Many universities offer full ride merit scholarships. In addition to covering full tuition, these scholarships can offer lots of other benefits, too: room and board, funding for summer experiences and study abroad programs, access to unique on-campus opportunities, and more. Some scholarship programs require additional essays, but for others, submitting a regular application is enough to be considered for the program.
If you’re interested in getting a full ride scholarship to college, you should consider applying to the universities on this list and taking advantage of the incredible merit scholarship programs they offer.
1. Duke University / UNC Chapel Hill – Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
Deadline: Mid-November
What You Get: The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program includes a 4-year full tuition scholarship to Duke or UNC Chapel Hill, plus room and board. You’ll benefit from the resources of both schools, as you’ll have to take a minimum of 5 classes at whichever institution you don’t attend. Scholars also receive access to (1) funding for up to three summer experiences, (2) funding for academic conferences during the school year, and (3) funding for two semesters of study abroad.
What You Need to Do: Complete the Robertson Scholars application (which includes letters of recommendation) by the November 15 deadline. You’ll need to submit your Duke and/or UNC Chapel Hill applications by the regular decision deadlines. Review the official Robertson Scholars website for more details.
2. Emory University – Robert W. Woodruff Scholars
Deadline: Mid-November
What You Get: The Robert W. Woodruff Emory Scholars program includes a 4-year full-tuition scholarship to Emory, plus room and board. Robert W. Woodruff Scholars also receive funding for summer programs in the U.S. and abroad as well as access to special events and campus resources. Emory also offers additional scholarships through its Emory Scholars program, so be sure to review the complete scholarship listing.
What You Need to Do: To be considered, all you have to do is (1) make sure you answer “Yes” to the question "Do you wish to be considered for merit scholarships?" on your Emory application and (2) submit your Emory application by November 15 (for RD and EDII applicants) or November 1 (for ED applicants). If you are selected as a Scholar Finalist, you’ll be invited to campus for several days of visits and activities in the spring (all expenses paid). The official class of Emory Scholar recipients will be chosen from that group of finalists.
3. Washington University St. Louis – Danforth Scholars Program
Deadline: Early January
What You Get: Danforth Scholar awards range from partial and half tuition scholarships to full tuition scholarships with a stipend. Danforth Scholars are also eligible to apply for an award of up to $5,000 to support a summer experience in St. Louis, via the Bauer St. Louis Community Internship program.
What You Need to Do: To apply, indicate on your WashU application that you're applying for the Danforth Scholars Program. You'll have to respond to two essay questions: (1) The Danforth Scholars program is looking for students with a strong commitment to community, and demonstrated initiative in leadership and service. Please share an example of your personal experience as a leader that would clarify why you would be a good fit for this community of scholars (150 words), and (2) What matters to you? (250 words). You’ll also have to submit an extra letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your community involvement. Finalists will be invite to campus for several days of interviews and activities (all expenses paid).
More Options: WUSTL offers two other stellar, full-ride-with-benefits merit scholarships: the Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program and the John B. Ervin Scholars Program. These scholarships have additional writing requirements. In addition, there are several other academic scholarships at WashU that do not require separate applications, though you should still read up on their selection processes to maximize your chance of success.
4. Vanderbilt University – Ingram Scholars, Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholars, and Chancellor Scholars
Deadline: December 1
What You Get: Vanderbilt offers three signature scholarship programs: Ingram Scholars, Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholars, and Chancellor Scholars. Recipients of these scholarships are granted full tuition and a stipend for one summer experience.
The Ingram Scholarship Program is for students planning a business career who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service.
Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholars are students with strong academic achievement as well as outstanding leadership outside of school.
The Chancellor’s Scholarship is for those students who in addition to stellar academic achievement have strived to bridge gaps among diverse groups throughout their high school experience.
Recipients of these scholarships are granted full tuition and summer stipends for one summer study abroad, research, or service projects.
