Lipscomb University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Tennessee aid & Grants
Last Updated on May 31, 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: ~68%
- Middle 50% ACT: 27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1245
- Average GPA: 3.7
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Lipscomb University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (CCCU Tuition Waiver Exchange Program (TWEP) & National Merit Finalist)
Average Net Price
$25,610/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$1–$23,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
18 opportunities
9 automatic · 2 competitive · 6 hidden gem · 1 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 2+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
CCCU Tuition Waiver Exchange Program (TWEP) & National Merit Finalist
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Lipscomb University (Read This First)
- Full-tuition scholarships exist—but very few students get them: The Trustee Scholarship (full tuition) goes to about 10 students per year, and the Presidential Scholarship (up to 75%) is also highly selective. Most students receive smaller automatic merit instead.
- Early deadlines drive the best money: To be considered for top awards, students need to apply by December 1. Miss that, and you’re realistically looking at standard merit only—even with strong stats.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Lipscomb University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 27; SAT: 1245.
Average net price? About $25,610/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Lipscomb 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) |
$42,596 |
$42,596 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$17,744 |
$17,744 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$60,340 |
$60,340 |
Average Federal Net Price: $25,610 — 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.
Tennessee State Aid Can Cut Costs:
Eligible in-state students may receive the HOPE Lottery Scholarship (up to $2,250/semester for freshmen & sophomores; up to $2,850/semester for juniors & seniors), plus supplements like GAMS/ASPIRE. Need-based TSAA grants at private institutions can be up to $4,000/year.
Example: A first-year student with HOPE + GAMS can reduce their bill by roughly $5,500/year once FAFSA and academic 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.
Sources:
University COA page — https://lipscomb.edu/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid/cost-attendance
Tuition & fees (context) — https://lipscomb.edu/lipscomb-at-a-glance
College Scorecard (Average net price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219976-Lipscomb-University
Tennessee HOPE amounts — https://www.collegefortn.org/tennessee-hope-scholarship-3/
TSAA grant amounts — https://www.collegefortn.org/tennessee-financial-aid/tennessee-student-assistance-award/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic
Merit-Based Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling; earlier admission tends to produce stronger award offers
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$7,000–$23,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with state and federal aid and some institutional grants. Full-tuition awards such as the Trustee Scholarship or National Merit replace these automatic academic scholarships rather than stacking on top of them.
💡
Strategic Detail
Lipscomb does not publish a GPA/test grid or guaranteed award tiers. Anecdotal and internal data suggest typical offers fall between about $7,000 and $23,000 per year, with most students landing somewhere in the $12,000–$18,000 range. Amounts may adjust slightly year to year. Valid for up to 126 attempted hours.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students carrying strong A-minus to A averages with rigorous coursework tend to land in the $12,000–$18,000 range. Test scores are optional but can push an offer toward the upper end — submitting a strong ACT or SAT is worth it if your student has one.
Automatic
Bison Achievement Award
📅 Deadline: Rolling (legacy program)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$3,000–$8,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
When active, stacked with academic scholarships and state/federal aid as part of the total institutional package. For current admits, institutional aid now appears under updated program names such as Lipscomb Pathways.
💡
Strategic Detail
No longer listed on Lipscomb's current Incoming Student Scholarships page. This award appears to have been retired and replaced by the Lipscomb Pathways Scholarship and other updated institutional grant programs.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Previously awarded to many admitted students whose academic or financial profiles aligned with Lipscomb's enrollment priorities. No longer offered to new students under this name.
Automatic
Church Match Program
📅 Deadline: Rolling; church funds must be received by the Financial Aid Office before the matching award is applied
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with all other institutional aid. The match is automatically added to the student's aid package when church funds arrive; no conflict with academic scholarships or other grants.
