Lipscomb University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the University Scholarships hub • See Tennessee state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and who typically qualifies
- Competitive full-tuition scholarships (Trustee & Presidential)
- Honors and faith-based scholarship opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~68%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21–29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1120–1370
- Average GPA (HS): 3.7 (weighted)
Source: Lipscomb University Office of Admissions, BigFuture, and College Scorecard (latest available). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Lipscomb at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Are Lipscomb scholarships automatic?
Yes. Every admitted freshman is automatically reviewed for Academic Merit Scholarships based on GPA and (if submitted) test scores. Competitive awards require a separate application and interview.
What are the most competitive awards?
The Trustee Scholarship is a full-tuition award for approximately 10 students each year.
The Presidential Scholarship covers up to 75% of tuition. Both are invitation-based and require interviews.
What academic profile earns the top awards?
Trustee candidates typically have GPAs above 3.9 and ACT 30+ (or SAT 1360+),
with demonstrated leadership and alignment with Lipscomb’s mission.
Does Lipscomb superscore ACT or SAT results?
Yes. Lipscomb uses your superscore (highest section scores across test dates) for admission and scholarship review.
When should I apply for the best scholarships?
Apply by December 1 for Trustee/Presidential consideration and by March 1 for regular merit and need-based aid.
Can Lipscomb scholarships be stacked with outside aid?
Yes—up to the total cost of attendance. However, full-tuition awards (Trustee) generally cannot stack with other Lipscomb scholarships.
Lipscomb University Scholarships & Aid — https://www.lipscomb.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships
Tuition & Aid Overview — https://www.lipscomb.edu/admissions/financial-aid
Test Policy (Superscore) — https://www.lipscomb.edu/admissions/freshmen-admissions/freshmen-admission-requirements/test-optional-admission-process
Honors College Info — https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/honors-college/honors-college-common-questions
College Scorecard (Avg Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219976-Lipscomb-University
BigFuture Admissions Data — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/lipscomb-university/admissions
💰 Cost of Attendance at Lipscomb University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $42,596 | $42,596 |
| Housing & Meals (typical on-campus) | $17,744 | $17,744 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $60,340 | $60,340 |
Note: Books & supplies, transportation, and personal expenses (e.g., $1,750 books/supplies; $2,250 transportation; $2,460 personal) are estimated costs that vary by student and are not paid directly to Lipscomb, so they are not included in the table above.
Average Net Price (College Scorecard, 2022–23): $25,610
This is what first-time, full-time students actually paid after scholarships and grants — no loans included.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard — Lipscomb University. View federal data
Example: A first-year student with HOPE + GAMS can reduce their bill by roughly $5,500/year once FAFSA and academic requirements are met.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who qualifies for Tennessee HOPE and supplements?
Tennessee residents who meet GPA and ACT/SAT requirements and file the FAFSA.
How much can these state awards reduce the bill?
Between $4,500–$6,500 per year for HOPE plus supplements, with need-based TSAA adding up to $4,000/year.
Do I have to apply separately?
No separate application—just file the FAFSA and meet academic criteria by the state deadline.
University COA page — https://lipscomb.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/cost-attendance
Tuition & fees (context) — https://lipscomb.edu/lipscomb-at-a-glance
College Scorecard (Average net price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219976-Lipscomb-University
Tennessee HOPE amounts — https://www.collegefortn.org/tennessee-hope-scholarship-3/
TSAA grant amounts — https://www.collegefortn.org/tennessee-financial-aid/tennessee-student-assistance-award/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarships | $7,000–$23,000/year (most fall in $12,000–$18,000 range) | Automatic upon admission; based on weighted GPA and, if submitted, superscored ACT/SAT | No | Yes—3.0 cumulative Lipscomb GPA for renewal (freshmen get grace semester; Trustee/National Merit require 3.25) | Students with strong A-/A records, rigorous courses; test scores optional but help maximize award | Rolling; apply early for highest offers |
| Bison Achievement Award | $3,000–$8,000/year | Automatic; offered to students whose academics or need profile fit institutional targets | No | Yes—2.0 cumulative GPA after 24 attempted hours | Many admitted students; award determined by academic and FAFSA profile | Rolling |
| Scout Award | $2,500/year | Eagle/Gold/Quartermaster/Sea Scout rank; live on campus | No (proof of award required) | Yes—3.0 cumulative GPA, up to 8 semesters | Students with qualifying scouting distinctions | Rolling |
| Head of School / NCSA Grant | $5,000/year | Graduates of NCSA member and select Christian schools; letter from head of school | Verification form | Yes—2.0 cumulative GPA | Students from qualifying faith-based schools (stacking caps may apply) | Rolling |
| National Merit Finalist | Full tuition | National Merit Finalists (as listed by NMSC); must live on campus and maintain 3.25 GPA | Via National Merit process, select Lipscomb as first choice with NMSC | Yes—3.25 cumulative GPA | Finalists selecting Lipscomb; replaces all other institutional aid | National Merit notification timeline |
Note: Lipscomb does not publish official GPA/test cutoffs or exact merit amounts. Most awards reported by recipients and third-party sources fall in $12,000–$18,000/year—with some flagship offers up to $23,000/year. Treat ranges as indicative; all awards vary by applicant profile.
