What’s Covered
- A Word About The National Merit Scholarship
- Opportunity Scholarships From the PSAT/NMSQT
- Automatic College Scholarships Awarded Based on SAT/ACT Scores
- How Does Your SAT/ACT Score Impact Your Chances of Acceptance?
Merit scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence or excellence in other areas, can go a long way in reducing your college attendance costs. While many outside scholarships require you to submit essays or other materials to be considered for an award, some offer them automatically based on factors such as your GPA or SAT/ACT scores.
Here’s a list of colleges that offer scholarships automatically based on test scores. (Note: These scholarships are generally awarded based on SAT or ACT scores, but many also require a certain minimum GPA. Also, many schools are considering students for academic scholarships without test scores for the 2022-2023 school year due to the pandemic).
A Word About the National Merit Scholarship
Top 1% scorers on the PSAT by state are given National Merit Semifinalist status, and can compete for finalist status and scholarships of $2,500. In addition to the $2,500 awards the roughly 7,500 National Merit Scholarship winners receive, some colleges grant additional scholarships if you list them as your first choice on your National Merit materials.
For example, Iowa State offers full tuition, while Michigan State offers a full ride to these individuals. Some colleges, such as Washington State, even offer additional scholarships to National Merit finalists and semifinalists.
For more information about National Merit, see our post: What is National Merit? How do I Qualify?
Opportunity Scholarships From the PSAT/NMSQT
Junior and senior high schoolers living in the U.S. and its territories may also qualify for College Board Opportunity Scholarships. Comprised of six steps, this scholarship is designed to help students plan, prepare, and pay for school. Students may earn multiple chances to enter, and the organization gives out awards through monthly drawings. Below are the steps for earning money toward college:
- Build Your College List: $500
- Practice for the SAT: $1,000
- Improve Your Score: $2,000
- Strengthen Your College List: $500
- Complete the FAFSA: $1,000
- Apply to Colleges: $1,000
- Complete Your Journey: $40,000
Automatic College Scholarships Awarded Based on SAT/ACT Scores
1. Alabama State University
Presidential Academic Scholarship: Full Ride
Requirements: 3.76 GPA and 26 ACT or 1240 SAT
Academic Excellence Scholarship: Full Tuition Plus (tuition plus additional fees and books)
Requirements: 3.51 GPA and 22 ACT or 1190 SAT
Academic Incentive Scholarship: Full Tuition Plus (tuition plus $500 for books)
Requirements: 3.00 GPA and 20 ACT or 1020 SAT
2. Baylor University
President’s Gold Scholarship: $20,000-22,000
Provost’s Gold Scholarship: $17,000-19,000
Dean’s Gold Scholarship: $15,000-16,000
Founder’s Gold Scholarship: $8,000-13,000
Requirements for all: Varies; estimate using this calculator.
3. Clemson University
Trustee Scholarship (in-state residents): $1,000
Requirements: Top 10% of class and 1270 SAT or 27 ACT
Trustee Scholarship (out-of-state residents): $7,500
Requirements: Top 10% and 1360 SAT or 29 ACT
(higher amounts available for higher scores; renewable)
4. Colorado State University
Residents: $1,000 to $4,000
Requirements: 3.6 to 4.0 GPA and 1260 to 1450 SAT
Non-Residents: $5,000 to $10,000
Requirements: 3.20 to 4.0 GPA and 1130 to 1330 SAT
5. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
George W. Gore: Amount varies
Requirements: 1330 SAT or 29 ACT (including a 650 on the SAT math section or 29 on the ACT Math subject area)
Presidential Special Scholarship: Amount varies
Requirements: 1220 SAT or 27 ACT (including a 600 on the SAT math section or 27 on the ACT Math subject area)
6. Florida Gulf Coast University
President’s Gold: $5,000
Requirements: 3.9 GPA and 1320 SAT
President’s Silver: $3,000
Requirements: 3.5 GPA and 1220 SAT
Blue and Green Scholars (non-residents): $15,000
Requirements: 3.9 GPA and 1320 SAT
Blue and Green Directors (non-residents): $10,000
Requirements: 3.5 GPA and 1220 SAT
7. Georgia State University
Presidential Scholarship: Up to $28,303 per year
Second Century: $3,000 per year
1913 Founders: $2,000 per year
GSU Excellence: $1,000 per year
GSU Achievement: $1,000 one time
GSU Foundation: $500 one time
Eligibility requirements are not available. However, the school offers several automatic scholarships based on academic excellence on a first-come, first-served basis.
8. Howard University
HU Presidential Scholarship
HU Founders Scholarship
HU Capstone Scholarship
Eligibility requirements and award amounts are not available. However, Howard University’s merit-based awards are determined based on students’ SAT/ACT scores and high school GPA.
