Estrela Consulting Blog

The Ultimate List of Hidden College Scholarships

Written by Jamie Kirby | Dec 1, 2023 3:27:00 PM

*UPDATED OCTOBER 2024!

Are you looking for additional money for college?  While many colleges offer automatic consideration for scholarships based on your application for admission, many also have scholarships with additional application requirements and/or deadlines that vary from the published application plans.  As if the college search and application process isn't complicated enough, the ease of finding these opportunities adds another layer of complexity. The location of this info on college websites can vary; some are front and center, while others take a bit of detective work to uncover.  But, don't worry! We crowd-sourced our independent educational consulting colleagues in both IECA and HECA to put together a list of “hidden” scholarship opportunities. While this list isn't exhaustive, it's pretty robust! 

Allegheny College

Allegheny has three scholarships with additional applications. Creative & Performing Arts Scholarships are available to both students planning major in the arts, and also to non-majors who plan to participate in the arts. Students must fill out a scholarship form in their applicant portal. The Pears Family Scholarship is specifically for students graduating from Lakeview High School and has a google form application. A Ministerial Tuition Discount is available for students who are children of ordained Deacons and Elders of the United Methodist Church by completing the application form.

Arizona State University

Arizona State has their own scholarship search database (linked above) which includes both internal ASU awards and external scholarships.  Students can apply for the internal awards within their ASU Scholarship Portal.  Individual scholarship deadlines vary.

Auburn University

In addition to automatic competitive merit scholarships, Auburn has additional merit scholarship opportunities available through the Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager (AUSOM) portal. Incoming students who have been accepted can access AUSOM through AU Access. Students should complete the scholarship application by February 14 to receive consideration for general and departmental scholarships.

Belmont University

In addition to the automatic merit scholarships, Belmont offers departmental and talent-based scholarships with additional application requirements. A variety of scholarships are available; review the details at the link for specific information.

Boston College

The Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program does not have a separate application, but students must submit their admissions applications by November 1 regardless of application plan to be considered.

Boston University

Boston University’s Trustee and Presidential Scholarships have an application deadline of December 1 regardless of application plan to be considered for these scholarships.  For the Trustee Scholarship, complete the additional Trustee prompt in your Common App.  Nothing additional is needed for the Presidential Scholarship, other than meeting the December 1st submission deadline.

Butler University

The Morton-Finney Diversity Scholar award requires that EA/ED applicants submit their admissions application by November 1 and the Morton-Finney Diversity Scholars application (available in the Butler status portal) is submitted by November 15. RD applicants must submit their admissions application by February 1 and the Morton-Finney Diversity Scholars application by February 15. The Compass Center Scholarship requires that students apply EA or ED by November 1 and submit the scholarship application (available in the Butler status portal) by November 15. The Jordan College of the Arts Award requires an audition, interview, or artwork submission and students are encouraged to apply by November 1 and audition early for the best opportunity.

Canisius University

Canisius University offers a number of specialized scholarships in addition to their automatic merit scholarships.  Deadlines and application requirements vary; review the list at the link for details.

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western offers a select number of scholarships, including full-tuition awards, that require you to provide additional information and respond to an essay prompt.  A complete application for admission should be submitted by the applicant deadline and a complete scholarship application must be received by February 15 to be considered for these special awards.

Centre College

Centre College offers Premier and Special Interest scholarships with additional applications. For Premier scholarships (Grissom and Lincoln Scholars Programs), applicants may select any application plan (an early plan isn’t required), but the Common App must be submitted prior to December 1 to ensure that the Lincoln Scholars application can be submitted by December 1; the Grissom Scholars application must be submitted by January 15. The Special Interest scholarships each have their own unique application for consideration. Applications for Special Interest scholarships are due by January 15th after submission of the Common App.

Clemson University

Students are eligible for consideration for the National Scholars Program and Breakthrough Scholars Program if they choose Early Action (Oct 15) on their Clemson application and if they meet the Early Action deadline for their Honors College Application (Oct 22).