Lipscomb also offers full-tuition scholarships for National Merit Finalists. These replace all other institutional scholarships and require continued high academic standing and residential status.
Automatic Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to apply separately?
No—most automatic scholarships are included with admission. Trustee and other competitive full-tuition awards require separate applications, interviews, or institutional nominations.
Does Lipscomb superscore the ACT/SAT?
Yes. Lipscomb considers your best section scores from multiple test dates.
Can these awards stack with state aid?
Yes—most can be combined with Tennessee HOPE and TSAA, subject to university stacking rules. Full-tuition scholarships (National Merit, Trustee) replace other Lipscomb awards.
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/scholarships
https://catalog.lipscomb.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1297
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/national-merit-scholarship
https://catalog.lipscomb.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1243
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
Lipscomb’s flagship scholarships are the university’s most prestigious awards—covering full tuition for top applicants who shine academically and in leadership or service. Recipients are selected through an extra application process with interviews and a finalist event.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Full tuition (up to 4 years) | GPA of 3.5+, ACT 30+/SAT 1360+/CLT 97+; must submit official test scores, live on campus, strong résumé and personal video essay | Yes—application (Bison Portal), résumé, and video essay required; must be admitted first | Yes—3.25 Lipscomb GPA, residential status | 10–20 students/year; outstanding academics, polished interview, fit with Lipscomb’s mission | Jan 7 (Fall applicants) |
| Transfer Trustee Scholarship | Full tuition | Transfer students; 3.5+ college GPA, 30+ transferable credits, first bachelor’s degree | Yes—application in Bison Portal, headshot, résumé, interview | Yes—3.25 Lipscomb GPA; not stackable with other institutional aid | Select transfer students meeting criteria; competitive interview/application | Mar 1 (Fall applicants) |
Lipscomb’s Trustee Scholarships and Transfer Trustee Scholarships are the university’s official flagship-level, competitive full-tuition awards. Recipients represent the highest-achieving and mission-fit applicants each year; no other competitive full-tuition scholarships are currently advertised.
Flagship Scholarship FAQ
Why are flagship scholarships so competitive?
Full tuition is awarded, and winners gain campus prestige. Fewer than 20 are awarded annually per cohort.
Are flagship scholarships automatic?
No. Both require a dedicated application, résumé, essay, and finalist events or interviews.
Can flagship awards stack with other institutional aid?
No. Trustee Scholarships replace other Lipscomb institutional scholarships. State and federal grants (e.g., HOPE, Pell) may still reduce out-of-pocket costs for housing, meals, or fees.
Best ways to stand out?
Shine in academics, leadership, service, and through a compelling personal essay and interview.
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/trustee-scholarship
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/transfer-trustee-scholarship
https://catalog.lipscomb.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1297
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/scholarships
🎖️ Honors College
Lipscomb’s Honors College is designed for motivated students who want smaller classes, close mentoring, and the opportunity to replace much of the university core with enriched, interdisciplinary seminars. Admission is selective, but participants enjoy unique academic, housing, and research benefits with no extra tuition cost or added time to degree.
GPA of 3.5+ in high school, ACT 28+ or SAT 1300+, challenging coursework, and record of leadership/service. Required: essay, résumé, and two recommendations (entering or current college applicants with strong academics may also apply).
- Priority course registration
- Specialized honors housing and community
- Small, interdisciplinary Honors seminars replacing much of the core curriculum
- Faculty mentorship, senior thesis, and guided undergraduate research (with funding for select projects)
- Recognition on diploma and transcript
- Research Funding: Competitive grants and travel support to present at national or international conferences.
- National Scholarship Advising: Mentorship for major awards (Goldwater, Truman, Marshall, Fulbright) and post-grad fellowships.
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must submit an application with essay, résumé, and recommendations. Meeting GPA/test thresholds is required but not sufficient by itself.
Does joining Honors add time to the degree?
No—Honors courses substitute for much of the Lipscomb core, enabling four-year graduation if on track with the major.
When are priority deadlines?
Early application through Lipscomb’s portal is best; deadlines are posted on the Honors College site each cycle.
Does Honors come with direct scholarships?
No dedicated Honors College scholarship or tuition discounts. However, many Honors students win competitive flagship, research, and departmental awards.
Is test-optional admission available?
Yes. Test scores are considered if submitted, but holistic review places major emphasis on academics, service, and writing.
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/honors
https://catalog.lipscomb.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1297
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/honors/admissions
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/honors/undergrad-research
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/honors/student-success
https://www.lipscomb.edu/admissions/test-optional
⭐ College Specialty
Lipscomb is a private Christian university in Nashville that blends a strong liberal arts foundation with professional programs connected to the city’s healthcare, business, and music industries. For parents, this means your student has access to nationally recognized programs while studying in one of the country’s most vibrant job markets.
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences — ACPE-accredited; located in Nashville’s healthcare hub, giving students clinical and residency opportunities.
- Entertainment & the Arts — The George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts connects directly with Nashville’s music industry; students perform and intern with national-level organizations.
- Humanitarian Engineering — A distinctive minor that combines engineering with global service projects, nationally noted for its mission-driven design focus.