Full Ride and Free Tuition Scholarships: South
It is possible to go to college for free, with a merit scholarship! Here’s our full list of Southern colleges and universities that offer merit-based full ride or free tuition scholarships.
Complete list of merit-based full rides at East Coast schools.
Complete list of merit-based full rides at West Coast schools.
Complete list of merit-based full rides at Mid-Atlantic schools.
Go to College on a FULL RIDE or with FREE TUITION! - Full Ride/Full Tuition Scholarships to Southern Schools
Everyone wants to go to college for free. And guess what - you actually CAN! Seems like a dream come true, right?
There are multiple ways to do this. Some schools have great financial aid policies and guarantee a full ride or full tuition for students from families under a certain income level. However, this list is only 14 schools long.
Good news, though! This is the news we have to share in this blogpost - there are also PLENTY of schools that offer merit-based full ride or free tuition scholarships to students that don’t fall into their financial aid income levels.
The schools included in the other post are listed for their need-based aid - this means that the aid described there is given to ALL of their students. At these schools, with so many exceptional students admitted, it’s more difficult to point out star people to give merit-based scholarships to. And for most of those schools, it’s not necessary to give these scholarships because the school’s brand often is enough of a pull to get students to accept the admission offer.
However, there are many, many more lower-profile (and even some higher-profile!) schools that offer very comparable education to more “elite” universities, just without the name brand, that are looking for star students - like YOU - and want to entice you to accept their offer. That’s where these merit scholarships come into play. If the school sees you as someone that would really add to their campus, they’ll offer you a merit scholarship (based on your achievements).
This is the secret to going to college on a full ride or with free tuition - make sure to apply to schools that offer these merit scholarships! Don’t discount lower-profile schools; the more your scores and achievements are outside their typical range, the more likely they are to offer a scholarship to you!
This blogpost will provide you ALL the schools (as of July 2020) in the South of the United States that offer these merit-based scholarships:
Agnes Scott College (Decatur, Georgia)
Marvin B. Perry Presidential Scholarships: Offers full tuition and room and board. Selections are based on academics, leadership, character, and personal achievement. Applications are by invitation to the top first-year applicants.
Goizueta Foundation Scholarship: Offers full tuition and room and board to one incoming freshman each year. Strong preference is given to Hispanic/Latinx/Chicana women with financial need and have excelled in leadership, character, and personal achievements. This scholarship is available to DACA and non-citizen U.S. residents, and is due by February 1, 2020.
Barry University (Miami Shores, FL)
Stamps Scholarship: Offers full tuition, room & board, study abroad funds, undergraduate research funds, leadership opportunities, and more. Students that have been accepted to Barry can apply for Stamps by February 1. The application includes evidence of community service and leadership through documentation, an essay, a video, etc. Prospective Barry Stamps Scholars must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
Birmingham-Southern College (Birmingham, Alabama)
Distinguished Scholars Awards: Offers full tuition based on high school transcripts, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, an essay, and an interview. Students who are considered for this scholarship are invited to a scholarship competition, and to be eligible, an application for admission should be completed by February 1.
Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina)
National Scholars Program: Offers tuition, fees, an allowance for room, board, and supplies, and a summer group study abroad experience. Selection is based on standardized test scores, academic record, and an interview. This scholarship is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Stamps Scholarship: Offers full tuition, fees, and room and board annually (full scholarship for in-state and partial for out-of-state). Additionally, $5,000 to support independent projects is provided. Freshman applicants are all automatically considered for this scholarship.
William and Mary Scholars: Offers in-state tuition and fees, which is renewable each year as long as good academic standing is maintained. Students who have overcome adversity and/or would contribute to campus diversity are considered for this scholarship. No separate application is necessary.
Davidson College (Davidson, North Carolina)
John M. Belk Scholarship: Offers full tuition, fees, room and board, and two $3,000 special opportunity stipends to up to eight students each year. Selections are based on exceptional achievement and promise in academics, character, leadership, and service. Students must be nominated by a guidance counselor, principal, or the admission staff.