The Lyceum Scholars program at Clemson has an additional application. Students must apply to Clemson and then complete the Lyceum application by December 15.


College of William & Mary

All applicants are reviewed as potential 1693 Scholars - there is no initial separate application process. Students who are selected as semi-finalists will need to submit an additional essay and a short video that will be used to select the finalists. Finalists will complete a virtual interview with two alumni as well as a virtual presentation to a faculty panel and a small group will be invited for a weekend in April.

College of Wooster

College of Wooster offers competitive merit scholarships that require students to apply by the Early Action or Early Decision deadlines. The College Scholar Award, Covenant Scholarship, and Model UN Leadership Award require an additional scholarship application due December 15. The College Scholar Award requires an interview as well; if a student interviewed prior to their application, an additional interview is not needed. Music Scholarships, Scottish Arts Scholarships, and Theatre and Dance Scholarships require an additional application by December 15 and auditions in February.

Colorado School of Mines

All prospective students will be invited to complete the General Scholarship Application (available through Trailhead). Accepted students will be notified by email when the application is available, usually in December. The priority date for completion will be March 1. Along with foundation scholarships, students may also apply for the Harvey Scholarship Program, the Grewcock Presidential Scholars Program, and the Starzer Service Scholarship Program through the General Scholarship Application.

Colorado State University

The CSU Scholarship Application is a competitive online scholarship application for many of the scholarships at CSU. The CSUSA will be available online on students’ RAMweb beginning October 1. The deadline is March 1 at 11 p.m. (MST). Log in using your eID and then select the CSU Scholarship Application link.

Davidson College

Davidson college has several scholarship opportunities that require either a nomination or an additional application.  See the website link for information specific to each opportunity.

Delaware Valley University

In addition to automatic merit scholarships, Delaware Valley uses ScholarshipUniverse for additional opportunities. Log in with your Delaware Valley email address and complete your profile to be matched with and apply for scholarships.

DePaul University

Students must apply by the Early Action deadline of November 15 to be considered for the State Scholar Plus Scholarship. Early Action (November 15) is also the priority deadline for students to be considered for academic scholarships. Talent Scholarships have various application deadlines: Art scholarships require that students have applied to DePaul by February 1 and completed a general application in ScholarshipConnect as well as submitted a portfolio; the School of Music requires that students apply by December 1 and audition; and the Theatre School will consider all applicants once they have completed all application requirements, including and audition or interview (depending on major). The DePaul ScholarshipConnect website also lists various opportunities with additional applications; log in with your DePaul Blue Key to browse.

Duquesne University

The Spirit of Community Scholarship, Spirit of Excellence Scholarship, and STEM Scholars program require separate applications to be completed by January 15. 

Dickinson College

Dickinson’s Presidential Scholarship has a separate application with a January 15 deadline.  The Common Application may be submitted in any application round, but no later than January 15.

Drexel University

In order to apply to the Liberty Scholars program, complete the Drexel Liberty Scholars application and essay online via the Enrichment & Scholarship Applications tab in Discover Drexel.  The scholarship application must be submitted by November 15 for ED applicants or February 1 for EA and RD applicants.

Duke University

Students must apply for the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program online by November 15.  They also must apply separately for admission to Duke; they may apply to Duke by either the Early or Regular deadline.

Earlham College

Earlham offers a variety of scholarships; while some include automatic consideration based on the admissions application, others have an additional application. Explore the details of specific scholarships at the link above.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University offers three scholarships in conjunction with the honors college.  The Brinkley-Lane Scholars award covers the full cost of attendance as well as a $5,000 study abroad stipend, Chancellor’s Fellows receive a scholarship covering full in-state tuition, and Centennial Fellows receive $2,500 each year.  While East Carolina has an admissions deadline of April 1, students must apply by October 15 to be eligible for the honors college and associated honors scholarships.

