Which Colleges Award Automatic Scholarships Based On SAT Scores? (2023)

Which Colleges Award Automatic Scholarships Based On SAT Scores? (1)

Laura Berlinsky-Schine611th Grade,12th Grade,Scholarships

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:

  1. Build Your College List: $500
  2. Practice for the SAT: $1,000
  3. Improve Your Score: $2,000
  4. Strengthen Your College List: $500
  5. Complete the FAFSA: $1,000
  6. Apply to Colleges: $1,000
  7. 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? ›

Most Students Receiving Merit Aid
SchoolLocationPercent of students receiving non-need based aid
Gonzaga UniversitySpokane, WA51%
University of DenverDenver, CO50%
The New SchoolNew York, NY49%
University of South CarolinaColumbia, SC49%
17 more rows

How much SAT score is required for full scholarship in USA? ›

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.

Can I get into Yale with 1450 SAT? ›

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.

Can I get into MIT with a 1450 SAT? ›

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.

What is the easiest full scholarship to get? ›

Top easy scholarships in 2023
  • 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.
4 days ago

What GPA do you need for a full 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? ›

7 Hardest Scholarships to Get But Worth Every Penny
  • 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.
Nov 29, 2022

Can you get full scholarship with 1500 SAT score? ›

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.

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