Scholarships
Top Scholarships Based on GPA
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By Zach Skillings Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts. Learn about oureditorial policies
Updated: March 1st, 2023
Some scholarship programs rely on Grade Point Average (GPA) as a way to sort through applicants. In fact, there’s a variety of scholarships based on GPA. It goes without saying that the higher your GPA is, the better chance you have of earning a scholarship. But how high does your GPA need to be exactly? There’s no clear-cut answer, but in this guide, we’ll cover what you need to know about applying to scholarships based on GPA. We’ll also provide a list of top scholarships you can apply for that take GPA into consideration. Let’s get started!
Also see:Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool
What GPA do you need to get a scholarship?
That depends on a few things. In most cases, your GPA alone won’t earn you a scholarship. Many scholarship committees will consider your GPA alongside a variety of other factors including essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities, interviews, and strength of course schedule. That means having an impressive GPA doesn’t automatically translate to scholarship money. Having a strong overall application is usually better than relying exclusively on your GPA. That being said, a solid GPA can put you in contention for a variety of scholarships. This is especially true when scholarships have minimum GPA requirements. 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.
Types of scholarships
You should also be mindful of the types of scholarships you’re applying for. Academic merit-based scholarships typically have higher GPA requirements. Because these scholarships are based solely on academic achievement, GPAs are considered more heavily when determining recipients. Meanwhile, GPA is less important for need-based scholarships, athletic scholarships, and talent-based scholarships. Your GPA may still be considered for these types of scholarships, but probably not in the same way as merit-based scholarships.
See also: What GPA do you need to get a full scholarship?
What if there’s no minimum GPA requirement?
Some scholarship applications don’t list minimum GPA requirements. In fact, many top-notch merit scholarships don’t have specific GPA requirements. These scholarship programs typically still take GPA into account, but they also rely on other methods of evaluating applicants. For instance, they might consider applicants based on their class rank, standardized test scores, or difficulty of courses taken. The reason for this is that GPA is not always a reliable indicator of academic success. GPA scales vary between high schools, meaning that a 4.0 GPA at one school may not mean the same as a 4.0 GPA at another school. Additionally, weighted GPAs must be considered differently versus unweighted GPAs. Because of all this, many scholarship programs forego minimum GPA requirements. Your GPA is still important for these types of scholarships, but you won’t have to worry about meeting a certain cutoff to be considered. Rather, you’ll be evaluated based on the strength of your overall application.
Jump ahead to… Top scholarships based on GPA Upcoming scholarships based on GPA College-specific scholarships
Top scholarships based on GPA in 2023
Many programs award scholarships to students based on GPA. Below we’ve rounded up a few of the top scholarships that have minimum GPA requirements:
American Floral Endowment Scholarships
- Eligibility: College students (who have a minimum 2.0 – 3.5 GPA) pursuing a degree in agriculture or floriculture
- Amount: $300 – $4,000
- Deadline: May 1, 2023
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
- Eligibility: All high school students, college students, graduate students, and adult learners
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: July 31st and December 31st of every year
Clubs of America Scholarship Award
- Eligibility: Open to college students who write an essay on their career aspirations and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: August 31, 2023
Cameron Impact Scholarship
- Eligibility:Graduating high school seniors (who have a minimum unweighted 3.7 GPA) planning to enroll in an accredited four-year U.S. college or university
- Amount:covers the full cost of tuition
- Deadline:September 8, 2023
Upcoming scholarships
BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship
- Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (who have a minimum unweighted 3.75 GPA) pursuing an engineering or related science degree
- Amount: $1,500 per year
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school seniors who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan to pursue a college degree
- Amount: $20,000 for undergraduate study