ECU also offers additional merit scholarships (not associated with the honors college) that have a separate application process.  Students should apply to ECU for admission by December 15 in order to complete the scholarship application by the January 15 deadline.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Students can apply for scholarships throughout the year through their ERNIE portal. A variety of additional outside scholarships are available at the link above as well; check the specific scholarships for their applications & deadlines.

Emory University

Emory University offers partial to full merit-based scholarships as part of the Emory University Scholar Programs. No additional application is needed, but to be considered for any and all scholar programs, students must select one of the three admission decision plans (Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision) and submit all required application materials by November 15.  Those applying Early Decision I must apply by November 1.  You also must answer "yes" to the question on your application that says, "Do you wish to be considered for merit scholarships?"

George Washington University

George Washington University has several scholarship opportunities with additional application requirements.  Review the individual scholarship information and application requirements on the website.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Students must apply by the Early Action deadline to be considered for the Stamps President’s Scholars Program.  No additional information is needed at the time of application other than meeting the early deadline, however, finalists will be invited to participate in Stamps Scholars Weekend in March for additional activities and interviews.

Indiana University 

Students must apply to Indiana by November 1 to be considered for an academic scholarship based on their admissions application. Additional scholarships are available through the General Scholarship Application, which should be completed by February 1. A Computing Account (assigned after admission) is required to access and submit the General Scholarship Application.

The Wells Scholars Program at Indiana uses a nomination process rather than an application process. In August, the Wells Scholars Program will circulate nomination materials and instructions to counselors and administrators at all Indiana high schools and out-of-state high schools on their list.  Counselors at other high schools should contact the program at wellssch@indiana.edu for information on how to nominate. Nomination materials are due on November 1, and the student must apply to IU by November 1 as well. 

Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers several scholarships with additional applications: the Leadership Scholar Program, Martin Luther King Scholar Program, and Park Scholar Program. Students can apply online for these scholarships after they have submitted their Common Application.

Kansas State University

Competitive scholarship awardees are selected by committees who review additional supplemental application materials and/or administer a selective interview process. All competitive scholarship applications are due by 5pm on December 15.

Kent State University

Kent State uses ScholarshipUniverse for additional scholarship opportunities. Create a profile that enables you to connect with various internal and external scholarship opportunities. To use the portal, you must be an admitted or continuing student at Kent State.

Lehigh University

Lehigh’s Soaring Together Scholarship Program requires students to submit a scholarship application along with a submission in the format of their choice regarding gender equity by February 1.

Several arts scholarships are available to students with additional applications; the Cutler-Sametz Choral Arts Scholarship, Snyder Family Marching Scholarship, and Performing Arts Scholarship in Music applications are due January 10, while the Performing Arts Scholarship in Theatre application is due February 10.

Michigan State University

The Alumni Distinguished Scholarship does not require a separate initial application, however, students must apply for admission to MSU by November 1 and will be invited to compete in the scholarship competition. Several awards are available through the competition. 

Several additional scholarships are available that require an additional application or supplemental submission. See “criteria-specific scholarships” at the link above for details and links to the applications.

Montana State University

The general scholarship application platform, Cat Scholarships, opens to admitted students on November 1 and has a priority deadline of February 1.  Students are encouraged to complete the Cat Scholarships application to be considered for departmental scholarships.  Submitting a general Cat Scholarship application will provide students the ability to apply for some of MSU’s highest value scholarships in time to meet their application deadlines, such as the Presidential and Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), which have strict application deadlines of December 1 and January 3, respectively.

New York University

New York University offers five scholarships in honor of fire, police, and emergency workers who were killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center. The scholarship is intended to enable their children to attend the university and supports the cost of tuition, registration fees, and room and board.  New York University scholarship funds will be used to pay any remaining balance up the full cost of education. Dependents and spouses of uniformed members of the Fire Department of the City of New York, the New York Police Department, the Port Authority Police Department, and other emergency response workers who died at the World Trade Center are given preferred consideration.  There is no New York State residency requirement, but most require that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.  Students must submit all financial aid applications by their deadlines and apply for the New York State World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship.