9. Idaho State University
Presidential: $7,872 per year
Requirements: 3.90+ GPA and 32 ACT or 1420 SAT
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per year. The merit-based scholarships at Idaho State University are for in-state students only.
10. Louisiana Tech University
Many scholarships are available starting at $2,000 for 23-24 ACT and 3.0-3.749 GPA. The highest scholarships available is the:
Presidential: $9,000 or $9,500
Requirements: 33+ ACT or 1450-1600 SAT with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.749 GPA for $9,000 or 3.75 to 4.0 for $9,500
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations.
11. Michigan Technological University
Presidential Scholars Program: $1,000 to $5,500 per year
Eligibility requirements are not available. However, the school automatically awards students based on a combination of their high school academic record, including cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT score. You can estimate your scholarship amount here.
12. Ohio State University
Maximus, Provost, and Trustees Scholarships: $1,000 to $3,000 per year
National Buckeye Scholarship (out-of-state): $13,500 per year
Eligibility requirements are not available. However, the school evaluates highly competitive students, as demonstrated through grade point average, class rank, the rigor of high school curriculum, and ACT or SAT scores.
13. Texas State University
President’s Honor Scholarship: $48,000
Requirements: 1420+ SAT or 32+ ACT and top 25% of graduating class or IB diploma or AP Capstone Diploma
Renewable pending:
3.25 Cumulative Texas State GPA
Complete 28 passing Texas State hours/year (fall/spring)
Undergraduate status
Texas Achievement Scholarship: $24,000 to $32,000
Requirements: 1330 to 1410 SAT or 29 to 31 ACT and top 25% of graduating class or IB diploma or AP Capstone Diploma
(Renewable pending same criteria as above)
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations.
14. Texas Tech University
Presidential Scholarships: These awards are automatic and are guaranteed for applicants who apply by December 1 and are admitted by April 15.
Requirements: 1100+ SAT for students in the top 20% of their class; required class rank drops as SAT score goes up.
15. Tuskegee University
Distinguished Presidential: Full tuition, room/board, and $800 books
Requirements: 3.7 GPA and 1300-1420+ SAT or 28-32+ ACT
University Merit: Full tuition and $800 books
Requirements: 3.5 GPA and 1200-1290 SAT or 25-27 ACT
Additional scholarships are available for up to 2.8 GPA and 1030 SAT or 20 ACT.
16. University of Alabama – Huntsville
UAH Presidential (in-state): $9,730
Requirements: 4.0+ GPA and 36 ACT or 1600 SAT
UAH Presidential (out-of-state): $22,126
Requirements: 4.0+ GPA and 36 ACT or 1600 SAT
Additional scholarships are available for GPAs starting at 3.00 and 25 ACT or 1200 SAT.
17. University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa
Presidential Scholar: Full Tuition/$25,000 for out-of-state residents
Requirements: 3.5 GPA, 32-36 ACT or 1420-1600 SAT
Presidential Elite Scholar: Full Tuition plus 1-year housing, $1k stipend-4 years,$2k summer research/study abroad, $500/yr books
Requirements: 4.0 GPA, 36 ACT or 1600 SAT
18. University of Arizona
Resident Wildcat Awards: $750 to $12,500
Requirements: The highest awards go to students with 4.0+ GPA and 1420+ SAT scores.
Non-Resident Arizona Awards: $1,000-$35,000
Requirements: The highest awards go to students with 4.0+ GPA and 1420+ SAT scores.
19. University of Louisiana – Monroe
President’s Distinguished: $10,000 + Study Abroad + iPad
Requirements: GPA 3.7 and 33-36 ACT
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations.
