Are There Colleges With Full Ride Scholarships? Apply to Study for Free

Quick Highlights:

• Many colleges offer full-ride scholarships primarily for outstanding academic achievements and financial need.
• Full-ride scholarships can cover tuition, room, board, personal expenses, and sometimes even provide stipends.
• Criteria for these scholarships often include high test scores, leadership qualities, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Application processes can vary, with some schools requiring additional essays or interviews.

College is a dream for many high school students, but there’s no denying that expenses can get in the way. College costs can be a major deterrent, especially when you have financial need. 

Yet, many institutions recognize the promise of high-achieving high school students. There are colleges that give full ride scholarships to select incoming freshmen who perform well academically. If you need help financing college, here’s a look at the top full ride scholarships that could fully fund your education.

What Colleges Give Full Ride Scholarships?

Higher education is expensive. Colleges with full ride scholarships can help you get the education you deserve without the monetary burden. In addition to financing your entire college tuition and room and board, many colleges with full scholarships also offer stipends for personal expenses and provide university health insurance. This ensures you can meet your basic needs while studying.

Who Qualifies for Full Tuition Scholarships?

Universities that offer full ride scholarships want to reward students for outstanding academic achievement. High school seniors with high SAT and ACT test scores can apply for merit scholarships. Other criteria that can earn students a full ride scholarship include:

• exceptional academic credentials
• SAT scores
• areas of interest
• extracurricular activities
• demographics

Schools that offer full ride scholarships also consider financial need. To qualify for a full tuition scholarship based on financial need, you’ll at the very least need to submit a FAFSA form. This form can help determine what financial aid you may be eligible for. There may be extra essays or application materials you will need to submit.

If you’re looking for a full ride scholarship program, keep in mind that it is competitive. Both private colleges and state universities that give full rides have their own trusts and funding sources. This allows them to offer full scholarship awards to a select number of high school students entering college each fall.

Below we take a look at some outstanding schools with full ride scholarships.

Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts

BU is one of the top schools that give full rides to exceptional incoming freshmen. The Boston University Trustee Scholarship awards full ride scholarships to 20 outstanding individuals in its incoming freshman class. Most honorees maintain a 4.0 throughout high school and rank at or near the top of their class.

The Boston University Trustee scholarship committee doesn’t just look at grades. BU looks for well-rounded high school seniors that are intellectual and creative. They want students who have potential to contribute to the campus community both culturally and socially. Applicants must complete an essay to be considered.

Duke University – Durham, North Carolina

Duke is committed to ensuring financial aid for every student in need. Duke offers 9 different merit scholarships to incoming students. No separate application is required these full ride scholarships. Simply apply through Duke’s regular admissions application for consideration for these scholarships.

These scholarships are led by a Faculty Director who works closely with merit scholars. Scholars engage with faculty through programs like Faculty Fellows. They listen to guest speakers during events like Faculty Flash Talks on Race and Society. Scholars may even participate in field trips.

The Durham, North Carolina-based university has a need-blind admission policy. They admit students based on promise and potential, regardless of financial status. They encourage students to apply to their school regardless of cost.

University of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

The University of Chicago offers admitted students a myriad of scholarship options. Students in Illinois, and specifically in Chicago, have a number of full ride scholarships to choose from. One of the most unique is the Chicago Police and Fire Scholarship. This unique scholarship opportunity is available to students of active firefighters and officers. This scholarship covers full tuition costs during your undergraduate degree.

Children of Chicago Public Schools teachers are eligible for a full tuition scholarship. Students who attend University of Chicago’s select partner high schools are also eligible. The Children of Chicago Public Schools education scholarships need a separate application.

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, offers many merit-based scholarships. Students who show the following attributes are eligible for The Shipman Scholarship:

• academic excellence
• leadership skills
• talent in the arts and sciences

Only 32 incoming students receive this renewable award. College students can renew their award if they continue to meet the academic requirements.

The University of Michigan also offers the Stamps Scholarship. Eligible students must show:

• exceptional talent
• leadership qualities
• academic achievement
• community commitment

This scholarship covers full tuition. Stamps scholars can receive $5,000 in extra financial support to cover areas like:

• study abroad
• extracurricular activities
• research
• internships

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Merit-based scholarships at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill range from $10,000 to the full cost of attendance. Potential recipients are considered based on:

• academic achievement
• leadership qualities
• commitment to service
• potential for success at the University

There is no separate application for this full tuition scholarship. Students are considered based on their admissions application. They will be notified after admittance. Unlike many other full ride scholarships, UNC doesn’t consider financial need as a factor when deciding who gets funding.

