Wofford College 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: ~49%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1280
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Below the typical ranges: Admission is still possible (test-optional helps), but merit will likely be limited. Plan for a higher net price unless need-based aid fills the gap.
- In the typical ranges: This is the sweet spot for strong automatic merit ($15K–$30K/year). Apply early and submit solid test scores if available—this is where Wofford becomes more affordable.
- Well above the ranges: You’ll be in the running for top programs like the Richardson (full ride) or Presidential (full tuition)—but these are highly competitive and not guaranteed. Treat them as upside, not a plan.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Wofford College at a Glance
- Full ride exists—but it’s extremely rare: The Richardson Scholarship covers full cost of attendance, but it’s one of the most competitive awards in the region. Most students receive strong—but partial—merit instead.
- Automatic merit is strong—but not enough alone: Even $15K–$30K per year still leaves a significant gap at a private school price point. Families should plan to combine merit with need-based aid or outside scholarships.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Wofford College is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 28; SAT: 1280.
Average net price? About $27,979/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Scholarships overview page: https://www.wofford.edu/admission/scholarships
Bonner Scholars program page: https://www.wofford.edu/academics/center-for-community-based-learning/initiatives/bonner-scholars-program
Wofford Scholars program page: https://www.wofford.edu/admission/scholarships/wofford-scholars
Merit-based scholarships page: https://www.wofford.edu/admission/scholarships/merit-based-scholarships
First-generation scholarships page: https://www.wofford.edu/admission/financial-aid/types-of-aid/first-generation-scholarships
Scholarships overview page: https://www.wofford.edu/admission/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships
Modern Languages departmental awards page: https://www.wofford.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/modern-languages/departmental-awards-and-scholarships
Music scholarship page: https://www.wofford.edu/admission/scholarships/performance-based-scholarships/music-scholarship
Presidential International Scholar page: https://www.wofford.edu/about/office-of-the-president/presidential-international-scholar
Richardson Family Scholarship page: https://www.wofford.edu/admission/scholarships/wofford-scholars/richardson-family-scholarship
Wofford Travel Grants page: https://www.wofford.edu/academics/interim/wofford-travel-grants
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Wofford College 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) | $58,250 | $58,250 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $20,946 | $20,946 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $79,196 | $79,196 |
Average Federal Net Price: $27,979 — 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.
Wofford charges the same tuition for all students regardless of state residency and does not participate in regional reciprocity programs such as WUE or MSEP. Institutional merit and state grants may reduce the overall cost.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state pricing?
There is no difference — Wofford charges the same tuition for all students.
How much do families really pay?
On average, families paid about $27,979 per year after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2022–23 data).
Do I need to apply separately for aid?
No state reciprocity programs apply, but all admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships and can submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile for need-based aid.
University Tuition & Fees — https://www.wofford.edu/administration/business-office/billing-tuition-and-fees
Housing & Meal Plan Rates — https://www.wofford.edu/administration/business-office/billing-tuition-and-fees
Financial Aid Overview — https://www.wofford.edu/admission/scholarships
College Scorecard (Average Net Price $27,979, 2022–23) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?218964-Wofford-College=
BigFuture (Tuition & Cost Comparison) — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/wofford-college/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships (Admission-Based)
Wofford evaluates every applicant for institutional merit when you apply—no separate general scholarship application.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wofford Merit Scholarship | $15,000–$25,000/yr (up to 4 years) | Based on academics (GPA + rigor), leadership, service; all applicants considered via Common App | No | Yes (per award letter requirements) | Strong college-prep rigor; typically high GPAs. Est: unweighted 3.6–4.0; ACT 28–32 / SAT 1300–1380 | Nov 1 (ED), Nov 15 (EA), Jan 15 (RD) |
| Old Main Scholarship | $27,000–$30,000/yr (up to 4 years) | Higher-tier academic merit, leadership, and service; auto-considered with admission | No | Yes (per award letter requirements) | Top academic profile & leadership. Est: unweighted 3.8+; ACT 30–33 / SAT 1340–1420 | Nov 1 (ED), Nov 15 (EA), Jan 15 (RD) |