North Carolina State University

The Park Scholarship requires a separate application. Students must apply to NC State by November 1 and also complete the Park Scholarship application by November 1.  

The Ohio State University

Students must apply by November 1 for merit scholarship consideration.  Two scholarships involve additional applications.  For the Stamps Eminence Scholarship, students must apply to the honors program on the Common App and then complete the separate Stamps Eminence Scholarship Application by November 12.  For the Morrill Scholarship, students must indicate interest in the Morrill Scholarship Program and complete the MSP essay on the Common App.  Be sure to include leadership and diversity involvement on the Activity List.  

Ohio State also uses ScholarshipUniverse for additional scholarships.  Log in using your Ohio State username (lastname.#) and password, create or log in to your account and answer questions about yourself to build your profile. Once you are matched to a scholarship, follow prompts to complete any application requirements.  February 15 is the priority date for OSU ScholarshipUniverse applications.

Pennsylvania State University

Several additional scholarships are available at the link above under “Scholarship Opportunities for All Students”. See the details of each specific scholarship for application and deadline information.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine’s Scholarship Opportunities page offers a listing of available scholarships with a brief listing of qualifications. To apply, you must first sign in using your WaveNet credentials. You will then have the opportunity to complete a general application and, if applicable, apply for specific scholarships. 

Purdue University

Students should complete the Purdue Departmental Scholarship Application in ScholarshipUniverse by February 2 to be considered for additional college and school scholarships.  Students can access ScholarshipUniverse through the admissions application portal login.  ScholarshipUniverse will also match students to outside scholarships for which they may be eligible.

Rollins College

The Alfond Scholars Program does not have a separate initial application, but students must apply to Rollins by the priority scholarship deadline of November 15. Qualified applicants will then be invited to participate in a virtual interview process. Students considered for the Alfond scholarship may also be considered for additional awards and recognitions, such as increased Dean’s Scholarships, Donald Cram Scholarship (awarded to science majors), and the Honors Degree Program.

San Diego State University

Sign in to the scholarship application portal using your SDSU email address and password.  Submit one General Application, and the system will automatically match you to all scholarships for which you are eligible (you will not see this list of auto-matches). The system will then provide you a list of recommended scholarships where you meet the basic requirements, but additional information must be submitted to apply.  Applications will be available in the spring.  Important: Incoming students MUST submit their Intent to Enroll to be matched to and awarded any scholarships through Aztec Scholarships.

Southern Methodist University

To be considered for the President’s Scholars Program, students must submit a President’s Scholars Program application essay in addition to the application for admission. Admitted students who have completed the essay are automatically reviewed, and finalists are invited to interview on campus. Students are encouraged to submit a completed application by November 1, but the final deadline is January 15.

Syracuse University

Additional scholarship applications are available for Syracuse students at the link above. See the individual scholarship information for details and deadlines.

The SUSTAIN Scholarship is available to high-achieving Pell-eligible students who will pursue STEM majors within the College of Arts and Sciences. A separate application is required and available online. Applications were due April 23 for the class of 2024; the deadline for 2025 has not been released yet.

Texas Christian University

There are no additional requirements for initial consideration for scholarships. Students who are interested in the Chancellor’s Scholarship are highly encouraged to apply for admission by November 1 and if selected to compete will be invited to participate in an interview weekend.

Tulane University

Academic, Leadership, and Service Scholarships require the Tulane Scholarship Application.  Artistic scholarships require either an audition or portfolio and in some cases, an interview.  Complete the Tulane Scholarship Application, audition, or portfolio on your Green Wave Portal by December 5.