University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California

Students applying to the University of Southern California are considered for Merit Scholarships based on areas like:

• academic promise
• leadership
• artistic talent
• athletic achievement

Students from different cultures and underprivileged backgrounds are also considered.

These awards range in size and can potentially cover the full cost of tuition. USC offers a full-tuition, four-year Trustee scholarship. They also offer a half-tuition Presidential Scholarship. All students who apply to USC by the deadline will be considered. No separate application is necessary.

Boston College – Boston, Massachusetts

The main full ride scholarship at Boston College is the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program (GPSP). Only 18 students receive this Presidential Scholarship each year. This scholarship covers four years of:

• full tuition
• room and board

They look for students with great grades and hold leadership roles in their schools. Students should have a demonstrated interest in community service. The Presidential Scholars Program differs from other scholarships. It also provides funding for students to attend GPSP-sponsored summer programs.

Students must meet the priority scholarship deadline when they apply for admission to be considered for this president’s scholarship.

University of Virginia – Charlottesville, Virginia

The University of Virginia offers a range of scholarship opportunities. They offer need- based scholarships through the AccessUVA program. These are privately endowed scholarships for student who meet specific criteria.

Students may be eligible for scholarships through specific academic departments. Scholarships are available to students who:

• demonstrate passion and expertise in a certain subject
• show artistic talent
• have exceptional grades 

The UVA alumni association awards over 250 scholarships. Some of these cover the full cost of tuition and room and board. Students need to apply separately for alumni funds.

Vanderbilt University – Nashville, Tennessee

There are three merit-based scholarships at Vanderbilt that offer students a full ride:

• Ingram Scholars
• Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholars
• Chancellor’s Scholars

The Ingram Scholars program is for students planning a professional or business career. Students should have a commitment to:

• civic-minded service
• innovation
• an entrepreneurial spirit
• leadership

The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship program is for students with demonstrated academic achievement. Students must have made leadership contributions beyond the classroom.

Chancellor’s Scholars is another program for high achieving high school students. This program looks for students who have bridged the gap between different groups of people to improve their high school community. Students must have a strong interest in areas like:

• diversity education
• tolerance
• social justice

There are approximately 250 recipients of these scholarships at Vanderbilt. Finalists must officially declare Vanderbilt as their first-choice school with the National Merit Corporation. 

These full ride scholarships include a stipend that covers extra academic activities. These activities might include study abroad and summer research. Students must complete a scholarship application for all merit-based scholarships.

Emory University – Atlanta, Georgia

The Emory University Scholar Programs provides three main scholarships for incoming new freshmen. These include:

• Emory College Woodruff Scholars
• The Oxford College Woodruff Scholars
• Goizueta Scholars

These scholarship programs at Emory University emphasize community and encourage a commitment to campus life. Between 175-200 students are selected as scholarship finalists. Students simply have to state they would like to be considered for a scholarship on their application to be eligible.

Tulane University – New Orleans, Louisiana

Tulane offers several different full tuition scholarships. Students must complete a separate application to be eligible for four full-tuition scholarships. These scholarships are competitive. Students are prioritized based on:

• academic performance
• community involvement
• standardized test scores
• intellectual promise

Full tuition scholarships include the Dean’s Honor Scholarship and the Paul Tulane Award. Both require high standardized test scores.

The Stamps Scholarship is awarded to five students who exemplify:

• leadership
• scholarship
• innovation

The Stamps Scholarship covers the cost of tuition. It includes additional funding to support efforts like study abroad and undergraduate research.

Tulane also offers the Sotomayor Full-Tuition Public Service Scholarship. This full ride award is given to one student who shows a commitment to public service.

Texas Christian University – Fort Worth Texas

TCU offers the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program which covers full tuition for four years. This highly competitive program has a rigorous application process. Applications undergo multiple rounds of committee review. Committees review students’:

• writing samples
• leadership accomplishments
• service records
• extracurricular activities

On-campus interviews are also conducted with top 1% candidates.

Chancellor’s scholars receive full tuition. They also participate in a unique international experience. Recipients receive specific recognition at graduation.

Michigan State University – East Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State University offers several different high achieving student scholarships. The Alumni Distinguished Scholarship is a renewable award that includes:

• tuition
• fees
• room and board
• $1,000 annually

Top candidates are invited to participate in the MSU Alumni Distinguished Scholarship competition. Fifteen scholarships are awarded. The top 20 runners-up scholarship competition are awarded the Distinguished Freshman Scholarship. This full ride scholarship covers tuition and fees for up to eight semesters.

