Grambling State University Scholarships 2025–2026 | Cost, Merit & Honors

Grambling State University Scholarships (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
  • Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
  • Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

If you’re looking at Grambling State, you’re probably weighing both the costs and the opportunities. As a Louisiana public HBCU, GSU offers automatic scholarships with out-of-state fee waivers, plus competitive and hidden gem programs that can bring the price down. This guide walks you through the real numbers and options—whether you’re from Louisiana or another state. Be sure to also check out our Louisiana state aid guide for more local funding opportunities.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Grambling State University

Expense In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees $7,683 $16,706
Housing & Meals (typical) $10,886 $10,886
Books (Book Bundle est.) $720 $720
Total (before aid) $19,289 $28,312
Average Net Price: $19,092 (2022–23). This is what families actually paid on average after grants and scholarships—no loans included.
Out-of-State Savings: Grambling State participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), which allows students from participating Southern states to pay in-state tuition if their chosen major isn’t offered back home. That can save around $9,000 per year compared to the regular out-of-state rate. GSU also offers out-of-state fee waivers tied to academic scholarships.

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 ed office.

How much can families save?
About $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. Out-of-state fee waivers tied to academic merit are awarded automatically when you qualify.

✅ 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?
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.
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.
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.

Notes: Amounts shown are annual. Nonresident awards include the out-of-state fee waiver when criteria are met. Exact renewal GPA/credit load is set in the official award terms.

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.

🏆 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.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond automatic merit, Grambling State has a handful of lesser-known programs that can significantly reduce costs if you know where to look. These include need-based state aid, ROTC opportunities, and study abroad funding.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Louisiana GO Grant $300–$3,000 per year Louisiana residents who are Pell-eligible; FAFSA required No — awarded automatically with FAFSA Yes, if FAFSA shows continuing need Low- to middle-income Louisiana students who already qualify for Pell Grants.
Army ROTC Scholarship Covers full tuition & fees; includes monthly stipend and book allowance; may include housing/meal allowance ROTC cadets who meet academic, medical, and fitness standards; service commitment required Yes — through Army ROTC application/board Yes, for the length of the ROTC contract Students with leadership potential, solid fitness, and commitment to serve after graduation.
CODOFIL French Study Abroad Scholarships Typically $1,000–$2,500 toward tuition or travel French majors/minors studying abroad in France, Canada, or Belgium Yes — through CODOFIL/Study Abroad office No Language students with strong GPAs who plan to study abroad in a French-speaking country.
Undergraduate Research & Sponsored Programs $500–$2,000 research stipends (varies by grant) Students engaged in faculty-mentored research; typically STEM or social sciences Yes — via faculty/departmental application Depends on grant cycle Motivated students who secure a faculty mentor and participate in funded projects.
Grambling State University Foundation Scholarships $500–$2,500 per year (range depends on fund) Undergraduates demonstrating financial need; FAFSA required Yes — through GSU Foundation/Financial Aid portal Yes, if need continues and GPA requirement met Students with financial need, often first-generation or from underrepresented backgrounds.
GAP Scholarship Fund $500–$1,500 per semester Students facing financial barriers with unpaid balances after other aid Yes — internal application required No Continuing students who fall short after Pell, loans, and other aid are applied.
The Shade Room First Generation Endowed Scholarship $1,000–$2,000 per year First-generation undergraduates with financial need Yes — application through Financial Aid/Development Renewable if GPA maintained First-gen students with solid academic standing who show financial need.
Clyde O’Neal Wilson, Sr. Scholarship $1,000 per year Undergraduates meeting criteria set by Development Office Yes — Development/Financial Aid Not specified Students with financial need or leadership traits as defined by donor criteria.
NAACP Scholarships $500–$2,000 Students active in NAACP or who meet NAACP criteria Yes — through NAACP application process Varies Students with NAACP involvement, leadership, or alignment with organization’s mission.
The Vanguard Award $1,000–$2,000 (launching program) Students recognized as “changemakers” by the President’s Office Yes — nomination/application Not specified Student leaders who have made a measurable impact on campus or in the community.
Music Service Award Covers partial tuition or fees (typically $1,000–$3,000) Members of marching band, concert band, or jazz ensembles Yes — through Department of Music Yes, if participation continues Student musicians who actively perform in GSU ensembles.
AT&T Cloud of Success Scholarship $2,000 per semester (Fall & Spring) Declared Cloud Computing major; GPA ≥ 3.0; full-time enrollment Yes — apply through GSU Scholarship Office Not specified Continuing Cloud majors with solid GPAs who stay on track academically.
Jessie L. Burgess, Jr. Scholarship $4,500 (Spring semester) Incoming freshmen in Computer Science, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, or CIS; HS GPA ≥ 3.5 Yes — via Financial Aid Scholarship Application Not indicated High-achieving tech-focused freshmen with GPAs 3.5+ and rigorous coursework.
Athletic Scholarships Covers partial to full tuition, fees, room, and board Student-athletes recruited for NCAA Division I sports Yes — through Athletics Department/coach nomination Yes, if athletic and academic requirements are maintained Recruited athletes with strong performance and coach recommendation.

Disclaimer: Award ranges are based on official GSU listings or donor patterns where available. When a precise dollar amount was not published, ranges are estimated from comparable funds. Renewal GPAs or credit load requirements may vary by award letter.

  • Academic & Professional Clubs: Groups like the Accounting Club and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) offer scholarships or pipelines to external awards.
  • Student Leadership Roles: Students elected to positions like Miss Grambling State or SGA officers may receive tuition waivers or stipends tied to their role.

Hidden Gem FAQs

How do I get the Louisiana GO Grant?
It’s tied directly to FAFSA results. If you’re Pell-eligible and a Louisiana resident, you’ll be considered automatically.

Is the Army ROTC scholarship a full ride?
Yes, for most students it covers full tuition and mandatory fees, plus a stipend and sometimes housing/meal allowances. In return, students commit to serve after graduation.

Are study abroad scholarships guaranteed?
No, they’re selective and vary year to year. Students with strong academic records and a clear plan of study abroad have the best chance.

Can these hidden gems stack with automatic merit?
In most cases, yes. Need-based aid, ROTC, and study abroad scholarships often layer on top of merit awards, though the total can’t exceed the official cost of attendance.

⭐ 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.

Standout Program:
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.

🎖️ 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.

What a Typical Grambling Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Honors Perks That Matter:
  • 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?
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.
  • 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.

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.

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