💡
Strategic Detail
Lipscomb matches any amount up to $500 per year contributed by a Church of Christ toward a first-time undergraduate student's education. The Financial Aid Office applies the matching award automatically when church funds are received. A small but effortless source of additional aid for students with ties to a Church of Christ congregation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time Lipscomb undergraduates whose home Church of Christ actively contributes to their education. A modest but completely free add-on — if your student attends a Church of Christ, it's worth asking your congregation to participate.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Community College Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 2.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with the Lipscomb Pathways Scholarship and the PTK/NSLS Scholarship. Cannot be combined with the Transfer Trustee Scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
$2,000 per year flat award for students transferring directly from a community college. The most recent institution before Lipscomb must be a community college to qualify. Renewal requires a 2.0 GPA and full-time enrollment each semester. Cannot stack with the Transfer Trustee Scholarship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students whose most recent institution before Lipscomb was a community college and who maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. A small but automatic add-on for community college transfers that stacks nicely on top of the Pathways Scholarship.
App Required
Christian Education / Head of School (NCSA) Grant
📅 Deadline: Rolling; verification must be received before aid is finalized
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 2.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with academic scholarships and other institutional awards, but the NCSA Grant combined with all other gift aid may not exceed full tuition. Children of Lipscomb employees are not eligible. Trustee Scholarship recipients, National Merit Finalists/Semi-Finalists, Lipscomb Academy Valedictorian Scholarship recipients, and athletes whose combined Lipscomb aid is at or above full tuition are also ineligible.
📄
How to Apply
Graduate from an NCSA or CESA member school and submit the required head-of-school verification letter or form to Lipscomb Financial Aid before aid is packaged. No competitive application — eligibility is based entirely on school affiliation and documentation.
Selection criteria: Eligibility is based on school affiliation and verification, not competitive academic ranking.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
$5,000 per year grant for students graduating from an NCSA or CESA member school. Renewal requires at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment. The award value may be reduced for students living off-campus. Children of Lipscomb employees and recipients of other full-tuition institutional awards are excluded. This grant combined with all other gift aid cannot exceed full tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Graduates of qualifying NCSA or CESA member schools whose head of school submits the required documentation and who maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at Lipscomb. Note that this grant can be partially reduced if living off-campus, as it falls under the on-and-off-campus award category.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Lipscomb Pathways Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$14,000–$20,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with Tennessee HOPE, the Phi Theta Kappa/NSLS Scholarship, and the Community College Transfer Scholarship. Cannot be combined with the Transfer Trustee Scholarship or any other Lipscomb institutional aid. Not applicable to summer classes. Children of Lipscomb employees are not eligible.
💡
Strategic Detail
Lipscomb's primary automatic scholarship for transfer students, ranging from $14,000 ($7,000/semester) to $20,000 ($10,000/semester) per year based on academic profile. Requires transferring at least 12 credit hours, a minimum 2.5 cumulative college GPA, and full-time enrollment each semester. For students pursuing a first bachelor's degree only. Not applicable to summer coursework. Children of Lipscomb employees are not eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students with at least 12 transferable hours and a 2.5+ college GPA who enroll full time at Lipscomb seeking their first bachelor's degree. This is the broadest and most generous automatic transfer award Lipscomb offers — most transfer students who qualify will receive between $14,000 and $20,000 per year automatically.
Full TuitionAutomaticpipeline
National Merit Finalist
📅 Deadline: National Merit first-choice designation deadline (typically spring of senior year)
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Lipscomb guarantees full tuition plus a small stipend for National Merit Finalists who enroll and designate Lipscomb as their first‑choice schoo
🏫 3.3+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces all other Lipscomb institutional scholarships. May still be combined with state and federal grants and outside scholarships up to the cost-of-attendance limit.
💡
Strategic Detail
Full-tuition institutional scholarship for National Merit Finalists who designate Lipscomb as their first-choice school. Requires on-campus residency and a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA for renewal each year. Replaces all other Lipscomb institutional aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National Merit Finalists who select Lipscomb as their first-choice school with NMSC and enroll full time on campus. This is an exceptionally small, high-achieving group — if your student has earned Finalist status, this is a guaranteed full-tuition offer worth pursuing.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Phi Theta Kappa & National Society of Leadership and Success Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling; membership documentation should be submitted before aid is finalized
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with the Lipscomb Pathways Scholarship and the Community College Transfer Scholarship. Cannot be combined with the Transfer Trustee Scholarship. Not applicable to summer classes. Children of Lipscomb employees and Lipscomb Online students are not eligible.