University of Alabama

Additional scholarships are available to students by completing the UA Alabama Scholarship Award Manager (ASAM) scholarship application via the myBama.ua.edu portal. Students must complete the ASAM application by January 10.


University of Alabama at Birmingham

Students can complete the BSMART Scholarship Application for consideration for scholarships offered by various departments and organizations across UAB’s campus.  The application submission deadline is March 1.

University of California Berkeley

Some merit scholarships at UC Berkeley are only available to students who apply for financial aid.  It is recommended that all students apply for financial aid to be considered for all scholarship opportunities.

Additionally, UC Berkeley has scholarship applications available from outside resources, including the UC Berkeley Alumni Association, on the website under “Search for Outside Scholarships”.

University of California Irvine

UCI uses ScholarshipUniverse for students to apply and match to campuswide and external scholarships.  Students can log in to ScholarshipUniverse with their UCInetID and password.

University of California Los Angeles

UCLA has a Prospective Student Scholarship Application for students to complete for scholarship consideration. Submit the form by March 2 or individual deadlines noted.

University of Colorado - Boulder 

The CU Boulder Scholarship Application allows you to both apply for multiple CU Boulder scholarships with a general application and gain access to additional scholarship opportunities. The application opens Nov. 1 with most scholarship applications due between Feb. 15 to March 15. 

CU Boulder offers a limited number of scholarships to academically promising new first-year students who are members of a federally recognized tribe. For those who are a member of one of the 48 tribes with historical and present ties to Colorado, they also offer in-state tuition rates whether you are a resident of Colorado or not.  Provide one of the following documents proving tribal affiliation in a federally recognized tribe to the Office of Financial Aid (upon request) prior to scholarship offer being finalized: a copy of your tribal citizenship card (front and back) or a copy of your Certificate of Indian Blood (CDIB), which must contain a tribal seal or be on tribal letterhead, and must include your official identification number (e.g., census number, tribal citizenship number, enrollment number, certified tribal council number).

University of Dayton

In addition to scholarships with automatic consideration, University of Dayton has a variety of scholarships with additional applications. Students should complete the general application in AcademicWorks for priority consideration for donor-funded scholarships. 

An incoming student whose father, grandfather or uncle is a permanent, active deacon of the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Church may be eligible for a Deacon’s Scholarship. Students must apply for admission by our early action deadline of November 1st and provide the name of the Deacon, the Diocese and your relationship to the Deacon. Priority for the Deacon’s Scholarship is given to those with demonstrated need and students are encouraged to file the FAFSA by the priority filing date of February 1.

Music talent awards for both majors and non-majors are available with an audition. Students who wish to be considered for visual arts scholarships must submit a portfolio to the visual arts faculty.

University of Findlay

Incoming freshmen are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Additional scholarship opportunities are available beginning sophomore year through endowed scholarships. Explore opportunities and deadlines at the link above.

University of Florida

Several scholarships are available at University of Florida in addition to the automatic-consideration merit scholarships. 

Students admitted to the Honors Program under Early Action will be eligible to apply for the Lombardi Scholarship & Stamps Scholarship. Visit the honors program website for additional information on scholarship application requirements. 

Students who meet the income eligibility requirements for the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars will be invited to complete the MFOS Supplemental form. 

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia Foundation Fellowship requires an additional application, available at the link. Students must apply to Georgia and begin the Morehead Honors College Application early enough to gain access and complete the Foundation Fellowship application by November 1. Students who apply for the Foundation Fellowship will also be considered for the Henry King Stanford Scholarship (however, students cannot receive both).

University of Illinois

Students should complete the Undergraduate scholarship supplement form; this form is used to select recipients for restricted scholarship funds.

University of Illinois also has a scholarship database. This is a dynamic list which is continuously updated to bring students the most current and accurate information. Students may search for scholarships alphabetically, by category or by all or part of the scholarship name. If searching by category, be sure to check University Scholarships for campus-wide scholarships as well as scholarships available in your college.

