Full-Ride Scholarships
Every award here states that it covers full tuition or the full cost of attendance, not just up to it. Most come from colleges and local promise programs, so the best way in is often the school's own scholarship application or an early deadline.
- Open scholarships
- 464
- No essay required
- 328
- Next deadline
- Nov 2
Tennessee Promise Scholarship Program
Full-TuitionDue Nov 2, 2026Tennessee high school seniors who are state residents may apply for this last-dollar scholarship covering tuition and mandatory fees at eligible community colleges, colleges of applied technology, or participating four-year institutions. Coverage applies after other gift aid and includes a structured mentoring component. Recipients must complete eight hours of community service annually and maintain continuous enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. Apply through the TSAC Student Portal and file the FAFSA. Attend mandatory meetings organized by tnAchieves or partnering organizations. GED recipients before age 19 may also qualify.
No essay requiredOSU Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program
Full tuitionDue Nov 9, 2026U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying to Ohio State's Columbus campus may compete for the Stamps Eminence Scholarship, a merit-based award with no financial need consideration. Apply to OSU by the November 1 early action deadline, indicate Honors or Scholars interest, then submit the separate Stamps application by November 9. The scholarship covers full tuition for up to eight semesters plus an enrichment grant of up to $5,000 after the first year. The Stamps application requires a 500-word essay and a two-minute unlisted YouTube video. Finalists interview virtually and attend Stamps Eminence Finalist Friday in February. Recipients maintain University Honors Program status and complete an Honors thesis or capstone.
Essay written for youStamps Scholarship
Full tuitionDue Nov 12, 2026Outstanding domestic first-year applicants to the University of Oregon with a minimum 3.85 GPA and demonstrated leadership, service, and innovation may compete for the Stamps Scholarship. Approximately 20 students are selected annually, including 10 Oregon residents and 10 nonresidents. This merit award covers full tuition and fees, plus enrichment funds up to $12,000 over four years. Oregon residents also receive food and housing support. Apply for early-action admission by November 1 and complete the separate Stamps application in the UO Scholarship Dashboard by November 12. The Stamps Scholarship is the university's most prestigious undergraduate merit award, offered in partnership with the Stamps Scholars Program.
No essay requiredNational GEM Consortium Fellowships
Full-TuitionDue Nov 13, 2026U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are incoming or continuing master's or doctoral students in engineering or science fields (including computer science) may apply for National GEM Consortium fellowships. Online programs are not eligible. Minimum GPA is 2.8 for master's fellowships and 3.0 for doctoral fellowships. Applicants commit to applying to at least three GEM Member Universities and to interning with a GEM employer for up to two summers. Awards include tuition support up to full tuition plus a stipend (minimum $8,000 per year). Funding continues with required internship participation and academic progress. Apply through eGEM with a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and a resume. After selection, enroll in your graduate program and accept GEM's terms to confirm funding. GEM pairs fellows with member universities and employers to build pathways into industry and research careers.
Essay written for youLevine Scholars Program
Full-TuitionDue Nov 15, 2026High school seniors, including homeschooled students, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents applying for freshman enrollment at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Levine Scholars Program with a counselor nomination or self-nomination. Up to 22 scholars receive full tuition plus housing, meals, books, and mandatory fees for four years, along with summer experiences and a civic engagement grant. Nomination deadline is October 15; the Levine application deadline is November 15. UNC Charlotte admission applications are due November 1. Scholars must demonstrate ethical leadership, civic engagement, and academic excellence. The Levine Scholars Program is UNC Charlotte's most prestigious merit scholarship for extraordinary incoming freshmen.
No essay requiredBoston University Trustee Scholarship
Full tuition + feesDue Dec 1, 2026Boston University selects approximately 20 first-year students each year for the Trustee Scholars Program. Candidates show exceptional academics plus intellectual and creative breadth beyond the classroom. The Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition and mandatory undergraduate student fees and is renewable for four years when criteria are met, including a minimum 3.50 GPA and on-campus housing. Nomination by a high school principal or headmaster is required. Submit complete admission materials by December 1. No CSS Profile or FAFSA is required for this merit award.
Essay written for youUniversity of Louisville McConnell Scholars Program
Full-TuitionDue Dec 1, 2026Kentucky high school seniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA and 26 ACT or 1230 SAT who commit to minoring in political science at the University of Louisville may apply for the McConnell Scholars Program. Ten scholars are selected each year for this leadership program. Scholars receive a four-year renewable scholarship with guaranteed full in-state tuition; the exact financial package varies with other university aid. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to service. Selected scholars participate in four years of enhanced academic seminars and discussions.
Essay written for youVanderbilt Chancellor's Scholarship
Full tuitionDue Dec 1, 2026First-year applicants to Vanderbilt University with outstanding leadership, character, academic achievement, and commitment to collaboration may apply for the Chancellor's Scholarship through MyAppVU by December 1. Recipients receive full tuition plus a one-time summer stipend for study abroad, research, or service after sophomore or junior year. Scholarships renew for up to eight semesters with a 3.0 GPA. Vanderbilt provides additional need-based aid when demonstrated need exceeds full tuition. Chancellor Joe B. Wyatt established the program in 1985 to recognize students who build inclusive communities and engage with issues of diversity, tolerance, and social justice.
Essay written for youCornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship
Full tuitionDue Dec 1, 2026First-year applicants to Vanderbilt University who combine strong academics with leadership and meaningful extracurricular involvement may apply for the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship through MyAppVU. Recipients receive full tuition plus a one-time summer stipend for an immersive experience after sophomore or junior year. The award renews for up to eight semesters with a 3.0 GPA, and Vanderbilt may add need-based aid when demonstrated need exceeds full tuition. Apply via MyAppVU after submitting your admission application. The scholarship honors Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, whose 1873 gift founded the university to strengthen ties across the country.
Essay written for youVanderbilt Ingram Scholarship
Full tuitionDue Dec 1, 2026Prospective first-year students at Vanderbilt University who plan to pair a professional career with lifelong civic service may apply for the Ingram Scholars Program through MyAppVU. Ingram Scholars receive full tuition, required fees, on-campus housing each year, and a stipend for a summer service project. Awards renew through senior year with a 3.0 GPA and ongoing service commitments. Additional need-based aid may cover costs beyond the scholarship package. Submit the Ingram Scholars application via MyAppVU. Selection weighs commitment to community service, entrepreneurial spirit, character, and leadership alongside your admission materials.
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Common questions
How many full-ride scholarships are open right now?
Award Scholar currently lists 464 open scholarships worth full tuition or full cost of attendance, with amounts and deadlines checked against each sponsor's official page.
Do these scholarships require essays?
Not all of them. 328 of the current awards need no essay. The essay-based ones tend to draw fewer applicants, and Award Scholar can draft those essays in your own voice.
What's the difference between full-tuition and full-ride scholarships?
Full-tuition awards cover tuition (and sometimes fees). A full ride also covers housing, meals, and often books. Each listing shows exactly what the sponsor covers, so check before you count on housing money.