High Point University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on May 28, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~77%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1235
- Average GPA: 3.58
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: Admission is likely, but merit will be on the lower end. This can still work—but expect a higher net price unless need-based aid is strong.
- In the typical ranges: This is the sweet spot for solid merit ($10K–$20K+ range). Apply early and submit scores if strong—this is where HPU becomes more manageable financially.
- Well above the ranges: You’ll be in the running for top awards like Presidential Fellows or Premier Scholarships, but those are competitive and require interviews. Treat full tuition as upside, not a guarantee.
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📌 High Point University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Presidential Founders Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$40,721/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$2,500–$10,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
14 opportunities
2 automatic · 3 competitive · 8 hidden gem · 1 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.45+; ACT 25+ / SAT 1220+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Presidential Founders Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at High Point University (Read This First)
- Wide merit range—but big price gap remains: Even top automatic awards ($5K–$28K/year) often leave a significant remaining cost at a high-priced private school.
- Full tuition requires extra steps: Programs like Presidential Fellows and Premier Scholarships require separate applications and interviews and are highly selective.
- Marketing vs. net price: HPU invests heavily in campus experience and amenities—which is great—but families should compare actual net price carefully against other options offering stronger merit packages.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — High Point University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25; SAT: 1235.
Average net price? About $40,721/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at High Point University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$49,146 |
$49,146 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$20,198 |
$20,198 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$69,344 |
$69,344 |
Average Federal Net Price: $40,721 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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 — 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 — Educational Costs: https://www.highpoint.edu/financialplanning/educational-costs/
High Point University Admissions — Tuition & Fees Overview: 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=
✅ 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.
Automatic
High Point Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This award is designed to stack — it can be combined with the $3,000 Honors Scholar or Academic Fellowship enhancement and outside scholarships, all the way up to your total cost of attendance. Think of it as the foundation other money gets layered on top of.
💡
Strategic Detail
HPU's official scholarship page publishes average recipient statistics for this tier: 3.26 unweighted GPA, 1157 SAT, and 23 ACT. The general admissions application serves as the application for all Presidential and High Point Scholar tiers; November 15 is the priority deadline for full consideration.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students whose academic profile lands roughly around a 3.26 unweighted GPA, a 1157 SAT, or a 23 ACT based on last year's recipient averages. If you're admitted and don't land a Presidential-level award, this is your automatic floor — and it's a solid one.
App Required
Junior Scholars Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 15 · 📢 Results: Fall 2026 Open House event
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1220 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This award layers on top of standard HPU merit (High Point Scholarship or Presidential levels), subject to overall institutional cost-of-attendance limits. It is one of the few ways a junior-year action translates directly into guaranteed freshman-year funding.
📄
How to Apply
Be nominated during junior year by a high school counselor or independent educational consultant by April 15, 2026. Students cannot self-nominate — the counselor fills out the nomination form directly. Accepted students receive non-binding early acceptance to HPU and are honored at a Junior Scholars luncheon at an Open House event on campus in fall 2026. The $2,500-per-year scholarship is activated upon full-time enrollment.
Selection criteria: Assessment of GPA and test scores if submitted, with explicit test-optional GPA threshold of 3.6+, plus documented leadership or achievement across qualifying activity areas.
💡
Strategic Detail
The live Junior Scholars page for class of 2027 confirms the April 15, 2026 nomination deadline, the $2,500 per-year scholarship upon enrollment, non-binding early acceptance, and the fall Open House luncheon for accepted students. The test-optional GPA threshold is explicitly set at 3.6–4.0 unweighted. Contact for nominations: Robin Every, Director of the Junior Scholars Program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Current high school juniors (class of 2027) with strong HPU interest and either a 3.45–4.0 unweighted GPA with a 1220+ SAT or 25+ ACT, or a 3.6–4.0 GPA on a test-optional pathway. Leadership and achievement in academics, service, the arts, athletics, entrepreneurship, or international experience are all pathways to qualification. The nomination must come from a counselor or IEC — students cannot apply directly.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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?
Yes—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/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (highly competitive university-wide awards)
These are High Point University’s most selective, interview-based scholarships (“competitive” awards). They require early application and participation in the Presidential Scholarship Interview Weekends.
Full TuitionAutomatic
Presidential Founders Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 15 · 📢 Results: Early March
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
competitive full-tuition presidential scholarship
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Top academic applicants may receive competitive flagship awards that can cover up to full tuition but amounts vary and are not automatically full-ride.
👥 ~Approximately a few dozen students per entering class. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
At full tuition, this award essentially replaces other institutional merit — there's nothing left to stack beneath it from HPU's side. Small program or outside scholarships may still apply within total cost-of-attendance limits, but expect those to be evaluated carefully by the financial aid office.
