How DO I Get Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students

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Education and Study Grants

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students

How DO I Find Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students – Do you want to apply to colleges that offer full rides for low-income students? Good news! There are plenty of colleges and universities in the United States of America that help low-income students with full-rides to make a college degree attainable and affordable. A full-ride scholarship helps low-income students to pursue higher education.

As per the 2018 Washington Post article, only 0.1% of students in the USA get adequate funding through full-ride scholarships and grants and can cover 100% of the cost of college attendance. The average cost at a four-year college institution is $38,270 per student. On qualifying for full-rides for low-income students, you can get financial awards in the range of $20,000 to $55,000. This guide will provide an overview of the best colleges for low-income students that help with full-ride scholarships throughout America.

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Understanding Full-Ride Scholarships for Low Income Students

Full-ride scholarship programs for low-income students get tossed around as many people don’t know what these scholarship programs entail. Here are a few questions that parents and students need to know about full-ride scholarship programs.

What Is a Full-Ride Scholarship?

A full-ride scholarship is a financial award that helps students to cover all college expenses. This encompasses tuition, fees, room and board, and other living costs. The objective is to help students get financial assistance and reduce the need to take loans to pursue higher education.

You can also read about how to obtain government grants for schools in our next guide.

How Hard Is It To Get A Full-Ride Scholarship?

Not every school provides a full-ride scholarship, however many do. Full-ride scholarships help students obtain free education. Less than 1% of students receive these scholarship awards. This signifies how difficult it is to earn one full-ride scholarship.  However, with the right planning and approach, you can boost your chance to obtain one. You can also apply for colleges for low-income students to afford your education.

What Are The Different Types Of Full-Ride Scholarships For Low Income Students?

Full-ride scholarships from colleges for low-income students require candidates to fulfill some common factors. Any student can qualify for the full  scholarship depending on their skills, expertise, knowledge, and background.

  • Merit-based: Full-ride scholarships are given to those who have excellent academic achievements. These are based on rigorous coursework, a high GPA, or scores obtained on the ACT or SAT.
  • Athletic: Students earn full ride scholarships due to their academic excellence, leadership, merit, or athletic skills. Division I and Division II sports provide full-ride scholarships to student athletes who can demonstrate excellence in classroom and sports.
  • Government: A few scholarships are provided by the government to help students offset the cost of education. Scholarships provided by the government are designed for ROTC students or those studying at Military Academy.
  • State-sponsored: A few state-sponsored programs help students to cover the cost of college. These may vary from one state to another and are used at particular public universities.
  • Prestige: These scholarships are provided for students who demonstrate leadership, community service, and other qualities. Students need to display a promising career to get them.
  • Financial need: Students from low-income families can be eligible for full-ride scholarships at a few schools. Private full-ride scholarships are also available in a few places that use meritorious prestige along with financial needs to determine recipients.
  • Additional options: You can also qualify for a full-ride scholarship for low-income students based on other qualifying factors, like having a specific heritage or being a first-generation college student.

Our next guide will throw light on the list of college that offers free tuition for low income in Texas.

Top Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students

Following is the list of best colleges with scholarships for low-income students.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Alabama 

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)

  • Need to know: The Academic Elite Scholarship covers full tuition, books, scholarship of $2000, and yearly stipend of $8500.
  • Eligibility. Must have a GPA of 3.8, ACT score of 32 or SAT of 1130-1410.
  • Contact: 205-348-8201

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Arizona

University of Arizona (Tucson, Arizona)

  • Need to know: The University of Arizona offers the Jefferson Scholarship to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, room and board. A maximum of 36 scholarships are provided to eligible students.
  • Eligibility: Must have academic achievements and display leadership skills.
  • Contact: (434) 243-9029

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Arkansas

Hendrix College (Conway AR)

  • Need to know:

Hays Memorial Scholarship covers mandatory fees, an unlimited board plan, full tuition, and residence hall room.

The Hendrix College Scholarships provide assistance from $18,000 to full tuition.

  • Eligibility: Winners are selected based on their test scores, GPA, leadership experience, recommendations, and extracurricular activities.
  • Contact: 501-329-6811

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students In California

Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Need to know: 

Arrupe Scholarship is designed for international students and provides assistance up to $12,500 per year for full tuition.

Trustee Scholarship provides full tuition tradition to the cost of domain vote. 10 scholars are selected among freshmen applicants every year.

