Colleges with Scholarships for a 3.5 GPA

A 3.5 GPA is where scholarship opportunities start to scale. At this level, many colleges offer strong automatic merit awards, and some students begin to qualify for full tuition or highly competitive scholarship programs — especially when paired with solid test scores.

What this means: At a 3.5 GPA, your student is no longer just “eligible” for scholarships — they are competitive for meaningful awards. The focus shifts to maximizing offers and targeting the right schools.

These are colleges where a 3.5 GPA puts your student in range for strong merit aid — including significant automatic scholarships and some full tuition opportunities.

Important: Higher-value scholarships may require additional applications, interviews, or early deadlines.

Scholarship Matches

Based on a GPA 3.5 profile. Institutions with actionable merit aid identified.

Colleges Listed

297

Total institutions with matching merit programs.

Showing all Scholarship results. These are colleges where your GPA puts you in range for real scholarship opportunities — including automatic, competitive, and honors-based awards For more information on each college, click to view the full scholarship breakdown.

Important: Some scholarships listed as “automatic” may still depend on application timing, funding limits, or test scores for the highest award levels. Use the details on each college to understand how predictable the offer really is.

🏛️ University of New Mexico

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ NM

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange)

GPA: 2.80 | ACT: 18 | SAT: 960 | Ends: Feb 1 Priority

Strategic Note: Western-state students with B average/high C+ and moderate test score.

+ 4 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Southern University

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ LA

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Jaguar Out-of-State Fee Waiver

GPA: 2.75 | ACT: 24 | SAT: 1160 | Ends: July 1 priority for fall entry

Strategic Note: New out-of-state freshmen with at least a 2.75 high school GPA or ACT 24+/SAT 1160+ and transfer students with a 2.75+ transfer GPA who enroll full time and maintain at least a 2.75 Southern cumulative GPA.

🏛️ Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State)

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ UT

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Half Merit (Nonresident)

GPA: 2.30 | Ends: July 15

Strategic Note: Nonresident students with mid-2 GPA ranges who apply for the Half Merit waiver by the deadline and then maintain full-time enrollment and at least a 2.0 college GPA.

+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Bethune-Cookman University

FULL RIDEGPA 3.5+ FL

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

→ Cal Grant A or B

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 2

Strategic Note: CA residents with demonstrated need and required GPA

🏛️ Towson University

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ MD

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ International Student Merit Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Feb 1 (International scholarship deadline; best consideration date)

Strategic Note: New undergraduate international students with strong academic records roughly equivalent to 3.5+ GPAs and competitive preparation.

🏛️ Rider University

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ NJ

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

→ Invitation to Idaho (Nonresidents)

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 1

Strategic Note: Any nonresident admitted outside WUE majors

+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ College of Charleston

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ SC

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

→ Faculty-Merit Scholarship

GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Jan 15 (freshman admission deadline tied to automatic merit consideration)

Strategic Note: Admitted freshmen with competitive GPAs around 3.3–3.7 who meet Stetson’s admission standards and present a solid overall record.

🏛️ Robert Morris University

$26,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ RMU Freshman Merit Scholarship — Tier 2

GPA: 3.40 | Ends: Rolling admission (apply early)

Strategic Note: Strong academic students in RMU’s admitted range with weighted GPAs roughly between 3.40 and 3.79.

+ 4 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Rochester Institute of Technology

$25,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

→ Freshman Merit Scholarships

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 22 | SAT: 1000 | Ends: November 15 (Early Action admission application deadline for automatic merit consideration)

Strategic Note: First-time freshmen with at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA and SAT 1000 or ACT 22 who apply by Early Action and submit qualifying test scores.

🏛️ University of Arizona

$25,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ AZ

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Arizona Recognition Award

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 24 | SAT: 1180 | Ends: Early Action Nov 1 (priority), Final May 1

Strategic Note: Solid GPA applicants with a moderate test score who apply early. For out of state students

+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Worcester Polytechnic Institute

$25,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MA

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

→ Dean’s Merit Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 26 | SAT: 1240 | Ends: Rolling admission; test scores can be submitted or updated until February 15.

Strategic Note: Admitted first-years with roughly 3.5–3.7 GPAs and mid-to-upper 20s ACT or comparable SAT scores where tests are submitted.

🏛️ Saint Francis University

$22,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Bell Tower Scholarship

GPA: 3.45 | Ends: Rolling (apply early)

→ Provost’s Gold Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 27 | SAT: 1250 | Ends: February 1 priority date for maximum scholarship consideration.