SME Education Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (who have a minimum 2.5 – 3.0 GPA) pursuing manufacturing and engineering-related degrees
- Amount: Varies depending on the scholarship
- Opens:November 1, 2023
College-specific scholarships
Many colleges and universities award scholarships to incoming students based on their GPA. Below we’ve listed some of those schools:
Eastern Kentucky University
- This school offers scholarships ranging from $3,000 per year (3.0 – 3.29 GPA) to the full cost of in-state tuition (3.80 – 4.0 GPA and ACT 28+)
Indiana Wesleyan University
- This school awards annual scholarships ranging from $4,000 (2.79 and below GPA) to $13,000 (4.0 and above GPA)
Massachusetts State Universities
- The Paul Tsongas Scholarship awards Massachusetts students (who have a minimum 3.75 GPA) with a tuition waiver at eligible Massachusetts state universities
Montana State University Billings
- Incoming first-year students who have at least a 3.5 GPA are eligible for a $4,000 renewable scholarship
Northeastern Illinois University
- Incoming first-year students who have a 3.35 GPA or higher are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- This school offers a variety of scholarships based on GPA and test scores, ranging from $500 to the full cost of tuition
Saint Louis University
- Incoming first-year students who have a minimum 3.85 GPA are eligible for the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship
Taylor University
- Incoming first-year students who have a 3.88 GPA and a 1330 SAT or 29 ACT are eligible for a $16,000 annual scholarship
Texas A&M – Texarkana
- Incoming first-year students who have at least a 3.65 GPA and minimum 26 ACT are eligible for a $8,500 renewable scholarship
University of Iowa
- This school offers multiple merit-based scholarships based on GPA and test scores, including the $8,500 renewable Iowa Flagship Award
University of North Texas
- This school offers several scholarships based on GPA and class rank, ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,000 per year
University of Rhode Island
- Incoming first-year students with a minimum 3.2 GPA are considered for scholarships ranging from $1,500 per year to $15,000 per year
University of St. Thomas
- Incoming first-year business students who have a minimum 3.7 GPA are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Incoming first-year students who have a 3.75 GPA and 29 ACT are eligible for a $5,000 annual scholarship
University of Virginia
- Current students who have at least a 3.4 GPA are eligible for a variety of merit-based scholarships
Western Michigan University
- Incoming first-year students who demonstrate financial need and have a 3.7 GPA or higher are eligible for a $16,000 annual scholarship
Western New Mexico University
- Incoming first-year New Mexico residents who have a 3.75 GPA or higher are eligible for nearly $9,000 of financial assistance per year
Western Oregon University
- Incoming first-year students who have a 3.8 GPA or higher are eligible for a $5,500 annual scholarship
William Woods University
- Incoming first-year students who have at least a 3.75 GPA are eligible for a scholarship covering full tuition, room, and board
Our list is just the start…
Our list just scratches the surface of merit-based scholarships that take GPA into consideration. There are many other scholarships out there, some of which do have minimum GPA requirements and some of which don’t. Use this list as a jumping off point to find other scholarships you may be eligible for. And be sure to check with the colleges you’re considering to see what types of scholarships they offer. Good luck!
FAQs
Is Scholarships360 reputable? ›
Scholarships listed on the site are vetted by members of the Scholarships360 team to ensure they're legit and not expired. The site also has helpful tips for finding and applying to scholarships, as well as essential FAFSA information.
What is the highest GPA to get a scholarship? ›A 4.0 Grade Point Average is not only a high GPA, it's an impressive GPA that's sure to catch the eyes of many scholarship providers. Since the minimum GPA for a full-ride scholarship is usually set at 3.5, a 4.0 is sure to always be above and beyond what's required.
Can you get scholarships based on GPA? ›Scholarships with GPA (or Grade Point Average) requirements are among the most common kinds of scholarship. You'll almost always need to meet a GPA requirement for a merit-based scholarship, but a minimum GPA can be a requirement for need-based scholarships as well.
Is a 3.6 GPA good for scholarships? ›If you have a 3.6 GPA, you should also be eligible for many scholarships that are available to students with high academic achievement. Many state governments offer awards based on merit, and this means that students with high grades can qualify.
