50 Colleges With Full-Ride Scholarships in 2023

You have finally arrived in your senior year. Not only are your test scores impressive, but also you have the extracurriculars and academic record to match. As you look to further your education, you might wonder: should I apply to colleges with full-ride scholarships?

Colleges that give full-ride college scholarships fund all tuition costs and can cover major expenses. For example, the full-ride scholarship may include meal plans, housing, and study abroad opportunities. There are plenty of colleges with full-ride scholarships to choose from. Likewise, there are also a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities offered for adult students returning to school.

This article will help you decide which programs interest you and the requirements necessary to apply.

How Do I Impress Colleges With Full Ride Scholarships?

Earning a full ride sounds appealing. So, how do you give your application the edge? Typically, colleges with full-ride scholarships take a few common factors into consideration. While some requirements vary, most colleges that give full-ride college scholarships first look at your high school transcript. Not only are your grades reviewed but also the rigor of your classes. For example, were you enrolled in majority AP classes while maintaining a high GPA? This feat could be a big draw. Additionally, a committee will likely review your performance on standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT.

If you’re worried about the strength of your test scores alone, remember there are other factors to consider when applying to colleges that give full-ride college scholarships. Strong letters of recommendation, personal statements and essays, and campus involvement are equally important. Additionally, community outreach and varied extracurriculars can increase your chances of impressing colleges with full-ride scholarships to award. Some desired qualities of a well-rounded student include leadership, dedication, and intellectual curiosity.

Ultimately, colleges that give full-ride college scholarships seek students with an array of impressive experiences alongside their stellar transcripts. Therefore, it is important to remember these prestigious awards are extremely competitive. Applying for more than one scholarship or financial aid program can better your odds of adding to your college fund. With this in mind, make sure to keep an eye on any approaching deadlines.

50 Colleges That Give Full Ride College Scholarships

Though this isn’t a comprehensive list, the colleges with full-ride scholarships listed below offer these awards every academic year. From a variety of states and cities, you’ll be sure to find the right program for you!

1) Duke University (Durham, NC) – Robertson Scholars Leadership Program

This four-year scholarship is offered to incoming college freshmen, including international students.

2) Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) – Ingram Scholarship Program

Recipients also receive funding for on-campus housing. Additionally, Vanderbilt offers the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship. This award comes with a one-time summer stipend.

3) Washington University (St. Louis, MO) – John B. Ervin Scholars Program

Students receive not only full tuition but also a yearly $2,500 stipend. Likewise, Washington University also offers the Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program and the Danforth Scholars Program. Each scholarship requires supplemental essays.

4) Boston College (Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts) – Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program

Up to 18 incoming freshmen can be awarded. Fully-funded summer programs are included.

5) Boston University (Boston, Massachusetts) – Trustee Scholarship

This scholarship seeks students with peak academic performance. However, the committee also seeks students who participate in a variety of extracurriculars.

6) University of Wisconsin (Madison, Wisconsin) – Mercile J. Lee Scholars Scholarship

Recipients of this scholarship earn not only full tuition but also a $400 book stipend each semester.

7) Barry University (Miami Shores, Florida) – Barry Stamps Scholars Program

The expense of housing, funding for study abroad and various research opportunities may also be awarded.

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8) Northeastern University (Boston, Massachusetts) – Torch Scholars Program

Offered only to first-generation college students, this award covers the full cost of tuition, board, and supplies over 8 undergraduate semesters.

9) Rollins College (Winter Park, Florida) – Alfond Scholars Program

Each year, up to 10 scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen. Students are expected to live on campus throughout their study and participate in one significant off-campus experience.

10) Stevenson University (Stevenson, Maryland) – Presidential Fellowship

Recipients are expected to embody the college’s mission of leadership and community-based service. This award is available only to incoming freshmen.

11) Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, Indiana) – Wells Scholars Program

Each academic year, up to 18 incoming freshmen are eligible based on merit.

12) Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, Illinois) – Duchossois Leadership Scholars Program

Prospective students interested in this award must complete a separate application and interview process. Students also participate in a fully funded summer experience and fall retreat.

13) Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina) – National Scholars Program

A 23-year-old program, this scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and offers opportunities for travel abroad.

14) Furman University (Greenville, South Carolina) – James B. Duke Scholarship

The application for admission also serves as the application for this merit-based scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition over eight undergraduate semesters.

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15) Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) – Stamps Scholars

In addition to full tuition coverage, the university allows for a $14,000 stipend for study abroad or research opportunities.

16) Mercer University (Macon, Georgia) – Stamps Scholars

This scholarship also covers the cost of textbooks and room and board. Additionally, a $16,000 stipend is awarded for study abroad or other enrichment opportunities.

17) North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina) – Park Scholarship

As part of the focus on leadership, recipients also attend retreats and receive individualized mentorship.

18) Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas) – President’s Scholars Program

Recipients of this award also receive funding for study abroad and on-campus housing.

19) University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas) – Forty Acres Scholars Program

Students from a variety of majors are eligible. Stand-alone applications are no longer required.

20) Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Virginia) – Johnson Scholarship

This scholarship also covers room and board and meals. Additionally, the university will award a $7,000 stipend for a study abroad experience.

21) University of Houston (Houston, Texas) – Tier One Scholars

For the first two years of undergraduate study, room and board and meal plan coverage are also included.

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22) Wofford College (Spartanburg, South Carolina) – Richardson Family Scholarship

In order to be considered for this scholarship, students must be nominated by a high school counselor. Scholars are also awarded a monthly stipend.

23) University of Hawaii (Honolulu, Hawaii) – Regents and Presidential Scholars Program

Awarded to incoming freshmen only, this scholarship also provides a $2,000 semester-based stipend.

24) Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan) – Alumni Distinguished Scholarship

Invitations to apply are sent after applications are received. Also, 20 runners-up will receive full tuition coverage through the Distinguished First-year Scholarship.

25) William & Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia) – William & Mary Scholars

Awarded to students who have faced significant adversity, this award is worth the cost of in-state tuition.

26) University of Mississippi (Oxford, Mississippi) – Chinese Language Flagship Scholarships

Awarded to students who are dedicated to achieving proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, this scholarship covers tuition or room and board over four years.

27) Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, California) – Arrupe Scholarships

Named for Fr. Pope Arrupe, this scholarship is highly competitive and ranges from $12,500 in aid to full tuition coverage.

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28) University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) – Academic Elite Scholarship

Scholars also receive one year of coverage for room and board. The top scholar receives additional funding.

29) Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) – Ohio Governor’s Scholarship

Recipients are top students from each of Ohio’s 88 counties.

30) Birmingham-Southern College (Birmingham, Alabama) – Distinguished Scholars Award

This scholarship is invitation-only and has the potential to cover the full cost of tuition.

31) University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minnesota) – Dease Scholarship Program

Awarded to historically unrepresented students, this scholarship also covers all required student fees.

32) Clark University (Worchester, Massachusetts) – Presidential Scholarships

Regardless of the family’s finical need, this scholarship awards full tuition coverage plus room and board expenses.

33) Babson College (Wellesley, Massachusetts) – Weissman Scholarships

This full-tuition scholarship is awarded to students who show excellent leadership skills and the motivation to pursue their talents.

34) New York University (New York City, New York) – AnBryce Scholarships

Awarded to first-generation college students, this scholarship is renewable over four years.

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35) Lafayette College (Easton, Pennsylvania) – Marquis Fellowship

Prospective recipients may be invited to partake in a Dynamic Assessment Experience (DAE) through an initial interview process.

36) Temple University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – President’s Scholar Award

All first-year students are atomically considered for this award through their initial applications.

37) University of Arizona (Tucson, Arizona) – Stamps Scholarship

First-year students are offered room and board coverage, a laptop and tablet, and textbook coverage.

38) University of Connecticut (Storrs, Connecticut) – Stamps Scholarships

In addition, Stamps covers room and board and textbooks.

39) Monmouth College (Monmouth, Illinois) – Scholarship Competition

Each year, select students are invited to take part in this competition for full-tuition scholarships.

40) Emerson College (Boston, Massachusetts) – Merit Scholarships

There are a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships, ranging in coverage up to the cost of full tuition.

41) Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) – Merit Scholarships

To be considered for the scholarship, prospective students do not need to submit a separate application.

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42) Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio) – Merit Scholarships

There are several merit-based scholarships with separate levels of distinction, in which awarded amounts vary.

43) Georgia Tech (Atlanta, Georgia) – Stamps Scholars

Up to $83,000 may be awarded to a prospective student.

44) University of Rochester (Monroe County, New York) – Alan and Jane Handler Endowed Scholarship

Benefits to this scholarship also include individual mentoring and a $5,000 stipend.

45) University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky) – Presidential Scholarship

This award is worth the amount of in-state tuition.

46) Tulane University (New Orleans, Louisiana) – Multiple Scholarships

There are several merit scholarships to apply for, including the Sotomayor Full-Tuition Public Service Scholarship.

47) Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania) – Stamps Scholarships

Stamps Scholars receive a $6,000 stipend in addition to full tuition coverage.

48) The George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) – Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship

Awarded students also receive room and board, textbooks, and required fee coverage.

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49) Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, New Jersey) – Stevens Scholars

Merit scholarships range from $5,000 in coverage to awarding full tuition.

50) Sarah Lawrence University (Bronxville, New York) – Trustee Scholarship

Applicants will automatically be considered for all merit-based scholarships.

Colleges With Full Ride Scholarships – In Review

Of course, colleges that give full-ride college scholarships understand that applying is as competitive as it is rewarding. With so many qualified candidates each year, it’s easy to feel discouraged about the prospects. But don’t count yourself out of the running! Colleges with full-ride scholarships see a diverse and impressive number of applicants every year, and you could very well be one of them. Ultimately, it’s always worthwhile to take your chances and apply—the results could be surprising!