Strategic Note: Top GPA and rigorous course mix; generally top 25% of class

🏛️ Texas Christian University

$17,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ TX

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Founders’ Scholarship

GPA: 3.40 | ACT: 26 | SAT: 1180 | Ends: Feb 1 final application deadline for admission and scholarship consideration.

Strategic Note: Admissible students with solid academics and consistent transcripts, often with ACT around 26–29 or SAT 1180–1300.

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ University of UMass Boston

$17,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MA

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

→ Rowan University Scholars Program

GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Jan 31 (priority for fall admission)

Strategic Note: UW GPA 3.3+; more for GPA 3.8+/1400+ SAT or equivalent academic rigor. Strongest freshmen in/out-state.

🏛️ University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

$12,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ AR

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ University Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 23 | SAT: 1130 | Ends: December 1 priority; March 1 final

Strategic Note: Strong students with at least a 3.5 GPA and ACT scores roughly in the mid‑20s (23–27) or equivalent SATs who meet scholarship deadlines.

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ Oregon State University

$12,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ OR

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

→ Academic Achievement Award (Nonresident)

GPA: 3.10 | Ends: Mar 1

Strategic Note: Most nonresident admits with 3.10+ GPA, 4.0 earns $12,000/yr.

🏛️ University of Wyoming

$12,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ WY

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Brown & Gold Commitment (Non-Residents)

GPA: 3.25 | Ends: May 1 (confirm enrollment for fall admission to retain offer)

Strategic Note: Nonresident students with at least a mid‑3s GPA and, for higher tiers, ACT scores in the mid‑20s or higher; lower tiers available test-optional.

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ University of Vermont

$12,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ VT

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Achiever Scholarship

GPA: 3.40 | Ends: Auto with admission

Strategic Note: B+/A- OOS students, 3.40–3.59 GPA

🏛️ University of Alaska Fairbanks

$12,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ AK

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Nanook Pledge Scholarship (Nonresident)

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: June 15 (fall), November 1 (spring)

Strategic Note: All admitted nonresident students at or above the minimum GPA; higher GPAs get higher awards.

+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Washington State University

$12,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ WA

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

Strategic Note: Incoming transfer students with stronger college GPAs and consistent academic progress.

🏛️ Arkansas State University

$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ AR

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ A-State Trailblazer

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 28 | SAT: 1300 | Ends: February 1 (apply and qualify); March 1 (accept offer)

Strategic Note: High-achieving freshmen with at least a 3.5 GPA and ACT 28+ (or SAT around 1300+) who meet admission and acceptance deadlines.

+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ University of Colorado Denver

$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CO

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

→ M-9 Promise (Out-of-State Tuition Offset)

GPA: 2.75 | Ends: July 30 (admission; FAFSA required by ASU for institutional aid packaging but scholarship is automatic merit-based)

Strategic Note: Out-of-state freshmen who meet or exceed the 2.75 GPA minimum and are otherwise admissible.

🏛️ University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

$8,200 / YRGPA 3.5+ WI

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Titan National Scholar (Non-Resident)

GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Rolling with admission

Strategic Note: Most admitted nonresident freshmen and transfers who meet the Titan National Scholar GPA requirement.

🏛️ Eastern Michigan University

$8,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MI

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

Strategic Note: Ohio residents with ~3.3–3.8+ GPA; Higher awards for ~3.6+ GPA, strong academic rigor, ACT ~28+/SAT ~1300+ if submitted

🏛️ University of Minnesota Twin Cities

$6,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MN

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

→ Presidential Merit — Top Tier

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 32 | SAT: 1420 | Ends: December 1 priority

→ Axe Award

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 24 | SAT: 1160 | Ends: November 1 Priority

→ Incentive Scholarship

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Dec 1 (admission), Dec 15 (scholarships)

Strategic Note: Nonresidents with ~3.0+ GPA.

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ University of Rochester

$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: With transfer admission application

Strategic Note: Community college transfer students who are inducted PTK members with strong academics, typically around 3.5+ GPA at their prior institution.

🏛️ Missouri University of Science and Technology

$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MO

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Transfer Merit-Based Scholarship (Out-of-State)

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Automatic with transfer admission.

→ Maroon & Gold — Tier A2

GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Dec 1

→ Simmons Award

GPA: 3.00 | ACT: 27 | SAT: 1280 | Ends: Priority Jan 15

→ Copper Dome Scholarship (3.5 GPA)

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: March 1 for fall applicants; November 1 for spring applicants (scholarship guarantee deadlines)

Strategic Note: Beginning freshmen with at least a 3.5 GPA who meet SEMO’s admission standards and do not qualify for higher tiers.

+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Southern Illinois University Carbondale

$3,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ IL

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Gold Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Rolling; awards made until funds are exhausted.