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,500 per year for transfer students who are active members of Phi Theta Kappa or the National Society of Leadership and Success. Renewal requires maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA at Lipscomb each semester. For first bachelor's degree seekers only. Not applicable to summer coursework. Children of Lipscomb employees and Lipscomb Online students are not eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students who are active PTK or NSLS members and meet Lipscomb's enrollment requirements. PTK membership is common among high-achieving community college transfers — if your student has this, they should absolutely document it for an automatic $3,500 per year boost.
Automatic
Scout Award
📅 Deadline: Prior to freshman year enrollment; submit documentation as early as possible
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with academic scholarships and other institutional aid subject to institutional caps. On-campus residency is required each semester to maintain the award.
💡
Strategic Detail
$2,500 per year renewable for up to eight semesters. Requires on-campus residency and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA each semester. Qualifying ranks now include Trail Life Freedom Award, GSUSA Ambassador Award, and American Heritage Girls Stars and Stripes Award in addition to the traditional Eagle Scout and Gold Award. Documentation deadline is prior to freshman year enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who have earned one of Lipscomb's qualifying top-tier scouting ranks across BSA, Girl Scouts, Trail Life, Venturing, Sea Scouts, or American Heritage Girls programs — and who choose to live in campus housing while maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
* 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: Lipscomb does not publish official GPA/test cutoffs or exact merit amounts. Most awards reported by recipients and third-party sources fall in $12,000–$18,000/year—with some flagship offers up to $23,000/year. Treat ranges as indicative; all awards vary by applicant profile.
Lipscomb also offers full-tuition scholarships for National Merit Finalists. These replace all other institutional scholarships and require continued high academic standing and residential status.
Automatic Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to apply separately?
No—most automatic scholarships are included with admission. Trustee and other competitive full-tuition awards require separate applications, interviews, or institutional nominations.
Does Lipscomb superscore the ACT/SAT?
Yes. Lipscomb considers your best section scores from multiple test dates.
Can these awards stack with state aid?
Yes—most can be combined with Tennessee HOPE and TSAA, subject to university stacking rules. Full-tuition scholarships (National Merit, Trustee) replace other Lipscomb awards.
Sources:
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/scholarships
https://catalog.lipscomb.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1297
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/national-merit-scholarship
https://catalog.lipscomb.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1243
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
Lipscomb’s flagship scholarships are the university’s most prestigious awards—covering full tuition for top applicants who shine academically and in leadership or service. Recipients are selected through an extra application process with interviews and a finalist event.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ Transfer Onlypipeline
Transfer Trustee Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Full‑tuition Lipscomb scholarship for top transfers with ≥3.5 GPA and at least 30 transferable credits; requires a separate application and interview.
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~Exactly 8 awards per year. winners/yr🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Does not combine with any other Lipscomb institutional aid. Tennessee HOPE can apply separately for on-campus recipients; for off-campus students, HOPE is folded into the full-tuition package rather than awarded on top. Cannot be combined with Community College Transfer Scholarship or PTK/NSLS Scholarship.
📄
How to Apply
Apply as a transfer student and be admitted to Lipscomb. Once admitted, complete the Transfer Trustee Scholarship application in your Bison Portal, including a headshot, one-page résumé, and a personal video essay responding to the Impact 360 values prompt. Selected finalists are invited to an in-person interview.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of prior college academic performance, leadership and involvement, church and community engagement, video essay quality, and in-person interview performance, with alignment to Lipscomb's Impact 360 values.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Lipscomb's Board of Trustees, in partnership with the Tennessee Board of Regents, awards exactly eight full-tuition scholarships to transfer students each year. Requires a 3.5 cumulative college GPA and on track to complete at least 30 transferable credit hours by enrollment. Must be seeking a first bachelor's degree; Lipscomb Online students are not eligible. Application opens Nov 1, closes March 1; interviews are held in April. Renewal requires maintaining at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA beginning with the first semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A select group of eight transfer students per year — sourced heavily from Tennessee community colleges — who bring 3.5+ college GPAs, at least 30 transferable hours, compelling résumés, strong video essays, and perform well in the in-person interview. The Board of Trustees awards exactly eight of these annually.
