As a prized form of aid, a full tuition scholarship allows you to attend college almost free. Most full tuition scholarships pay the cost of attendance. Or, tuition and some fees.
Many full tuition scholarships are merit awards. To get one, you might need a high GPA, class rank, test scores, athletic ability or artistic talent.
Science and research skills could parlay into a full tuition award too. Regeneron Talent Search awards from $2,000 to $250,000.
Winners may also need a strong track record outside school. Qualities like being a good leader or volunteer.
There are ones set aside for minority students, and certain majors too. One is the USDA 1890 Scholars Program. To apply, you a 3.0 GPA or higher. Also, plans to study food, agriculture or natural resources at an 1890’s college.
When not based only on merit, providers look at unmet financial need. These usually ask for details about family income from your FAFSA. The United Negro College Fund offers a few like this.
Full Ride vs. Full Tuition Scholarships
The terms full ride and full tuition do not always mean the same thing. The difference lies in what each award pays for.
Full ride scholarships pay for tuition, fees and many extras. Like books, room and board, travel and a laptop. Plus, some cover the expenses for all four years of an undergrad degree
Full tuition scholarships pay only tuition and some fees. So, you need to cover housing, books etc. And, they may fund one year only
How Much Money Might I Save With a Full Tuition Scholarship?
A full tuition scholarship may save you thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. The amounts vary by type of school, state and how many years of funding you get.
The NCES tracks the costs of attending both public and private schools in the US. It breaks these costs down into three areas. Tuition and fees, room, and board.
Using their most recent data, tuition / fees at a public in state school is $9,037 per year. A full tuition scholarship for four years would save you an average of $36,148.
For a private out of state school, these costs average $30,731 per year. A full tuition scholarship for all four years would save you an average of $122,924.
Average Costs of College in the U.S.
Type of School
Tuition and Fees
Room
Board
Total
Public 4 Year (In state)
$9,037
$6,227
$4,786
$20,050
Private 4 Year (Out of state)
$30,731
$6,967
$5,441
$43,139
With student debt at a record high of $1.4 trillion in the first quarter of 2019, that’s money in your bank. Unlike a loan, you don’t pay scholarships back if you abide by the terms.
Top 11 Full Tuition Scholarships
Many colleges offer full tuition scholarships to incoming freshman. But schools are not the only sources. Widen your net with these 11 full tuition scholarships.
Out-of-state college freshmen or older students who plan to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