→ Cougar Pride Scholarship — Tier 3

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Dec 1 (priority)

→ Brown & Gold Scholarship

GPA: 3.40 | ACT: 23 | SAT: 1150 | Ends: Early Action (Dec 15)

→ Tri-State Academic Merit (KY Residents, Tier 2)

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Feb 15 (priority)

Strategic Note: Strong A/B+ Kentucky admits.

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ University of Hawaii at Manoa

$2,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ HI

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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How This Is Awarded

→ Centennial Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Jan 5

Strategic Note: Many eligible in-state students with 3.5+ GPA

🏛️ University of Texas–Tyler

$2,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ TX

●Automatic

Predictable tier-based criteria

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Strategic Note: Milwaukee-area high school seniors, often first-generation and from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, who show strong academics, leadership, and service.

🏛️ South Dakota State University

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ SD

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Air Force ROTC Scholarships

GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Dec 31 (national)

Strategic Note: STEM, fit, academic

+ 4 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Central Michigan University

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ MI

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Army ROTC National Scholarships @ CMU

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: National boards (fall–winter)

→ Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 32 | SAT: 1410 | Ends: Nov 15 priority / Feb 1 final

Strategic Note: Top Arkansas academic achievers statewide

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ Eastern Illinois University

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ IL

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ EIU Promise (AIM HIGH)

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: June 1 (FAFSA)

Strategic Note: Illinois residents with GPA 3.0+ and family AGI at or below $80,000 who qualify for sufficient need after aid.

+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Western Kentucky University

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ KY

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

→ Academic Incentive Scholarship

GPA: 3.00 | ACT: 20 | SAT: 1020 | Ends: February 14 (competitive scholarship application in student portal)

Strategic Note: Freshmen with solid college-prep records who meet the GPA and test-score minimums and submit a timely competitive application.

+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Hofstra University

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ NY

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Amsterdam Exchange Scholarships

GPA: 3.40 | Ends: Late February (for full-year or semester scholarship in the following academic year)

Strategic Note: High-achieving juniors and seniors accepted to the Amsterdam exchange, with at least a 3.4 GPA; three of six awards typically go to Zarb School of Business majors.

🏛️ Marist College

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ NY

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

→ Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: At admission / rolling

Strategic Note: High-achieving community college transfer students with a cumulative transfer GPA of 3.5 or higher and verified PTK membership.

🏛️ Manhattan College

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ NY

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

→ CMPA Music Scholarships

GPA: 2.75 | Ends: Audition timelines; first round typically aligned with Nov 1 Early Action I

Strategic Note: Outstanding music students (voice, keyboard, instrumental, etc.) who major in music and present strong auditions; roughly a quarter to a third of auditioning students receive some level of music scholarship.

🏛️ University of South Florida

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ FL

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Army / Air Force / Navy ROTC + Donor Awards

GPA: 2.50 | Ends: National ROTC boards (Nov–Jan); campus/portal cycles vary

→ Clark Society Endowed Scholarship

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Faculty and staff nominations typically due in late January, such as Jan 28, 2026, for the 2026–2027 cycle.

Strategic Note: Rising seniors with at least 85 completed hours, 3.0+ GPA, significant campus leadership, and a record of positively impacting TCU’s community.

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ University of Houston Clear Lake

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ TX

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Hawk Advantage Scholarship

GPA: 2.50 | Ends: March 1

Strategic Note: Low-income, first-year, Texas residents.

+ 4 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Loyola University Maryland

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ MD

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

→ Paid Research / Internship Funding (EXCEL + Intern Scholar Programs)

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Varies by specific EXCEL or internship funding cycle

Strategic Note: Students selected to conduct faculty-mentored research or funded internships who want to offset summer or term-time living and opportunity costs.

🏛️ University of Toledo

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ OH

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Barnes & Noble Book Scholarship

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 1 (typical)

→ Trailblazer Promise

GPA: 2.00 | Ends: March 1 priority FAFSA deadline

Strategic Note: Low-income Utah residents who qualify for Pell Grants, complete the FAFSA on time, and remain enrolled and in good standing at Utah Tech.

+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Brigham Young University

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ UT

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

Strategic Note: Sophomore and upperclass students with at least a 2.5 QPA, prior residence hall experience, and strong leadership and conduct records who perform well in the CA selection process.

🏛️ University of Cincinnati

AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ OH

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Gen-1/1MPACT House Scholarships

GPA: 2.70 | Ends: Spring (housing placement), rolling for nonresidential

→ Smith–Hutson Scholars

GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Feb 15

Strategic Note: Texas residents with clear financial need, strong academic potential, and compelling personal statements who can handle a full-time load and complete the interview process.