Full TuitionApp Required
Trustee Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 7
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Prestigious full‑tuition merit scholarship for top Lipscomb freshmen, awarded via separate application and interview; tuition only, no room or board.
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1360 SAT👥 ~Approximately 10 awards per incoming cohort. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces all other Lipscomb institutional scholarships. State and federal grants — including Tennessee HOPE — can still apply toward non-tuition costs such as housing, meals, and fees.
📄
How to Apply
Be admitted to Lipscomb, then complete the Trustee Scholarship application in your Bison Portal by January 7. The application requires a one-page résumé and a 2–3 minute personal video essay responding to the Impact 360 values prompt. Selected finalists are invited to in-person interviews held January 23, January 30, or February 21. Interview slots are assigned first-come, first-served — submit early.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of academic metrics, leadership, service, résumé quality, video essay, and in-person interview performance, with emphasis on alignment to Lipscomb's Impact 360 mission values.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full undergraduate tuition for up to eight semesters for students living on campus. Requires residential status and a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA for renewal each year. Test scores of ACT 30+, SAT 1360+, or CLT 97+ are required — students applying test-optional to the university must still submit scores for this scholarship. Application opens in late October; deadline is January 7; interviews are January 23, January 30, and February 21.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Around 10 incoming freshmen per year who combine strong academics (3.5+ GPA, 30+ ACT or 1360+ SAT or 97+ CLT) with outstanding leadership, service, and personal character. Finalists must impress in both the video essay and an in-person interview. Students applying test-optional must still submit official scores to be eligible.
* 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.
Lipscomb’s Trustee Scholarships and Transfer Trustee Scholarships are the university’s official flagship-level, competitive full-tuition awards. Recipients represent the highest-achieving and mission-fit applicants each year; no other competitive full-tuition scholarships are currently advertised.
Flagship Scholarship FAQ
Why are flagship scholarships so competitive?
Full tuition is awarded, and winners gain campus prestige. Fewer than 20 are awarded annually per cohort.
Are flagship scholarships automatic?
No. Both require a dedicated application, résumé, essay, and finalist events or interviews.
Can flagship awards stack with other institutional aid?
No. Trustee Scholarships replace other Lipscomb institutional scholarships. State and federal grants (e.g., HOPE, Pell) may still reduce out-of-pocket costs for housing, meals, or fees.
Best ways to stand out?
Shine in academics, leadership, service, and through a compelling personal essay and interview.
Sources:
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/trustee-scholarship
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/transfer-trustee-scholarship
https://catalog.lipscomb.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1297
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/scholarships
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These aren’t the flagship full-tuition awards, but they can meaningfully reduce your net price—especially for families who qualify by need, identity, employer/organization ties, or special talent.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Athletic Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Coach and NCAA recruiting timelines
✓ Renews
👥 ~Limited by NCAA scholarship limits and team budgets. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Subject to NCAA rules and institutional policies; may affect or replace some institutional aid, while federal and state grants can still reduce net cost.
📄
How to Apply
Be recruited by a Lipscomb NCAA Division I coach, complete admission and NCAA eligibility requirements, and sign appropriate athletic scholarship documents if offered.
Selection criteria: Determined by coaching staff evaluations of athletic ability, potential impact on the team, and academic eligibility.
💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts vary widely by sport, position, and year; some students receive partial awards while a smaller number receive near-full or full tuition support.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Recruited student-athletes whose skills and fit meet roster needs in Lipscomb’s Division I sports programs.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
CCCU Tuition Waiver Exchange Program (TWEP)
📅 Deadline: Apply as early as possible; space for TWEP students is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Lipscomb accepts at least 1 TWEP student per year; recommended cap of 3 new students annually. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers tuition only; room, board, fees, and other charges are the student's responsibility. Students are encouraged to pursue outside financial aid, which carries to the receiving institution. Lipscomb's own institutional aid policies and direct cost caps also apply.