What You Need to Do: Scholarship applications get submitted via the MyAppVU portal, which you’ll receive access to via email after you submit your Vanderbilt application. That means you have to get your regular Vanderbilt application submitted before the December 1 scholarship deadline. Each of the three scholarships has at least one required essay (view current prompts).
5. Boston College – Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program
Deadline: November 1
What You Get: Gabelli Presidential Scholars receive a full-tuition merit scholarship and funding for three summer programs (the summers following freshman, junior, and senior years).
What You Need to Do: No separate application is required, but you need to submit your regular Boston College application by the priority scholarship deadline of November 1 to be considered for the Gabelli Presidential Scholars program. In the spring, finalists will be invited to campus for interviews and other evaluative activities. The official class of Gabelli Presidential Scholar Program recipients will be selected from that group of finalists.
6. University of Virginia – Jefferson Scholars Program
Deadline: November 15 (if your school is in the At-Large region) or December 1 (if your school is part of a nominating region)
What You Get: The Jefferson Scholars program covers the entire cost of attendance for four years — tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, and personal expenses — in addition to supplemental enrichment experiences. Those enrichment experiences include a two-week summer leadership institute, a summer abroad program, special access to alumni mentorship and career counseling, and access to “merit-based seed funding” for new commercial and philanthropic enterprises.
What You Need to Do: To be considered for the Jefferson Scholars program, you must first be chosen as your school’s nominee — talk to your guidance counselor early if you’re interested! The nomination process, completed by school officials and the student nominee, requires a scholastic report, extracurricular activities, and two essays. Nominees participate in one or more rounds of interviews with their region’s selection committee, which chooses the finalists from that region. Finalists are then invited to the UVA campus in March to participate in seminars, written examinations, and an interview. Recipients of the Jefferson Scholarship are selected at the end of the competition.
7. Clemson University — National Scholars Program
Deadline: Early/Mid-December
What You Get: Recipients of the National Scholars Program receive a full-ride scholarship to Clemson, including tuition, room, board, and fees. The scholarship also includes a group summer study abroad experience after the first year.
What You Need to Do: You’ll need to apply to both Clemson and the Calhoun Honors College by the priority application deadlines. There is no separate scholarship application. Finalists will be invited for a National Scholars Program weekend in March for interviews and activities that determine the selection of NSP students.
8. USC – Trustee Scholarship and Presidential Scholarship
Deadline: December 1
What You Get: The Trustee Scholarship is a full tuition scholarship, awarded to approximately 100 students each year. The Presidential Scholarship is a half tuition scholarship, awarded to approximately 200 students each year.
What You Need to Do: There is no separate application, but you need to submit your USC application by December 1 to be considered for these merit scholarships. If you are selected as a finalist for either the Trustee or the Presidential Scholarship, you’ll be invited to an interview during the Explore USC programs in the spring. Winners are selected from that group of finalists.
More Options: USC offers a long list of merit scholarships (see full list here) in addition to the Trustee and Presidential awards. While many awards don’t require a separate application, some that are sponsored by groups outside the admissions office (like alumni associations) do have additional requirements. Be sure to review the entire list of scholarships available and complete the additional requirements for any you qualify for.
9. University of Alabama – Various Merit Scholarships
Deadline: Mid-December
What You Get: University of Alabama offers several merit scholarships for out-of-state residents. Scholarships range from $5,000 per year to $25,000 per year. With the Presidential Elite Scholarship, students with a perfect GPA and SAT or ACT score will receive full tuition for 4 years of undergraduate study and graduate or law studies. Other perks of this generous scholarship include a stipend of $1,000 per year for 4 years, a $2,000 book scholarship, and $2,000 for summer research or international study.
What You Need to Do: To First-time freshmen who meet the December 15 scholarship deadline, earn a qualifying score on the ACT or SAT, and have at least a 3.5 cumulative high school GPA through junior year will be eligible to apply for these merit-based scholarships. Once you submit your U of Alabama application, you’ll be able to complete the separate scholarship application through the myBama portal.