  • Eligibility. Must be a freshman applicant.
  • Contact: 310-338-2753

Soka University of America (Alison Viejo, CA)

  • Need to know: Soka University of America offers the Global Merit Scholarship that helps low-income students to cover tuition, room and board, travel, books, supplies, and personal expenses. It is granted to international applicants or those who graduate from African nations.
  • Eligibility: Must graduate from an African nation and demonstrate academic achievement.
  • Contact:  (310) 794-6062

University of California- Los Angeles  (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Need to know: The University of California and Los Angeles offers the Stamps scholarships that provide full tuition along with an enrichment point fund up to $12,000.
  • Eligibility. Has been nominated by the university for the scholarship based on the following qualities: leadership, community service, scholarship, and innovation.
  • Contact: (310) 794-6062

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Need to know: 

The University of Southern California offers the Stamps Scholarship that provides full tuition along with an annual enrichment point of $5000 (or $20,000 in total over four years).

They also provide a Mork Family Scholarship that offers full tuition along with a stipend of $5000.

The Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition for eligible candidates based on their academic achievements and other factors.

  • Eligibility: Candidates must have an average ACT and SAT score. They must display academic achievements, innovation, perseverance, talent, leadership, and involvement.
  • Contact: (213) 740-9116.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Connecticut 

University of Connecticut (Stores, CT)

  • Need to know: The Stamps Scholars are provided for exceptional students who are residents of Connecticut. The program helps to cover the cost of tuition, attendance, fees, room, books, room, and board along with a stipend of $12,000 for enrichment activities.
  • Eligibility: Must be an exceptional student and resident of Connecticut.
  • Contact: +1 860-486-4900.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Delaware

University of Delaware (Newark, Delaware)

  • Need to know: Eugene du Pont Memorial Scholars provides coverage for full tuition, and enrichment stipends up to $2500.
  • Eligibility: Applicants are made by invitation only and start in January every year.
  • Contact:  (302) 831-1195

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Florida 

Rollins College (Winter Park, FL)

  • Need to know: Rollins College offers the Alfond Scholars Program that provides full-ride scholarships to 10 incoming freshmen. The scholarship covers full tuition, room and board, and other costs.
  • Eligibility: The scholarships are renewable for up to four years, and you must be an incoming freshman.
  • Contact: 407-646-2161

Barry University (Miami Shores, FL)

  • Need to know: Stamps Scholarships help students to cover the cost of full tuition, books, room and board, and transportation. It offers winners a steady grant of $6000.
  • Eligibility. Applicants must have a GDP of 3.5 and be involved in community service.
  • Contact: 305-899-3000.

University of Miami (Coral Gables, Fl)

  • Need to know: 

The University of Miami provides tons of scholarship opportunities, such as the Stamps Scholarship, that covers fees, full tuition, textbooks, room & board, and an enrichment fund up to $12,000.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta GA)

  • Need to know: 

The Stamps President’s Scholars Program is a full-ride scholarship given by this university that helps students to cover full tuition, room and board, fees, books, laptop, supplies, and enrichment fund up to $15,000.

  • Eligibility: Students need to display leadership and community service and submit the application within the deadline.
  • Contact: 404 894 2000

Mercer University (Macon GA)

  • Need to know: The Stamps Scholarship covers fees, full tuition, room and board, books, and an enrichment fund up to $16,000. The scholarships are given to academic achievers in the entering freshman class.
  • Eligibility: Must show academic excellence and must apply within the deadline.
  • Contact: PO Box 98374 Atlanta, GA 30359-2074.

Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, GA)

Need to know: 

Agnes Scott College (Decatur GA)

Need to know: 

  • Marvin B. Perry Presidential Scholarship provides full tuition along with room and board to eligible candidates.
  • The Goizueta Foundation Scholarship covers room and board and full tuition for eligible students, especially those from minority groups.
  • Eligibility: Must be a resident of the United States with strong academic talent and financial need.
  • Contact: 404 471 6395.

University of Georgia (Athens, GA)

Need to know: 

  • The University of Georgia provides the Foundation Fellowships to incoming freshmen and helps them to cover tuition, fees, room, and board.
  • The Ramsey Honors Scholarship Program helps students to cover full tuition, including mentoring, a stipend, a study grant of $3000, and other perks.
  • Eligibility: Must have an unweighted GPA of minimum 3.9, SAT score of 1470 or ACT score of 32.
  • Contact: 706-542-3240

Emory College (Atlanta, GA)

  • Need to know: The Emory College offers the Emory Scholars Program that helps to cover room and board, tuition and fees, summer funding for international travel, and unpaid internships.
  • Eligibility: You need to be an incoming freshman.
  • Contact: 404-727-6036.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Hawaii