20. University of Mississippi
Residents: $1,000 to $8,934
Requirements: 3.0 GPA and 1130 to 1450+ SAT
Non-Residents: $1,000 to $8,934 plus up to $16,272 towards non-resident fee
Requirements: 3.0 GPA and 1200 to 1450+ SAT
21. University of Missouri
Mizzou Scholars Award: $10,000
Requirements: Must be a state resident and have a 1450 SAT
Chancellor’s Award: $6,500
Requirements: Must be a state resident and have a 1390 SAT
Curators Award: $4,500
Requirements: Must be a state resident and have a 1300 SAT
Excellence Award: $3,000
Requirements: Must be a state resident and have a 1200 SAT
Mark Twain Scholarship: $7,000 to $15,000
Requirements: For non-residents with a 1260-1360 SAT
Black & Gold Scholarship: $7,919 to $15,838
Requirements: For non-residents with a 1200-1260 SAT
Border State Scholars: $2,500
Requirements: Must have 1200-1350 SAT and live in a state bordering Missouri
22. University of Oregon
Summit: $24,000 ($40,00 for out-of-state)
Requirements: 3.90 GPA
Apex: $12,000 ($30,000 for out-of-state)
Requirements: 3.70 GPA
23. Utah State University
Residents: From $3,000 per year for two years to 100% Resident Tuition & Student Fees for four years
Requirements: Awards granted based on academic stats, from a 3.0 GPA and 900 SAT to 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT
Non-Residents: From $15,000 for one year to 100% Tuition & Student Fees for four years
Requirements: Awards granted based on academic stats, from a 3.4 GPA and 900 SAT to 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT
24. University of Nevada at Las Vegas
President’s Award: $11,000
Requirements: 1130 SAT or 23 ACT and a 3.75 GPA
Provost’s Award: $9,000
Requirements: 1130 SAT or 23 ACT and a 3.5 GPA
Dean’s Award: $7,000
Requirements: 1130 SAT or 23 ACT and a 3.25 GPA
25. University of Tennessee
Residents: $9,000
Requirements: 1490 SAT or 34 ACT, plus a 3.8 GPA
Non-Residents: $18,000
Requirements: 1490 SAT or 34 ACT, plus a 3.0 GPA
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations.
26. University of Texas – Arlington
Presidential Honors Scholarship: $12,000
Requirements: 1450 SAT or 33 ACT and in the top 10% of high school class
Presidential Scholarship: $10,000
Requirements: 1350 SAT or 29 ACT and in the top 20% of high school class
Maverik Academic Scholarship: $2,000 to $8,000
Requirements: 1100 SAT or 23 ACT and in the top 50% of high school class
27. University of Kentucky
Provost Scholarship (in-state): $2,500 to $5,000
Requirements: 3.30 GPA and 26 ACT or 1230 SAT for $2,500 or 3.30 GPA and 28 ACT or 1300 SAT for $5,000
Bluegrass Spirit (out-of-state): $8,000 to $12,500
Requirements: 3.00 GPA and 25 ACT/1200 SAT for $8,000, 3.50 GPA and 25 ACT/1200 SAT for $10,000, or 3.50 GPA and 30 ACT/1360 SAT for $12,500
28. University of Wyoming
The Cowboy Commitment: $6,500 per year
Requirements: Ranges from 3.4 to 4.0 GPA, 1390+ SAT and 31+ ACT. See this sliding scale to determine where your combination of GPA and test scores fall.
Smaller awards are available for lower ACT and GPA combinations, ranging from $500 to $3,500 per year. The Cowboy Commitment is for in-state students only. Non-resident students will receive the Brown and Gold Commitment, ranging from $2,500 to $12,240.
How Does Your SAT/ACT Score Impact Your Chances of Acceptance?
Colleges measure the strength of your academic profile using the Academic Index. The Academic Index measures your GPA and standardized test scores, including the SAT and ACT. Many selective schools will reject applicants who don’t have a high enough Academic Index before even looking at their application (though this has changed somewhat with test-optional policies).
In light of this, it’s critical to have a competitive ACT or SAT score to receive merit-based scholarships and earn acceptance into top-rated schools. To see how your test scores impact your admissions chances, you can use CollegeVine’s free Admissions Calculator. This tool considers your GPA, extracurriculars, test scores, and more to determine your personal chances at your dream school. Plus, it will offer you tips on how you can improve your profile to increase your chances of acceptance!
FAQs
How much SAT score is required for full scholarship in USA? ›
So you're probably wondering, What's a good SAT score for scholarships, and how can I find them? The short answer is that you should aim for an SAT score between 1200 and 1600 if you want to secure some scholarships based on merit–and the higher within that range you score the more money you're looking at.
Which college gives the most merit scholarships? ›| School | Location | Percent of students receiving non-need based aid |
|---|---|---|
| The New School | New York, NY | 49% |
| University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC | 49% |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale, MI | 48% |
| The University of the South | Sewanee, TN | 48% |
To be eligible, you must have an unweighted high school average of 90 and either a 1300 SAT score or a 27 ACT score.
What is a good SAT score to get a scholarship? ›What Is a Good SAT Score for College Scholarships? Scoring anywhere between 1200 and 1600 on the SAT is generally considered a good score for earning merit-based scholarships. The higher your score, the more scholarship money you can potentially win.
How do you get full ride scholarships? ›Full-ride academic scholarship: Be at the top of your class with a great GPA, take AP/honors classes, and get perfect (or close to perfect) SAT or ACT scores. Along with academic merit, it also helps to also have leadership skills or community involvement, too (see below).
How do you get a full scholarship? ›- Know where to look. ...
- Prepare in advance. ...
- Work hard and keep motivated. ...
- Make yourself stand out from other applicants. ...
- Read the application instructions carefully. ...