Lowell L. Bryan Scholarship: Offers full tuition and fees to a scholar-athlete freshman of each gender. Students must be nominated by the head of school, counselor, coach, or a Davidson coach.
Charles Scholarship: Offers full tuition, fees, room and board, an allowance for travel and personal expenses, a laptop, and a special study opportunity fund to three freshmen each year. This scholarship is available to graduates of Chicago public high schools, particularly students of color, with strong academic records and personal accomplishment with financial need. Students must be nominated by guidance counselors, principals, a college preparatory program representative, or the admission and financial aid staff.
Norris Scholarship: Offers full tuition, fees, and room and board to one student athlete with integrity, a strong work ethic, and leadership skills. Students are nominated by their school or the Davidson coach of their sport. This scholarship is next available in the class of 2026.
William Holt Terry Scholarship: Offers full tuition, fees, and a $3,000 special opportunity stipend to two incoming freshmen. Selections are based on leadership skills and personal qualities through student government, athletics, service, or other activities.
Duke University (Durham, North Carolina)
Robertson Scholars Leadership Program: Offers eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees for Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. Recipients also receive funding for three summer experiences, conferences, and two semesters of study abroad. The application, including two letters of recommendation, are due November 15th.
Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)
Emory Scholars Program: Offers partial to full merit based scholarships. Applications must be submitted by November 15.
Furman University (Greenville, South Carolina)
James B. Duke Scholarship: Offers full tuition and stipends of up to $5,000 for study away, summer internship, or research experiences. Selections are based on academic achievement, leadership, service, and co-curricular involvement. Select students are invited to attend an interview event that takes place in March.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Georgia)
Stamps President’s Scholars Program: Offers tuition, fees, housing, meal plan, books, supplies, personal expenses, a stipend during the first year for a laptop, a $12,000 enrichment funding, retreats, and additional benefits. Students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong morals, and have a desire to impact technology and society, are selected. To be considered, incoming freshmen must apply by October 15, the Early Action application.
Hendrix College (Conway, Arkansas)
Hendrix College Scholarship: Offers $20,000 and up based on GPA, standardized test scores, leadership, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. All accepted students will receive an award based on their applications.
Hays Memorial Scholarship: Offers tuition, a double occupancy residence hall room, unlimited board plan, and mandatory fees. For students entering college in 2021, all test requirements related to the invitation only scholarship weekend are relaxed, and all students are considered. Application for admission serves as an application for the scholarship weekend, which is due by November 15.
President’s Scholarship: Offers tuition, half the cost of a double occupancy residence hall room, and an unlimited board plan. Students must have a 3.6 GPA, 32 ACT, or a 1430 SAT to be eligible. Application for admission serves as an application for the scholarship weekend,which is due by November 15.
Madison Murphy Leadership Scholarship: Offers tuition, half the cost of a double occupancy residence hall room, and an unlimited board plan. Students must have a 3.6 GPA, 32 ACT, or a 1430 SAT to be eligible. Application for admission serves as an application for the scholarship weekend, which is due by November 15.
Provost Scholarship: Offers tuition. Students must have a 3.6 GPA, 32 ACT, or a 1430 SAT to be eligible. Application for admission serves as an application for the scholarship weekend, which is due by November 15.
Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Stamps Scholarship: Offers the full cost of attendance, up to $14,000 for enrichment experiences, and $1,100 one-time stipend for a laptop. Prospective freshmen with a strong record of high academic achievement, leadership, and service are nominated for consideration through the admissions process. Students must submit their Common Application by the scholarship priority deadline, December 15, to be considered.
President’s Alumni Scholars Award: Offers the full cost of attendance and a $2,000 study abroad stipend. Prospective freshmen with a strong record of high academic achievement, leadership, and service are nominated for consideration through the admissions process. Students must submit their Common Application by the scholarship priority deadline, December 15, to be considered.
Mercer University (Macon, Georgia)
Stamps Scholarship: Offers the full cost of attendance and a $16,000 stipend for enrichment activities to five incoming freshmen each year. Students who demonstrate qualities of leadership, perseverance, scholarship, and service to humankind and innovation are considered. Students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and submit their admission application components by October 15.
