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 academic scholarships by GPA/test score
  • Full-tuition and leadership-based awards (Presidential & Fellows)
  • Honors, research, and service programs that stack with aid

πŸ“Š Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~77%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 22–28
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1080–1280
  • Average GPA (HS): 3.6 (weighted)

Source: High Point University Common Data Set (2024–25). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.

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

πŸ“Œ

High Point at a Glance

πŸ† Automatic and competitive merit: All admitted students are automatically considered for academic scholarships worth $5,000–$28,000 per year. Competitive programs like the Presidential Fellows and HPU Premier Scholarships can cover full tuition and include enrichment funding for research, travel, and leadership development.
Average Net Price
$40,721
What families actually paid on average
Automatic Merit
$5,000–$28,000 / yr
Awarded upon admission based on GPA/test scores
Competitive Scholarships
Full Tuition + Enrichment
Presidential Fellows β€’ HPU Premier β€’ Bonner Leaders
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.7+ β€’ ACT 27+ / SAT 1280+
Top awards favor strong leadership and service
Test Policy
Test-Optional
Scores reviewed if submitted
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 β€’ Fellows: Feb 1 β€’ FAFSA: Mar 1
Interviews for Fellows: Feb–Mar
Honors College
Yes β€’ Competitive β€’ Separate app
Includes research funding and small-class seminars
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Automatic: No β€’ Competitive: Yes
Presidential Fellows & Premier Scholars (full tuition)
Residency & Waivers
Private University
No in-state or reciprocity differences
* Based on High Point University’s 2025–26 scholarship grid and Fellows program listings. Merit awards are automatic; full-tuition programs require separate application and interview.

Intro FAQs

Does HPU award automatic scholarships?
Yes. All admitted students are automatically considered for academic scholarships worth $5,000–$28,000 per year based on GPA, test scores, and academic rigor.

Are there full-tuition scholarships?
Yes. The Presidential Fellows and HPU Premier Scholarships provide full-tuition awards for exceptional academic and leadership applicants.

How selective are the Fellows programs?
Fellows programs (including Honors, Business, Leadership, and STEM) are competitive and cohort-based. They include mentorship, research stipends, and leadership opportunities.

Is HPU test-optional?
Yes. Students can apply without SAT or ACT scores and remain eligible for all scholarships. Submitted scores can strengthen consideration for upper-tier awards.

Does HPU have need-based aid?
Yes. Need-based grants and federal/state aid can stack with merit awards to reduce net cost further.

When should students apply?
Apply by November 1 for priority merit review and by February 1 for Fellows program consideration. The FAFSA is due by March 1.


Sources:
High Point University Scholarships & Grants (2025–26) β€” https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/scholarships-and-grants/
High Point University Fellows Program Overview β€” https://www.highpoint.edu/fellows/
High Point University Common Data Set 2024–25 β€” https://www.highpoint.edu/institutionalresearch/common-data-set/
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Average Net Price $40,799, 2022–23) β€” https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198695-High-Point-University=
High Point University Office of Undergraduate Admissions β€” https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/

πŸ’° Cost of Attendance at High Point University

Expense In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) $49,146 $49,146
Housing & Meals (Tier 1 plan) $20,198 $20,198
Total (billed by the university) $69,344 $69,344

Other estimated expensesβ€”books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs (about $4,368 total)β€”are not billed directly by High Point University. They vary by student and are excluded from this table for database accuracy.

Average Net Price: $40,721 (2022–2023 College Scorecard). This is what families actually paid on average after scholarships and grants β€” no loans included.
Reciprocity or Regional Programs: High Point University is a private institution and does not participate in WUE, NC Promise, or other state reciprocity programs. All students pay the same rate regardless of residency. Institutional merit and need-based aid are the primary ways to reduce cost.

Cost of Attendance FAQs

Who qualifies for in-state rates?
There’s no in-state discount β€” High Point charges the same tuition for all undergraduates, regardless of residency.

How much do families actually pay after aid?
The average family paid about $40,700 per year after grants and scholarships, according to federal data. Individual costs vary based on merit awards and need-based aid.

Are there regional discounts or state partnerships?
No. As a private university, HPU sets a single tuition rate nationwide. Students can combine HPU merit scholarships with federal and state grants to reduce net price.

Sources:
High Point University Office of Student Financial Planning β€” Educational Costs (2025–2026): https://www.highpoint.edu/financialplanning/educational-costs/
High Point University Admissions β€” Tuition & Fees Overview (2025–2026): https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2022–23 Average Net Price $40,721): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198695-High-Point-University=

βœ… Automatic Merit Scholarships (High Point University)

HPU automatically considers all admitted students for its major named merit scholarship tiers. Top bands require early application and may involve an interview invitation. Dollar amounts and academic ranges are estimates; official cutoffs are not published.

