High Point University Scholarships (2025–2026) | Merit, Honors & Hidden Gems

High Point 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

High Point University is a private school in North Carolina where scholarships play a big role in making the numbers work for families. On this page, we’ll walk you through the full picture — tuition, aid, and every type of scholarship — so you can see what’s automatic, what’s competitive, and where to look for hidden opportunities. If you’re a North Carolina family, don’t miss our state aid guide, and if you’re just starting your research, head to our College Scholarships Hub for the big overview.


💰 Cost of Attendance at High Point University

Category Amount
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) $49,146
Housing & Meals (average) $20,198
Books & Supplies Not published (included in COA estimate)
Transportation Not published (included in COA estimate)
Personal Expenses $4,368
Estimated Total (before aid) $78,458
Average Net Price: $40,721 (College Scorecard, latest data). This is what families actually paid on average after scholarships and grants — loans not included.
Reciprocity or Regional Programs: High Point is a private university and does not participate in WUE, NC Promise, or other regional reciprocity programs. Families must rely on institutional scholarships and aid.

FAQs

Who qualifies for in-state vs. out-of-state tuition?
As a private university, HPU charges the same tuition for all undergraduates, regardless of residency.

How much can families expect to save with state reciprocity?
Not applicable — HPU does not offer regional pricing. Savings come from merit scholarships and aid.

Do I have to apply separately for the net price calculation?
No. The net price reflects what students paid on average after their aid packages were applied.


✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
High Point University Scholarships $4,000–$32,000 per year Automatic with admission; based on GPA, rigor, and (optional) test scores No Yes (maintain satisfactory academic progress) Solid students with 3.3–3.7 GPA may land mid-range awards; higher GPAs and rigor move toward the $25k–$32k range*

*GPA/test score ranges are estimates based on HPU’s published averages and typical merit practice; actual cutoffs may vary each year depending on applicant pool and funding.

High Point University does not sponsor National Merit, Stamps, or QuestBridge scholarships.

FAQs

Do I need to submit a separate application for automatic scholarships?
No. You are automatically considered for HPU merit awards when you apply for admission.

Does High Point superscore test results?
Yes. If you submit SAT or ACT scores, HPU superscores (using the best section scores) within each test type. They do not mix SAT and ACT.

What if I apply test-optional?
You will still be considered for merit scholarships based on your GPA and course rigor. Submitting strong test scores can boost your award, but it is not required.

Can automatic scholarships be stacked with other awards?
Yes, they can stack with select program scholarships (e.g., Honors, Fellows, Marching Band). However, stacking is limited if you receive a full-tuition competitive award.


🏆 Flagship Scholarships (highly competitive university-wide awards)

These are High Point University’s most selective, interview-based scholarships (often referred to as “competitive” awards). They require early application and participation in the Presidential Scholarship Interview Weekends.

Scholarship Award Amount What Makes It Competitive Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Presidential Founders Scholarship $40,000–Full Tuition (per year) Invitation-only interview during Presidential Scholarship Program Weekends; very limited No separate form; apply for admission by Nov 15 for full consideration; interview invite required Yes (maintain required GPA per HPU policy) Applicants with ~4.0 unweighted GPA, ~1550 SAT or ~34 ACT, and top ~5% class rank who also interview strongly
Presidential Fellowships $12,000–$20,000 (per year) Selective interview process tied to Presidential Scholarship Program Weekends; limited cohorts No separate form for initial consideration; admission by Nov 15 priority; interview invite required Yes Typically ~3.8 unweighted GPA, ~1360 SAT or ~29 ACT, often top ~10% of class with strong leadership/interview
Presidential Scholarships $10,000–$17,000 (per year) Interview-based enhancement via Presidential Scholarship Program Weekends No separate form; apply for admission by Nov 15 for full consideration; interview invite required Yes Commonly ~3.6 unweighted GPA, ~1230 SAT or ~25 ACT with solid rigor and activities

Award bands and academic profiles reference HPU’s published Presidential Scholarship Program tiers and averages. Always verify current year details and renewal GPA with Financial Planning.

FAQs

Are these scholarships the same as automatic merit?
No. These are competitive “flagship” scholarships tied to interview weekends. Automatic merit is awarded at admission; flagship awards require an invitation to interview and are more selective.

Do I need test scores? Does HPU superscore?
Test scores are optional for consideration, but if you submit them, HPU superscores SAT and ACT (highest subscores within a single test type; SAT and ACT are not mixed).

What deadlines matter?
Submit your admission application by November 15 for full consideration for Presidential Scholarship Interview Weekends.

Can flagship awards stack with other scholarships?
They may limit stacking with other institutional awards, especially at the full-tuition level. Check your offer letter and HPU Financial Planning policies for stacking and renewal rules.


💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond automatic and flagship awards, High Point University offers a range of “hidden gem” scholarships tied to talent, service, research, and special programs. These often require an extra step like an audition or application, but they can add real value on top of academic aid.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Marching Panthers Scholarship $5,000 per year Students selected to participate in the Marching Panthers band Yes (audition/placement) Yes (must remain active in band) Students who audition successfully and commit to rehearsals and performances
Performing Arts Scholarships $500–$2,000 per year Majors in music, theatre, or dance who complete an audition or interview Yes (department audition) Yes (continued participation and satisfactory performance) Students with strong audition results who stay active in their performing arts program
Fellows Scholarships (nine academic cohorts) $3,000 per year Invitation to a Fellows program (Business, Communication, Creative Arts, Education, Health and Human Performance, Natural Sciences, Leadership, Social Science, or Strickland L.I.F.T.) Yes (application after admission if invited) Yes (must maintain GPA and program standing) High achievers who align with the program’s focus area and demonstrate leadership or creative talent
Servant Leadership Endowed Scholarship Varies (need-based) Students with financial need; first preference for Bonner Leaders, second preference for first-generation students Yes (through Financial Aid office) Yes (must maintain eligibility) Students with documented need who are active in service or leadership programs
Bonner Leader Program Financial support varies (covers part of demonstrated need) Selected Bonner Leaders; service-based leadership program Yes (separate Bonner application required) Yes (must maintain active program participation) Students committed to service, leadership training, and long-term community engagement
Stout School of Education Scholarships $500–$3,000 typical Education majors meeting criteria such as GPA, financial need, or specialization (elementary, special education) Yes (apply through School of Education) Yes (must remain in Education program) Education majors with strong academics or financial need
Endowed Scholarships (Need-Based) $500–$3,000 typical Students with financial need; criteria differ by scholarship (major, background, or service) Yes (apply through Financial Aid office) Yes (must maintain need and academic eligibility) Students whose FAFSA demonstrates unmet need and who fit donor criteria
Institutional Need-Based Grants Varies (amount set by FAFSA and academic profile) Students with demonstrated financial need No (automatic with FAFSA) Yes (must file FAFSA annually) Families who qualify for need-based aid after FAFSA review

Note: The $3,000 Fellows Scholarships are separate from the $3,000 Honors Scholar Program Scholarship. Students can only receive one or the other depending on program admission. Award ranges marked as “varies” reflect typical donor-funded or need-based levels published by HPU.

Disclaimer: Award ranges marked as “varies” are based on examples from HPU’s endowed scholarship listings. Exact amounts depend on donor funds and financial need each year.

  • Additional endowed departmental scholarships (Arts & Design, Religion, and others) are available through HPU’s scholarship database, with specific criteria set by each department.

FAQs

Can hidden gem awards stack with my merit scholarship?
Yes, most hidden gem scholarships (band, performing arts, Fellows, research, study abroad) can be added on top of your automatic or flagship merit award. ROTC scholarships may replace institutional tuition awards, so check with Financial Planning.

Do I need to submit a separate application?
Usually yes. Most of these require an audition, program application, or project proposal. The Go Global Grant is automatic with Maymester enrollment.

Are these renewable?
Program-based awards (band, performing arts, Fellows) renew as long as you stay active. Research and study abroad grants are one-time. ROTC funding renews while you remain contracted.

When should I apply?
Apply early. Some auditions and program applications happen soon after admission, and ROTC scholarships have national board deadlines.


⭐ College Specialty

High Point University has built a reputation for blending hands-on professional preparation with one-on-one mentorship. While it’s not classified as a public R1 research university, HPU has carved out national recognition in specific areas that parents should know about when considering academic fit and future opportunities.

Signature Program Highlight:
Sales Education — HPU’s Harris Sales Education Center is ranked among the top collegiate sales programs in the country, giving students dedicated labs, role-play facilities, and direct pipelines into Fortune 500 careers.
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Home to Entrepreneurs-in-Residence like Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, HPU is consistently recognized for its real-world mentorship and industry access.
  • Health Sciences & Physical Therapy: The Congdon School of Health Sciences offers one of the region’s most advanced Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) labs, with biomechanics and injury-prevention research noted statewide.
  • Interior Design: The David R. Hayworth School of Arts & Design is accredited by CIDA and ranked among the stronger design programs in the Southeast.
  • Education: The Stout School of Education is known in North Carolina for producing K–12 educators with strong classroom readiness and leadership skills, supported by multiple named scholarships.

🎖️ Honors College

High Point University’s Honors Scholar Program is a selective pathway for motivated students who want a deeper academic challenge and a strong research and service component. Admission is competitive and requires a separate application with essays.

What a Typical High Point Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA around 3.5+, SAT above 1300 or ACT above 27* (if submitted), strong writing ability, and evidence of leadership or service.
Perks that Matter:
  • Priority registration for classes
  • Dedicated Honors housing options
  • Small, seminar-style courses
  • Faculty mentorship and undergraduate research support
  • Public presentation of research or creative work
  • A renewable $3,000 Honors scholarship (stackable with other aid)
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Honors Scholar Program Scholarship $3,000 per year (renewable for 4 years) Admitted to HPU and accepted into the Honors Scholar Program Yes (Honors application with essays) Yes (must remain in Honors and meet GPA standards) Students who apply by Jan 15 (priority) or Mar 1 (final), show strong academics, and fit the Honors profile

*Test scores are optional; ranges shown reflect averages of admitted Honors students, not hard cutoffs.

FAQs

Is admission automatic?
No. You must submit a separate Honors application with essays, and only about 100 students are admitted each year.

Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. The Honors curriculum is woven into your general education requirements, so it doesn’t extend graduation time.

What deadlines should I know?
Priority deadline is January 15, with a final deadline of March 1. There is also a spring-entry option for current HPU first-years.

Is the Honors scholarship stackable?
Yes. The $3,000 Honors award stacks with automatic merit and other scholarships, giving students a larger overall aid package.

Note: High Point also offers several Fellows Programs (Business, Communication, Creative Arts, Education, Health and Human Performance, Natural Sciences, Leadership, Social Science, and Strickland L.I.F.T.), each with a $3,000 annual scholarship. These are not part of Honors, but they are similar in selectivity and stackable with merit aid.


Final Thoughts

High Point University blends personal attention with a wide menu of scholarships that can bring down the sticker price in real ways. From automatic merit awards to competitive flagship scholarships, and from service-based Bonner funding to Fellows programs in specific majors, families have multiple paths to make HPU affordable. If your student is aiming high, the Honors Scholar Program adds both academic enrichment and a renewable $3,000 award. The key is applying early, understanding which programs stack, and staying on top of the priority deadlines.

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✅ Last updated: September 28, 2025

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