University of Hawaii (Honolulu, HI)

  • Need to know: Regents Scholarship is provided to eligible students that help them to cover full tuition and annual stipend of $4000 in travel grant of $2000.
  • Eligibility. Must have a high school GPA of 3.5, an ACT score of 29, an ACT score of 1340, and show extracurricular involvement.
  • Contact: (808) 956-9404.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Illinois

University of Illinois (Champaign, IL)

Need to know: 

  • The Stamps Scholarship covers the whole cost of attendance and provides additional funds for enrichment activities, internships, research, and study abroad experiences.
  • James Hunter Anthony & Gerald E. Blackshear Endowment provides full tuition and fees for four years to eligible candidates.
  • Eligibility: Students must graduate from an Illinois high school and maintain a GPA of 3.0.
  • Contact: 217.333.1000.

University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

  • Need to know: The University of Chicago offers full-ride scholarships for low-income students in the form of the Stamps Scholarships to exceptional undergraduate students. The program provides an enrichment grant up to $20,000. This is to support learning opportunities for students in their final two years of college.
  • Eligibility: Must meet the merit and academic criteria.
  • Contact: +1-773-702-8650.

Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, IL)

  • Need to know: Need to know: The Duchossois Leadership Scholars program covers room and board, full tuition, a fall retreat, summer educational experience, and mentoring.
  • Eligibility: Must have a GPA of 3.5 and standardized test scores in the top 10%. Students must belong to households having income less than $200,000.
  • Contact: 312 567 3000

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Indiana

Drake University (Des Moines, IA)

  • Need to know: The National Alumni Scholarship helps students cover fees, full tuition, room, and board.
  • Eligibility criteria. In order to be eligible, you need to have an ACT of 31, a SAT score of 1430, or be in the top 5% of your high school class. You also need to prove you have a GPA of 3.8 or above.
  • Contact: 515-271-2011

Indiana University (Bloomington Bloomington, IN)

  • Need to know: Need to know: The Well Scholars Program covers the whole cost of attendance for four years for eligible candidates.
  • Eligibility: Recipients need to be nominated by their high school, university faculty member, or admission office.
  • Contact: (812) 855-3397.

Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)

  • Need to know: Need to know: The Stamps Scholarship covers full tuition along with $10,000 in enrichment activities for eligible students.
  • Eligibility: Selection is done based on leadership, extracurricular activities, personal goals, and academics.
  • Contact: 765-494-4600.

University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)

  • Need to know: The University of Notre Dame offers the Stamps Scholarship that offers full tuition and fees, including $12,000 in enrichment funds, to eligible candidates. Students are nominated by the admission office, and every winner gets professional mentorship from the faculty.
  • Eligibility: Students have to display leadership perseverance, comma innovation, and community service.
  • Contact: (574) 631-1111.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Kentucky

University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)

Need to know: 

  • The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition for talented students.
  • Otis A. Singletary Scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for students who can complete the application within the deadline.
  • Eligibility: Must have a GPA of 3.5 or 3.8, an ACT of 31 to 33, and a set of 1390 to 1450.
  • Contact: (859) 257-3172

University of Louisville (Louisville, KY)

  • Need to know: The University of Louisville in Louisville, KY, offers a Brown Fellows Program that pays for full tuition, housing, books, and enrichment funds up to $6000.
  • Eligibility: The selection is based on well-roundedness, academics, and leadership skills. Applicants also need to meet the minimum 31 ACT, 1390 SAT, and 3.5 GPA criteria.
  • Contact: 502.852.6531

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Louisiana 

Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA)

  • Need to know: The Stamps Scholarship covers all tuition and up to $14,000 for enrichment activities.
  • Eligibility: Students need to have a 3.5 GPA, an ACT score of 33, or more than a SAT score of 1440.
  • Contact: 225-578-3811.