📄
How to Apply
The student must be a dependent of a full-time faculty, staff, or administrator at a participating CCCU member institution who has been employed there for at least one year. Contact the 'sending institution' TWEP coordinator to complete the CCCU application form. Apply to Lipscomb and meet standard admissions requirements. The sending institution's coordinator then forwards the TWEP application to Lipscomb's admissions or financial aid office for consideration.
Selection criteria: Eligibility is based on employment status of the parent and the student meeting standard Lipscomb admissions requirements. If applications exceed available slots, Lipscomb may select based on standard admissions criteria.
💡
Strategic Detail
Lipscomb participates in the CCCU Tuition Waiver Exchange Program, which provides full tuition coverage for dependents of full-time employees at participating CCCU member institutions. The program covers tuition only — room, board, and fees are not included. Students are automatically renewed for up to four years as long as they remain in good standing and at least one parent continues as a full-time employee at a participating CCCU institution. Lipscomb commits to accepting at least one TWEP student per year (recommended: three). Application is coordinated through the sending institution's designated TWEP contact person.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Dependents of full-time employees at any of the 180+ participating CCCU institutions worldwide — think Christian colleges and universities across the U.S. and beyond. If a parent works at a qualifying institution and has done so for at least a year, their child may be eligible for full tuition at Lipscomb. This is one of the most underused benefits in Christian higher education.
App Required
Marshall Keeble Scholars
📅 Deadline: Varies by annual program cycle
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited number of scholars selected annually. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with other institutional, state, and federal aid; study abroad grant is a one-time perk in addition to the annual scholarship.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Marshall Keeble Scholars application, including responses and required materials, after admission and file the FAFSA to document need.
Selection criteria: Holistic review balancing diversity, financial need, leadership, and academic potential.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Provides $5,000 per year plus a one-time $1,000 study abroad grant to support diverse student leaders; specific eligibility details and deadlines are set each year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students from underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate financial need, leadership, and interest in cross-cultural or global learning.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Music Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by audition dates; earlier auditions generally considered first
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited by School of Music scholarship budget and ensemble needs. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically stacks with academic and need-based aid, subject to NCAA and institutional aid limits; renewal requires continued participation and satisfactory academic progress.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Lipscomb and schedule an audition through the School of Music; awards are determined based on audition performance and ensemble or program needs.
Selection criteria: Awards are based on audition quality, musical potential, and the needs of specific ensembles or studios.
💡
Strategic Detail
Specific award names and amounts vary by year, area, and ensemble; scholarships may be available to both majors and non-majors in select ensembles.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented musicians majoring or minoring in music or participating in Lipscomb ensembles who perform strongly in auditions.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Opportunity Scholarship Fund
📅 Deadline: June 30 (FAFSA deadline); earlier filing recommended
✓ Renews
👥 ~Subject to annual Opportunity Fund budget. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Institutional need-based grant that stacks with federal, state, and merit aid but may adjust as other resources change to keep total aid within cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Multi-year, need-based institutional funding; award size depends on available funds and individual need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted students whose remaining financial need is not fully met by other grants and scholarships and who complete the FAFSA.
App Required
Pionero Scholars (First-Generation)
📅 Deadline: Varies by College of Education admission and scholarship timeline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited cohort selected each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended to supplement other aid for first-generation teacher candidates; can stack with merit, state, federal, and church-based support up to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the Pionero Scholars application and interview process through the College of Education after admission, and commit to a teacher education pathway and program participation.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of first-generation status, commitment to teaching, academics, leadership, and service.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts vary by cohort and funding; program includes mentoring and support tailored to first-generation education majors.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Motivated first-generation freshmen planning to become teachers who show leadership, service, and academic promise and remain engaged in the Pionero program.
* 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: Amounts above reflect most recent official documentation and reports from the university. Actual awards and deadlines may vary by department or year.