| First-Generation Scholarship | $25,000/yr (15 awards) | First-gen to college (parents did not complete a bachelor’s); considered competitively from admission application | No | Yes (per award letter requirements) | High-achieving first-gen students with leadership/service. Est: unweighted 3.6–4.0; testing optional | Nov 1 (ED), Nov 15 (EA), Jan 15 (RD) |
| Citizen Scholars Scholarship (partner program) | $25,000/yr (Palmetto Fellows) or $20,000/yr (SC LIFE) — 4 years | Participants in Citizen Scholars Program who enroll at Wofford; amount matches SC state scholarship level | No | Yes | Admitted Citizen Scholars with Palmetto Fellows or LIFE; solid academics & program engagement | Nov 1 (ED), Nov 15 (EA), Jan 15 (RD) |
| Palmetto Boys State Scholarship | $25,000/yr (total $100,000 over 4 years) | Graduate of Palmetto Boys State; selected from admitted students. No extra application | No | Yes | Boys State alum with strong academics/leadership; at least one recipient each year | Nov 1 (ED), Nov 15 (EA), Jan 15 (RD) |
| Palmetto Girls State Scholarship | $25,000/yr (total $100,000 over 4 years) | Graduate of Palmetto Girls State; selected from admitted students. No extra application | No | Yes | Girls State alum with strong academics/leadership; at least one recipient each year | Nov 1 (ED), Nov 15 (EA), Jan 15 (RD) |
Range note: Wofford publishes broad merit bands; actual offer within the range depends on academic record (GPA + course rigor), leadership/service, and overall application context.
*Estimated GPA/test bands are based on Wofford’s published mid-50% scores for recent classes and Wofford Scholars thresholds; use as guidance only.
National Merit: Wofford awards at least three college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships annually to Finalists who list Wofford as their first choice; the Wofford-funded amount is $2,500 per year (renewable).
Automatic Merit FAQ
How do I get considered?
Just apply for admission—Wofford automatically evaluates all applicants for institutional merit scholarships. Early Action (Nov. 15) lets admitted students receive decisions (including scholarship info) earlier.
Is Wofford test-optional—and do they superscore?
Yes, test-optional for admission and merit review. If you submit scores and have tested multiple times, Wofford will take the highest section scores across dates (superscore) to create your best composite.
Can these stack with state aid (Palmetto Fellows/LIFE) or other awards?
Amounts shown for Citizen Scholars align with your SC state scholarship level; other stacking can vary and is detailed in each student’s award letter/aid package.
Deadlines that affect merit?
Apply by Early Decision (Nov. 1), Early Action (Nov. 15), or Regular Decision (Jan. 15). FAFSA priority for first-year students is Jan. 1 to package need-based aid alongside any merit.
www.wofford.edu/admission/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships
www.wofford.edu/admission/financial-aid/types-of-aid/first-generation-scholarships
catalog.wofford.edu/admission-financial-aid/
catalog.wofford.edu/admission-financial-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
Wofford offers flagship-level, highly competitive scholarships beyond automatic merit. These awards are limited in number, require extra selection steps (nominations, interviews, or presidential selection), and are intended for top scholars and leaders. One Richardson Family Scholar is chosen per entering class; two Charles E. Daniel Scholars are selected each year; and one Presidential International Scholar is named annually from enrolled students.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richardson Family Scholarship | Full ride (tuition, fees, room & board) + monthly book stipend, laptop, summer internships (incl. overseas), January travel experience | Wofford Scholars finalist; exceptional academics, leadership, service; requires additional interview | Yes — Wofford Scholars nomination + interview | Yes (4 years, good standing required) | Top Wofford Scholars finalist with standout interview and impact | Nov 1 (ED), Nov 15 (EA), Jan 15 (RD); Scholars interviews: Dec–Jan |
| Charles E. Daniel Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, housing & food (two per year, 4 years) | Extraordinary leadership, academic achievement, service via Wofford Scholars | Yes — Wofford Scholars participation | Yes (4 years, per award letter) | Top Wofford Scholars competitors, exceptional leadership/impact | Nov 1 (ED), Nov 15 (EA), Jan 15 (RD); Scholars interviews: Dec–Jan |
| Presidential International Scholar | College-funded, full-year independent research abroad | President-selected enrolled student; exceptional global-minded service, research, leadership | No — invited/selected during college; no public app | No (one-year research experience) | Single student per year with service and outstanding research goals | Spring selection (typically March or April) |
Stacking note: These flagship awards typically replace lower-tier institutional merit; renewal and stacking appear in individual award letters.