Tulane University (New Orleans, LA) 

Need to know: 

  • Tulane University offers the Dean’s Honor Scholarship, that helps to cover full tuition, and 75 scholarships are awarded every year. The ACT score must be more than 31, and the SAT should be more than 1400.
  • The Paul Tulane Award offers full tuition for eligible students based on their achievements, writing components, and a maximum of 50 scholarships are provided to eligible candidates. The ACT score should be more than 31, and SAT scores should be more than 1400.
  • Stamps Scholarships help students cover their full tuition, attendance and enrichment standing. The program covers the cost of tuition and helps reduce the financial burden.
  • Eligibility: The selection is based on writing components, general achievements, and creative projects. You need to be an incoming freshman.
  • Contact: 504.865.5731

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Maryland

University of Maryland, College Park (College Park, MD)

  • Need to know: The University of Maryland offers Banneker/Key Scholars Program to undergraduate freshmen. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, room and board, and other costs. Winners can get additional funding up to $5000 for travel, research, internship and study abroad.
  • Eligibility: Freshman applicants must apply early and be invited by a selection committee.
  • Contact: 301-405-1220

Stevenson University (Stevenson, MD)

  • Need to know: Stevenson University offers a Presidential Fellowship that covers full tuition and is renewable for up to four years of college.
  • Eligibility: Must be a freshman student and submit an application within the deadline.
  • Contact: (301) 405-6771

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Massachusetts

Northeastern University (Boston MA)

  • Need to know: The Torch Scholars Program by Northeastern University helps students to cover fees, full tuition, room and board, and allow participants to take part in the summer immersion program.
  • Eligibility: Applicants should be nominated by non-family members.
  • Contact: [email protected]

Boston University (Chestnut Hill, MA)

Need to know: 

  • Boston University offers the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship, that awards full tuition and fees to eligible students based on their academic achievements.
  • Eligibility: Must be an undergraduate student and meet merit and academic criteria.
  • Contact: 617-552-1360.

Clark University (Worcester, MA)

  • Need to know: The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to students who are known to have shown academic excellence. The program covers full tuition, campus room, and board for four years, irrespective of the financial need.
  • Eligibility: Students need to have academic excellence and be at the top of the university applicant pool.
  • Contact: 508.793.7711.

Babson College (Babson Park, MA)

  • Need to know: The Weissman Scholarship is given to students whose secondary school marks have placed them in the top 5% of their programs. Moreover, the program also provides a full tuition award for four years, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
  • Eligibility: Students need to show academic excellence.
  • Contact: 781.235.1200.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Michigan

University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

  • Need to know: The University of Michigan provides Stamps Scholarship that helps students cover the whole cost of attendance and engagement up to $10,000. 18 students are admitted through early action.
  • Eligibility. Selection is based on exceptional talent and delimited achievements from community involvement, leadership, and service.
  • Contact: PO Box 98374, Atlanta, GA 30359-2074

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)

  • Need to know: Need to know: Michigan State University offers an Alumni Distinguished Scholarship (maximum 15 awards given every year) and a Distinguished Freshman Scholarship (maximum 20 awards given every year) that covers fees, full tuition, room, and board and type and a $1000 annual stipend every year.
  • Eligibility: You need to be an incoming freshman.
  • Contact: (517) 355-8332

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Minnesota 

University of St. Thomas (Saint Paul, MN)

  • Need to know: The Dease scholarship Program selects 10 students to get the full tuition program. The scholarship helps students who are historically underrepresented.
  • Eligibility: The program is awarded to students who belong to urban high schools and demonstrate academic excellence through leadership and strong financial need.
  • Contact: 651.962.5000.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Mississippi 

University of Mississippi (Oxford, MI)

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Missouri

Saint Louis University (Saint Louis, MO)

  • Need to know: The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition for eligible students.
  • Eligibility criteria: Should have an ACT of 38 or SAT of 1390 and a GPA of 3.85. Students must submit an application within the deadline.
  • Contact: 314-977-2500.

Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)

Need to know:

  • John B. Ervin Scholars Program that provides full tuition along with an annual stipend of $2500.
  • The Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program provides full tuition and an annual stipend of $2500. The awards are provided for academic achievements and students’ commitment to serve historically underprivileged populations. International students can apply for this scholarship.
  • The Danforth Scholars Program provides full or partial tuition. Students who are applying for the program need to complete and submit an application for admission.
  • Eligibility: Candidates need to demonstrate leadership, community service and excel academically. They must serve historically underprivileged populations or those going through challenging circumstances. They must provide proof of recommendations, essays, and other documents showing academic excellence.
  • Contact: 314-935-6000 | 800-638-0700.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in New Jersey

Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ)

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in New York

St. Lawrence University (Canton, NY)

  • Need to know: The Trustee Scholarship helps students to cover the cost of tuition for a minimum of four years.
  • Eligibility: The selection is based on leadership, academic excellence, and character.
  • Contact: 800-285-1856.

Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY)

Need to know: 

  • The Coronat Scholars offer full tuition and additional funding to eligible students for study abroad programs. The application is made by invitation only.
  • Haudenosaunee Scholarships are provided to eligible students who have lived in the Haudenosaunee territory for a minimum of four years before their college enrollment and this program helps them to cover mandatory fees and full tuition.
  • Eligibility: Must be an incoming freshman pursuing a liberal arts major.
  • Contact: 315.443.1513.

New York University (New York, NY)

  • Need to know: The AnBryce Scholarship is given to academically talented and first generation college students who can demonstrate a strong academic need. The program helps to cover the cost of tuition and provides for four years of undergraduate studies.
  • Eligibility: Students must have demonstrated academic need.
  • Contact: 212.998.1212.

University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY)

  • Need to know: The Millonzi Distinguished Honors Scholarship is one of the annual full-ride scholarships that helps students to cover fees and tuition.
  • Eligibility: Must have an ACT score of 27, SAT score of 1300, unweighted high school average of 90, and be a freshman honors student.
  • Contact: 716-645-3020

University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)

Need to know: 

  • The Alan and Jane Handler Endowed Scholarship is a combination of need and merit-based financial assistance that covers individual mentoring, whole tuition, and $5000 for professional academic enrichment.
  • Eligibility. Students are selected based on their academic excellence for financial need for leadership and the factors.
  • Contact: (585) 273-2700.

Fordham University (Bronx, NY)

Need to know: 

  • Fordham University offers a Presidential Scholarship that helps to cover full tuition along with room and renewable for up to four years of college.
  • The Semifinalist Scholarship help students to cover full tuition.
  • Eligibility: The Presidential Scholarship covers students who ranked the top one to 2% of their high school classes. The semifinalist scholarships include finalists or semifinalists for National Merit or National Hispanic Recognition Scholarship Program and have an average or in the top 2- 3% of admitted students.
  • Contact: 718-817-3800.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in North Carolina

North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC)

  • Need to know: The National Alumni Scholarship covers full tuition, fees, room, and board. The Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholarship covers full tuition along with room and board for eligible candidates. The Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy scholarship requires candidates to meet a 3.75 GPA, an ACT score of 27 or above, and SAT scores of 1270 or above.
  • Eligibility: The National Alumni Scholarship requires candidates to have a minimum GPA of 3.5 along with an ACT score of 22 or an ACT score of 1100.
  • Contact:  336.334.7500

Duke University (Durham, NC)

  • Need to know: The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program by this university covers fees, tuition, and other fees. Those who are searching for colleges with full tuition aid for low-income students can consider this university.
  • Eligibility: Must demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership, and strength of character.
  • Contact: [email protected]

Meredith College (Raleigh, NC)

  • Need to know: Meredith College offers the Full Ride Merit Scholarship, a prestigious program given to first-year students.
  • Eligibility: The scholarship is given based on leadership, academic achievement, character, and service. Recipients get housing and residence halls for full tuition, books, food, supplies, international study, and academic enrichment programs worth $30,000.
  • Contact: 929.760.8600.

North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC)

  • Need to know: The Park Scholarships Program is a full-ride scholarship for low-income students that covers room & board, tuition, books, and other college expenses.
  • Eligibility: Must be an incoming freshman.
  • Contact: 919-515-3794

Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)

The Stamps Scholarships help students to cover full tuition, room and board, fees for personal expenses, and books. It also includes an enrichment fund up to $15,000.

  • Eligibility: Must be an incoming freshman and display academic achievements, maturity, character, and academic motivation.
  • Contact: 336.758.5000.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)

Need to know: 

  • The Morehead-Cain Scholars program covers fees, full tuition, room and board for students who demonstrate financial need.
  • Robertson Scholars Leadership Program covers fees, full tuition, room and board and funding up to 3 domestic summer experiences.
  • Eligibility: Must be a current or incoming college freshman or be an international student. Students need to display leadership and intellectual curiosity, must be from a designated nominated school, and have strength of character.
  • Contact: 919.962.1201.

Davidson College (Davidson, NC)

Need to know: 

  • John M. Belk Scholarships by Davidson College help students to cover the cost of tuition, room and board, and fees, along with $6000 for special opportunities.
  • The Lowell L. Bryan Scholarship covers fees and full tuition for freshman students who contribute to academic, sports, and extracurricular activities.
  • The Charles Scholarship helps students to cover fees, full tuition, room and board, travel expenses, book allowances, and personal expenses for those who have strong academic accomplishments.
  • Eligibility: Must be an incoming freshman and also be nominated by your high school.
  • Contact: (704) 894-2000.

