Grambling State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships for incoming freshmen
- Competitive full-tuition and full-ride awards
- Honors and leadership opportunities for top scholars
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~24%
- Middle 50% ACT: 16–20
- Middle 50% SAT: ~840–990 (EBRW 440–510; Math 400–480)
- Average HS GPA: ~3.2
Source: GSU Office of Admissions & IPEDS 2024.
Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Grambling State at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Grambling State, one of Louisiana’s two public HBCUs, offers automatic academic awards with additional donor and departmental scholarships. The Academic Achievement and Academic Excellence awards provide annual tuition support for qualifying freshmen, and some nonresidents receive an out-of-state fee waiver based on test scores.
Use this guide to explore which scholarships match your student’s profile, from automatic academic awards to honors and leadership opportunities.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — GSU allows test-optional admission, though ACT/SAT scores are required for the highest scholarship tiers.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 16–20; SAT: ~840–990 (EBRW 440–510; Math 400–480).
What’s the average net price? Around $19,092 after grants and scholarships (IPEDS 2024).
Does this school offer reciprocity or nonresident waivers? Yes — GSU participates in the Academic Common Market and SREB programs, which can reduce out-of-state tuition.
Scholarships page – https://www.gram.edu/finaid/scholarships/
Tuition & Housing Fees – https://www.gram.edu/finaid/tuition/housingfees.php
Admissions requirements – https://www.gram.edu/admissions/requirements/criteria.php
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?159009-Grambling_State_University
Common Data/Institutional Research hub – https://www.gram.edu/offices/ie/ir/surveys.php
SREB Academic Common Market (policy) – https://www.sreb.org/academic-common-market
CollegeData (scores ranges) – https://www.collegedata.com/college-search/Grambling-State-University/admission
💰 Cost of Attendance at Grambling State University (2025–26)
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $7,683 | $16,706 |
| Housing & Meals (standard double + meal plan) | $10,886 | $10,886 |
| Total Direct Costs (Before Aid) | $18,569 | $27,592 |
Note: Indirect expenses such as books & supplies (~$720), transportation (~$1,800–$2,000), and personal costs (~$1,500) are not included above because they are not paid directly to the university. These estimates are used only for financial-aid budgeting and vary by student.
Cost & Waiver FAQs
Who qualifies for the ACM?
Students from SREB states whose home state does not offer the same program, once approved by their state higher education office.
How much can families save?
Roughly $9,000 per year—the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition.
Do I have to apply?
Yes. ACM requires an application through your state higher education office, but out-of-state fee waivers tied to academic merit are awarded automatically when eligibility is met.
GSU Tuition & Fees – https://www.gram.edu/finaid/tuition/housingfees.php
Financial Aid Office – https://www.gram.edu/finaid/
Housing & Dining – https://www.gram.edu/studentlife/housing/
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?159009-Grambling_State_University
SREB Academic Common Market – https://www.sreb.org/academic-common-market
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Grambling State offers clear, admission-based tiers. Nonresident awards include an out-of-state fee waiver when criteria are met.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Achievement Award | $2,500/yr + Out-of-State Fee Waiver (if nonresident) |
ACT 20–23 (SAT 1020–1140) and HS GPA ≥ 3.0 |
No (automatic with admission) | Yes — maintain full-time & good academic standing (see award terms) | Students at or above ACT 20/3.0; stronger GPAs toward top of range improve odds for maximum tier benefits. | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Achievement Award | $3,500/yr + Out-of-State Fee Waiver (if nonresident) |
ACT 24–27 (SAT 1160–1290) and HS GPA ≥ 3.25 |
No (automatic with admission) | Yes — maintain full-time & good academic standing (see award terms) | Competitive academic profiles in the mid-20s ACT with ≥3.25 GPA; stronger coursework/rigor helps. | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Total Scholarship | Covers in-state tuition/fees (≈ $7,683/yr) + Out-of-State Fee Waiver (if nonresident) |
ACT ≥ 28 (SAT ≥ 1300) and HS GPA ≥ 3.5 |
No (automatic with admission) | Yes — maintain full-time & good academic standing (see award terms) | Top academic candidates (ACT 28+/GPA 3.5+) with strong rigor; typical for the highest-merit admits. | Dec 1 (priority) |
Notes: Amounts shown are annual. Nonresident awards include the out-of-state fee waiver when criteria are met. The published priority deadline for automatic scholarship eligibility is December 1 (programs are first-come, first-served after this date if funding allows).
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to apply separately?
No. These are admission-based awards; you’re considered automatically when you apply and meet the published criteria. Watch admission priority dates.
Are test scores required for these tiers?
