Scholarships for Incoming College Students

The Heald Scholarship is Illinois Institute of Technology's primary automatic merit award for domestic first-year undergraduates. Every eligible applicant is considered upon admission without a separate scholarship form. Awards range from eighty thousand to one hundred twenty thousand dollars over four years of full-time undergraduate study, applied toward tuition. Illinois Tech replaces the Heald award with a higher institutional scholarship if a student qualifies for a named full-tuition program such as Camras or Duchossois. Recipients must maintain good academic standing and full-time enrollment to renew the scholarship each year through degree completion.

The Widener Presidential Scholarship provides international undergraduate applicants at least $25,000 per year, or $100,000 over four years, as an exclusive merit award for first-year international students. No separate application is required beyond completing the Widener admission application; recipients are automatically considered alongside other international merit and talent scholarships. The award supports full-time study toward a first bachelor's degree and stacks conceptually with other Widener international awards such as the Global Engagement and #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarships where eligible. International students may also apply for honors and band talent scholarships separately. Contact the International Admissions Office for award packaging details.

Partnership scholarship covering required direct costs for eligible Metro Nashville Public Schools graduates admitted to Vanderbilt through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or the QuestBridge National College Match. Recipients must qualify for a Federal Pell Grant or have parental adjusted gross income of one hundred thousand dollars or less and must apply for need-based aid via the CSS Profile and FAFSA. The award covers tuition, fees, housing, and meals for up to eight semesters plus a six-thousand-dollar summer stipend after the second or third year for internships.

The Richmond Scholars Program is the University of Richmond's most prestigious academic merit award for incoming first-year students. Up to twenty-five new Spiders receive full tuition, housing, and food each year, renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment including study abroad. Scholars also receive priority registration, faculty mentors, dedicated advising from the Office of Scholars and Fellowships, and eligibility for a one-time enrichment grant. All first-year admission applicants who submit a complete application by December 1 are automatically considered; finalists may be invited to faculty interviews in February with selections finalized by March 1.

The Achievement Scholarship for Nonresident Students supports out-of-state and international first-year and transfer students admitted to UC Riverside. Applicants are automatically considered upon acceptance with no separate form. First-year recipients may receive up to $89,100 over four years and transfer recipients up to $44,550 over two years. To qualify, students must be confirmed nonresidents, be UC eligible, submit a Statement of Intent to Register by May 1 for first-years or June 1 for transfers, and maintain a 3.0 GPA each academic quarter at UCR.

Premier Honors College scholarship for exceptional incoming undergraduates who pursue academic excellence, service, and transformative learning. Selection covers tuition minus any merit scholarship received through Admissions, a book allowance, course-related fees for eight semesters, housing, and meals in the Honors Residential College, plus funding for study abroad, mission, and research experiences. Applicants complete a separate Getterman application in goBAYLOR with a three-minute video essay, Honors College program admission, and in-person finalist interviews in January.

Institutional merit scholarship automatically considered for all admitted Baylor first-year undergraduates based on comprehensive high school academic performance and the completed Baylor admission application, including test-optional applicants whose scores may still strengthen offers. Award amounts vary and historically range from $1,000 up to full cost of attendance. Renewal requires a 3.0 Baylor cumulative GPA; students below 3.0 after the first year may receive one probationary renewal year if GPA remains at least 2.0.

For outstanding Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering UBC from secondary schools in Canada, or Canadian citizens living abroad. Criteria include demonstrated academic and leadership achievements in the arts, community, athletics, and school. Renewable Presidential Scholars Major Entrance Scholarships at UBC Vancouver valued up to $80,000 over four years. Subject to continued scholarship standing, renewed for a further three years or until the first undergraduate degree is obtained, whichever is shorter. Apply to UBC by the published deadline, complete all application sections including the admission fee, and answer Yes to awards consideration. Scholarships are awarded based on the Admission Application and Personal Profile. Recipients are selected by their chosen Faculties in consultation with Enrolment Services.

The Richard D. Smith Scholarship is Wichita State University's largest Distinguished Scholarship Invitational award, providing $80,000 over four years to one incoming freshman in any major. High school seniors compete at the on-campus DSI event after submitting admission materials by November 1 and competition materials by November 8. Eligible competitors need a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA, ACT 27, SAT 1260, or top 10 percent class rank. Recipients are notified in December and must attend the competition in person. The award supports tuition and college-related expenses for undergraduates entering Wichita State directly from high school.

The American University District Scholars Award supports high-achieving, low-income students from District of Columbia public and public charter high schools. Ten scholarships are awarded annually covering full tuition plus room and board at American University, with additional institutional aid available up to full demonstrated financial need. There is no separate scholarship application; eligible students are automatically considered when they apply for fall admission by January 15 and submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the same deadline. Scholars also receive mentoring, advising, and cohort programming through the District Scholars program.