🏛️ California State University Sacramento

$18,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CA

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Campus nomination deadline typically aligned with March 2 scholarship cycle; specific date varies by year.

Strategic Note: One extraordinary Sacramento State student annually who demonstrates superior academic performance, significant financial need, and exceptional service, leadership, or resilience.

+ 4 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Arkansas State University

$18,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ AR

●Competitive

3.8+ GPA / 30+ ACT typical profiles

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How This Is Awarded

→ A-State Scholar

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 31 | SAT: 1400 | Ends: February 1 (application); March 1 (offer acceptance)

Strategic Note: A small group of top scholars—generally ACT 31+ or SAT 1400+ with 3.5+ GPAs—who also have significant leadership, service, and rigorous coursework and submit very strong applications.

🏛️ University of California Davis

$16,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CA

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Continuing Undergraduate Scholarships

GPA: 3.25 | Ends: Jan 7

Strategic Note: Students with strong ongoing UC Davis record and community or academic engagement

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ Southern Illinois University Carbondale

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ IL

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Provost’s Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Varies by year; typically late spring for fall-entry transfers.

Strategic Note: High-GPA community college transfers who are Dean’s Transfer Scholars with an associate’s degree, strong leadership and service, and a competitive application; only a small number of awards are made each year.

🏛️ University of Colorado Denver

$15,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CO

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Reisher Scholars

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Varies (open Feb)

→ Lasallian Leadership Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Varies by year (often spring); confirm with Financial Aid or the Lasallian programs office.

Strategic Note: Graduates of Lasallian high schools with at least a 3.5 GPA and strong records of leadership and service.

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ Stephen F. Austin State University

$12,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ TX

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Regents Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: February 1

Strategic Note: Roughly 10–15 incoming freshmen per year with weighted GPAs often between 3.8 and 4.0, strong ACT/SAT scores, multi-year leadership roles, extensive service, and standout essays.

+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Virginia Military Institute

$11,650 / YRGPA 3.5+ VA

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Call to Duty Scholarship (ROTC)

GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Tied to ROTC award timing

Strategic Note: ROTC scholarship recipients enrolling at VMI who maintain eligibility for their national ROTC scholarship and meet VMI program requirements.

🏛️ Colorado State University

$11,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CO

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Reisher Scholarship

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 1

Strategic Note: High-achieving, need-based Colorado sophomores

+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ University of West Georgia

FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ GA

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Army ROTC Scholarship

GPA: 2.50 | Ends: October 27, January 19, and March 16 national board dates for the 2025–26 cycle.

Strategic Note: U.S. citizen students with strong leadership potential who meet academic, fitness, and medical standards and are committed to commissioning as Army officers.

🏛️ University of Colorado Boulder

$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CO

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ President’s Leadership Class (PLC)

GPA: 3.25 | Ends: Feb 15

→ Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship

GPA: 3.25 | ACT: 21 | SAT: 1070 | Ends: Early August (final transcript to Nevada Treasurer)

Strategic Note: Most Nevada public and charter high school graduates meeting GPA or test and core course requirements

+ 5 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ University of Notre Dame

$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ IN

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ College/Departmental/Donor Awards

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: College application deadlines

Strategic Note: Juniors/seniors with 3.5+ GPA, standout in major, or research/service leader.

+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ University of St. Thomas

$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MN

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Summit Engineering Scholarship (Transfer)

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Priority consideration for students admitted with a complete FAFSA on file by June 1.

Strategic Note: Academically strong engineering transfer students from two-year colleges (or Pell-eligible transfers from four-year schools) who demonstrate significant unmet financial need.

🏛️ Chapman University

$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CA

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Fowler School of Engineering Scholarships

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Follows general admission deadlines; some departmental awards and renewals may have later internal timelines after enrollment.

→ ACS-Hach Land Grant Scholarship

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: April 1

Strategic Note: High-performing chemistry, biochemistry, and science education majors who meet ACS criteria, including at least a 3.0 GPA and commitment to teaching or chemistry careers.

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ Syracuse University

$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

→ Sharon D. Banks Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship

GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Fall (WTS deadline)

Strategic Note: Women majoring in transportation, GPA ≥3.3, active in leadership.

+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ Stonehill College

$7,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ MA

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Brockton Scholarship

GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Transfer application deadlines for Massasoit–Stonehill Transfer Guarantee; typically by published transfer term deadlines

Strategic Note: Massasoit Community College transfer students who are residents of Brockton or graduates of Brockton High School, New Heights Charter School, or Southeastern Regional High School and who meet Massasoit–Stonehill Transfer Guarantee criteria.