Scholarship Tier Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Founders Scholarship Full tuition (estimated value: $40,000/year) Top applicants, typically 3.9+ GPA, high rigor, and leadership. Interview invitation (Presidential Scholars Weekend) required Noβ€”by admission and invitation Yes (GPA + progress required) A select group (~25 per year); most competitive profiles, often 99th percentile applicants November 15 (priority); interviews in early spring
Presidential Fellowships $12,000–$20,000 per year Strong academic record (average 3.8 unweighted GPA, SAT ~1360, ACT ~29), top 10% of class encouraged, interview elevates award Noβ€”just apply for admission; invited to interview Yes (meet renewal GPA) Top applicants with high rigor and leadership, often in the highest academic bands after Founders November 15 (priority consideration)
Presidential Scholarship $10,000–$17,000 per year Commonly 3.6+ GPA (unweighted), SAT ~1230, ACT ~25, with strong course rigor. Interview may enhance award but is not required for all No (automatic with admission) Yes (maintain satisfactory academic progress) Broadest group of strong students at or slightly above HPU’s academic profile November 15 (priority for best awards)
High Point Scholarship $4,000–$10,000 per year Admitted students, generally meeting university averages (3.3–3.6 GPA, good but not outstanding rigor) No Yes Solid, well-rounded applicants whose profiles match or slightly exceed the typical HPU admit Rolling, but November 15 for best merit

*Academic ranges and criteria are based on HPU’s published average profiles for each award. Actual cutoffs are not disclosed and vary each year with the applicant pool and funding. Founders and Fellowships are by invitation/interview. Full details in the annual Financial Planning handbook.

FAQs

Do I need to submit a separate application for automatic scholarships?
No. All automatic merit awards are considered with your application for admission. Higher-tier awards (Founders, Fellowships) require invitation and interview.

Does High Point superscore SAT/ACT?
Yesβ€”HPU superscores SAT or ACT separately. The best subscores from each test type are considered for merit scholarships.

Is submitting test scores required for scholarship consideration?
No, HPU is test-optional for admission and scholarships, but strong scores can improve your merit band.

Can merit scholarships stack with program/department awards?
Certain major/department, Honors, and Band awards can stack with merit, but stacking is capped if you receive a full-tuition scholarship.


Sources:
https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/scholarship-award-programs/
https://www.highpoint.edu/financialplanning/merit-based-scholarships/
https://www.highpoint.edu/financialplanning/financial-assistance-programs/

πŸ† Flagship Scholarships (highly competitive university-wide awards)

These are High Point University’s most selective, interview-based scholarships (β€œcompetitive” 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? Deadline
Presidential Founders Scholarship $40,000–Full Tuition (per year) Invitation-only interview during Presidential Scholar Program Weekends; most selective and limited No separate form; apply for admission by Nov 15 for consideration; interview invite required Yes (maintain HPU GPA requirement) Applicants with ~4.0 unweighted GPA, ~1550 SAT or ~34 ACT, and top 5% class rank who also impress at interview November 15
Presidential Fellowships $12,000–$20,000 (per year) Interview-based via Presidential Scholar Weekends; limited number selected for this band No separate form; apply for admission by Nov 15 for priority; interview invite required Yes (renewal GPA applies) ~3.8 unweighted GPA, SAT ~1360 or ACT ~29, typically top 10% of class, with strong interview or leadership November 15
Presidential Scholarships $10,000–$17,000 (per year) Interview-based enhancement via Scholar Weekends; eligibility based on strong academics No separate form; admission by Nov 15 for best consideration; interview invite required Yes Common profiles: 3.6 unweighted GPA, SAT ~1230 or ACT ~25, plus good coursework and involvement November 15

Award bands and academic bands shown above reference HPU’s published Presidential Scholarship Program information. Always verify your specific award requirements and renewal GPA with current Financial Planning materials.
Stacking: Full-tuition flagship awards will generally limit the ability to stack other institutional scholarships; verified in your financial aid package.

FAQs

Are these the same as automatic merit?
No. Flagship scholarships require invitation and interview. Automatic merit is based solely on your admission application and academic record.

Does HPU superscore test scores?
Yes. HPU superscores SAT and ACT within test type for all merit and competitive awards. Test-optional applicants still eligible.

What deadline matters most?
Apply for admission by November 15 to be considered for an invitation to the Presidential Scholarship Program Interview Weekends.

Can you stack flagship awards with other scholarships?
Generally, if you win a full-tuition scholarship, stacking with other institutional awards is limited; always confirm in your aid letter and with Financial Planning.