💡
Strategic Detail
HPU's official scholarship page publishes average recipient statistics for the Founders tier: 4.0 unweighted GPA, 1550 SAT, 34 ACT, top 5% class rank. Three interview weekends are held in January and February; award decisions are announced in early March after review by interview teams and the University Scholarship Committee.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: HPU publishes the actual averages for this cohort: 4.0 unweighted GPA, 1550 SAT, 34 ACT, and top 5% class rank. This is a genuinely elite group — the strongest of the strong. If your student is in this territory, the November 15 deadline and interview weekend are absolutely worth pursuing.
Automatic
Presidential Fellowships
📅 Deadline: November 15 · 📢 Results: Early March
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$12,000–$20,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited, but larger than the Founders full-tuition cohort. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Functions as an enhanced Presidential merit tier and can stack with the $3,000 Honors Scholar or Academic Fellowship award. Total institutional aid is capped below full tuition at this level, but it is still a meaningful package that a $3,000 honors add-on can push even further.
💡
Strategic Detail
HPU's official scholarship page publishes average recipient statistics for the Fellowships tier: 3.8 unweighted GPA, 1363 SAT, 29 ACT, top 10% class rank. Three interview weekends are held in January and February; award decisions are announced in early March.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
HPU publishes real averages for this cohort: 3.8 unweighted GPA, 1363 SAT, 29 ACT, and top 10% class rank. These are accomplished, well-rounded students who show up to interview weekend genuinely prepared and ready to articulate their story.
Automatic
Presidential Scholarships
📅 Deadline: November 15 · 📢 Results: Early March
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$10,000–$17,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~A substantial portion of Presidential Scholarship Weekend participants receive awards in this range. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards in this band build on or replace baseline merit for students who attend Scholars Weekend; they can stack with the Honors Scholar or Academic Fellowship $3,000 enhancement and some program scholarships, subject to overall institutional limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
HPU's official scholarship page publishes average recipient statistics for this tier: 3.58 unweighted GPA, 1235 SAT, 25 ACT. Three interview weekends are held in January and February; award decisions are announced in early March after collaborative review by interview teams and the University Scholarship Committee.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
HPU publishes the actual averages for this tier: 3.58 unweighted GPA, 1235 SAT, 25 ACT. These are solid, motivated students — not the top 5%, but absolutely serious about their academics — who show up to interview weekend and make a strong impression. A lot of families are genuinely surprised by how achievable this range is.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond automatic and flagship awards, High Point University offers a range of “hidden 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.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Servant Leadership Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited; number of recipients depends on endowment income each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award supplements other need-based and merit aid to reduce remaining costs; amounts may change with donor funding and financial-need calculations.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the general HPU scholarship/aid application via AcademicWorks or Financial Planning; Bonner Leaders and first-generation students with demonstrated need are prioritized.
Selection criteria: Combination of financial-need assessment and demonstrated commitment to service and leadership.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The scholarship description specifies first preference for Bonner Leaders and second preference for first-generation scholars; typical institutional endowed scholarships fall in the low-thousands range per year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with documented financial need, especially Bonner Leaders and first-generation students engaged in community service and leadership.
App Required
Bonner Leader Program
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Approximately 50 Bonner Leaders serving multiple community partners each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Funding often comes through a combination of institutional support and work-study wages; can be layered on top of other scholarships and grants.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the National Opportunity and Bonner Leader application and the general scholarship form; students must qualify for federal work-study and commit to 8–10 hours of community service per week.
Selection criteria: Assessment of financial need, service track record, and leadership potential in community engagement.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Bonner Leaders commit to over 300 hours of community service annually and receive structured leadership development; financial support is coordinated with their aid package and work-study eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Low-income or federal work-study–eligible students who demonstrate a strong commitment to long-term community service and social impact.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Stout School of Education Scholarships
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Varies annually with donor contributions and endowment earnings. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarships supplement other institutional and external aid, subject to cost-of-attendance caps.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Stout School of Education or AcademicWorks portal after declaring an education major; some awards may require essays or faculty recommendations.
Selection criteria: Departmental committee review of academic performance, dedication to education, and alignment with donor preferences.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Various named scholarships within the Stout School of Education are funded by donors; typical annual awards fall in the $500–$3,000 range depending on the fund.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Education majors who demonstrate academic promise, commitment to teaching, and—where applicable—financial need or special criteria set by donors.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Endowed Scholarships (Need-Based)
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited by each endowment’s annual spend; multiple recipients across the university. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Endowed awards supplement need-based and merit aid and are adjusted annually based on continuing financial need and fund availability.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the FAFSA and any institutional scholarship applications; Financial Planning then matches eligible students to available endowed funds based on criteria.
