Campbell University Scholarships 2026-2027 | Merit, Honors & ROTC Aid

Campbell University Scholarships (2026–2027)

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Last Updated on April 1, 2026
What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and average family net price
  • Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
  • Flagship and hidden-gem awards
  • Honors and stacking strategy

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~79%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 22
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1110
  • Average GPA: 3.6
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)

  • Below the typical ranges: Admission is still likely, but merit will be limited. Plan for a higher net price unless need-based aid fills the gap.
  • In the typical ranges: This is where Campbell offers solid merit. Apply early and submit scores if strong—this is where cost starts to come down.
  • Well above the ranges: You may land top-tier merit (up to full tuition), but those awards are competitive and not guaranteed. Treat them as upside, not the plan.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌 Campbell University at a Glance

🏆 Full tuition available (J.A. Campbell Scholarship Program)
Average Net Price
$23,991/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$10,000–$25,000/yr
No separate application.
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: TBD • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
J.A. Campbell Scholarship Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Campbell University (Read This First)

  • Automatic merit won’t cover most costs: Even strong academic scholarships usually leave a meaningful remaining balance at this private school.
  • Top awards require more effort: Full-tuition or top-tier scholarships often involve separate applications, interviews, or special programs—they are not automatic.
  • Faith-based environment matters: Campbell has a Baptist affiliation, which may shape campus culture and expectations—make sure it’s a good fit for your student.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? Yes — Campbell University is test-optional.

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1110.

Average net price? About $23,991/yearyear after aid.

Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.


💰 Cost of Attendance at Campbell University 2026-2027

📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.

Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.

Category (2026–2027) In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) $42,050 $42,050
Housing & Meals (typical) $14,600 $14,600
Total (Direct Costs) $56,650 $56,650

Average Federal Net Price: $23,991 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.


Reciprocity / Regional Programs: Campbell is a private university; in-state and out-of-state students are billed the same rates. Regional reciprocity programs (WUE/NEBHE/MSEP) do not apply.
Sources:
University Tuition & Fees PDF: Main Campus Undergraduate Tuition, General & Book Fees (per semester totals $21,415) — assets.campbell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-26-MCUG-Tuition-Fees-Room-and-Board-Schedule-Final-6.10.25.pdf
University Tuition & Fees page: Full-time tuition $20,025/semester — campbell.edu/bursars-office/tuition-fees/main-campus-undergraduate/tuition-fees/
University Housing Rates: Residence hall rates per semester — assets.campbell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-26-MCUG-Tuition-Fees-Room-and-Board-Schedule-Final-6.10.25.pdf
University Meal Plan Costs: All-Access plans $3,250/semester; default for frosh/soph — campbell.edu/bursars-office/tuition-fees/main-campus-undergraduate/meal-plan-costs/
University COA page: Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance — campbell.edu/student-financial-services/cost-of-attendance/undergraduate-cost-of-attendance/
College Scorecard (Average Annual Cost): $23,991 — collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198136-Campbell-University=

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Scholarship $20,000–$25,000 per year High GPA, rigorous coursework, strong test scores (optional, test-optional allowed) No Yes (2.5 GPA; full-time enrolled, main campus) Top applicants—most recipients have a 3.7–4.0 GPA, ACT ≥ 28 or SAT ≥ 1310 if submitted November 15 (priority), rolling review
Scott-Ellis Scholarship $15,000–$20,000 per year Full-time main campus undergrads, strong academics No Yes (2.5 GPA; full-time main campus) Most have 3.4–3.8 GPA, ACT 24–28 or SAT 1160–1310 if submitted November 15 (priority), rolling
CU Promise Scholarship $10,000–$15,000 per year Main-campus undergraduates; automatic on admission No Yes (2.5 GPA; full-time enrolled) Most have GPA above 3.2 and a consistent HS record Rolling; recommend by Nov 15
Transfer Scholarship Up to $15,000 per year Transfer students, good standing, GPA ≥ 3.0 No Yes (2.5 GPA, full-time) Transfers with 3.0+ GPA and proven college coursework Rolling deadline, best by Feb 1

*Ranges above are based on Campbell’s published patterns—exact tiers may vary year to year. Confirm official award in your student’s financial aid letter.