🏛️ University of South Carolina Upstate

$7,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ SC

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: State deadline spring/summer

Strategic Note: Top 6% GPA and/or qualifying scores, nominated by school and completing all state paperwork.

+ 4 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ University of Alaska Anchorage

$7,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ AK

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)

GPA: 2.50 | Ends: June 30 (FAFSA deadline)

Strategic Note: AK residents with strong HS academics, curriculum, and test scores who complete the FAFSA.

🏛️ New Mexico State University

$6,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ NM

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Aggie Achiever Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 28 | SAT: 1300 | Ends: December 1 (priority consideration)

Strategic Note: A limited number of top New Mexico residents with very strong GPAs and ACT/SAT scores beyond the automatic grid, along with solid involvement.

+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ University of Miami

$6,300 / YRGPA 3.5+ FL

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ VA

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ President’s Leadership Program (PLP) Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 26 | SAT: 1250 | Ends: Program priority: Dec 15

→ Departmental & College-Specific Awards

GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Varies by department; many follow the General Scholarship Application priority date.

→ Arts & Performance Awards

GPA: 2.75 | Ends: Varies by program (often Jan–Mar)

→ BSMART General & Departmental Awards

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Jan 15 (priority); April 1 (final)

Strategic Note: Freshmen matching first-gen, department/major, or donor criteria and replying to extra questions.

+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.

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🏛️ UC Santa Cruz

$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CA

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ UC Santa Cruz Campus Scholarships

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 2 (aligned with FAFSA/CADAA priority deadline).

Strategic Note: Continuing students across majors who maintain roughly 3.0+ GPAs and submit strong essays; many awards go unclaimed when students do not apply.

🏛️ UC Merced

$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CA

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

→ Peter & Sylvia Sammartino Scholarship (QUEST Education majors)

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: February 23

Strategic Note: Incoming QUEST 5-year BS/MAT students who show solid academics, leadership, community service, and a strong commitment to teaching.

🏛️ University of Southern California (USC)

FULL RIDEGPA 3.5+ CA

●Competitive

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

→ Dean’s Scholarship (MD residents)

GPA: 3.40 | Ends: Nov 1

Strategic Note: Strong in-state students not in top tiers

🏛️ Grambling State University

$4,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ LA

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Jessie L. Burgess, Jr. Scholarship

GPA: 3.50 | Ends: February 15 for spring awards; some rolling consideration thereafter

Strategic Note: High-achieving incoming or early-career tech students with at least a 3.5 high school GPA entering Computer Science, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, or CIS programs.

+ 1 more qualifying scholarship available.

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🏛️ University of Pittsburgh

$4,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ TRIO McNair Scholars

GPA: 2.75 | Ends: Winter–early spring

Strategic Note: First-gen, low-income, URM, research-focused with plan/mentor

🏛️ Incarnate Word University

$4,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ TX

●Hidden Gem

Holistic review / Not guaranteed

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How This Is Awarded

→ Music Performance (Band/Ensembles/Chorale)

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: February 15 priority; audition must occur before the term begins

→ College & Department Scholarships

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: November 1 (most)

→ Beverly J. Fourcade Nursing Scholarship

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 1 priority

→ ASUH Achievement Scholarship

GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Feb 15

Strategic Note: Academically strong or highly motivated undergrads

Strategy for a 3.5 GPA

At a 3.5 GPA, the goal is no longer just finding scholarships — it’s maximizing them. Many students at this level qualify for meaningful automatic merit, but the biggest opportunities often come from combining strong academics with smart application strategy.

Key insight: At this level, test scores can be the difference between partial scholarships and full tuition offers. Even a small increase can unlock significantly higher award tiers.

Many colleges use tiered systems where GPA sets eligibility and test scores determine value. Others offer competitive scholarships where essays, leadership, and timing all play a role.

Target full tuition and top merit schools. This is where the biggest value opportunities begin.
Apply early — priority deadlines matter. Many high-value scholarships close months before regular admission deadlines.
Use test scores strategically. Superscoring and retesting can significantly improve outcomes.
Include a mix of automatic and competitive schools. This balances predictability with upside.
Look at honors colleges. These often come with additional funding, perks, and smaller class experiences.

Tip: Don’t just look at GPA cutoffs. Some colleges award higher scholarships to students slightly above the threshold — so even a small GPA increase (or strong senior grades) can matter.

This is one of the strongest GPA ranges for merit aid. With the right approach, families can often reduce costs significantly — and in some cases, even reach full tuition or better.

👉 You can also explore full tuition scholarships here and full ride opportunities here.