High Point University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- 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
- 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.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 High Point University at a Glance
- 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.
Presidential Scholars Program page: https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/presidential-scholarship-program/
Incoming Students – Honors Scholar Program: https://www.highpoint.edu/honorsprogram/prospective-students/
Music audition and scholarship requirements: https://www.highpoint.edu/music/audition-scholarship-requirements/
Servant Leadership Endowed Scholarship listing: https://highpoint.academicworks.com/opportunities/3389
Bonner Leader Program page: https://www.highpoint.edu/bonner/
Financial Assistance Programs overview: https://www.highpoint.edu/financialplanning/financial-assistance-programs/
Academic Fellowship Programs & Honors Scholars page: https://www.highpoint.edu/admissions/academic-fellowship-programs/
HPU Marching Band – Join page: https://www.highpoint.edu/marchingband/join/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 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.
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.
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.
| 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 | No—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 | No—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?
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.
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.
| 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.
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/
🎖️ 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.
GPA around 3.5+, SAT above 1300 or ACT above 27* (if submitted), strong writing ability, and evidence of leadership or service.
- 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.
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.
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.
📎 Official Links
- High Point University — Homepage
- Honors Scholar Program — Honors College
- Scholarships & Grants (Undergraduate Admissions)
- Financial Aid — Office of Student Financial Planning