself the best shot.
GPA and test scores
Most merit-based scholarships require top-notch academic records, so if you’re applying for one, aim for a high GPA and strong test scores on the ACT or SAT. Some scholarships even have minimums you’ll need to meet to be considered. However, many colleges are moving away from mandatory test scores, so double-check the requirements for each scholarship.
Highly recommended: make a copy of our scholarship tracker (click “File” → “Make a copy”), so it’s easy to see important requirements like these, as well as dates, amounts, etc.
If you’re worried about meeting the GPA or test score requirements, start by identifying areas where you struggle most and focus your efforts there. This might mean seeking tutoring, using prep resources, or creating a study schedule to raise your GPA and test scores over time.
Check out these resources:
Scholarship essays and personal statement
Beyond grades, your essay (if required) is crucial. It’s your chance to share your story, highlight what makes you unique, and connect with the scholarship committee.
How do you write a scholarship essay? That depends on the prompt, but in general you should share your values and the experiences that have shaped them, and what you hope to achieve in college and beyond. Also, use storytelling techniques to make it genuine and compelling—this can be what sets you apart from hundreds of other high-achieving applicants.
Because writing scholarship essays is a complete subject on its own, for a full guide, check this out: How to Write a Scholarship Essay: Complete Guide + Examples.
Letters of recommendation
Most scholarship applications will ask you to submit one or more letters of recommendation from people who can vouch for your work ethic, leadership skills, and personal qualities in a way that grades and test scores can’t.
Who should you ask to write your letters of recommendation? Aim for letters from teachers, coaches, or mentors who know you well and can speak to your character, giving the committee insight into you beyond your grades and activities. Ideally, they should provide specific examples of times you’ve shown determination and leadership or made a meaningful impact.
Relevant resource: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
National vs. local scholarships
National full-ride scholarships get thousands of applicants, so while they’re worth a shot, don’t overlook local scholarships. Many local or regional scholarships have fewer (often far, far fewer) applicants, which can significantly increase your odds.
Also, remember that even though you can’t pay for all of college with a single local scholarship, smaller awards can still add up and cover a large portion of your college costs.
For more, check out these resources:
Private full-ride scholarships
With all of the above in mind, if you want to explore some huge scholarships (again, with pretty intense competition), the organizations below are pretty amazing in their support of students.
Cameron Impact Scholarship
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a full-tuition, merit-based scholarship awarded annually to 10-15 high school students. It covers the total cost of attending any accredited U.S. college or university. Recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, community service involvement, and demonstrated passion for positively impacting the world.
Eligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen
Be a high school senior
Maintain a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale
Show excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service
Plan to enroll full-time at a four-year accredited U.S. college or university
The application process usually involves several essays
Usual Application Deadline:
May 22
The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive, last-dollar scholarship awarded to 300 minority high school seniors from low-income households each year. It covers the remaining cost of attendance not covered by financial aid or other scholarships, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and more.
Eligibility:
Be a high school senior
Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
From one of the following ethnicities: Black/African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American
Pell Grant-eligible (low-income household)
Have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
Demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and personal success skills
For a larger guide to the Gates Scholarship, head to that link.
Usual Application Deadline:
September 15
Coolidge Scholarship
The Coolidge Scholarship is a prestigious, full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited American university. It is awarded to high school juniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public policy or civic engagement.
Eligibility:
Must be a current high school junior
Open to students of any background pursuing any academic discipline
U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident
Usual Application Deadline:
December 11
USDA 1890 National Scholars Program
The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a full-ride scholarship aimed at increasing the number of minorities pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines. Recipients receive full tuition, room, board, and other fees at one of the 19 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities, along with opportunities for paid internships and potential employment with the USDA after graduation.
Eligibility:
Be a U.S. citizen
Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
Be accepted for admission or currently attending one of the 19 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities
Plan to study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic fields
Demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to community service
Usual Application Deadline:
March 1
Questbridge National College Match Scholarships
The Questbridge National College Match program helps high-achieving, low-income high school seniors gain admission to top colleges and universities in the U.S. The Match Scholarship covers the total cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses.
Eligibility:
Must be a high school senior
Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement (competitive candidates are often in the top 5-10% of their class)
Demonstrate resilience, integrity, and motivation to succeed
Have significant financial need (household income typically less than $65,000 annually for a family of four)
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or currently attending high school in the U.S.