What is the hardest scholarship to get? ›- The Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
- The Gates Millennium Scholars Program.
- The Fulbright scholarship program.
- Rhodes Scholarship.
- Churchill Scholarship.
- Princeton Scholarship.
- Mitchell Scholarship.
- Conclusion On The hardest scholarships to get.
- Bold.org. Bold.org is one of the newest college scholarship search websites, and they are changing the game. ...
- Fastweb. ...
- Collegeboard. ...
- Scholarships.com. ...
- Peterson's. ...
- Scholly. ...
- Scholarship Owl. ...
- Unigo.
- $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship.
- $2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay.
- $40,000 BigFuture Scholarships.
- $25,000 No Essay Scholarship.
- March Madness Scholarship.
- Sharpen No Essay Scholarship.
- $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship.
- $2,000 CampusReel Virtual Tour Scholarship.
A 3.7 GPA as a letter grade is A-. Converted to a percentage, a 3.7 GPA shows you've scored an average of 90-92% in all your classes. An unweighted GPA doesn't consider the difficulty of your classes. For example, getting an A or B in an AP or IB class would impact your GPA in the same way a regular course would.
What GPA is required for Harvard? ›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.
Can you get a full ride scholarship with a 3.0 GPA? ›The GPA you need to get a full ride scholarship varies from college to college. Some scholarship providers may look for a certain GPA like 3.5 to 3.7 on a scale of 4.0. They may also assess your particular class rank (E.g. top 5% or 10% in your class). Others look at ACT or SAT scores.
Is a 3.7 GPA good for scholarships? ›
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 a 4.0 GPA get me a scholarship? ›Generally though, the higher your GPA, the better the chance for a full scholarship. However, a 4.0 GPA in the most rigorous classes is not going to guarantee you a full ride scholarship.
Can I get a full ride scholarship with a 3.5 GPA? ›Can you get a full ride scholarship for students with a 3.5 GPA? There are some full-ride scholarships out there. The trick is to find one and determine if you're eligible for full funding. With a 3.5 GPA, you might be eligible for a full-ride scholarship.
Can I go to Harvard with a 3.6 GPA? ›Continue to work hard, take difficult classes, and show your passions outside of school! To get to Harvard your GPA has to be at least a 4.0 and even then if you get in your lucky but they require at least a 4.18 GPA only .
Can I get full scholarship with 3.9 GPA? ›Absolutely. There are all sorts of scholarships available for students with a 3.9 GPA or higher. The good thing about scholarships for students with a strong GPA is that there are many of them available.
What is the #1 way to increase your chances for a scholarship? ›Apply as early as possible
Everyone always waits until the last minute when applying for scholarships but take our advice and apply early. It gives you more time to prepare and get the application just right, you'll be less stressed and this way you won't miss any deadlines.
Common types of scholarships for college are merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and athletic scholarships. However, within these categories are sub-categories of scholarships based on specific eligibility factors.
What is scholarship 360? ›Scholarships360 is a platform connecting students to scholarships and financial aid resources. Scholarships360 provides students, parents, and educators with personalized, unbiased advice so they can make smart financial moves when it comes time to pay for college.
How do you find scholarships you can actually win? ›- Create an accomplishments resume. ...
- Don't miss deadlines. ...
- Complete the scholarship matching profile thoroughly. ...
- Apply to as many scholarships as possible. ...
- Look for scholarship listing books. ...
- Find local scholarships on bulletin boards. ...
- Tap into family connections.
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).
Who gives the most scholarships? ›
Rank | College | Students receiving need-based aid |
---|---|---|
1 | Columbia University | 2,973 |
2 | Yale University | 2,732 |
3 | Williams College | 1,014 |
4 | Amherst College | 1,066 |
So, Where Do You Find Unclaimed Scholarships? One good place to look for scholarships is on the Financial Aid Finder Scholarship Announcement Blog. Every Friday, the site lists several scholarship opportunities with upcoming deadlines.
