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Full-ride scholarships are scholarships that cover the entire cost of attending a college or university. In particular, full-ride scholarships for underprivileged students are a lifeline which enable them to afford a college education.
For underprivileged students, these scholarships can make a world of difference. Without the burden of worrying about how they will pay for their education, these students can focus on their studies and make the most of their college experience.
Are you interested in learning about life-changing full-ride scholarships for underprivileged students? Keep reading to discover how these scholarships can help provide access to higher education and open up a world of opportunities.
Top 10 Full-Ride Scholarships for Underprivileged Students in the United States
1. Coolidge Scholarship
Closing Date
February 23
Program Description
The Coolidge Scholarship is a really good scholarship that is given out every year. If you get it, it will pay for all four years of your college education. This means you do not have to worry about paying for tuition, housing, food, or other expenses.
You do not have to have a certain background or study a certain thing to apply. Most importantly, this scholarship does not care about your financial situation, so everyone has a chance to get it!
Coolidge Scholarship applicants must be full-time undergraduates at an accredited United States college or university in the fall. Also, they must be United States citizens or permanent residents and not related to any current employee or trustee of the Coolidge Scholars Program or the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation.
2. Cameron Impact Scholarship
Closing Date
May 19
Program Description
Each year, 10-15 high school students are awarded the Cameron Impact Scholarships, which are full-ride scholarships for high school seniors. Recipients are chosen based on their exceptional leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and academic achievements.
The scholarships cover all expenses including tuition fees and books, and can be used at any accredited United States college or university. It is a merit-based program that is open to all applicants who meet the requirements for GPA and citizenship.
Most importantly, the scholarship committee is seeking enthusiastic young leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities, and their backgrounds are not a factor in the selection process.
3. Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program
Closing Date
Around January or February
Program Description
Smart Start is an opportunity for motivated and analytical high school students in New York City who want to jumpstart a career in financial services. During the school year, you will work part-time while learning the necessary skills for a successful financial career.
In the summer, you will work full-time and rotate to different areas of the company to broaden your understanding of financial services roles. The program seeks academically accomplished students with an interest in financial services and the ability to balance work and education.
Ideally, candidates should be detail-oriented, flexible, adaptable, and able to manage multiple responsibilities.
4. Flinn Scholars Program
Closing Date
October 19
Program Description
The Flinn Scholars Program is a highly competitive, merit-based scholarship program that provides full tuition, room, board, and other benefits for up to 20 Arizona high school seniors each year. It covers four years of undergraduate study at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona, or the University of Arizona.
Additionally, the program offers opportunities for international study, a seminar series, mentorship, and other resources to support the scholars’ academic and personal growth.
Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement to be considered for this prestigious program.
5. Gates Scholarship
Closing Date
September 15
Program Description
The Gates Scholarships are highly-selective, full-ride scholarships for underprivileged students, especially high school seniors from low-income households. In particular, the scholarship provides professional development opportunities and mentorship to support scholars’ academic and personal growth.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors who are United States citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. They must also be from at least one of the following ethnicities:
- African American
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- Asian & Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American
Additionally, applicants must have a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 and be in good academic standing.
6. Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program
Closing Date
November 17
Program Description
The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program is a highly competitive, merit-based scholarships that provides high-achieving, low-income high school seniors and transfer students with up to $40,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study at an accredited college or university.
Applicants must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate significant financial need. The program also offers academic advising, career counseling, and other support services to ensure the success of scholarship recipients.
In particular, the scholarship aims to help exceptional students from diverse backgrounds achieve their full potential and become leaders in their fields.
7. Posse Scholars Program
Closing Date
Varies
Program Description
The Posse Scholars Program are full-ride scholarships for underprivileged students who demonstrate exceptional academic and leadership potential. These students are chosen based on their leadership skills, academic achievement, and ability to work well in a team.
Posse Scholars will be able to attend one of Posse’s partner colleges or universities, where they join a supportive community of peers known as a “posse”. The posse helps Scholars adjust to college life and provides ongoing support throughout their undergraduate experience.
To be considered for this opportunity, you must be nominated by your high school or a community-based organization, be in the first term of their senior year in high school, and demonstrate academic potential.
8. Act Six Scholars Program
Closing Date
November 15
Program Description
Act Six Scholars Program is a leadership scholarship that seeks to identify and equip diverse, urban young people to become leaders who change their communities. The scholarship is open to high school seniors who are from underrepresented communities and are interested in pursuing higher education.
To be eligible, you must demonstrate academic potential and leadership skills. While the minimum GPA requirement is absent, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 should show their readiness for college success through their essays, test scores, and recommendations.
Act Six Scholars Program considers diversity in selecting scholars, but there are no income restrictions. Students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
9. USDA 1890 National Scholars Program
Closing Date
February 15
Program Description
These full-ride scholarships for underprivileged students are aimed at students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at any of the nineteen 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities.
Additionally, the program aims to increase the number of underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and other related disciplines.
You must be a United States citizen, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and must demonstrate leadership and community involvement. Also, you must have completed FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.
10. Evans Scholarship
Closing Date
October 15
Program Description
This scholarship is awarded to caddies who have shown exceptional character, leadership, and community involvement, and who have worked for at least two years at a participating golf course. Recipients attend one of 18 universities across the United States with housing provided by the Evans Scholars Foundation.
In fact, it has awarded over 11,000 scholarships since its inception in 1930. It is funded by the Western Golf Association. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years.
To be considered for this scholarship, you must have a strong caddie record and completed your junior high school with a B average or higher in college preparatory courses.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these full-ride scholarships for underprivileged students are an excellent opportunity for you to pursue your dreams of higher education without the burden of student loan. The road to success may not always be easy, but with the support of these scholarship programs, it can certainly be made more accessible.