Another significant award includes the Merit Recognition Scholarship. This scholarship provides up to $4,000 annually plus room and board.

Wake Forest University – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Wake Forest offers six different major scholarships. Less than 3% of first year applicants will be awarded one of these prestigious scholarships. Major scholarships include:

• Guy T. Carswell Scholarships
• Joseph G. Gordon Scholarships

Guy T. Carswell Scholarships are awarded to students showing:

• academic promise
• leadership
• talent

Scholarships cover annual tuition and room and board. Recipients can also earn $3,400 for personal expenses. Carswell Scholars can apply for up to $5,000 each summer to fund research or travel projects during the summer months.

Joseph G. Gordon scholarships are awarded to members of underrepresented constituencies who show exceptional promise and achievement. Up to five scholarships are awarded annually. Scholarships cover:

• tuition
• room and board
• $3,400 for personal expenses

Recipients can apply for up to $5,000 in funding for opportunities that include:

• summer research
• study
• travel opportunities

The Catholic University of America – Washington, DC

CUA is another great university offering full ride scholarship opportunities. Their merit awards are not based on financial need.

One of the University’s most prestigious awards is the Archdiocesan Scholarship. To be considered for this full-tuition scholarship, applicants should be at the top of their high school class. Finalists will be asked to participate in an interview process. Recipients must maintain a 3.2 GPA while at the University.

They also offer the Most Reverence David M. O’Connell Service Scholarship. This full ride scholarship is awarded to a student who embodies Bishop David M. O’Connell’s dedication to service.

The Catholic University Scholarship is another major scholarship offered by the University. Award amounts range from $15,000 to $30,000 over four years. Candidates should have excellent grades and a high class rank.

North Carolina State University – Raleigh, North Carolina

NC State University is known for their prestigious Parks Scholarships Program. The Parks Scholarships Program is a four-year scholarship awarded to students based on outstanding accomplishments and potential in:

• scholarship
• leadership
• service
• character

Both in state and out of state students are encouraged to apply. The full ride scholarship covers:

• tuition and fees
• room and board
• books and supplies
• travel
• personal expenses
• grants for professional and personal enrichment experiences

Recipients are invited to join the University Scholars Program. This innovative program strives to:

• introduce high-achieving students to the visual and performing arts
• encourage them to consider issues from science and politics
• challenge students to succeed academically
• inspire students through international and outdoor education programs

University of Rochester – Rochester, New York

Both first-year and transfer students are eligible for full-tuition, merit-based scholarships. All students who apply to the undergraduate school are considered for these full ride scholarships, which are awarded based solely on academic excellence, rather than financial need. 

Additionally, students who receive this scholarship will need to maintain full-time status in school. They will need to meet high academic standards throughout their studies. A yearly review will ensure that students meet these criteria and qualify to continue collecting funds for their education.

Yale University – New Haven, Connecticut

Yale University is another of the Ivy League colleges that offer full rides. Yale offers a number of merit-based scholarships that can cover the full cost of tuition. The Yale Scholarship is a need-based grant averaging $50,000 per year, but up to $70,000 per year. That’s 97% of the cost of attendance! Additional funds come from area organizations and clubs. 

These scholarships aren’t awarded based on academics. Rather, Yale is committed to funding 100% of all students who are accepted, according to their financial need. On average, college students with parents who make $65,000 a year or less pay $0 for tuition. 

Miami University – Oxford, Ohio

Miami University offers several full ride scholarships. One of their most popular programs is the Ohio Governor’s Scholarship. This scholarship covers full tuition and general fees for a top student from each county in the state. They also offer the elite Presidential Fellows Program. The benefits include:

• A four-year scholarship that includes tuition, fees, room and board
• A one-time $5,000 academic enrichment stipend
• Tailored programming for Presidential Fellows

The selection process is highly competitive. You’ll need to complete the Honors Program Application and complete a supplemental essay. Finalists will participate in the Presidential Fellows Program Scholarship Showcase. Winners will be chosen based on their performance in this competition.

Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts

Northeastern is another of the top schools with full ride scholarships. These programs are designed to reward top talent with financial support throughout their college experience. Opportunities include:

• Torch Scholars Program
• Boston Scholarships
• Stamps Scholars Program

The Torch Scholars Program was created to reward students who have overcome exceptional odds and demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Torch Scholars benefit from participation in a Summer Immersion Program before freshman year. They receive full tuition, fees, and room and board. Students must be nominated by an educational professional.