Salem College (Winston-Salem, NC)

Need to know: 

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Ohio

Lewis and Clark College (Portland, OR) 

  • Need to know: Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarship covers fees and full tuition along with enrichment type and up to $2000.
  • Eligibility: Selection is based on personal and academic achievements. Up to five scholarships are provided every year for two students, especially those who are studying science or have an interest in intercultural international problems.
  • Contact: 503-768-7000.

Oberlin College (Oberlin, Ohio)

  • Need to know: Need to know: Oberlin College offers the Conservatory Dean’s Awards that helps students meet 100% of their demonstrated need for their college degree. This is not a traditional scholarship, and a combination of funding can equate to a full-ride.
  • Eligibility: Must have strong financial needs.
  • Contact: (800) 622-6243.

The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)

Need to know: 

  • The Eminence Fellows Scholarship helps students cover the cost of undergraduate studies.
  • The Morrill Scholarship Program helps academically strong students and provides scholarships on 3 awards- Distinction Prominence and excellence. The program covers attendance, tuition, and other expenses.
  • Eligibility: Must display academic talent and show leadership.
  • Contact: 614-292-3980.

Miami University (Oxford, Ohio)

  • Need to know: Need to know: The University Merit Scholarship by the university covers the cost of college attendance, tuition, and other expenses. The Ohio Governor’s Scholarship covers tuition and fees for students from 83 counties in Ohio.
  • Eligibility: Must be an incoming freshman. Must have SAT scores of minimum 1480 or ACT scores of minimum 33 or GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Contact: 513-529-1809.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Pennsylvania

ElizabethTown College (Elizabethtown, PA)

  • Need to know: The university offers the Stamps Scholarship, which helps students to cover full tuition along with an enrichment fund up to $6000.
  • Eligibility: Awards are given based on scholarship, demonstrative leadership, innovation, academic achievements, and perseverance, and winners are selected by the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation.
  • Contact: 717-361-1000.

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)

Need to know: 

  • The Chancellor’s Scholarship helps students to get fees for full tuition, room and board, research of $2000, and a stipend of $500.00 for books.
  • The Nordenberg Leadership Scholars program helps students get full tuition along with internship opportunities.
  • Diversity Scholarships provides assistance to underrepresented groups in engineering, science, or the business and nursing sectors, and helps them cover full tuition, fees, room and board, a book award of $500, or a $2000 scholarship for research or study abroad.
  • The Stamps Scholarship helps students to cover full tuition, room and board, fees for personal academic allowance, and enrichment fund up to $17400.
  • Eligibility: Must be an incoming freshman.
  • Contact: +1412-624-4141.

Villanova University (Villanova, PA)

Need to know: 

  • Presidential Scholarships help students to cover fees, full tuition, room & board, and textbook costs for four years.
  • The St. Martin de Porres Scholarship covers the whole cost of tuition and general fees for eligible students, including those from economic disadvantage and underrepresented groups.
  • Anthony Randazzo Endowed Presidential Scholarship helps incoming freshmen who are black or African American and have a strong financial need to cover their tuition costs. The scholarships help to cover tuition, room and board, textbooks, and fees for up to 8 semesters.
  • Eligibility: You need to be an incoming freshman and must be nominated by your high school.
  • Contact: 610-519-4500.

Temple University Philadelphia, PA)

  • Need to know: The President’s Scholars Program is given to first year applicants that helps them to cover the cost of full tuition. Recipients get a $4000 stipend that they can use for a variety of purposes like study abroad, internships, or academic activities.
  • Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial hardship.
  • Contact: 215-204-2244.

Lafayette College (Easton, PA)

  • Need to know: The Marquis Fellowship is given to academically talented students. 25 scholarships are provided every year to eligible students to make a difference in their communities and school.
  • Eligibility: Must demonstrate academic need for financial leadership and community service.
  • Contact: 610 330.5000.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Rhode Island

Providence College (Providence, RI)

  • Need to know: Providence College offers the Roddy Scholarship to help students cover fees, full tuition, room, and board.
  • Eligibility: Cover students who want to make a career in the medical field and have academic talent in high school.
  • Contact: +1.401.865.1000.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in South Carolina

Wofford College (Spartanburg, SC) 

  • Need to know: The Richardson Family Scholarship covers school full tuition, room and board, a monthly stipend, books, laptops, miscellaneous expenses, a summer internship, and travel experiences.
  • Eligibility. Must file the application process within the deadline.
  • Contact: 864-597-4000.