- Submit an exceptional scholarship essay or cover letter. ...
- Be realistic.
Private Schools Offer More Aid to Offset the Price of Tuition. Finding an affordable school is a big priority for many students, particularly in this generation of college students.
Can I get a scholarship based on my SAT score? ›Income-eligible students who live in India and get a total SAT score of 1300 or higher may qualify for a merit-cum-need scholarship at participating universities. Scholarship amounts are based on the student's annual family income. Students who score 1300 or higher earn the honor of being an SAT India Top Performer.
What is an automatic merit scholarship? ›An automatic merit scholarship is one that a college provides “automatically” based on the student meeting specific criteria. The student doesn't need to compete to receive a scholarship.
What SAT score is required for Harvard? ›Harvard SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
There's no absolute SAT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 1460 to have a chance at being considered.
What is a good SAT score 2022 for scholarships? ›
While the standard for a good SAT score varies, you should shoot for a 1200 or higher. A good ACT score is above the 75th percentile for whatever school you are applying to. That means you are in the top quarter of scores and more likely to be considered for a scholarship.
How hard is it to get a 1350 on the SAT? ›What percentile is a 1350 SAT score? A 1350 SAT score falls at the 91st percentile, meaning that you scored higher than 91% of all test takers.
What SAT score is required for Stanford? ›Everything You Need to Know Regarding SAT Requirements
Stanford's SAT score lies between 1440 and 1550. So, 1440 is the required Stanford average SAT score if you want to enrol in this college.
Up to 16 major universities in the US give scholarship based on SAT. You could browse these universities and check the scholarship requirements and funding option. Institutions around the world readily accept SAT as A valid indicator of English proficiency, and so does scholarship organization.
How much SAT score is required for Harvard? ›Harvard SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
There's no absolute SAT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 1460 to have a chance at being considered.
Working to obtain a high SAT score won't just help you when applying to colleges – it can also help you win scholarships. Many colleges and universities offer merit-based scholarships dependent on your SAT score. Studying hard for the SAT can really pay off!
Can you get a scholarship with a 1300 SAT? ›More likely than not, your potential college or university should offer a significant amount of merit aid for your 1300 SAT score, but you should also apply for as many scholarships from other organizations, business, and individuals as possible.
What is a good SAT score for Indian students? ›The SAT exam is a means to land undergraduate admission to top universities. However, if you opt for Indian universities, the SAT score should be above 1300.
Which university gives free scholarships in USA? ›Berea College is the only school in the United States that provides 100% funding to 100% of enrolled international students for the first year of enrollment. This combination of financial aid and scholarships offsets the costs of tuition, room, board, and fees.
How much scholarship can I get from SAT in India? ›| SAT Scholarships | Amount | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| Engebretson Foundation Scholarship | $10,000[7,63,180 INR] | 01.03.2021 |
| ExxonMobil/LNESC Scholarship | $20,000[15,26,360 INR] | 15.04.2021 |
| Furman University Furman Scholars Program | $20,000[15,26,360 INR] | — |
| Gill-Elliott Scholarship | $2,000[1,52,636 INR] | 04.03.2021 |
What is the lowest SAT score that Harvard accepts? ›
Harvard SAT Scores
The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 1460 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT's as low as 1400. The average SAT composite for admitted freshman is 1520 out of 1600.
You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.
What's the lowest SAT score someone got into Harvard with? ›Harvard University
There is no standardized tests minimum, but admitted students represent a range of scores from 600 to 800 on each SAT section. The 75th percentile scores around 1570. Typical ACT scores range between 33 and 35.
1540 SAT Score Standings
Out of the 2.13 million test-takers, 10190 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 1497 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted.
An automatic merit scholarship is one that a college provides “automatically” based on the student meeting specific criteria. The student doesn't need to compete to receive a scholarship.
What GPA is required for a full scholarship? ›Some scholarship committees only consider applicants whose GPA meets a certain threshold. Minimum requirements range from around 2.0 on the lower end to 3.75 or higher for competitive academic scholarships. Generally speaking, a 3.0 GPA or higher will give you a decent shot at qualifying for a variety of scholarships.
Can I get into an Ivy League with a 1300 SAT? ›IVY league are considered to be elite colleges that give admission to students who excel in studies and are also contributing to society. They accept students who achieve an SAT score of 1400. A 1400 SAT score is the minimum requirement of admission to an IVY league college.
Can you get into Harvard with a 1300 SAT? ›Harvard applicants with a combined SAT score of 1300-1400 and an average GPA of 3.5-4.0 have a better chance of being accepted to Harvard University.
Can I get into NYU with a 1300 SAT? ›NYU SAT Scores
New York University typically prefers applicants to be in the top 6 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 1370 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT's as low as 1280.