Can I go Ivy League with 3.7 GPA? ›Yes, you can get into an Ivy League with a 3.7 GPA. Though, the lower your grade, the less your chances of getting into an Ivy League, but with a strong personal statement and a properly packaged application, you can get in with a grade even less than 3.7 GPA.
What majors have the lowest GPA? ›Science majors tend to have lower GPAs on average, with chemistry being the major with the lowest average GPA.
Is a GPA of 5.0 good? ›Typically, high schools that employ weighted GPAs use a 0–5 scale, with 5.0 being the best score available. Although a GPA above 5.0 is uncommon, schools occasionally design their point systems so that students enrolled in difficult courses might accrue extra points.
What is the highest GPA ever? ›A GPA higher than 5.0 is rare, but school point systems are occasionally structured so that students taking advanced classes can rack up bonus points. One student even managed to land a stunning 10.03 GPA by taking 17 advanced classes at a school that awarded bonus points.
What is the lowest GPA accepted to Yale? ›You should also have a 4.14 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 Yale, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.
What is MIT's average GPA? ›Average GPA: 4.17
The average GPA at MIT is 4.17. This makes MIT Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
A 4.2 indicates that you are earning Bs and B+s in high level classes or As and A+s in mid level classes. This is a very good GPA, and it should give you a strong chance of admission at most colleges. 99.36% of schools have an average GPA below a 4.2. You can apply to colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted.
What GPA do colleges look at? ›Colleges consider your unweighted or weighted high school GPA alongside other grades, including your semester GPA and cumulative GPA. Admissions officers look at your official transcripts to contextualize your GPA and understand which classes you thrived.
What is the minimum GPA to keep scholarship? ›
Keep Your Grades Up
One of the first rules you're likely to see on a conditional scholarship is a minimum GPA, such as a 3.0 or higher. It's vital to stay on top of your studies and ensure your grades are satisfactory.
3.7 GPA = 92% percentile grade = A letter grade.
Can a 4.5 GPA get you a scholarship? ›A 4.1-4.5 GPA will certainly put you ahead when you apply for scholarships. Applying for a scholarship with a 4.1-4.5 GPA is a way to show that you're a strong student who is dedicated to getting good grades. If you want to apply for scholarships with a 4.1-4.5 GPA, it's best to start early!
Will a 3.8 GPA get you a scholarship? ›With a 3.8 GPA, you'd be eligible for most merit scholarships. But that's not the only option available. There are also scholarships for students with a 3.8 GPA that are offered by outside organizations and corporations. These scholarships may be based on academic excellence, community service, or other factors.
What SAT score do you need for a full scholarship? ›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.
Can you go to Harvard with a 4.0 GPA? ›In truth, you need close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA to get into Harvard. That means nearly straight As in every class.
What are full ride scholarships? ›What is a full ride scholarship? A full ride scholarship is an award that covers all expenses related with college. This includes tuition, books, fees, room and board, and possibly even living costs.
What college gives the most full rides? ›- University of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois) ...
- Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) ...
- Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee) ...
- University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana) ...
- Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)
You're eligible for a large number of scholarships with a 3.2 GPA. While some may require a 3.5 GPA or higher, the majority require a 3.0 as their minimum. Apply for plenty of scholarships prior (and during) college to save some money on tuition!
Is 3.2 A good GPA in college? ›A 3.2 GPA is equivalent to 87% or a B+ letter grade.
The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 3.2 is higher than most. With hard work you can make your GPA even higher and really stand out from the crowd.
What is the lowest GPA for Ivy League? ›
None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applications, which means anyone can apply regardless of their GPA.
What is the lowest GPA accepted to MIT? ›There's no minimum required GPA; however, competitive applicants typically have a 3.5 GPA or above, and mostly As in math and science courses.
