Centennial Scholars Program
James Madison University Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships · Direct application
Last updated by Award Scholar on
Eligibility
About this scholarship
The Centennial Scholars Program at James Madison University provides a highly competitive combination of federal, state, and institutional grants to Pell-eligible Virginia residents, with emphasis on first-generation students or those with limited prior exposure to the college process. Accepted Centennials receive aid totaling in-state tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals, renewable while they meet program need requirements each year. Incoming first-year applicants must apply for JMU admission, complete the FAFSA by February 1, confirm Pell eligibility, and submit the Centennial Scholars application in the Madison Scholarships Hub between October 1 and February 1.
Essay questions
What else to submit
- Complete the FAFSA by February 1.
- Be Pell Grant eligible.
- Qualify for Virginia in-state residency.
Common questions
How much is the Centennial Scholars Program?
The Centennial Scholars Program awards Full tuition and fees. It is sponsored by James Madison University Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
When is the Centennial Scholars Program deadline?
February 1, 2027. Applications submitted after the deadline are typically not considered, so plan to finish early.
Who is eligible for the Centennial Scholars Program?
Key requirements include: United States; High school; Undergraduate; Virginia. Check the full eligibility section above, or create a free Award Scholar profile to have every requirement checked against your profile automatically.
Does the Centennial Scholars Program require an essay?
No essay is listed for this scholarship, but check the submission requirements above for other materials.
How do I apply for the Centennial Scholars Program?
Create a free Award Scholar profile to confirm you qualify, draft the application in minutes, and get the official application link with deadline reminders.
More scholarships closing soon
Women in Elementary Education Scholarship
$3,000Due Aug 9, 2026Bold.org exclusive award for female high school seniors in Washington, Oregon, or California who will begin an elementary education degree in fall 2026. Three winners receive $1,000 each ($3,000 total). 400–600 word essay on making a positive impact teaching elementary children academically and socially. Deadline Aug 9, 2026.
Essay written for youHunter Dean Temple Art Scholarship
$4,000Due Aug 10, 2026Bold.org exclusive memorial scholarship for undergraduate fine-arts students in North Carolina. Four winners receive $1,000 each ($4,000 total). Applicants submit a 200–300 word essay on what art means to them, challenges the award would help overcome, and one or two portfolio samples. Apply directly on Bold.org. Deadline Aug 10, 2026; winners announced Sep 11, 2026.
Essay written for youKenyada Me'Chon Thomas Legacy Scholarship
$1,000Due Aug 10, 2026Bold.org exclusive legacy award for BIPOC high school seniors with at least a 2.5 GPA who need financial support to pursue higher education. Two winners receive $500 each ($1,000 total). Requires a 400–600 word essay reflecting on a challenge that became a catalyst to take charge. Apply on Bold.org; deadline Aug 10, 2026; winners announced Sep 10, 2026.
Essay written for youOtto Bear Memorial Scholarship
$5,000Due Aug 12, 2026Bold.org exclusive memorial award for female high school seniors in Oregon or Washington who are pursuing STEM with at least a 3.0 GPA. Four winners receive $5,000 each ($20,000 total). Applicants write a 400–600 word essay about themselves, their hobbies, and how they will contribute to their chosen STEM field. Applications are submitted directly on Bold.org; winners announced Sep 13, 2026.
Essay written for youRosie Walks Human–Wildlife Coexistence Scholarship
$500Due Aug 12, 2026Bold.org exclusive award for BIPOC undergraduate or graduate students with animal volunteering experience pursuing wildlife conservation, environmental science, zoology, ecology, or animal behavior. Low-income, first-generation, and applicants with work or internship experience preferred. One $500 winner. 400–600 word essay. Deadline Aug 12, 2026.
Essay written for youNAFWS National Scholarship
$1,500–$2,500Due Aug 14, 2026The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society awards national and regional merit scholarships to Native students pursuing degrees in natural resource fields such as fisheries, wildlife management, forestry, and conservation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled with a U.S. federally recognized Tribe or a descendant (BIA Form 4432 accepted), and enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university for the fall of the award year; incoming freshmen through PhD students may apply, but fully online students are not eligible. National awards have historically ranged from $1,500 to $2,500, with additional regional awards selected by NAFWS regional directors. A complete application includes the essay, a resume, enrollment verification, transcripts, proof of tribal enrollment, and one letter of recommendation, due August 14, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
Essay written for you