Illinois offers several institutional scholarships for students with Native American affiliation. Applications are available at the link and must be completed by March 15.

University of Kansas

University of Kansas has UKASH, the University of Kansas Award & Scholarship Hub.  This site will allow you to view and apply for many of the scholarship opportunities available.  For additional scholarship opportunities, contact your academic department.  Deadlines vary by scholarship and new opportunities are posted as they become available.

University of Kentucky

Students must apply by December 1 to be considered for academic merit scholarships. In addition to automatic scholarships, students selected for competitive scholarships will be invited to interview. Students applying for the Singletery Scholarship must also apply to the Lewis Honors College by December 1.
Additional scholarship opportunities, including UK’s ScholarshipUniverse portal, are also available at the link above.

University of Maryland

University of Maryland uses ScholarshipUniversity for both UMD scholarships and outside scholarships. You can be matched with scholarships based on your major, minor, college, department, academic merits, financial need, hobbies, interests, affiliations and more.

All freshman applicants to the University of Maryland who meet the early action deadline of November 1 and are invited to the Honors College are considered for nomination to the Banneker/Key Scholarship. Semifinalists for the scholarship will be invited to interview as part of the final selection process.

No additional application is required for the President’s Scholarship and Dean’s Scholarship, but students must apply for admission by November 1 to be eligible.

University of Mary Washington

University of Mary Washington has a scholarship application for UMW Foundation Scholarships that must be completed online by May 1.

The Taking Flight scholarship requires students to interview by February 1. Students must complete their admissions application before interviewing.

The Washington and Alvey scholarships require students to submit their admissions application by November 15.

Music scholarships require an audition.

University of Miami

University of Miami has several Premier Scholarships; see the link for specific information on each of them.  Students should apply to Miami by November 1 and may be invited to submit an additional essay for consideration.

University of Michigan

Students should complete “My Scholarship Profile" in the Campus Finances section in Wolverine Access by February 15 to ensure full consideration for scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Some donor-provided scholarships awarded by the schools and colleges and the Office of Financial Aid require this additional detail. Several additional specific scholarships are also listed here under Steps 4 & 5.

Michigan also offers additional scholarship opportunities for the College of Engineering

University of Missouri

Students should complete their admissions application for University of Missouri by November 15 to allow access and enough time to complete competitive merit scholarship applications by December 1.

The Stamps Scholars award requires that students be admitted to the Honors College.

Additional general and departmental scholarships are available through Missouri’s ScholarshipUniverse portal. Students can access ScholarshipUniverse through the application status page.

University of North Carolina

In addition to automatic Academic Scholarships, UNC also offers the Carolina Covenant Scholars Program, Kessler Scholars Program, Kenan Music Scholars Program, Thomas Wolfe Scholarship for Creative Writing, Chancellor’s Science Scholarship, Morehead-Cain scholarship and Robertson scholarship. These scholarships may require supplemental applications, interviews, or financial aid information. Visit the link above for application information and deadlines.

University of Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Scholars' Program selects prospective first-year Notre Dame students to receive various merit-based scholarship awards.  There is no separate application to begin the process. Students who are selected will be invited in January through March to complete additional scholarship application steps.

University of Oregon

Before applying for scholarships, you must submit an application for admission to the University of Oregon.  Watch your email for an invitation to enter the UO Scholarship Dashboard.  Log into the UO Scholarship Dashboard and set up your profile by filling out the general application, and look for additional opportunities in the portal for which you may qualify.

University of Pittsburgh

Students must apply by December 1 to be considered for automatic academic scholarships.

To be considered for the Chancellor’s Scholarship, students must meet the December 1 Frederick Honors College application deadline and be admitted into Frederick Honors College. Candidates selected for an interview will be notified in February.

As an admitted or current Pitt student, you can log into PittFund$Me – hosted on the Scholarship Universe system – and answer a series of profile questions. The adaptive matching engine will display scholarship opportunities that are tailored to you.