- Major Field of Study Scholars—each academic department offers its own competitive and need-based awards; apply through department offices.
- Church of Christ Matching Grants—funds available for qualifying student families.
- ROTC and external exchange scholarships—most may stack with state/federal grants; some may replace institutional aid.
Hidden Gems FAQ
Can hidden-gem awards stack with merit?
Often yes, but institutional stacking caps apply. ROTC, external or employer awards may replace institutional tuition. Always review your aid letter.
Do I need the FAFSA?
Yes, for any need-based or opportunity award as well as state/fed programs.
How do music or athletic awards work?
Audition or coach recruitment required; awards and renewal flow through department/coach decision and NCAA rules.
Identity-based or church-affiliated options?
Yes—Lipscomb supports diversity and faith-based scholarships. Church of Christ matching and special programming supports eligible families.
Sources:
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/scholarships
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/opportunity-fund
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/pionero-scholars
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/marshall-keeble-scholars
https://www.lipscomb.edu/athletics
https://www.lipscomb.edu/undergraduate/music
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/college-education
https://www.lipscomb.edu/finance-and-admissions/financial-aid/church-of-christ-matching-grant
🎖️ Honors College
Lipscomb’s Honors College is designed for motivated students who want smaller classes, close mentoring, and the opportunity to replace much of the university core with enriched, interdisciplinary seminars. Admission is selective, but participants enjoy unique academic, housing, and research benefits with no extra tuition cost or added time to degree.
What a Typical Lipscomb Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA of 3.5+ in high school, ACT 28+ or SAT 1300+, challenging coursework, and record of leadership/service. Required: essay, résumé, and two recommendations (entering or current college applicants with strong academics may also apply).
Perks that Matter:
- Priority course registration
- Specialized honors housing and community
- Small, interdisciplinary Honors seminars replacing much of the core curriculum
- Faculty mentorship, senior thesis, and guided undergraduate research (with funding for select projects)
- Recognition on diploma and transcript
Extra Support for Honors Students:
- Research Funding: Competitive grants and travel support to present at national or international conferences.
- National Scholarship Advising: Mentorship for major awards (Goldwater, Truman, Marshall, Fulbright) and post-grad fellowships.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors College Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies; announced each January for the following academic year
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awarded in addition to standard academic scholarships, subject to institutional stacking caps and direct cost limits.
📄
How to Apply
Gain admission to the Lipscomb Honors College. Once enrolled, submit the Honors College scholarship application by the annual deadline, which is typically announced each January for the following academic year. Application includes essay responses.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of academic performance, Honors engagement, and essay responses; criteria and prompts vary each year.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
The Honors College administers annual scholarships worth up to $5,000 for enrolled Honors College students. Selection criteria, number of awards, and prompts may vary year to year and are managed internally. Details are announced each January; students should watch for the announcement from the Honors College and apply promptly.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors College students who demonstrate strong academic engagement, active participation in Honors coursework and community, and compelling responses to the annual scholarship prompts. Being in the Honors College is the entry ticket — the scholarship application is a separate step worth taking every year.
* 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.
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 by itself.
Does joining Honors add time to the degree?
No—Honors courses substitute for much of the Lipscomb core, enabling four-year graduation if on track with the major.
When are priority deadlines?
Early application through Lipscomb’s portal is best; deadlines are posted on the Honors College site each cycle.
Does Honors come with direct scholarships?
No dedicated Honors College scholarship or tuition discounts. However, many Honors students win competitive flagship, research, and departmental awards.
Is test-optional admission available?
Yes. Test scores are considered if submitted, but holistic review places major emphasis on academics, service, and writing.
Sources:
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/honors
https://catalog.lipscomb.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1297
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/honors/admissions
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/honors/undergrad-research
https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/honors/student-success
https://www.lipscomb.edu/admissions/test-optional
⭐ 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.
Standout Program: The College of Business at Lipscomb is AACSB accredited, a distinction held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide. It has been consistently ranked among the top undergraduate business programs in Tennessee and recognized nationally for ethics and leadership education.
- 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.
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.
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