Selection criteria: Need analysis plus matching of student characteristics to donor criteria.
💡
Strategic Detail
HPU’s AcademicWorks and Financial Planning listings show numerous endowed funds; typical scholarship amounts fall between $500 and $3,000 annually.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with demonstrated unmet financial need who also meet specific donor priorities such as major, background, or interests.
App Required
Fellows Scholarships (Honors & Fellows Programs)
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Varies by program; each Fellows cohort enrolls a limited number of students annually. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Fellows scholarships are awarded in addition to High Point, Presidential, or Presidential Fellowship merit awards and can be combined up to cost-of-attendance.
📄
How to Apply
After submitting the HPU admission application, complete the online Fellows or Honors Scholars Program application for the relevant cohort (e.g., Business, Communication, Creative Arts, Education, Health & Human Performance, Natural Sciences, Leadership, Social Sciences, LIFT) by the stated deadlines.
Selection criteria: Program-specific evaluation of academic preparation, interest in the field, essays, and interview performance.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
HPU states that Honors Scholars and all Fellows receive a $3,000 scholarship renewable annually based on academic performance and continued participation in the program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving admitted students with strong interest and aptitude in the specific Fellows area who remain active and in good standing within the cohort.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Institutional Need-Based Grants
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Grants are coordinated with federal, state, and institutional scholarships to meet as much need as possible without exceeding cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Institutional grants are highly individualized and adjust from year to year depending on updated FAFSA information and total aid received.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Families who demonstrate financial need beyond what is covered by federal and state programs alone.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Marching Panthers Band Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling through spring; audition by about March 15 is recommended for best consideration
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarship is awarded in addition to academic merit awards such as High Point or Presidential Scholarships, within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit an interest form and complete an audition with the HPU Marching Panthers; students must also be admitted to the university.
Selection criteria: Musical and performance ability, instrumentation needs, and commitment to the marching program.
💡
Strategic Detail
HPU states that students who join the Marching Panthers are eligible for up to a $5,000 per year scholarship, renewable as long as they remain in good standing and continue in the band.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Wind, drum line, color guard, and majorette students who successfully audition and commit to ongoing participation in the Marching Panthers.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Performing Arts Scholarships (Music, Theatre, Dance)
📅 Deadline: Audition dates typically October through April; priority consideration by early March
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards stack with institutional merit and other scholarships up to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to HPU and then schedule and complete an on-campus or virtual audition with the appropriate performing arts department.
Selection criteria: Faculty scoring of artistic ability, potential, and fit with departmental ensembles and productions.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
External scholarship summaries describe HPU performing arts scholarships in the $500–$2,000 per year range, renewable with continued participation and satisfactory academic progress.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Music, theatre, or dance majors and minors who present strong auditions and commit to participation in departmental ensembles, productions, or courses.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Many academic departments (Business, Health Sciences, Arts & Design) maintain their own donor-funded scholarships. Amounts and requirements vary—a full database is available via HPU Financial Aid and departmental web pages.
Awards marked “varies” 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?
Yes—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, yes—complete the required audition, application, or essay. Some need-based grants are automatic once you submit the FAFSA.
Are these renewable every year?
Yes—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/
🎖️ 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)
App Required
Honors Scholar Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
👥 ~Capped at 100 students per entering class. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
This $3,000 annual scholarship is purpose-built to stack — it is explicitly awarded in addition to the High Point Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, or Presidential Fellowship, not instead of them. Renewal each year requires maintaining a 3.2 cumulative GPA and staying in good standing in the Honors Program. It is one of the cleanest stacking opportunities at HPU.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the High Point University undergraduate admission application first. Then complete the Honors Scholar application through your PantherPage portal. Priority consideration is given to applications received by January 15; the final deadline is March 1. Admission to the program is capped at 100 students per entering class.
Selection criteria: Committee review of academic record, course rigor, essays, and overall fit with the Honors mission; test scores when submitted may be considered but are not required. Program is capped at 100 students per class.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The Honors Scholar Program page confirms the $3,000 annual scholarship is renewable based on academic performance and continued participation, explicitly stacks on top of any Presidential or High Point merit award, and is capped at 100 incoming students per year. Graduation requirement is a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA. The program is home to 300+ active scholars across all class years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Academically driven admitted students who apply through PantherPage with a compelling essay and a demonstrated love of interdisciplinary learning. The program caps its cohort at 100 students per class, so it is selective — but the application is about fit and intellectual curiosity, not just grades.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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 — 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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