Campbell University does not participate in National Merit, Stamps, or QuestBridge.

Do I need to apply separately?
No. All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships.

Does Campbell superscore ACT or SAT?
Yes. Superscoring is allowed; test-optional admission and scholarships available.

Can these awards stack with endowed or ROTC aid?
Endowed funds underwrite merit rather than stack. ROTC covers tuition, Campbell scholarships typically cannot be stacked on top of ROTC.


Sources:
https://www.campbell.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/
https://www.campbell.edu/financial-aid/scholarship-opportunities/
https://www.campbell.edu/financial-aid/academic-merit-scholarship-eligibility-requirements/

🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships

Campbell University’s major competitive award for incoming freshmen is the J.A. Campbell Scholarship Program. This flagship scholarship requires a separate application, essays, and an on-campus interview. Only five students each year are selected for full-tuition coverage; additional finalists receive a substantial award.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
J.A. Campbell Scholarship Full tuition (~$41,000/year for 8 semesters); finalists awarded $2,000/year Incoming freshmen; separate essay, full scholarship program application, on-campus interview Yes—apply to university and submit scholarship application Yes (full-time, academic standing, leadership/service) Students with top GPAs (typically 3.7+), rigorous coursework, strong service/leadership, and outstanding interview December 1 (scholarship app); campus interview January 23 or January 30

*Approximate tuition value based on this year’s rates; official award always matches billed tuition. All finalists invited to campus for Phase 2 receive a $2,000/year consolation scholarship.*

What makes this scholarship competitive?
It requires a separate application with essays and an in-person interview. Only five full-tuition awards are given each year.

Who wins?
Applicants who present strong academics, leadership/service, and excel throughout the interview process.

Is the award renewable?
Yes, provided recipients maintain university academic/conduct standards and full-time enrollment.

Do finalists who aren’t selected for the top award get anything?
Yes—those invited to Phase 2 but not chosen receive a $2,000/year (8 semesters) award.

What is the deadline?
Apply to Campbell (main campus) and submit all scholarship application materials by December 1. Interviews are held January 23 or 30.


Sources:
https://www.campbell.edu/financial-aid/scholarship-opportunities/ja-campbell-scholarship/
https://www.campbell.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/
https://news.campbell.edu/2025/10/02/deadlines-near-for-early-commitment-program-j-a-campbell-scholarship/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond automatic and flagship awards, Campbell students can tap into a range of smaller programs and niche opportunities that often stack with general merit. These hidden gems are ideal for students with specialized interests, financial need, or unique backgrounds.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Army ROTC Scholarships Full tuition + $420/month stipend + book allowance; Campbell ROTC Presidential Scholarship covers room/board on top Enrolled in Campbell Army ROTC; meets fitness, academic, citizenship, and national Army standards Yes — through national ROTC application process and Army site Yes—must maintain eligibility and contract Students passing national ROTC selection with solid academics and leadership potential Jan 10 for national ROTC application
Endowed & Departmental Scholarships $500–$5,000/year (varies by donor/program) Undergrads who meet donor requirements: major, need, background, class year, or achievement Yes — via Campbell’s online scholarship portal Yes (maintain 2.0+ GPA and eligibility per donor/department rule) Active applicants who match criteria; about 1,600 students receive Campbell endowment funds each year Feb 1 priority (rolling otherwise)
Alpha Sigma Lambda (Adult & Online Students) $2,000–$3,000/year Non-traditional undergraduates; complete ≥9 Campbell hours, GPA ≥3.2; national ASL app Yes — national ASL application process (faculty recommendation required) No (annual, not renewable) Adult/online learners with strong Campbell records and faculty support Typically March 1 for ASL; Campbell deadline varies

Endowed and departmental scholarships cover every major area—from Arts & Sciences and Business to Education and Divinity. Amounts and requirements are donor-set and published at Campbell’s scholarship portal.

Can these hidden gems stack with my merit scholarship?
Often, yes. Endowed scholarships may reduce campus-funded merit, but Army ROTC/ASL can stack to the full cost of attendance.

Do I need a separate application?
Yes. Army ROTC and Alpha Sigma Lambda require outside apps. Endowed and departmental awards require Campbell’s portal.

