Strategic Note: A small cohort (roughly 10 per year) of incoming freshmen who have gone beyond casual involvement — students who have led meaningful change in the advancement of underrepresented communities and can make that case compellingly in writing and in person.

Strategic Note: Up to five students per incoming class — this is EIU's most prestigious undergraduate scholarship. Expect a 3.75+ GPA (or 3.5 with strong test scores), standout essays, real leadership, and a compelling campus interview. These are the students Honors College faculty will hold up as ambassadors.

Strategic Note: The top 21 applicants in each incoming class who combine a stellar academic record with strong personal presentation. Students with a 3.85+ GPA can skip the test score requirement entirely. For those in the 3.5–3.84 range, a 25 ACT or 1200 SAT is required. Finalists go through an in-person interview weekend, so leadership presence and communication matter as much as the transcript. All recipients become part of EMU's Honors College.

Strategic Note: A very small cohort of on-campus first-time freshmen — typically with a 3.7+ high school GPA, a 32+ ACT or 1430+ SAT (superscored), and exceptional Honors application essays. Think student council presidents, valedictorians, or students with a compelling and articulate story. If your student checks all the boxes academically, this is absolutely worth the application effort.

Strategic Note: Active CLD participants with leadership and service.

Strategic Note: Roughly 14 students per year from a field of nominated finalists — this is one of the most selective scholarships at any public university in the country. Winners tend to be students with near-perfect academics, compelling essays, meaningful leadership, and the intellectual curiosity that comes through clearly in an in-person interview. Both domestic and international students are eligible.

Strategic Note: A very small cohort — up to four students — who combine the highest academic achievement with genuine servant leadership. Think National Merit-caliber students who have also led meaningful community change, not just listed clubs.

Strategic Note: Fifteen of the most exceptional incoming Honors College students each year — students who combine elite academic records with compelling leadership, intellectual curiosity, and strong interview performance. Think valedictorian-level credentials plus a real story to tell.

Strategic Note: The top 15 performers in the ADS competition — among the most academically exceptional students MSU admits in any given year. This is a true full-ride scholarship decided by exam performance and in-person interviews, not just GPA. Four of the 15 awards carry named designations (Baldwin Foundation, Nordberg, Rasmussen, Speeker).

Strategic Note: Pell-eligible Ohio residents who demonstrate both significant financial need and strong academic merit. OSU targets geographic diversity — aiming to award two students from each of Ohio's 88 counties. If your student qualifies for Pell and is a strong Ohio applicant, this is absolutely worth knowing about.

Strategic Note: An exceptionally small and selective cohort — typically around 15 students per year — who combine top academic credentials with exceptional leadership and character. Recipients must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and apply to both Purdue West Lafayette and the John Martinson Honors College by Nov. 1.

Strategic Note: Six incoming freshmen each year who combine exceptional academic credentials with meaningful leadership and civic engagement — and who can make a compelling case for themselves in a competitive interview process.

Strategic Note: A small, highly competitive cohort — typically around 30–40 students per year — drawn exclusively from the University Excellence Scholar pool. These are well-rounded high achievers: students with rigorous academic records, meaningful leadership, real community engagement, and the ability to articulate why they matter in an interview. The full-ride value of over $108,000 reflects that this is SIU's most prestigious merit honor.

Strategic Note: Top incoming first-year applicants — domestic or international — with at least a 3.5 weighted GPA and exceptional records in academics, leadership, extracurriculars, and civic engagement.

Strategic Note: This is the crown jewel of UC's scholarship program — just 20 students earn it each year out of thousands of applicants. Think near-perfect GPA, a rigorous course load, and genuine national-level leadership or service. These are the students UC wants to show off.

Strategic Note: Mizzou's most exceptional incoming freshmen — academically elite students (32+ ACT, 1420+ SAT, 3.5+ core GPA) who are also admitted to the Honors College and make a compelling case through essays and interviews. The class is very small (typically 5–8 recipients per year), so this is highly competitive. International applicants are not currently eligible due to interview constraints.

Strategic Note: Nebraska residents with a perfect ACT 36 (or SAT 1570–1600) who graduated high school within the last year. This is the top of the UNL merit ladder — if your student hits that score, UNL is essentially free plus a $5,000 annual stipend to use however they want. Note: the 32–35 ACT pathway was discontinued for Fall 2026 due to budget constraints.

Strategic Note: Exceptional Nebraska STEM students with an ACT around 30+ and a 3.5+ GPA who are genuinely passionate about engineering, computer science, or a related field — and who can articulate why in an interview. This is a cohort-based program, so leadership and fit matter as much as raw scores.

Strategic Note: High-achieving, high-need Iowa residents graduating from Iowa high schools who meet at least one academic threshold (3.7+ GPA, 28+ ACT, or 299+ RAI) and can write compellingly about overcoming adversity. First-generation college students get priority consideration.

Strategic Note: The absolute highest-achieving applicants Notre Dame sees — extraordinary academic records paired with standout leadership, meaningful service, a spirit of innovation, and genuine character. This is a small, elite cohort selected from both the REA and RD pools.

Strategic Note: About ten top-tier Indiana high school seniors each year — students with 4.0 GPAs, at least a 27 ACT or 1280 SAT, and exceptional essays, recommendations, and interview presence. This is USI's most selective and prestigious award. The interview day in February is the real differentiator.

Strategic Note: First-generation, low-income international students from eligible countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, South Asia, or Southeast Asia who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, community leadership, and a tangible commitment to alleviating poverty. Only six scholars are selected per year — this is among the most selective scholarships at UW–Madison.

Strategic Note: A small, highly selective cohort of incoming freshmen — typically students with a 4.0 GPA, enrollment in the Honors Program, and a track record of meaningful leadership and community engagement. If your student is a standout academically and as a leader, this is absolutely worth applying for.