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Free US Scholarships
It is no secret that the cost of college tuition in the U.S. has been rising steadily for years. For many students and their families, this price tag is simply too high. Fortunately, there are many organizations that offer scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of tuition.
The U.S. government also provides numerous scholarship opportunities to international students looking to pursue higher education in the U.S. Through these scholarships, the U.S. government seeks to foster a global understanding of cultures, create meaningful relationships with other nations, and provide students with access to affordable educational opportunities.
There are many scholarships for college out there that can help cover the cost of college, but it can be hard to know where to start looking. Here are 10 free scholarships for U.S. colleges that you can apply for today.
Knight Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
This scholarship for college is an international program that provides funding for up to 100 of the world’s most promising leaders from around the globe each year. The program seeks to enable future leaders who have the capacity and commitment to make a positive, lasting impact on society to pursue a graduate degree at Stanford University. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program awards include full tuition, living expenses, travel expenses, medical insurance coverage, books and supplies, and participation in professional development activities such as seminars and workshops. Additionally, scholars will gain access to housing in on-campus residences near the heart of campus. Upon graduation from Stanford University with their graduate degree, Knight-Hennessy Scholars are awarded special alumni status with exclusive networking opportunities and other lifelong benefits.
Eligibility requirements include having a bachelor’s degree or higher, and must be enrolled in a full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University.
Applications are due October 2023.
The Gates Scholarship is a prestigious, full-ride scholarship for highschool seniors from low-income backgrounds who are looking to pursue a college degree. This program strives to open doors for these students so they can pursue higher education without worrying about the financial burden associated with college tuition fees or other related costs. The award is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and provides recipients with financial assistance for up to five years of undergraduate study at any accredited college or university of their choosing in the U.S. The award amount through The Gates Scholarship covers tuition fees, room and board expenses, books and supplies as well as other related costs such as travel expenses.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Must be a high school senior
- S. citizen, or a permanent citizen
- From at least one of these ethnicities: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
- Pell-eligible
- Having a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher
Applications open in July 2023 and are due September 2023.
Boston University Trustee Scholarship
The Boston University Trustee Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship program with a select number of recipients chosen each year. This prestigious award is given to students who show outstanding academic achievement, extraordinary leadership potential, and commitment to their community. The award covers tuition fees, room and board expenses, books and supplies as well as other related costs such as travel expenses, which can be renewed for up to four years.
Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate significant financial need. In addition, candidates must also have an impressive extracurricular record, show evidence of experience in the community and/or professional world, and provide references from teachers, employers or mentors who can testify to their character and accomplishments.
Applications are due December 2023.
Stanford University Scholarships
If you’re considering applying to Stanford University for your studies but are concerned about the high costs, it’s worth knowing about Stanford’s offer of financial support for those from low-income backgrounds. Stanford offers to cover tuition fees for students who come from families that earn less than $150,000, and offers to also cover room and board if family income is less than $100,000.
Eligibility for this program is not just based on income level, but also on family size, the number of other family members at the University, and also family assets. Prospective applicants are encouraged to use the University’s Net Price Calculator to establish how much financial support they are entitled to.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as they are accepted onto a degree program at the University.
Clark University Presidential Scholarship
This scholarship for college recognizes students with excellent academic records and leadership capabilities. This grant covers full tuition, alongside room and board for the entirety of the degree program, regardless of financial need.
To apply, you must be an undergraduate student at Clark University, and must submit two scholarship essays with your application.
Applications are due January 15th 2024.
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The Harvard MBA is a global leading program, being taught at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Harvard Business School is proud to offer financial support to both national and international students, with 50% of students receiving some sort of grant. In 2022, the school also announced it would cover full tuition for students with the greatest financial needs.
The school welcomes scholarship applications only after the student receives their offer of admission. Once you receive this, your need will be determined by their financial team based on socioeconomic background, undergraduate debt, assets, and gross income for the previous three years.
Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
This scholarship for highschool seniors aims to support students who demonstrate the excellence and potential to become great leaders. The program covers undergraduate tuition, any mandatory fees, and room and board for the duration of the four-year program. Recipients are also granted funding for conferences, two semesters of study abroad, and up to three summer experiences.