Flagship (Competitive) Scholarship FAQ
How do I get considered for Richardson or Daniel?
Be nominated for the Wofford Scholars program (top 10% class; see site for test guidelines), complete your admission app by early deadlines, and attend Scholars interview day; Richardson finalists also complete an additional interview.
How many awards exist?
Richardson: one scholar per entering class; Daniel: two scholarships each year; Presidential International Scholar: one per year from current students.
Is there a public application for the Presidential International Scholar?
No. It’s a presidential selection, announced in spring semester.
Do these stack with other Wofford merit awards?
Flagship awards generally supersede/replace lower-tier merit; details in your official award letter.
www.wofford.edu/admission/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships
www.wofford.edu/admission/scholarships/wofford-scholars
www.wofford.edu/about/presidents-office/presidential-international-scholar
catalog.wofford.edu/admission-financial-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/
🎖️ Honors at Wofford
Honors at Wofford isn’t a separate “college” but a path to do serious, mentored scholarship. Seniors can complete a six-credit, two-semester honors thesis with a faculty committee—ideal for grad school prep or students who want to dive deeply into a passion project. Wofford also runs the Wofford Scholars Program, the nomination-only competition that serves as the gateway to its most prestigious awards like the Richardson Family Scholarship and the Daniel Scholarship. Together, these tracks highlight Wofford’s focus on undergraduate achievement and personalized mentorship.
Strong GPA and academic rigor, close faculty relationships, curiosity about research, and leadership or service that stands out in the Wofford Scholars competition. These are the students most likely to complete a thesis and compete for top scholarships.
- Six credits for a senior Honors Course (two-semester thesis/project) with transcript notation.
- Faculty mentorship and potential substitution for certain capstones in select majors.
- Extra pathways to flagship scholarships through the Wofford Scholars Program.
- Preparation for competitive graduate or professional programs.
Honors-specific scholarships: None tied directly to the honors thesis itself. The Wofford Scholars Program is the competitive route to Richardson and Daniel flagship scholarships, which replace or supersede general merit awards.
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must be nominated or apply through their department and, for flagship awards, through the Wofford Scholars process.
Does Honors add time to the degree?
No. Honors credits count toward graduation and can substitute for certain capstones.
When do students start?
Wofford Scholars interviews happen before enrollment; honors thesis planning begins junior year, with official approval before senior year.
Do all Honors students get extra scholarships?
No. Honors thesis work is academic; scholarships come through the competitive Wofford Scholars program.
www.wofford.edu/academics/honors-course
www.wofford.edu/admission/scholarships/wofford-scholars
catalog.wofford.edu/courses-programs/honors-course/
⭐ College Specialty
Wofford is small but mighty—an undergrad-first liberal arts college where students don’t just sit in lectures; they do the thing: research with faculty, spend a term (or a year) abroad, and plug into real-world internships. (Note: Wofford is not an R1 research university; its strength is hands-on undergraduate learning.)
Consistently ranked among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges for study abroad participation (top-10 baccalaureate tier), with January-Term, semester, and year-long options that tie directly to majors.
- Global Engagement — Top-tier study abroad participation rates; programs embed language, culture, and field research into the degree.
- Undergraduate Research — Faculty-mentored projects across sciences, social sciences, and humanities; distinctive year-long international research opportunity via the Presidential International Scholar.
- Biology & Environmental Studies — Lab-rich coursework with field experiences and pre-health advising that translates to competitive graduate and professional placements.
- Finance / Economics — Popular majors with structured internship pipelines across the Southeast; strong experiential learning and alumni networking.
- Modern Languages & Global Studies — Language immersion paired with semester-abroad pathways; graduates build practical cross-cultural skills.
- Theatre, Music & Visual Arts — Abundant performance/exhibition opportunities and faculty mentorship that put creative work front and center from the first year.
- Political Science / Government — Policy, law, and public-service preparation with civic leadership experiences and alumni connections.
📎 Official Links
- 📎 Wofford College Home
- 📎 Wofford Scholars (Honors)
- 📎 Scholarships & Institutional Aid
- 📎 Financial Aid