Furman University (Greensville, SC)

  • Need to know: James B. Duke Scholarship covers full tuition and a stipend up to $5000 to cover summer study experiences.
  • Eligibility: Based on personal accomplishments and exceptional academic achievements.
  • Contact: 864.294.2000.

Clemson University (Clemson, SC)

  • Need to know: Need to know: The National Scholars Program helps students to cover fees and full tuition along with allowances for supplies, room and board, and group study abroad experiences, to name a few.
  • Eligibility:Must: Must have strong leadership skills, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community service.
  • Contact: 864-656-6160.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Tennessee

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)

Need to know: 

  • The Ingram Scholarship Program sponsored by the university offers full tuition and stipends for summer projects.
  • The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship covers full tuition and a one-time stipend towards summer along with other expenses.
  • Eligibility: To qualify for the Ingram scholarship program, students need to demonstrate commitment to community service, common leadership potential, and strength of personal character.

To qualify for the Cornelius Vanderbilt scholarship, candidates need to display leadership of intellectual promise from academic achievements outside the classroom.

  • Contact: (615) 322-3591.

Rhodes College (Memphis, TN)

  • Need to know: The Bellingrath Scholarship covers the whole cost of tuition and is provided to one applicant every year.
  • Eligibility: Must meet academic and financial need criteria.
  • Contact: 800.844.5969.

Sewanee: The University of the South ( Sewanee, TN)

Need to know: 

  • Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship is given to talented students that helped them cover the cost of room and board and tuition. It is one of the prestigious awards given every year.
  • The Benedict Scholarship provides three distinguished awards every year to students to help them cover the cost of room and board and tuition.
  • Eligibility: Must demonstrate a strong financial need.
  • Contact: 931.598.1000.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Texas

University of Texas at Dallas (Dallas, TX)

  • Need to know: The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program by this university helps students to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses.
  • Eligibility: Must be an incoming freshman.
  • Contact: 972-883-2155

University of Texas at Austin (Astin, TX)

  • Need to know: The Forty Acres Scholars Program covers full tuition. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, meals, $1000 for undergraduate research, and $2000 for study abroad. One of the best colleges that offers free tuition for low-income students in Texas is the University of Texas at Austin.
  • Eligibility: This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshman students who have leadership skills, perform extracurricular activities, provide community service, and excel academically.
  • Contact: 512-840-5700.

University of Houston (Houston, TX)

  • Need to know: Tier One Scholarship offers full tuition, room and board, fees, and a stipend for researching our membership and study abroad opportunities to eligible candidates.
  • Eligibility: Applicants need to complete the application within the deadline.
  • Contact: (713) 743-2255.

Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX)

  • Need to know: The Chancellor’s Scholarship provides full tuition to academically accomplished students.
  • Eligibility: Must be in the top 3% of their graduating high school class, have a SAT of 2150, or ACT of 33.
  • Contact: 817-257-7000

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)

  • Need to know: The President’s Scholars Program by the university covers fees and full tuition, including one academic year and a summer program abroad. Scholars get additional assistance to cover their room & board costs.
  • Eligibility: Students must be in the top 10% of high school. They also need to meet SAT and ACT score requirements.
  • Contact: 214-768-2058.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Virginia

Washington and Lee University (Lexington, VA) 

  • Need to know: The Johnson Scholarship covers room and board, full tuition, and summer experience up to $7000.
  • Eligibility: Selection is based on essays, academic and personal accomplishments, and other criteria.
  • Contact: +1 540-458-8400.

University of Richmond (Richmond, VA)

  • Need to know: The Richmond Scholars Program by this university covers full tuition, mentoring, and room and board expenses. It also offers an enrichment fund up to $3k to cover other college expenses.
  • Eligibility: Must display strong leadership skills and exceptional artistic talent. Candidates need to be an incoming freshman.
  • Contact: (804) 662-3060.

University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)

Need to know: One of the US universities that offers full-ride scholarships to undergraduate students is the University of Virginia.

  • The Jefferson Scholars Program and Walentas Scholars Program cover tuition, room & board, and other college expenses.
  • Eligibility: Must be an incoming freshman and nominated by your high school.
  • Contact: 1-434-243-9029.

Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA)

Need to know: 

  • The Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship covers whole tuition every year for up to four academic years.
  • The National Merit Scholarship covers 100% tuition for students who have earned semifinalist, commended, or finalist status as a part of the National Merit Program.
  • Eligibility: Students need to be academically excellent and must meet GPA, ACT, or SAT requirements set by the university.
  • Contact: 434-582-2000.