This program is open to both national and international students, but is only open to students undertaking their first year of undergraduate studies. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and must be enrolling in a full-time degree.
Applications open August 15th 2023 and are due November 15th 2023.
Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship
This scholarship for college is a merit-based program that recognizes those who display great intellectual promise and extraordinary achievements. Recipients receive full tuition funding, including a one-off summer grant for an immersive experience. The scholarship can be renewed every academic year so long as the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA. Furthermore, the program will provide additional financial support to those who have a greater financial need that exceeds the amount of full-tuition.
Whilst there are no set criteria for this program, recipients are selected based on their academic record, intellectual promise, extracurricular activities, and leadership.
Applications are due December 2023.
University of Notre Dame Stamps Scholarship
This scholarship for highschool seniors at the University of Notre Dame is designed for students who encompass leadership, resilience, innovation and service. Uniquely, students do not apply for this program. Instead, recipients will be chosen from the top 5% of the school’s admitted pool. Those selected are then invited to interview with the Strive Foundation, and awards are announced in April.
Recipients will receive funding for all tuition fees for up to four years of undergraduate study. Additionally, recipients will be able to access an enrichment grant of $3,000 on an annual basis, and will also be provided with a faculty mentor from their chosen discipline of study.
Recipients will be notified if they have been chosen for the program following their acceptance to the University.
Virginia College Stamps Scholars
This merit-based scholarship enables select students to pursue their academic interests, whilst also developing their leadership skills. The program seeks individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential, exceptional character and an excellent academic record. Recipients receive funding for four years of study, including tuition, room and board, alongside enrichment funds that can be used for research projects, study abroad, and cultural exchanges.
Students applying for their first-year of study at Virginia Tech who have stated an interest in the Honors College on their application may apply for this program. You must be attending the college for the first time and are not a transfer student.
Applications are due December 15th 2023.
All in all, remember that there are many fully funded scholarships available in the U.S. – so don’t give up on your college dreams! These scholarships can cover all of your tuition fees and more, so be sure to do your research and apply for as many as possible. With a little hard work and perseverance, you can make your educational goals a reality. Good luck!
In 6 quick steps, you can get matched with colleges and qualify for financial grants. This free service allows you to connect with colleges that match your interest in and receive Grant offers! Click here for more information.
Other free scholarship opportunities you may be interested in:
Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program
Emory University Scholar Program
University of Southern California Scholarships
Wake Forest University Scholarships
The University of Michigan Stamps Scholarship
Michigan State University Scholarships
Purdue University Stamps Scholarship
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Stamps Scholarship
University of Houston Tier One Scholarship
The University of Texas at Austin Forty Acres Scholarship
Ohio State University Scholarships
Clemson University National Scholars Program
Boston College Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program
College of William and Mary Scholarships
Georgia Tech Stamps President’s Scholars Program
Northeastern University Torch Scholars Program
University of Buffalo Presidential Scholarship
University of Maryland Scholarships
Indiana University Bloomington Wells Scholars Program
University of Georgia Scholarships
The University of Texas at Dallas Eugene McDermott Scholars Program
University of Mississippi Scholarships
Loyola Marymount University Scholarships
Texas Christian University Chancellor’s Scholars Program
University of Rochester Alan and Jane Handler Endowed Scholarship
University of Wisconsin Chancellor’s and Powers-Knapp Scholarship Program
American University Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program
Providence Scholarship Roddy Scholarship
Illinois Institute of Technology Duchossois Leadership Scholars Program
Oberlin College Stamps Scholarship
Mercer University Stamps Scholarship
North Carolina State University Park Scholarship
University of Alabama Academic Elite Scholarship
University of Kentucky Scholarships
University of Louisville Brown Fellows Program
University of North Carolina Levine Scholars Program
University of Richmond Scholars Program
University of Hawaii Regents and Presidential Scholarships
Southern Methodist University President’s Scholarship
Drake University National Alumni Scholarships
Elizabethtown College Stamps Scholarship
Rollins College Alfond Scholars Program
If you need help writing your scholarship application, you need to know how to convince the scholarship program board that you deserve the scholarship. We have some tips here for you here.
