Lipscomb University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- 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
Figuring out the real cost of a private school like Lipscomb can feel overwhelming, especially for first-gen parents. This guide breaks it down step by step—what families actually pay, which scholarships are automatic, and where the hidden gems are—so you can compare options with confidence. Don’t forget to also check our Tennessee state aid guide for programs that can stack with Lipscomb awards.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Lipscomb University
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits) | $42,596 |
| Housing | $11,044 |
| Meals | $6,700 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,750 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,460 |
| Transportation | $2,250 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $66,800 |
Average Net Price (NCES, 2022–23): 27,386
This is what first-time, full-time students actually paid after scholarships and grants — no loans included.
Source: NCES College Navigator — Lipscomb University. View federal data
Example: A first-year student with HOPE + GAMS could see their bill reduced by about $5,500 for the year automatically once FAFSA and GPA/test requirements are met.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who qualifies for Tennessee HOPE and supplements?
Tennessee residents who meet GPA and ACT/SAT requirements and file the FAFSA.
How much can these state awards reduce the bill?
Between $4,500–$6,500 per year for HOPE plus supplements, with need-based TSAA adding up to $4,000/year.
Do I have to apply separately?
No separate application—just file the FAFSA and meet academic criteria by the state deadline.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarships | Not published (varies by GPA/test) | Admission-based; strong GPA and (if submitted) test scores | No | Yes — maintain a 3.0 cumulative Lipscomb GPA for renewal; freshmen receive a one-semester grace period before GPA is checked | Students with solid A-/A transcripts and rigorous coursework; tests are superscored if provided |
| Bison Achievement Award | Not published | Admission-based institutional grant | No | Yes — 2.0 cumulative GPA after 24 attempted hours (first-time freshmen) | Admitted students with need or moderate academics; amounts vary by profile |
| Scout Award | $2,500/year | Eagle/Gold/Quartermaster or equivalent; live on campus | No (proof of award required) | Yes — 3.0 cumulative GPA; up to 8 semesters | Students with top scouting distinctions |
| Head of School / NCSA Grant | $5,000/year | Graduates of NCSA member schools; letter from head of school | Verification form | Yes — 2.0 cumulative GPA | Students from qualifying Christian schools; subject to stacking caps |
Note: Official freshman merit tiers (by GPA/test) are not published. Online recipient reports and third-party trackers commonly cite annual merit in the $7,000–$18,000 range, with some families reporting packages around $23,000/year. Treat these as anecdotal; actual awards vary by academic profile and funding.
Lipscomb also offers full-tuition awards for National Merit Finalists. These typically replace other institutional aid and require maintaining a higher GPA for renewal.
Automatic Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to apply separately?
No. Automatic scholarships are awarded with admission. Competitive/full-tuition awards (like Trustee) require a separate application and interview.
Does Lipscomb superscore ACT or SAT?
Yes. Lipscomb superscores both ACT and SAT — they consider your best section scores across test dates.
Can these awards stack with Tennessee HOPE and other state aid?
Generally yes, but institutional stacking caps apply. Full-tuition awards (Trustee, National Merit) typically replace other Lipscomb aid.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
Lipscomb’s flagship scholarships are the most competitive awards the university offers—high-value, limited in number, and requiring more than just an admission application. These awards often cover full tuition and are reserved for the very top applicants who excel in academics, leadership, and service.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Full tuition (multi-year) | Minimum GPA 3.5 and ACT 29+ or SAT 1350+; interview and finalist event | Yes — short-answer app and interview; fall deadline | Yes — maintain strong GPA (≥3.25) and full-time status | Students with near-perfect transcripts, rigorous courses, strong leadership, and polished interviews |
Lipscomb’s Trustee Scholarship is considered the flagship, competitive full-tuition award. If no other flagship-level awards are listed here, it means the university does not publicly advertise additional competitive full-ride or full-tuition scholarships beyond Trustee.
Flagship Scholarship FAQ
Why are flagship scholarships so competitive?
They cover full tuition and come with prestige. Fewer than 20 students typically receive them each year.
Are flagship scholarships automatic?
No. Unlike automatic merit, you must submit extra essays, attend interviews, and meet strict GPA/test benchmarks.
Can flagship awards stack with other aid?
No. Full-tuition flagship scholarships like the Trustee replace other Lipscomb institutional awards. However, students may still use state or federal grants to reduce housing, meals, or fees.
What’s the best way to stand out?
Beyond grades and test scores, Lipscomb looks for evidence of service, leadership, and fit with the school’s mission during the application and interview process.
⭐ College Specialty
Lipscomb is a private Christian university in Nashville that blends a strong liberal arts foundation with professional programs connected to the city’s healthcare, business, and music industries. For parents, this means your student has access to nationally recognized programs while studying in one of the country’s most vibrant job markets.
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences — ACPE-accredited; located in Nashville’s healthcare hub, giving students clinical and residency opportunities.
- Entertainment & the Arts — The George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts connects directly with Nashville’s music industry; students perform and intern with national-level organizations.
- Humanitarian Engineering — A distinctive minor that combines engineering with global service projects, nationally noted for its mission-driven design focus.
🎖️ Honors College
Lipscomb’s Honors College is designed for motivated students who want smaller classes, closer faculty mentoring, and the chance to replace much of the university core with enriched seminars. For first-gen parents, this can mean your student graduates with a deeper academic experience without adding extra years or tuition.
GPA of 3.5+ in high school, ACT 28+ or SAT 1300+, challenging coursework, and a record of leadership or service. Students also submit an essay, résumé, and faculty recommendations.
- Priority course registration
- Specialized honors housing and community
- Small seminars and interdisciplinary courses
- Faculty mentorship and senior thesis support
- Recognition on diploma and transcript
- Research Funding: Grants to support undergraduate research projects.
- Travel Support: Funding to present at national and international conferences.
- National Scholarship Advising: Mentorship for competitive post-graduate awards like the Fulbright or Goldwater.
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must submit an application with essay, résumé, and recommendations. Meeting GPA/test thresholds is required but not sufficient alone.
Does joining Honors add time to the degree?
No. Honors courses substitute for much of the Lipscomb Core, so students usually graduate on time.
When should students apply?
Early in the admission process for priority consideration. Application deadlines are posted each year on the Honors site.
Does Honors come with extra scholarships?
Not directly. While the Honors College itself doesn’t award additional scholarships, many Honors students are strong candidates for flagship and departmental awards.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Sorting out costs at a private school like Lipscomb can feel daunting, but once you factor in automatic merit, flagship awards like the Trustee, hidden gems for first-gen or music students, and Tennessee’s own HOPE aid, the sticker price looks very different. The key is knowing which programs your student actually qualifies for and applying early—especially for the selective scholarships that go quickly. With a little planning, families can find a path that makes a Lipscomb education much more affordable.