Planning to attend college in the fall after senior year
For a full guide to Questbridge, including successful example essays and analysis, head here.
Usual Application Deadline:
September 26
Flinn Scholars Program
The Flinn Scholars Program provides a prestigious, merit-based scholarship for Arizona high school seniors. It covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, and study abroad at one of Arizona’s public universities. Scholars also receive professional mentoring, networking opportunities, and funding for an internship or research project.
Eligibility:
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Be an Arizona resident for at least two years prior to college enrollment
Maintain a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5
Rank in the top 5% of their graduating class (if class rank is provided)
Submit ACT or SAT scores (minimum test score of 26 on the ACT or 1230 on the SAT)
Demonstrate leadership, community service, and involvement in extracurricular activities
Usual Application Deadline:
October 21
Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program
The Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program offers a full scholarship covering the cost of tuition, fees, and books for high-achieving high school students in New York City who are interested in pursuing a career in financial services. Recipients also gain valuable real-world experience through paid internships at JPMorgan Chase while attending college.
Eligibility:
Must be a high school senior living in New York City
Demonstrate an interest in business or financial services
Be accepted into a participating college or university (list provided by the program)
Show strong academic performance and leadership potential
Usual Application Deadline:
January 17
Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program is a highly competitive, need-based scholarship for high-achieving high school seniors. It provides up to $55,000 per year to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and fees at a four-year accredited college or university. Scholars also receive personalized advising and opportunities for networking and mentorship.
Eligibility:
Must be a high school senior
Earn a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above
Demonstrate unmet financial need (family income typically below $95,000)
Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S.
Show exceptional academic ability, leadership, and persistence
Usual Application Deadline:
November 14
Air Force ROTC (Type 1 High School) Scholarship
The Air Force ROTC (Type 1) Scholarship covers full tuition, authorized fees, a monthly living stipend, and an annual book stipend for students planning to pursue a degree at any public or private institution with an Air Force ROTC detachment. This scholarship is part of the ROTC program.
Eligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen
Be a high school senior
Have an SAT composite score of at least 1240 or an ACT composite score of 26
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Must meet physical fitness and medical requirements
Serve in the U.S. Air Force after graduation
Usual Application Deadline:
January 9
Act Six Scholars Program
The Act Six Scholars Program offers full-tuition scholarships to emerging community leaders from urban and community-based settings. Scholars get matched with one of the program’s faith- and social justice-based partner colleges.
Eligibility:
Must live in one of the Act Six program sites (specific regions in the U.S.)
Be a high school senior or student at a two-year college (not currently enrolled in a four-year college)
Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service
Plan to attend at least one of Act Six’s partner colleges
Usual Application Deadline:
December 1
Posse Scholars Program
The Posse Scholars Program provides full-tuition scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service. Students must be nominated by their high school or a community-based organization and are matched with partner colleges that value diversity and inclusion.
Eligibility:
Be nominated by their high school or community organization
Be a high school senior in the first term of their senior year
Demonstrate leadership within their school, community, or family
Be in good academic standing
Plan to attend one of the Posse Scholars partner colleges
Usual Application Deadline:
Varies by location (typically in the spring or summer before senior year)
5 Strong Scholarship Program
The 5 Strong Scholarship Program partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide full-tuition scholarships and mentorship to promising student leaders. The program supports students from admission through graduation, emphasizing leadership development and academic success.
Eligibility:
Must reside in the Metro Atlanta or Metro Houston areas (all surrounding counties are eligible)
Be a current-year graduating high school senior
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and ACT score of 19 or SAT score of 990 (Verbal & Math only)
Demonstrate potential for leadership on campus and in the classroom
Be available to attend College Ready Prep Sessions in Atlanta twice a month
Usual Application Deadline:
December 1
DoD SMART Scholarship
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship is a scholarship-for-service program funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. It provides full tuition, a living stipend, a book allowance, and guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation. Students also participate in hands-on research through summer internships.