College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, VA)

Need to know: 

  • The College of William and Mary Stamps 1693 Scholarship that provides full in-state tuition, room and board, fees, and a $5000 stipend for independent projects go on applicants are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
  • The William and Mary Scholars are full-ride scholarships for low-income college students that help them to cover tuition and fees.
  • Eligibility: Must meet the specific academic criteria and take part in a special program.
  • Contact: 757-221-4000.

Hollins University (Roanoke, VA)

  • Need to know: The Batten Scholar Award helps students get a four-year full tuition scholarship.
  • Eligibility: Students must be admitted to the university by 1st December and be at the top of their admission pool.
  • Contact: 540.362.6000

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Washington

The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)

  • Need to know: Archdiocesan Scholarship is a full tuition coverage program offered to eligible students. All undergraduate students, including international students, can apply for this program.
  • Eligibility. Must have an unweighted GPA of 3.8 or more, earn high SAT or ACT scores and be in the top of the class.
  • Contact: https://www.catholic.edu/contact-us.html.

American University (Washington, DC)

  • Need to know: The Frederick Douglass Scholarship Program by this university helps eligible candidates cover full tuition along with money for room, books, and fees.
  • Eligibility: Candidates must have 3.8 unweighted GPA or 4.0 weighted GPA. Priority is given to first-generation college students.
  • Contact: 202-885-1000.

The George Washington University (Washington, DC)

  • Need to know: The Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship covers fees, full tuition, room and board and book allowance to residents of Washington, DC.
  • Eligibility: Must have attended accredited high school.
  • Contact: 202-994-1000.

Colleges That Offer Full Rides For Low Income Students in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI)

  • Need to know: The Chancellor’s Scholarship Program by this university provides full tuition scholarships along with a book stipend of $400.
  • Eligibility: Must maintain a GPA of 3.0.
  • Contact: (608) 262-9315.

Carthage College (Kenosha WI)

  • Need to know: The Carthage College provides three full-ride scholarships for low-income students. Lincoln scholarship, Clausen Scholarship, and Rudd Scholarship helps students to cover whole tuition costs.
  • Eligibility: Must be a low-income student and provide proof of financial need.
  • Contact: 262-551-6537.

You can read our next guide to know how to apply for government grants for education to make your college degree attainable.

Expert Tips to Win Full-Ride Scholarships

Finding full-ride scholarships can be overwhelming and challenging for many students. Fortunately, there are experts who help students obtain the right scholarship opportunities. In the below section of the guide, we have provided a few tips to help you secure a chance.

  • Consider your heritage: Full-ride scholarships do not require academic or athletic success. Your affiliation or specific heritage can help you obtain these scholarships that are accepted at accredited colleges or universities in the USA.
  • Keep applying: It is necessary to apply for more full-ride scholarships to secure a chance at one. The stronger your applications are, the better will be your chance to get assistance. You can also apply for colleges that offer free tuition for low-income families.
  • Always apply: If you think you have a good chance of earning a full ride scholarship for any reason, then apply within the deadline.
  • Athletics can count: Division I sport may provide a full ride scholarship to six sports; private organizations provide many Fulbright scholarships for athletics.
  • Be creative: Students need to be creative in order to stand out from the rest and get the right scholarship.

You can also apply for free tutoring programs for low-income families near you if you need a helping hand in your studies.

Conclusion

To sum up, colleges that offer full-rides for low income students act as critical support for diverse students throughout the country. There are many colleges and universities that offer free tuition for low-income students including full-ride scholarships. The eligibility criteria to qualify for government grants for college and scholarships are based on the academic performance, leadership skills, dedication, intellectual curiosity, and extracurricular activities. Applying for more than one full-ride scholarship for low-income students will improve your odds of adding to your college fund.

Are you interested in learning more about assistance programs and grants that can help you improve your living situation? Then check out the rest of our blogs at GrantsBuddy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Colleges Give The Most Full-Ride Scholarships?

There is no definitive list of colleges with full-ride scholarships. Students need to look at colleges that help low-income students with financial aid opportunities like grants, scholarships, and other awarding funds to curtail the expense of higher education.

Are There Colleges That Offer Full- Rides For Low-Income International Students In The USA?

Yes, there are colleges with full-rides scholarships for international students. For example, the Makiguchi Scholarship is designed specifically for international students.

How Do I Maintain A Full-Ride Scholarship?

Full- Ride scholarships for college students expect students to participate in particular events, maintain a minimum GPA, and display community service to stay eligible.

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