10. University of Richmond – Richmond Scholars
Deadline: December 1
What You Get: Richmond Scholars receive full tuition, room, and board for all four years. Scholars are also eligible for a $3,000 grant to support an additional academic experience. The Richmond Scholars also program offers priority class registration and access to special on-campus opportunities.
What You Need to Do: No separate application is required, but you’ll need to submit your application to University of Richmond by December 1 to be considered for the Richmond Scholars program. All students who submit an application to University of Richmond by the December deadline will be considered. Finalists have to interview with a faculty selection committee.
11. William & Mary – 1693 Scholars
Deadline: Early November (ED Applicants) / Early January (RD Applicants)
What You Get: William & Mary selects 8 recipients each year for the 1693 Scholars Program. Virginia residents receive full tuition, room and board for 4 years. Out-of-state applicants receive a partial scholarship, including the value of in-state tuition, plus room and board for 4 years. In addition to the scholarship, 1693 Scholars receive $5,000 for independent travel, research, creative, or service-oriented projects.
What You Need to Do: All freshmen applicants (ED and RD) are considered for the 1693 Scholars Program; there is no separate application. Note that scholars typically rank in the top 1% of their class, score a 1500 and higher on the SAT (Critical Reading and Math) or 33 or higher on the ACT, and complete the most demanding curriculum available at their schools. In February, the college notifies 80 potential finalists and requests an additional essay and a short video submission. In April, 25 finalists are chosen to present to the selection committee. The final 8 scholars are selected and notified by late April.
12. Washington & Lee University – Johnson Scholarship
Deadline: December 1
What You Get: Johnson Scholarship recipients receive full tuition, room, and board for all four years. Johnson Scholars also receive up to $7,000 to support summer experiences including internships, volunteer experiences, and research projects.
What You Need to Do: You’ll need to submit your Washington & Lee application and complete the required Johnson Scholarship supplemental essay by December 1. You’ll have a choice of several writing prompts for the required scholarship essay (view last year’s prompts here). Finalists must participate in an on-campus competition in the spring (all expenses paid). The final class of Johnson Scholars is selected from that group of finalists.
13. Wake Forest University – Presidential Scholarships for Distinguished Achievement
Deadline: Mid November
What You Get: Wake Forest awards 20 Presidential Scholarships annually. Presidential Scholars are awarded $8,000 per semester ($16,000 per year), renewable for 4 years.
What You Need to Do: The Presidential Scholarship is intended for applicants with exceptional talent in art, dance, debate, music, or theater. In addition to a regular application (ED or RD) for admission, interested applicants must also submit a separate Presidential Scholarship application, several short essays, and a portfolio or online video (depending on art area). All applicants must also provide a letter of recommendation from an instructor or teacher familiar with the applicant’s talent and achievements in the arts. Wake Forest strongly encourages applicants who are interested in the Presidential Scholarship or other merit scholarships to participate in an on-campus interview.
14. High Point University – Presidential Scholars Program
Deadline: November 15
What You Get: HPU’s Presidential Scholars Program has three award levels. Presidential Founders Scholarship recipients receive a full tuition scholarship of $30,000. Presidential Fellowship recipients receive between $9,000 and $20,000. Presidential Scholarship recipients receive between $5,000 and $11,000.
What You Need to Do: There is no separate application, but to be fully considered for the Presidential Scholars program, you’ll need to submit your application to High Point by November 15. Top candidates for the program will be invited to campus in February for interviews.
15. Fordham University – Cunniffe Presidential Scholarship
Deadline: January 1
What You Get: The Cunniffe Presidential Scholarship award covers full tuition, room, and board. Recipients of the scholarship are also eligible for up to $20,000 to be used for academic enrichment experiences over the four years of college.
What You Need to Do: There is no separate application. Just make sure you submit your application by the regular decision deadline and you’ll be eligible for consideration. According to Fordham, the scholarship is awarded to the “top 20-25 admitted students each year.”
To learn more about how Zen Admissions can help you throughout the merit scholarship application process, check out our essay editing and essay coaching services.