Eligibility:
Must be a U.S., UK, Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand citizen
Be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a technical STEM discipline
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Be willing to commit to post-graduation employment with the DoD
Be available for summer internships at a DoD facility
Usual Application Deadline:
First Friday in December
DoD Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship
The Dellums SMART Scholarship is another full-ride scholarship offered by the U.S. Department of Defense. It’s for students with no college credit who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree. It also provides full tuition, a living stipend, a book allowance, and guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation.
Eligibility:
Must be a U.S., UK, Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand citizen
Be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a technical STEM discipline
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Be willing to commit to post-graduation employment with the DoD
Be available for summer internships at a DoD facility
Usual Application Deadline:
First Friday in December
US Colleges that offer full-ride or major scholarships
US Colleges that offer full-ride or major scholarships
Here’s a list of colleges in the US that offer full-ride or major scholarships to exceptional students. Click the links of each scholarship to learn more about eligibility criteria, application components, and deadlines.
Agnes Scott College
Marvin B. Perry Presidential Scholarships
Goizueta Foundation Scholarship
Barry University
Boston College
Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program
Boston University
Carthage College
Lincoln Scholarship
Clausen Scholarship
Ruud Scholarship
Clemson University
College of William and Mary
Davidson College
Drake University
Duke University
Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
Elizabethtown College
Emory University
Fordham University
Fordham Merit-Based Scholarships
Presidential Scholarship
Semifinalist Scholarship
Furman University
Furman Merit-Based Scholarships
James B. Duke Scholarship
Joseph A. Vaughn Scholarship
Georgia Institute of Technology
Stamps President's Scholars Program
George Washington University
Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship
Hendrix College
Indiana University Bloomington
Illinois Institute of Technology
Duchossois Leadership Scholars Program
Lewis and Clark College
Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarship
Louisiana State University
Miami University
Mercer University
Michigan State University
High-Achieving Student Scholarships
Alumni Distinguished Scholarship
Distinguished Freshman Scholarship
North Carolina A&T State University
Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholarship
North Carolina State University
Oglethorpe University
James Edward Oglethorpe Scholarship
OU Theatre Scholarship
J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarship
Hammack Scholarship
Purdue University
Providence College
Rollins College
Saint Louis University
Salem College
Salem College Merit Scholarships
Robert E. Elberson Scholarship
Chatham Scholarship
Elberson Scholarship
Kick Scholarship
Womble Scholarship
Whitaker Scholarship
John Preston Davis Art Scholarship
Southern Methodist University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevenson University
St. Lawrence University
Kirk Douglas Scholarship
Trustee Scholarship
Syracuse University
Texas Christian University
Tulane University
University at Buffalo
Millonzi Distinguished Honors Scholarship
University of Alabama
University of Chicago
The Chicago Commitment Scholarships
Chicago Police and Fire Scholarship
Chicago Public Schools Scholarship
UChicago Charter School Scholarship
City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Star Scholarship
University of Hawai'i
University of Houston
University of Illinois
James Hunter Anthony & Gerald E. Blackshear Endowment
University of Kentucky
Otis A. Singletary Scholarship
Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Presidential
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Miami
Stamps Scholarship
Isaac Bashevis Singer Scholarship
Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship
Marta S. and L. Austin Weeks Endowed Scholarship
George W. Jenkins Scholarship
University of Mississippi
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
University of Notre Dame
University of Pittsburgh
Chancellor's Scholarship
Stamps Scholarship
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
Alan and Jane Handler Endowed Scholarship
University of Southern California
University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Dallas
Eugene McDermott Scholars Program
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin
Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program
Vanderbilt University
Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship
Villanova University
Presidential Scholarship
St. Martin de Porres Scholarship
Wake Forest University
Guy T. Carswell Scholarship
Graylyn Scholarship
Joseph G. Gordon Scholarship
Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholarship
Stamps Scholarship
Washington and Lee University
Washington University in St. Louis
John B. Ervin Scholars Program
Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program
Wofford College
Key Takeaways
Getting a full-ride scholarship can be a game-changer for your financial future. But it’s also highly competitive. So, don’t put all your eggs in one basket!
Apply for smaller scholarships as well to increase your chances of receiving financial support. You may even end up with a combination of awards that cover all your costs by winning multiple scholarships.
If you need more advice on how to pay for college, check out this resource next: Crash Course on How to Pay for College (Using as Little of Your Own Money as Possible).
Special thanks to Ameer for writing this blog.
Ameer Drane is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
