The Best Colleges with Merit Scholarships
Students who dream of pursuing higher education always aim to secure a scholarship. They work hard throughout their academic journey to stand apart from the rest. So, they are unquestionably meritorious. However, even if you have merit, many students struggle to complete their higher education because of financial challenges. To mitigate this issue, most colleges and universities in the US have started giving out scholarships. The scholarship scenario is the US is flourishing. The government supports the education sector financially, and a lot of money gets allocated so that no deserving student misses out on the scholarship. If you also plan to enrol for a scholarship program, keep reading this blog. We have listed down the 20 best colleges offering the best merit-based scholarships –
But before we delve into the detailed list, you must know what to expect from these scholarship programs. You should also be clear about whether you are eligible for a scholarship. You will find several universities that have their scholarship plans. But you must always start sorting by isolating the full-ride scholarships.
But what makes full-ride scholarships better than the rest? For starters, these scholarships cover almost every expense that you may have to incur. So, they are quite rare and are exclusive to only a handful of students. Each year, only the best students get qualified for such programs. If you struggle while writing a compelling scholarship essay, choose someone reliable enough to write for you.
Without further ado, let us check the best universities offering full-ride scholarships to students studying in the US.
Institutes Offering the Best Merit-Based Scholarships
1. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is one of the best and oldest universities in Chicago, Illinois. This university is a popular choice among students for full-ride scholarships. They offer a myriad of scholarship programs. However, one plan that stands out is the Stamps Scholarship.
This scholarship plan covers everything from university fees to tuition expenses. Additionally, it offers an enrichment fund of a mammoth 10,000 USD. Students can use this fund for various purposes in their junior and senior years. This full-ride plan is eligible for all international students who are presently in the US to pursue higher education.
2. Duke University
Duke University is another famous university in the USA. Based out of Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a popular pick for students who look for premium yet affordable universities within the USA. Out of the various scholarships they offer, let us talk about the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program.
This scholarship pays the entire cost incurred because of tuition, fees, and accommodation. It also has a special provision to award students having up to three summer internship experiences. This scholarship plan is a leading plan for picking students with the best leadership skills and intellectual curiosity. This scholarship also bears a testament to the strong character of students and their collaborative spirit.
3. Vanderbilt University
This lesser-known yet amazing university is another happy hunting ground for students seeking full-ride scholarships. This Nashville-based university is one of the most enquired universities in Tennessee because of not one but two amazing scholarship plans.
- The Ingram Scholarship Program is the first one on the list. This plan offers full tuition coverage and additional stipends for summer internships. Students get picked for this program based on their contribution to community services. This plan focuses on developing the strength of one’s character while unlocking their leadership potential.
- The next one on the list is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship. This scholarship also offers full tuition fee coverage. Additionally, it offers a one-time stipend if you desire to take up some summer projects abroad. This plan facilitates research experience and looks for students who show promise in leadership and intellect. Selection is made based on their merit and other contributions outside the class.
4. University of Notre Dame
This university is located in Notre Dame, Indiana, and offers the Stamps Scholarship program we previously discussed. However, this university offers something extra along with the usual perks of the program. Eligible students also get the personalized guidance of a faculty who acts as a mentor for the semester. Since this scholarship is so exclusive, only five students qualify each year.
5. Washington University
Washington University in St. Louis ranks among some of the costliest universities in the US. However, if you can bag any of the many scholarships they offer, the tuition expenses will be waived. This university offers multiple attractive scholarship plans, of which three stand out. They are –
This scholarship offers total coverage of tuition expenses. Additionally, it offers all qualified students an annual stipend of 2,500 USD. However, to become eligible for this plan, students must push themselves academically and in various aspects outside the classroom. This program looks for students with great leadership skills and commitment to the community. Students who have prior experience in working among diverse ethnic groups and underprivileged populations are more likely to get selected, provided they have the right intellect.
The next scholarship on this list offers similar things as the John B. Ervin program. The eligibility criteria are also similar – students need to secure top grades along with stunning SAT or ACT scores. This scholarship also prioritizes students with prior work experience in underprivileged backgrounds. Moreover, the admission panel also assesses the scholarship application answers stringently. Having a couple of recommendations can help you get ahead in the line. Any student can apply for the scholarship as long as they are studying within the USA.
This scholarship offers both partial and full coverage of tuition fees. Students can only apply for this scholarship after successfully submitting an admission application. Once they are eligible, they can proceed with getting a scholarship. Students are advised to carry a letter of recommendation for better chances of getting this scholarship. Simultaneously, they must also have high academic grades to get the final nod.
6. Emory University
This Atlanta-based university has an in-house scholarship program. The state government-funded scholarship provides total coverage of the tuition fees for all eligible students. Students are also eligible to get enrichment stipends to hone their skills. However, this scholarship plan is extremely hard to get. Among the hundreds of students who apply for the Emory Scholarship Program, only a few top students ultimately get it.
7. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is in the picturesque state of Los Angeles. So, the number of students targeting the Mork Family Scholarship is also staggering. Not to mention, the scholarship plan is also quite lucrative. Students can get fully-funded tuition in the university, along with the 5,000 USD stipend annually.
However, the qualification stage can be quite daunting. Students get selected by the USC faculty after a series of nerve-wracking interviews. Moreover, you should be within the top 1-2% of nationwide SAT applicants. Simultaneously, they put equal weightage on innovation, leadership, involvement and extracurricular achievements. Only ten students get this scholarship each year. So, you must be exceptionally good to bag this funding from USC.
They have another scholarship plan apart from this one. The Trustee Scholarship also covers full tuition expenses but provides no additional stipend. The students must be within the top 2% of the SAT and ACT holders to pass the primary requisite of this program. Almost a hundred students get awarded the scholarship every year. The scholarship interview happens every year in the year of February. All students who qualify for the scholarship are notified within the first week of April. International students can apply for this scholarship with the right grades.
8. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia has an exciting scholarship plan for international students studying in the US. Its Jefferson Scholarship covers everything from studies, room, books and personal expenses. Only 36 scholarships are awarded yearly, so make haste if this is your choice.
Summing Up:
There are several other scholarship programs all across the USA. Each of them has separate rules and eligibility criteria. So, you are advised to hire good education consultants and get a comprehensive list of programs you would like to explore. In the meantime, you can refer to these eight colleges and the scholarships offered by them. Applying to any one of them can ensure you a smooth academic experience after settling in a foreign country.
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