Yes. The published tiers specify ACT/SAT composite bands alongside minimum GPAs. If applying test-optional, contact Admissions about merit evaluation alternatives.
Do they superscore ACT/SAT for scholarships?
Grambling State’s scholarship page lists composite score bands but does not explicitly state a superscore policy for merit awards. Assume single-sitting composites unless Admissions confirms otherwise.
Can I stack these with other aid?
The out-of-state fee waiver is included in these awards for eligible nonresidents (not stacked on top). Departmental/donor/ROTC or need-based aid may stack up to the cost of attendance; final stacking is determined on your official award letter.
Grambling State Merit Scholarship Grid — https://www.gram.edu/finaid/scholarships/
Grambling State Scholarship FAQ — https://www.gram.edu/admissions/faq/
Grambling State Out-of-State Fee Waivers — https://www.gram.edu/admissions/waivers/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Grambling State does not currently advertise any broad, university-wide competitive scholarships beyond its automatic merit program. Most selective opportunities here fall into niche or departmental categories, which we cover later in the Hidden Gems and Honors sections.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No general competitive scholarships are listed at this time. | |||||
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Does Grambling offer prestigious full-ride competitions?
No. Unlike some larger universities, Grambling does not currently run a flagship competitive scholarship program.
Where should I look instead?
Focus on automatic merit for predictable aid. Then review the Hidden Gems section for departmental, ROTC, and niche awards, plus the Honors College for selective perks.
Can competitive outside scholarships be used here?
Yes. External scholarships can typically be stacked with Grambling aid up to the cost of attendance.
Grambling State Financial Aid & Scholarships — https://www.gram.edu/finaid/scholarships/
Grambling State Scholarship FAQ — https://www.gram.edu/admissions/faq/
GSU Donor & Departmental Scholarship News — https://news.gram.edu/
🎖️ Honors College
The Earl Lester Cole Honors College at Grambling State is designed for high-achieving students who want an enriched academic experience. Admission is selective and provides access to small seminars, leadership opportunities, and a supportive community of scholars.
High school GPA around 3.5+, ACT scores in the 23+ range*, strong coursework, and demonstrated leadership or service. *Estimates based on past Honors induction announcements; confirm current criteria with GSU Honors College.
- Priority class registration
- Smaller, discussion-based seminars
- Faculty mentorship and research opportunities
- Special recognition and induction events
- Dedicated Honors community and advising
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earl Lester Cole Honors College Scholarship | Varies; typically $1,000–$2,500 per year | Incoming freshmen admitted to the Honors College; HS GPA ≥ 3.5 and strong academic profile | No — considered upon Honors College admission | Yes — must remain in Honors and maintain GPA requirements | High-achieving freshmen invited into the Honors College with GPA 3.5+ and rigorous coursework. | Jan 31 (priority) |
- Continuing Honors students who keep the required GPA and stay active in the program may also be eligible for renewed or supplemental Honors College funding.
Honors College FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Admission is by application or invitation; students must meet GPA and test score thresholds and submit materials.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. Honors courses and projects are designed to integrate with your degree plan, not extend it.
When should I apply?
Apply during senior year of high school or as an upperclassman at Grambling; earlier applications have priority for spaces (by Jan 31 recommended).
Do Honors students get extra scholarships?
Yes. The Earl Lester Cole Honors College Scholarship is specifically for Honors students, and additional opportunities may open up for continuing students who maintain GPA standards.
Earl Lester Cole Honors College — https://www.gram.edu/academics/honors/
GSU Honors College Admission — https://www.gram.edu/academics/honors/admissions/
GSU Honors College Scholarship Info — https://www.gram.edu/academics/honors/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Grambling State University is a proud HBCU in Louisiana with a national reputation in a few key areas. From its legendary marching band to its groundbreaking tech degrees, GSU blends tradition with forward-looking programs that open doors for students across the state and beyond.
Cloud Computing (BS) — the first bachelor’s program in Cloud Computing in Louisiana (launched 2019), developed with input from tech giants like AWS and IBM. It positions students for high-demand careers in cloud services and IT infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity (BS): Designed with ABET alignment and hands-on labs in cybercrime, big data, and network defense, preparing students for a fast-growing security sector.
- Nursing (BSN): Reported 100% NCLEX pass rate in recent cohorts (2022–2024), making it one of the strongest nursing programs in Louisiana for licensure success.
- Tiger Marching Band: Known nationally for halftime shows and cultural impact, the band has performed at Super Bowls, Presidential Inaugurations, and major televised events.
- Digital Library (opened 2024): Louisiana’s first HBCU digital library, giving students cutting-edge study and research resources.