The 20 Best Scholarships in the USA
Are you looking for financial aid to help pay for your college education? Look no further! We've compiled a list of the 20 best scholarships available in the United States to help you get the support you need to succeed in school.
1. Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program is a prestigious scholarship program funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It aims to provide financial support to high-achieving, low-income students from diverse backgrounds who are planning to pursue higher education in any field of study.
Eligibility for the GMS Program is based on academic achievement, leadership abilities, and financial need. Successful applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.3, be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, and demonstrate financial need.
The GMS Program covers all expenses related to college, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. It also provides access to mentorship and leadership development opportunities to help scholars succeed in their studies and future careers.
2. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a highly competitive scholarship program that recognizes academically talented high school students. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in high school and have taken the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Students who score in the top 1% on the PSAT/NMSQT are eligible to become National Merit Semifinalists. From there, a select group of students are chosen as National Merit Finalists and offered a scholarship.
The National Merit Scholarship Program offers a variety of scholarship awards, including corporate-sponsored scholarships, college-sponsored scholarships, and National Merit $2,500 Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic record, test scores, and other achievements.
3. Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious international scholarship program that provides funding for outstanding students to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. It is open to students from around the world, including the United States.
To be eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship, applicants must be 18-24 years old and have a strong academic record, as well as demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to public service. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, character, and potential for leadership.
The Rhodes Scholarship covers all expenses related to studying at Oxford, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. It also provides opportunities for professional and personal development, including mentorship and networking opportunities.
4. Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright Scholarship is a prestigious international scholarship program that provides funding for graduate study, research, and teaching abroad. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have a bachelor's degree and a strong academic record.
The Fulbright Scholarship is highly competitive and awards are based on academic and professional achievement, as well as the potential to contribute to the cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and the host country.
The Fulbright Scholarship covers all expenses related to study, research, or teaching abroad, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. It also provides opportunities for professional and personal development, including mentorship and networking opportunities.
5. Truman Scholarship
The Truman Scholarship is a prestigious national scholarship program that recognizes and supports outstanding undergraduate students who are committed to public service. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are juniors in college and have a minimum GPA of 3.5. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for up to three years of graduate study in a public service-related field. It also provides opportunities for personal and professional development, including internships and leadership training.
6. Goldwater Scholarship
The Goldwater Scholarship is a prestigious national scholarship program that recognizes and supports outstanding undergraduate students who are pursuing careers in science, engineering, and mathematics. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are sophomores or juniors in college and have a strong academic record in these fields.
The Goldwater Scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board for up to two years of undergraduate study. It also provides opportunities for professional development, including research experiences and networking with other scholars.
7. Boettcher Scholarship
The Boettcher Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based scholarship program that provides full funding for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in Colorado. It is open to Colorado residents who are graduating high school seniors and have a strong academic record.
The Boettcher Scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for up to four years of undergraduate study. It also provides opportunities for professional development, including internships, research experiences, and leadership training.
8. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based scholarship program that provides financial support to outstanding community college students who are transferring to four-year colleges or universities. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in a community college and have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for up to three years of undergraduate study at a four-year institution. It also provides opportunities for academic and personal support, including mentorship and counseling.
9. Posse Foundation Scholarship
The Posse Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that provides full-tuition leadership scholarships to diverse, high-achieving students who are leaders in their schools and communities. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are graduating high school seniors and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Posse Foundation Scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to four years of undergraduate study at one of the foundation's partner colleges and universities. It also provides opportunities for personal and professional development, including leadership training and internship opportunities.
10. Hispanic Scholarship Fund
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is a prestigious scholarship program that provides financial support to Hispanic and Latino students who are pursuing higher education. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are of Hispanic heritage and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers a variety of scholarship awards, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and career-specific scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership abilities, and financial need.
11. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship program that provides financial support to high-achieving high school seniors who are planning to pursue higher education. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are graduating high school seniors and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers a variety of scholarship awards, including $20,000 scholarships for four-year colleges and universities, and $10,000 scholarships for two-year colleges. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership abilities, and community service.
12. National Hispanic Recognition Program
The National Hispanic Recognition Program is a prestigious scholarship program that recognizes and honors high-achieving Hispanic and Latino students who are in the top 2.5% of their class. It is sponsored by the College Board and is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are of Hispanic heritage and have taken the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year of high school.
13. The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based scholarship program that provides financial support to minority high school students who are planning to pursue higher education. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are graduating high school seniors and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for up to four years of undergraduate study at any accredited college or university. It also provides opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentorship and internships.
14. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a prestigious international scholarship program that provides funding for graduate study at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. It is open to students from around the world, including the United States.
To be eligible for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, applicants must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom, have a strong academic record, and demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others through their chosen field of study. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers all expenses related to studying at Cambridge, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. It also provides opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentorship and networking opportunities.
15. The Pickering Fellowship
The Pickering Fellowship is a prestigious national scholarship program that provides financial support to aspiring foreign service officers who are committed to public service. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have a bachelor's degree and a strong academic record.
The Pickering Fellowship covers the cost of tuition and fees for a master's degree program in public policy, international affairs, or a related field. It also provides opportunities for professional development, including internships and foreign language training.
16. The Morris K. Udall Scholarship
The Morris K. Udall Scholarship is a prestigious national scholarship program that recognizes and supports undergraduate students who are committed to careers in environmental science, policy, or education. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are sophomores or juniors in college and have a strong academic record in these fields.
The Morris K. Udall Scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board for up to two years of undergraduate study. It also provides opportunities for professional development, including internships and research experiences.
17. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a prestigious national scholarship program that provides financial support to undergraduate students who are planning to study abroad. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is open to U.S. citizens who are receiving federal Pell Grants and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for study abroad programs. It also provides opportunities for professional development, including language learning and cultural immersion experiences.
18. The American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship
The American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that provides financial support to Native American and Alaska Native students who are pursuing higher education. It is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native corporation shareholder, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
19. The Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
The Horatio Alger Association Scholarships are prestigious national scholarship programs that provide financial support to high school students who have overcome significant challenges and are committed to pursuing higher education. There are several different scholarship programs offered by the Horatio Alger Association, each with its own eligibility requirements and award amount.
The Horatio Alger Association Scholarships cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for up to four years of undergraduate study. They also provide opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentorship and internships.
20. The United Negro College Fund Scholarships
The United Negro College Fund Scholarships are prestigious national scholarship programs that provide financial support to African American students who are pursuing higher education. There are several different scholarship programs offered by the United Negro College Fund, each with its own eligibility requirements and award amount.
The United Negro College Fund Scholarships cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for up to four years of undergraduate study. They also provide opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentorship and internships.
We hope this list of the 20 best scholarships in the USA has helped you find financial support for your college education. Remember to do your research and apply to as many scholarships as you are eligible for to increase your chances of receiving aid. Good luck in your studies!