Northeastern offers several scholarship opportunities to Boston students exhibiting academic excellence. Depending on the scholarship, students could receive full tuition, or full tuition, room and board. Scholarships include the Boston Public High School Scholarship and the Boston Housing Authority Scholarship. While these scholarships don’t cover mandatory fees, students can apply for financial aid which may assist with the cost.

A small cohort of students receive awards through the Stamps Scholars Program. Invited students complete a separate application process. Scholars receive full ride scholarships and stipends for research or travel.

The University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia

The University of Georgia offers several unique full ride scholarships that reward outstanding students. Their Foundation Fellowship is a comprehensive program available to:

• Georgia residents
• non-resident students
• international students

In addition to covering tuition, students receive a stipend and housing supplement. Three fully funded spring travel-study programs and a summer study abroad program to Oxford are also included in the award. Additional benefits include:

• Twice-a-year, all-scholar retreats
• individual travel-study grants
• faculty, peer, and alumni mentoring

The University of Georgia also offers the Bradley Turner Leadership Scholarship. The award goes to one incoming freshman and includes a full ride scholarship.  The scholarship includes the cost of in-state tuition and room and board. Preference is given to students living in the Columbus, Georgia area who aspire to be student leaders at UGA.

Furman University – Greenville, South Carolina

Furman University offers several merit-based scholarships to students with exceptional academic credentials. Furman evaluates students on their:

• GPA
• Strength of Curriculum
• Test scores (if submitted)
• Essay
• Co-curricular activities

Their most prestigious academic awards at the James B. Duke Scholarships. These are awarded to the top one or two percent of applicants. These full ride scholarships cover:

• tuition
• room and board
• all fees
• participation in the Riley Institute’s Advantage Scholars program
• membership in Furman’s Community of Scholars

They also award the Joseph A. Vaughn Scholarship which covers tuition, room and board, and fees. These full ride scholarships are awarded to five, new, incoming Black or African-American students living in South Carolina. Applicants must demonstrate strong academics and a commitment to their communities.

George Washington University – Washington, DC

George Washington University has made a commitment to reward well qualified students with academic scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded to different groups of students including:

• First-year applicants
• Transfer students
• Military and veteran applicants
• International students

High school seniors in DC can apply for the Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship program. The scholarship covers full tuition as well as:

• room and board
• books
• university fees

Incoming students with a dedicated commitment to the Latino community may be interested in the Cisneros Scholars program. Cisneros Scholars are part of an innovative leadership development program while at GW. The scholarship covers:

• financial support
• academic support
• social support

University of Notre Dame – Notre Dame, Indiana

Notre Dame offers the Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program. This scholarship program is open to students from any college of major. Applicants should have the following attributes:

• outstanding academic achievement
• commitment to service
• demonstrated leadership ability
• exemplary moral character

The award is good for $25,000 annually toward the cost of tuition. Award winners attend a one-week Outward Bound Wilderness Leadership Canoe Expedition in Minnesota. They also participate in four Summer Enrichment Experiences to explore their interests outside the classroom.

The Stamps Scholars Program offered by the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation is another full scholarship opportunity. This full ride scholarship program covers the cost of:

• books
• personal expenses
• transportation
• tuition
• fees

Recipients participate in the Outward Bound Wilderness Leadership Canoe Expedition and the bi-annual Stamps Scholars National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana

Indiana University offers several unique full-ride scholarship opportunities. The Hudson and Holland Scholars Program is available to high-achieving minority students. The award covers in-state tuition and mandatory fees.

Students admitted to the Kelley School of Business have three scholarship opportunities including:

• William R. Fry Scholars’ Program
• Dean’s Council Scholarship
• Conrad Prebys Scholar’ Program

The Fry Scholars’ Program is a full tuition scholarship that includes:

• tuition
• room and board
• fees

The Conrad Prebys Scholars’ Program supports first year students who demonstrate high academic achievement. The Dean’s Council Scholarship provides academic, financial, and professional development support.

The Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio

Ohio State University offers several premier merit awards. The Eminence Fellows Program and Scholarship covers the full cost of attendance and a $3,000 enrichment grant. The Morrill Scholarship Program is competitive scholarship for students actively engaged in:

• social justice
• service
• diversity-based leadership

The award covers the cost of attendance. Students must complete an essay to be considered.

Ohio residents who are Pell-eligible and demonstrate academic merit are eligible for the Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to two students from each county in Ohio. The award covers the full cost of attendance.