What is the lowest GPA accepted to Stanford? ›There is no minimum GPA or test score, nor is there any specific number of AP or honors courses you must have on your transcript in order to have your application reviewed or be admitted to Stanford.
Is scholarship 360 legit? ›Scholarships 360 is legit, and has been recommended by universities including Purdue University, NYU, Rutgers, and Arizona State. Scholarships 360 has a very similar setup to Scholarship Owl, relying mainly on a matching tool.
How rare is a 3.9 GPA? ›What percentile is a 3.9 GPA? A 3.9 GPA, or A-average, indicates a percentile of 94.
Does Scholarships360 sell your information? ›You can opt-out from our potential sale of your Personal Information as described below (“Do Not Sell My Information”). You can contact us for more information or to make a request regarding your Personal Information at info@scholarships360.org.
What is the purpose of the website Scholarships360? ›Scholarships360 is a platform connecting students to scholarships and financial aid resources. Scholarships360 provides students, parents, and educators with personalized, unbiased advice so they can make smart financial moves when it comes time to pay for college.
Are scholarship emails legit? ›You always have to apply for scholarships in order to receive them. If you receive an e-mail that says you have won a scholarship from an organization that you have never heard of, let alone applied to, ignore it. Such e-mails could easily be an internet phishing scam or some other type of ruse.
Are scholarship emails real? ›Scholarship scams are real and here to stay. Here's the thing: Scholarships are NOT regulated. Anyone that chooses to give money to a student is free to set up a website, send out emails, or post their information on or offline.
Is the niche $50,000 scholarship real? ›Niche is 100 percent legit and people really do win each month. While you definitely should be on the lookout for scholarship fraud (better safe than sorry), rest assured that Niche scholarships are the real deal.
What information should you never provide for a scholarship application? ›
If an application asks for money, walk away. Don't give out bank or credit card information. Any financial data you provide should come from IRS or FAFSA data. Legitimate providers do not ask for bank information.
Is the Coca Cola scholarship real? ›The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
With the 34th class in 2022, the Foundation has provided over 6,600 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $78 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. The 35th class will be named in March 2023.
Do not pay for information, to apply for the scholarship, or to receive the scholarship. You should never have to give money to apply for or receive a scholarship. Always use reputable sources for your search. Many phony websites are set up to trick you into providing personal or financial information.
How to find real scholarships? ›- the financial aid office at a college or career school.
- a high school or TRIO counselor.
- the U.S. Department of Labor's FREE scholarship search tool.
- federal agencies.
- your state grant agency.
- your library's reference section.
- Create an accomplishments resume. ...
- Don't miss deadlines. ...
- Complete the scholarship matching profile thoroughly. ...
- Apply to as many scholarships as possible. ...
- Look for scholarship listing books. ...
- Find local scholarships on bulletin boards. ...
- Tap into family connections.
Academically demanding: Scholarships are academically competitive, making it difficult for more students to qualify and receive the funding. This can also put a lot of pressure on students to produce outstanding academic results.
Are scholarships without essays legit? ›Yes, no essay scholarships are a real thing! Some might ask you to volunteer or fill out a survey or make a short video -- others may just ask for your name. The important thing is that you don't have to push out a million different essays to qualify for financial aid.
Is it normal for scholarships to ask for your address? ›They may also ask for your street address as well as the school you plan to attend. If you do win a scholarship, it's likely they will ask for further information from you, specifically as it relates to sending your prize money.
Do people look at your transcript for scholarships? ›Scholarship admins will usually look at your overall GPA. If your summer marks are included in your GPA, then yes, they'll count. Some scholarships will even want to see a transcript of your grades, meaning they'll be able to consider your performance in all your courses.
How rare are scholarships? ›Over 1.7 million scholarships are awarded annually. However, only 7% of college students will receive a scholarship. The U.S. Department of Education awards an estimated $46 billion in scholarship money annually.