We’ve all heard the scary statistics about student loan debt. Altogether, Americans owe almost $1.48 trillion in student loans. In the Class of 2017, the average graduate owes $39,400.
These high stats aren’t surprising, what with the cost of a private college averaging $32,410 per year. But what if you could reduce that number to $0 with a full-tuition scholarship?
While competitive, there are full-tuition scholarships that cover the cost of attendance at your college of choice. Read on for seven full-tuition scholarships, plus some tips on how to win one.
7 full-tuition scholarships that could save you thousands
1. Gates Millennium Scholars program
The Gates Millennium Scholars program covers unmet financial need for African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students. You need to have a GPA of at least 3.3, along with a commitment to service and leadership.
To win the Gates Millennium Scholarship, your school needs to nominate you. You also need to answer several essay questions. If you think you could qualify, speak to a teacher, counselor, or your principal about next steps.
2. Intel Science Search
The Intel Science Search is a national contest for aspiring scientists and mathematicians. Before winning scholarship money, you must participate in a long-term research project.
Projects could be in computer science, environmental science, engineering, or biochemistry, among other fields. The Intel Foundation awards one winner with $75,000 and other finalists with scholarships of varying amounts.
3. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship goes to high-achieving students with financial need.
The selection process is similar to the college admissions process. The scholarship committee looks at your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters. Winners get up to $40,000 each year for tuition, books, room, board, and other fees.
4. Microsoft scholarships
Microsoft awards a variety of scholarships, some of which cover the full cost of tuition. To qualify, you must plan to study computer science, science, technology, engineering, or math. Winners have a strong academic and extracurricular background, along with demonstrated financial need.
5. SMART: Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation
This scholarship goes to aspiring STEM students who are interested in a career in national defense. Winners are expected to do a summer internship and work for a period as a Department of Defense civilian.
The scholarship comes in the form of a cash stipend of $25,000 to $38,000 per year, depending on what degree you’re pursuing, and includes health insurance.
6. USDA 1890 National Scholars Program
The United States Department of Scholarship offers this full-tuition scholarship to students planning to attend one of the 1890 historically black land-grant universities, like Alabama A&M University or Tennessee State University.
Winners have a record of leadership, plus they plan to study food, agriculture, natural resource science, or a related discipline. USDA scholars get summer jobs and potential employment with the USDA after graduation.
7. Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway
The requirements for a $100,000 Dr. Pepper scholarship are unique. First, you need to post your goal to change the world on Facebook. If you get 50 likes, then you make a short video. A committee reviews all the videos, and winners receive prizes anywhere from $2,500 to $100,000 for tuition.
How to get a full-tuition scholarship
The scholarships on this list are rare finds. They come from private organizations, and you can use most of them at any university.
So, how can you get a full-tuition scholarship from one of these private organizations? Most are merit-based and require a strong academic and extracurricular background.
If you’re applying, you need to start early to put together the strongest application you can. Produce thoughtful essays, and connect with your recommenders to get outstanding references.
These national, full-tuition scholarships are extremely competitive. You can’t rely on them as your financial plan, but they’re definitely worth a shot. At the same time, you should also apply to smaller scholarships to help with tuition costs.
By planning for college costs, you can avoid taking on too much student loan debt. For more on scholarships, learn about popular scholarship myths that could be holding you back.
Need a student loan?
Here are our top student loan lenders of 2020!| Lender | Variable APR | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
| * The Sallie Mae partner referenced is not the creditor for these loans and is compensated by Sallie Mae for the referral of Smart Option Student Loan customers. 1 Important Disclosures for College Ave. CollegeAve DisclosuresCollege Ave Student Loans products are made available through either Firstrust Bank, member FDIC or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. (1)All rates shown include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. Variable rates may increase after consummation. (2)This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Deferred Repayment Option with a 10-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 8.35% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 120 monthly payments of $179.18 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $21,501.54. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. (3)As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. Information advertised valid as of 11/4/2019. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. 2 Sallie Mae Disclaimer: Click here for important information. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. 3 Important Disclosures for Discover. Discover Disclosures
4 Important Disclosures for CommonBond. CommonBond DisclosuresOffered terms are subject to change and state law restrictions. Loans are offered through CommonBond Lending, LLC (NMLS #1175900).
5 Important Disclosures for Citizens. Citizens DisclosuresUndergraduate Rate Disclosure: Variable rate, based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) published in The Wall Street Journal on the twenty-fifth day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month. As of December 1, 2019, the one-month LIBOR rate is 1.70%. Variable interest rates range from 2.80% – 11.06% (2.80% – 10.91% APR) and will fluctuate over the term of the loan with changes in the LIBOR rate, and will vary based on applicable terms, level of degree earned and presence of a co-signer. Fixed interest rates range from 4.72% – 12.19% (4.72% – 12.04% APR) based on applicable terms, level of degree earned and presence of a co-signer. Lowest rates shown requires application with a co-signer, are for eligible applicants, require a 5-year repayment term, borrower making scheduled payments while in school and include our Loyalty and Automatic Payment discounts of 0.25 percentage points each, as outlined in the Loyalty Discount and Automatic Payment Discount disclosures. Subject to additional terms and conditions, and rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Such changes will only apply to applications taken after the effective date of change. Please note: Due to federal regulations, Citizens Bank is required to provide every potential borrower with disclosure information before they apply for a private student loan. The borrower will be presented with an Application Disclosure and an Approval Disclosure within the application process before they accept the terms and conditions of the loan. Please Note: International Students are not eligible for the multi-year approval feature. |
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 | 2.84% – 10.97%1 | Undergraduate, Graduate, and Parents | |
 | 2.87% – 10.75%*,2 | Undergraduate and Graduate | |
 | 2.80% – 11.37%3 | Undergraduate and Graduate | |
 | 3.52% – 9.50%4 | Undergraduate and Graduate | |
 | 2.80% – 11.06%5 | Undergraduate and Graduate | |