Loyola Marymount University – Los Angeles, California

Loyola Marymount University offers a variety of academic scholarship programs to incoming freshmen. Selection is based on factors like:

• GPA
• rigor of college prep curriculum
• class standing
• standardized test scores

Their most prestigious awards are the Presidential Scholarships. Presidential Scholars receive $30,000/year for four years and are admitted into the University Honors Program. The award also includes a paid summer research opportunity and participation in the Office of Career and Professional Development’s Presidential Scholarship Mentorship Program.

Arrupe Scholarships are another competitive scholarship program. These awards range from $12,500/year to full tuition and can be renewed for four years.

American University – Washington, DC

All admitted students to American University are considered for merit and academic scholarships. These awards are issued to students demonstrating excellent academic credentials and leadership skills.

American University has set aside $3 million to support low income, high achieving students attending DC public and charter schools. The AU District Scholars Award covers full tuition room and board. Ten scholarships are awarded each year.

AU also offers the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program (FDDS). This full ride scholarship covers:

• full tuition
• mandatory fees
• books
• U-ass
• room and board

AU encourages historically underrepresented minority students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to apply.

Stevens Institute of Technology – Hoboken, New Jersey

Stevens Institute of Technology offers merit scholarships ranging between $5,000 and full tuition. Most scholarships don’t even require a separate application!

The Ann P. Neupauer Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship. Recipients can renew the scholarship for eight full-time semesters as long as they maintain a 3.2 GPA.

Stevens also offers The Edwin A. Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to high school students with a proven record of excellence. Applicants are considered on the basis of:

• transcripts
• standardized test scores
• recommendations

Rollins College – Winter Park, Florida

Rollins College offers several different academic scholarships to outstanding students. There’s no separate application to complete, all college applicants are considered. Scholarship opportunities include:

• Alfond Scholars Program
• Dean’s Scholarships
• Alonzo Rollins Scholarship

The Alfond Scholars Program awards 10 full ride scholarships each year to first-time college applicants. The award covers:

• tuition
• fees
• room and board

The awards go to outstanding high school seniors. Scholarship semi-finalists typically have at least a GPA of a 3.8.

The Dean’s Scholarships are awarded to students with an outstanding academic record. Applicants should have high standardized test scores and a GPA above a 3.6. Winners are awarded up to $27,000/year in financial support.

The Alonzo Rollins Scholarship is another high value scholarship rewarding academic performance. Applicants should have at least a 3.5 GPA. Winners are awarded up to $28,000/year.

Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Tech offers more than 850 institutional named scholarships. Applicants are automatically considered for all grants and scholarships. Some of the best full ride scholarships include:

• G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Program
• Stamps President’s Scholars Program
• BlackRock Hallac Scholarship

The G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Program is a full scholarship for low-income Georgia students. The goal of the program is to provide a debt free degree program to qualifying students.

The Stamps President’s Scholars Program is a highly competitive program offered to the top 1% of first-year students. The program four-year full ride scholarship.

BlackRock offers two cost of attendance scholarships each year to students who have completed their first year of school with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Students must have a demonstrated financial need for this full ride scholarship.

University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin Madison offers several unique scholarship opportunities for international students. The King-Morgridge Scholars Program is a full ride scholarship for high achieving students who are committed to addressing poverty in their own countries. Recipients come from countries in:

• Africa
• the Caribbean
• Latin America
• South and Southeast Asia

Scholars will receive a full ride scholarship that includes:

• tuition and fees
• on-campus room and board
• health insurance
• airfare
• stipend

Another scholarship opportunity for international students is the Latin American Scholarship. Qualified applicants are high achieving students from a Latin American country.

University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland

University of Maryland offers several prestigious scholarships to the best and brightest students. They offer the Banneker/Key Scholarship which covers:

• tuition
• mandatory fees
• room and board
• book allowance
• admission to the Honors College

They offer the President’s Scholarship which provides between $2000 and $12,500 in support each year. In-state and out-of-state applicants are eligible to apply. Applicants are evaluated based on:

• academic achievement
• extracurricular activities
• awards
• honors
• an essay

Financing College With a Full Scholarship

College is a big decision that can greatly improve your career options after graduation. As you take this important step, your financial status shouldn’t be a stumbling block. 

That’s why applying to colleges with full ride scholarships is critical. Some of the top full ride colleges and universities in America offer scholarship money based on:

• financial need
• academic achievement
• community involvement
• creative promise

Visit College Rank for more tips on the top colleges and universities. You’ll also learn more about majors, programs, and funding.