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
Do colleges give scholarships based on SAT scores? ›
Beyond getting in, your SAT & ACT test scores could qualify you for merit-based financial aid (often a separate application process). Higher test scores can lead to more scholarship dollars, which mean more options for you! Nothing can change a student's fortune faster than a big increase on the SAT or ACT.
What SAT score can get you a full ride scholarship? ›Eligible students will need to have SAT scores of at least 1480 or ACT scores of at least 33, a 3.5 GPA or higher, and a rigorous academic course load.
Can I get a full ride scholarship with a 1400 SAT score? ›As your SAT score goes up, the required class rank goes down—students with a 1200+ SAT score or 25+ ACT score may receive a scholarship at a top 30% class ranking, and students with a 1400+ SAT or 31+ ACT score may receive a scholarship at a top 40% class ranking.
Can I get full ride scholarship with 1450 SAT? ›Earning a 1450 SAT score makes you eligible for most (if not all) merit-aid scholarships based on SAT score.
Can I get 100% scholarship in SAT? ›Test takers who score more than 1300 in the SAT, and whose family income is below a certain threshold, are offered 100% tuition-free scholarships to study at some of the top private universities in India, that are part of the India Global Alliance.
Which college gives the most merit scholarships? ›| School | Location | Percent of students receiving non-need based aid |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA | 51% |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 50% |
| The New School | New York, NY | 49% |
| University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC | 49% |
To appear and score high on the SAT, you must fulfill the following eligibility criteria: Your SAT score should be above 1300 (Out of 1600).
Who is the girl with a 1550 SAT score? ›Kaitlyn Younger, 18, has been an academic standout since she started studying algebra in third grade. She scored 1550 on her SATs as a junior and will graduate this spring with an unweighted 3.95 grade-point average and as the founder of her school's accounting club.
What is the minimum SAT score for Ivy League? ›The minimum SAT score to get into an Ivy League school ranges from 690 to 730 for the reading section and from 700 to 730 for the math section. Getting 700 or 710 (or higher) on both of these sections will give you an advantage at most Ivy League universities.
How many times can you take the SAT to Superscore? ›The SAT does not place any limits on how many times a student can sit for the exam and students can superscore their best sections or choose which test scores to include in college applications, so there are many benefits to taking the SAT multiple times if needed.
Should I retake a 1290 SAT score? ›
Unfortunately, 1290 is not a good SAT score. In reality, it's a weak score that will keep you from achieving your college admissions goals. Although you're still outperforming the majority of test takers, it's still not enough to get you into the top schools in the country.
Can I get a scholarship with a 900 SAT score? ›Scholarships for a 900 SAT Score
When it comes to earning scholarships for merit, a 900 isn't likely to make you eligible for most merit scholarships. There are tons of types of scholarships, though, including ones for extracurricular activities, life circumstances, and passions.
Yale University
Yale requires the submission of SAT or ACT scores. About half of the admitted students have SAT scores between 1450 and 1560, with more than 86% scoring between 32 and 36 on their ACT test.
You must at least have an SAT score of 1500 to have a chance of being considered for admission to MIT. If we investigate the data of previously admitted students to MIT, the lowest SAT math score was in the 700-740 range. The lowest SAT ERW score in the 600–640 range was obtained by 1% of the accepted students.
Can I get a full scholarship with 1000 SAT score? ›Scholarships requiring certain scores on standardized testing, like the ACT or SAT, or a certain GPA, are typically referred to as “merit scholarships.” A 1000 SAT score isn't likely to make you eligible for merit scholarships, but there are plenty of other types to apply for, including those based on extracurriculars, ...
Does Harvard accept SAT scholarship? ›It depends. In order to be considered for admission, you need exceptional test scores, a good GPA, and adequate extracurriculars. Most accepted students have an SAT score above 1540 and a GPA of 3.9 or so.
What if you get a 700 on an SAT? ›700 SAT Score Standings
Out of the 2.13 million test-takers, 2070569 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 19 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1479 schools with this score.
- CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest.
- Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship.
- Young Filmmakers Contest.
- The 1st Financial Bank Financial Goals Scholarship.
- Education Matters Scholarship.
- Top Ten List Scholarship.
- Unigo $10k Scholarship.
- I Have A Dream 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.
How many A's do you need for a scholarship? ›Sometimes referred to as merit scholarship, you will need to demonstrate remarkable academic results (typically at least 5As at SPM or equivalent) to secure this award. The scholarship quantum differs depending on your results.
What is the most difficult part of finding scholarships? ›
The most difficult part is making sure your child finds the time to search for relevant awards, complete the applications, draft essays, ask for letters of recommendation, and send them all out before the deadline passes. Here are four tips to help you and your child navigate the application process.
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.
With a 1500 SAT score, you should have no restrictions on applying for any merit-based scholarships. You might find a scholarship requiring a 1600 SAT, but those will be very few and very far between.
Is 1200 a good SAT score for scholarships? ›1200 is a good SAT score that will place you among the top students with a 75 percentile score. It is good enough to get into a decent college or university in the United States.
Is 1300 a good SAT score scholarship? ›Absolutely! There are many different types of scholarships available for students with a 1251-1300 SAT score, and many of them don't require a certain GPA, major, or other factors that might make it seem impossible to win one.