College costs making your wallet whimper? We feel ya. Tuition, books, ramen noodle survival rations...it all adds up fast. But chill, future scholar! There are legit scholarships out there that offer FULL rides - we're talking free tuition, housing, meals, the whole enchilada.
We've created the ultimate beast list of major fully funded scholarships for 2023-2024 so you can find awesome options and score that debt-free degree. Let's dive in!
Gates Millennium Scholars
The cream of the crop, the holy grail of full rides - this program should be on every student's radar. If you're a high-achieving, low-income minority student this one can be life changing.
- Covers 100% of everything - tuition, housing, books, etc.
- For historically underserved minorities pursuing ANY degree.
- Renewable all 4 years. SA-WEET!
- Requires leadership, academic excellence, community service.
Rhodes Scholarship
A free ride to study at Oxford in England? Yes please! Pass the crumpets and make way for this ah-mazing opportunity. Just don't mention the Revolutionary War.
- Full tuition and stipend for graduate study at University of Oxford
- International students eligible from over 60 countries.
- Crazy competitive but life-altering. Requires academic, leadership, and ambassadorial excellence.
Harry S. Truman Scholarship
Calling all future public service superstars - this $30K scholarship aimed at grad studies in government/public sector leadership is legit.
- Up to $30K for graduate studies to prepare for public service career
- For juniors committed to government and public service work
- Super selective - requires essays, policy proposal, recommendations, the whole shebang
Fulbright Scholarship
If studying or researching abroad sounds like a dream, Fulbright will make it reality. This sweet scholarship sends you almost anywhere in the world - fully funded.
- Fully funded graduate study/research program abroad
- Open to graduating college seniors, grad students, young professionals
- Requires excellent grades, language skills, leadership
- Did we mention global travel covered? Ah yeah.
Posse Foundation Scholarship
This unique program sends groups ("posses") of students with outstanding leadership potential to partner colleges together on full-tuition scholarships. Two is better than one!
- Full tuition and mandatory fees (usually $50K+ value)
- For students with academic and leadership excellence
- Partners with top colleges to provide cohort-based scholarships
- 10 cities across America participate
That's just a taste of the fully funded opportunities out there! Remember these key tips when applying:
- Start early - apps are due way before college starts
- Ace those essays and interviews
- Pursue lesser-known local scholarships too
- Get help from counselors, teachers, mentors
- Never assume you're not eligible - try anyway!
Dream big and get after it. With hard work and passion, an all expenses paid ticket to college awaits. Go be great!
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
If ice-cold refreshment fuels your ambitions, applying to be a Coca-Cola Scholar may be your calling. This program hands out a sweet $20,000 in college money - and you don’t even have to guzzle any sugary beverages (but it couldn’t hurt).
- 50 regional award recipients get $20K scholarships (yeah buddy!)
- 150 national finalists get smaller scholarships
- For graduating high school seniors based on leadership, academics and community service
Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholarship
Ladies, listen up! This national scholarship aims to help low-income women ages 35+ pursue their college dreams. Since education has no age limits, it could help you earn that degree a little later in life.
- Up to $2,500 in scholarship funds (award amount varies)
- For women 35+ overcoming significant adversity/hardship
- Prioritizes low-income applicants demonstrating need
- Requires essays, stats, recommendations - the whole application shebang
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
Calling all high-achievers with financial need! This college scholarship helps top students with crappy luck in the parent lottery. You deserve to shine, not be held back by money struggles.
- Award: Up to $40K per year (wut wut!)
- For high school seniors with exceptional academics AND proven financial hardship
- Requires transcripts, financial info, essays, recommendations - they dig deep
- Transfer students can apply too!
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship
This scholarship is perfect for students who have faced major adversity but persevered to excel in school and life. If life threw you curveballs but you kept swinging, this could be your scholarship soulmate.
- Award amounts from $2,500 up to $25,000 (sweeeeet)
- Must show financial need, academic potential, strength of character
- Requires essays, stats, recommendations - tell your story!
- Open to graduating high school seniors pursing bachelor's degrees
SDSU Noyce Scholarship
Future math and science teachers, this is your chance to win a scholarship in sunny California! San Diego State University hooks up future STEM educators with full tuition coverage. Pretty sweet deal.
- Full tuition scholarship at SDSU's College of Education
- For juniors, seniors, and graduate students training to teach math/science
- Guaranteed teaching job post-grad in high-need school districts
- Must pursue teaching credential through SDSU's program
Opportunity is knocking! Cracking open that door to a fully paid education just takes focus, passion and a scholarship game plan. Now get out there and grab life by the horns my friend!