University of Puget Sound

The Lillis Scholarship and Matelich Scholarship require a separate application due by Dec 1 for consideration.  Talent scholarships in art, forensics, and theater have separate applications with a Jan 15 deadline.  Music scholarships have various audition dates depending on your application plan; see the link above for the latest information.

Additionally, as part of the Posse Scholarship Program, Puget Sound selects 10 public high school students from the San Francisco Bay Area and awards each student with a full-tuition scholarship, regardless of financial need. The application and nomination process is coordinated by the Posse Foundation.

Talent scholarships are also available with additional applications. The deadline to apply for Art, Forensics, and Theatre scholarships is January 15. The deadline to register for an audition for a music scholarship will vary depending on your admission application plan. See information at the link above for details.

University of Rhode Island

Students must apply by December 1 for priority consideration for scholarships. Students will be initially considered based on their admission application, but may be invited to complete visits and/or interviews for specific scholarships.

The URI Narragansett Scholarship provides full, in-state tuition and fees for students of Narragansett ancestry. Students must have a tribal enrollment card or an official letter from the tribal administration that confirms membership through a direct family member (parents).

University of Richmond

There is no separate application for the Richmond Scholars program, however, all interested students must submit a complete admission application by December 1 regardless of application plan. Finalists will be invited to interview in mid-February.

University of Rochester

Merit scholarships at the University of Rochester do not require additional applications, however, students must submit their admissions application by December 1 for maximum scholarship consideration, regardless of the application plan you choose.

University of Southern California

Administered through the Office of Admission, USC Merit Scholarships do not have an additional application, but require students to apply for admission to the university by either November 1 or December 1, depending on their intended major.  

Some USC scholarships are administered by organizations outside the Office of Admission. These generally require a separate application, have varying deadlines and eligibility requirements and may or may not require an interview.  Review the information for each specific scholarship available on the link.

University of Tennessee

For scholarship consideration at University of Tennessee, students must Indicate on the admissions application that you are interested in scholarships and complete the additional questions. Some scholarships require your admissions application to be submitted by November 1; others are December 16. See details for specific scholarships at the link above.

University of Texas at Austin

Students should complete the scholarship-specific questions available on the Scholarship Interest Form through MyStatus. Additional scholarship applications available through the Longhorn Awards and Student Scholarship Opportunities (LASSO) database; students can search for and apply for scholarships there.

Applying to The University of Texas at Austin via the Common App or ApplyTexas automatically submits you as a candidate for the Forty Acres Scholars Program. A standalone application is no longer required. The priority deadline is October 15; the final deadline to apply is December 1. Only those students selected to move forward in the process will be contacted directly by the Forty Acres Scholars Program, at which point, if the student chooses to remain under consideration, there will be additional steps to complete. 

University of Toledo

The Presidential Scholarship application at University of Toledo is due November 1. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their admission application by October 15 to ensure they have time to access and complete the Presidential Scholarship application by the deadline. 

University of Toledo has a priority application deadline of January 3 for other merit scholarships. 

Students can submit a general scholarship application and explore additional opportunities in the University of Toledo Scholarship Portal. Students can customize searches using a variety of criteria, review scholarship eligibility requirements and access applications. Deadlines will vary depending on the scholarship.

University of Toronto

To be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto you must be nominated by your school and apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. Once you’ve been nominated and have submitted your admission application, you will be sent a personalized, secure link to the scholarship application.  The scholarship application must be submitted by November 8.

University of Virginia and UVA Alumni Association

University of Virginia offers various scholarships that require students to self-identify.  A list is available at the link above.  All students who believe they meet a scholarship's qualifications should email sfs@virginia.edu, indicating the scholarship for which they believe they are qualified. SFS will reply with further instructions.

The UVA Alumni Association offers various scholarships with their own application process, available at the UVA Alumni Association link above. 