Sources:
https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/scholarship-award-programs/
https://www.highpoint.edu/financialplanning/merit-based-scholarships/
https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/presidential-scholars-program-weekend/

πŸ’Ž Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond automatic and flagship awards, High Point University offers a range of β€œhidden gem” scholarships tied to talent, service, leadership, and departmental achievement. Many require an audition, application, or program participation, and most can be stacked with merit and flagship awards.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Marching Panthers Band Scholarship Up to $5,000/year Selected students who audition and join the HPU Marching Panthers (all majors eligible) Yes (audition) Yes (continued band participation) Students who demonstrate commitment to performance and band activities Rolling through spring; advisable by March 15
Performing Arts Scholarships (Music, Theatre, Dance) $500–$2,000/year Music, theatre, or dance majors/minors who complete an audition/interview Yes (departmental audition) Yes Prospective majors/minors with strong audition results, ongoing program participation Auditions Oct–April; offers by early March
Fellows Scholarships (9 programs) $3,000/year Invited students who join Business, Communication, Creative Arts, Education, Health & Human Performance, Natural Sciences, Leadership, Social Sciences, or LIFT cohorts Yes (application/essay upon invitation) Yes (maintain program standing & GPA) High achievers with strong interest in cohort area; must remain active in Fellows track Invitation after admission; final forms by Feb 1
Servant Leadership Endowed Scholarship Varies; typically $1,000–$3,000 (need-based) First preference Bonner Leaders; second preference for first-gen/need students Yes (Financial Aid office application) Yes (maintain eligibility) Documented-need students involved in service or Bonner Leader program FAFSA/aid forms by Feb 1; program in March
Bonner Leader Program Financial support varies Service-based leadership; must apply/commit to program Yes (separate Bonner application) Yes (active program standing) Students committed to service, leadership, and community engagement Rolling; best by Feb 15
Stout School of Education Scholarships $500–$3,000 typical Education majors by major, GPA, need, or specialization Yes (School of Education application) Yes Education majors who meet specific donor/department criteria Rolling; priority March 1
Endowed Scholarships (Need-Based) $500–$3,000 typical Criteria differ by scholarship (major, need, background, etc.) Yes (Financial Aid office) Yes (renewed by continued need and academic standing) Students whose financial aid shows unmet need and who fit donor’s priorities FAFSA priority Feb 1; rolling until funds filled
Institutional Need-Based Grants Varies (FAFSA-based) Demonstrated financial need; automatic after FAFSA No (automatic with aid forms) Yes (must file FAFSA annually) Families qualifying for need-based institutional aid FAFSA opens October; best before Mar 1

Note: Many academic departments (Business, Health Sciences, Arts & Design) maintain their own donor-funded scholarships. Amounts and requirements varyβ€”a full database is available via HPU Financial Aid and departmental web pages.

Awards marked β€œvaries” reflect typical ranges and annual adjustments set by donor funding and financial need demonstrated in FAFSA.

  • Additional departmental scholarships for majors such as Interior Design, Science, Business, and Religion are listed on the HPU Financial Aid and AcademicWorks scholarship database.

FAQs

Can hidden gem awards stack with my merit or flagship scholarship?
Yesβ€”most band, art, Fellows, and leadership/service awards stack with merit and flagship scholarships. Full-tuition awards may limit stacking, so check with financial planning.

Do I need to submit a separate application or audition?
For most hidden gem awards, yesβ€”complete the required audition, application, or essay. Some need-based grants are automatic once you submit the FAFSA.

Are these renewable every year?
Yesβ€”most are renewable as long as you remain in the program, major, band, or maintain eligibility based on donor or program rules.

When should I apply or audition?
Apply or audition as early as possible, ideally before program or FAFSA priority deadlines shown above. Some programs fill early.


Sources:
https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.highpoint.edu/fellowships/
https://www.highpoint.edu/music/audition-scholarship-requirements/
https://www.highpoint.edu/band/
https://www.highpoint.edu/financialplanning/financial-assistance-programs/
https://www.highpoint.edu/academicworks/

πŸŽ–οΈ Honors College

High Point University’s Honors Scholar Program offers a selective pathway for motivated students to pursue deeper academic challenges, intensive research, and service. 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? Deadline
Honors Scholar Program Scholarship $3,000/year (renewable for 4 years) Admitted to HPU and accepted into Honors Scholar Program Yes (Honors application w/ essays via PantherPage) Yes (maintain Honors status and GPA) Students who apply by Jan 15 (priority) or Mar 1 (final), show strong academics, and fit Honors profile Jan 15 (priority), Mar 1 (final)

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

FAQs

Is admission automatic?
No. Admission to Honors requires a separate application and essays. Only about 100 students are admitted yearly.

Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. The curriculum is woven into your general education so graduation is not delayed.

What deadlines should I know?
Priority deadline is Jan 15; final deadline Mar 1. There is spring-entry for current first-years.

Is the Honors scholarship stackable?
Yes. The $3,000 Honors award stacks with merit and flagship scholarships.

Note: Several Fellows Programs (Business, Communication, Creative Arts, Education, Health and Human Performance, Natural Sciences, Leadership, Social Science, Strickland L.I.F.T.) offer a $3,000/yr scholarship. These are similar in selectivity but separate from Honors; you may only receive one program award.


Sources:
https://www.highpoint.edu/honors/
https://www.highpoint.edu/honors/incoming-students/
https://www.highpoint.edu/academic-fellowships/
https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/scholarships/

⭐ 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 β€” 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.

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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