Who wins?
Proactive students—those who apply for departmental, ROTC, or ASL awards early and meet specific donor or national criteria.

Where to find more?
Campbell’s Financial Aid Office and academic department web pages list the latest endowed awards and deadlines.


Sources:
https://www.campbell.edu/financial-aid/endowed-scholarships/
https://courses.campbell.edu/financial-information/
https://aoe.campbell.edu/alpha-sigma-lambda-scholarship/
https://www.campbell.edu/rotc/scholarship-information/
https://www.campbell.edu/business/business-school-scholarships/
https://www.campbell.edu/education-human-sciences/scholarship-descriptions/

🎖️ Honors College

Campbell’s Honors Program is designed for curious, high-achieving students who want smaller classes, a close academic community, and unique learning opportunities. Admission is selective and fits within the degree plan—no extra semesters required.

What a Typical Campbell Honors Student Looks Like
High school GPA above 3.7*, strong AP/IB/dual enrollment course load, leadership or service engagement, and curiosity across disciplines. Most have ACT 28+ / SAT 1300+* (if submitted).
Perks That Matter:
  • Priority registration and Honors residential community
  • Small, interdisciplinary Honors seminars
  • Faculty mentorship and leadership training
  • Capstone or thesis project
  • Tuition scholarship for study abroad (up to 4 credits) to offset required global experience

How Honors Students Receive Scholarships:

  • Automatic Merit Aid: Honors students generally score the highest levels of Campbell merit (Presidential, Scott-Ellis, CU Promise) when admitted.
  • Study Abroad Scholarship: The Honors Program covers Campbell tuition for up to 4 study abroad credits (required for program completion).
  • Need-Based Aid: FAFSA-based support may help further with study abroad and regular costs if eligible.
  • Endowed Funds: Honors students may also compete for departmental or donor-funded scholarships listed at Campbell’s scholarship portal.

Is admission automatic?
No. Admission requires a separate application after university admission; apply early—November 15 is the best date for first-round cohort review.

Does Honors add extra time to a degree?
No. Honors requires 25 credits that count toward graduation—no extra semesters needed.

Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
No recurring named Honors scholarship. However, all Honors students receive the study abroad credit award and often receive top merit. Endowed/departmental scholarships are competitive and open to Honors members.

What deadlines matter?
Apply and be accepted to Campbell by November 15 for first-round Honors consideration; later invites and rolling admission until the cohort fills.


Sources:
https://cas.campbell.edu/academics/honors-program/
https://www.campbell.edu/academics/study-abroad/
https://www.campbell.edu/financial-aid/endowed-scholarships/
https://courses.campbell.edu/financial-information/
https://news.campbell.edu/2025/10/02/deadlines-near-for-early-commitment-program-j-a-campbell-scholarship/

⭐ College Specialty

Campbell may be a mid-sized private university in North Carolina, but it has carved out national recognition in a few standout areas. Families looking at Campbell will notice its strong career pipelines in fields like business, health sciences, and hands-on engineering — programs that blend professional preparation with the close-knit feel of a private campus.

Signature Program:
Campbell’s Trust & Wealth Management program is one of the very few dedicated undergraduate programs of its kind in the United States, offering a direct pipeline into banking and financial services. Students can even complete a 4+1 track to earn both a BBA and MBA.
  • Army ROTC (Campbell Battalion): A top-performing ROTC unit in the Southeast, consistently producing commissioned officers with full-tuition scholarship options.
  • Health Sciences & Osteopathic Medicine: Proximity to the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine gives undergraduates early assurance pathways into medical fields.
  • School of Engineering: Known for its “class-lab” model and maker spaces (Creek Makerspace, CAMEL Fab), offering practical, project-based engineering education unique among small privates in the state.

Final Thoughts

Campbell may not be a massive public flagship, but its mix of automatic merit, the J.A. Campbell flagship scholarship, and hidden gems like ROTC or departmental aid make it surprisingly affordable for many families. If your student is aiming high academically, they’ll often qualify for top merit right out of the gate. And if they’re more hands-on or first-gen, Campbell’s close-knit support and specialized programs can open real doors without adding extra years or costs. Use this guide as a roadmap, then compare your student’s award letter against other schools to see where Campbell truly stands in value.

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