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation awards both the Jefferson Scholarship and the Walentas Scholarship for University of Virginia.  Students must be nominated by their school counselor and will be invited to complete next steps if selected for an interview.

University of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin has the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH).  To begin applying to scholarships, sign in with your NetID and complete the brief General Application. Based on your answers in the General Application, you will be directed to fill out more specific scholarship applications for which you are eligible. Deadlines vary by scholarship, but the applications typically open in October/November and have deadlines in early February.

Ursinus College

Ursinus offers application-based scholarships in addition to their automatic merit scholarships. For top specialty scholarship consideration, students should apply to Ursinus by February 1 and complete the required supplemental application(s) by February 3. Students interested in the Abele Scholars Program should apply to the college by December 30 and complete the required supplemental application by January 1. Students may apply for up to two specialty scholarships.

Vanderbilt University

The application for the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship is required; you must apply to be considered. For the Ingram Scholars Program and Chancellor's Scholarship, the application is strongly encouraged; preference is given to those who apply.  Students must first apply for admission.  Once the student receives access to their MyAppVU portal, they will be able to apply for scholarships under the Scholarships tab.  The scholarship application is due December 1, so students must submit their admissions application early enough to allow time to receive portal access and to submit the scholarship application by the deadline.

Villanova University

The Presidential Scholarship no longer requires a nomination beginning in fall 2024; all applicants will be considered and selected students will be invited to complete an additional application in their applicant portal. The deadline for submission will be included in the candidate’s invitation. 

The Maguire Foundation Scholarship requires submission of the FAFSA and CSS Profile by January 15 and a Maguire Scholarship application by March 15.

The Hovnanian Scholarship requires submission of the FAFSA and CSS Profile by January 15 and a Hovnanian Scholarship application by April 15.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech has a General Scholarship Application form due on January 22. Applicants can access the form through their admissions portal. A College/Departmental Scholarship Application may also be available depending on major. Students should visit Scholarship Central through their admissions portal to view and apply for additional opportunities.

Wake Forest University

Most scholarships (including the full-cost of attendance Signature Scholarships) do not require a scholarship application, but only a completed admission application by November 15, even if applying under regular decision.  Finalists for scholarships that require comprehensive interviews or auditions are notified by April.

Additional scholarships that require an additional application or materials include the Leila and David Farr Scholarship (in Entrepreneurship), Presidential Scholarship for Distinguished Achievement, Randall D. Ledford Scholarship (in Physics), and the William Louis Poteat Scholarship. Visit the link for application details for each scholarship.

Washington & Lee University

Washington & Lee’s Johnson Scholarship recognizes and rewards students on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and integrity, and their potential to contribute to the intellectual and civic life of the W&L campus and the world at large in years to come.  Applying for the Johnson Scholarship requires submission of a complete Common Application and the W&L Johnson Scholarship supplement, which consists of a second personal essay found in the W&L section of the Common App. Students who wish to be considered for any merit-based scholarship, including the Johnson Scholarship, must apply for admission by December 1 regardless of application plan (students do not need to apply ED for consideration).

Washington State University

Washington State University has a general scholarship application for students to complete to become eligible for multiple scholarship opportunities.  Academic interests, talent, financial need, community service, leadership, career ambitions, campus involvement—any of these could qualify you for scholarship awards from WSU or from outside sources.

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis offers several scholarship opportunities with additional application requirements.  If you are submitting the Common Application, you can find the prompts in the optional Writing Supplement section. If you’re submitting the Coalition Application, you will apply through the WashU Pathway after you’ve submitted both your profile and the Washington University-specific questions.

Xavier University

In addition to the automatic merit scholarships, there are a number of additional competitive scholarship opportunities available at Xavier. Review the information for specific scholarships at the link above to access application information and deadlines.

Did we miss any "hidden" scholarships offered by a specific college or university? Let us know and we'll add them! Email us or comment below. This page will be updated over time so be sure to bookmark it for easy reference.