North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina)
National Alumni Scholarship: Covers full tuition, fees, and room and board. To be eligible, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, and a score of 1100 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and a one page autobiography.
Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholarship: Offers tuition, related fees, and room and board to incoming freshmen. Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.75 GPA, a score of 1270 SAT or 27 ACT, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and show exceptional characteristics of leadership and service to be considered.
North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Park Scholarship: Offers tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel, personal expenses, grants to fund professional and personal enrichment experiences, and early course registration to approximately 40 outstanding freshmen each year.
Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, Georgia)
James Edward Oglethorpe Scholarship: Offers full tuition and a stipend towards participation in a study-abroad course along with other benefits. Applications are through nominations to participate at a Scholarship Weekend competition.
OU Theatre Scholarship: Offers full tuition and a stipend toward participation in a study-abroad course along with other benefits to two students interested in studying and performing works of theatre each year. Applications are through nominations to participate at a Scholarship Weekend competition.
Hammack Scholarship: Offers full tuition and a stipend towards a study abroad course or a professional internship with one of Atlanta’s top companies, along with other benefits, to one incoming freshman each year interested in a business related field. Applications are through nominations to participate at a Scholarship Weekend competition.
Civic Engagement & Service Scholarship: Offers full tuition and a stipend in support of a self-designed internship at the non profit of their choice to two students engaged in community service each year. Applications are through nominations to participate at a Scholarship Weekend competition.
Rhodes College (Memphis, Tennessee)
Bellingrath Scholarship: Offers full tuition to one incoming freshman each year. Applications must be submitted by January 15.
Rollins College (Winter Park, Florida)
Alfond Scholars Program: Offers 10 students with full scholarships including tuition, fees, room, and board, which is renewable annually. To be competitive, students should have SATs of 1450 or higher, ACTs of 32 or higher, and GPAs of 3.6 or higher. The application deadline is November 1st.
Salem College (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Dr. John Preston Davis Art Scholarship: Offers full tuition to students interested in majoring in Studio Art, Interior Design, or Art History. The application deadline for 2020 was January 30.
Salem College Promise: Through the North Carolina Initiative Grant, incoming first year students who are Pell-eligible and North Carolina residents can receive tuition and fees.
Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas)
President’s Scholars Program: Offers tuition and fees for eight semesters plus one summer education abroad. Under certain conditions, the Campus Community Award may pay for room and board on campus. Students must have exceptional scores on the SAT or ACT, a challenging high school curriculum, and high school rank in the top 10%, and a commitment to engagement in school and/or community activities. All students who apply to SMU by the priority deadline, January 15, will be considered for the scholarship, and will be invited to interview if they are finalists.
Stevenson University (Stevenson, Maryland)
Presidential Fellowship: Offers full-tuition to freshman applicants, which is renewable for four years. Students must have a minimum of a 3.6 GPA and a minimum score of 1100 on the SAT/22 ACT composite score to be considered. The application is due November 1.
Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas)
Texas Christian University: Offers full tuition to fifty students each year. Recipients average at around 33 on the ACT and 1500 on the SAT, average at a 3.97 GPA, and graduate in the top 2% of their graduating class.
Tulane University (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Deans’ Honor Scholarship: Offers full tuition and is awarded to students who excelled in high school, received high scores on standardized tests, and were involved in their communities. Students must submit an application via Early Action or Early Decision, and submit the separate scholarship application, which includes a creative project, by December 5.
Paul Tulane Scholarship: Same requirements and deadlines as the Dean’s Honor Scholarship.
Stamps Scholarship: This scholarship is Tulane University’s most prestigious scholarship, and it covers full tuition and provides enrichment funding. It rewards students who exemplify leadership, perseverance, service, and innovation. Students are selected from applicants for the Deans’ Honor Scholarship or Paul Tulane Award.
University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
National Merit Scholarships: Offers tuition, housing, a $3,500 stipend per year for four years, $2,000 for use in summe research or international study, and a $2,000 book scholarship. Students who qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist will be notified.
Presidential Elite Scholarship: Offers tuition, one year of on-campus housing, a $1,000 stipend per year for four years, $2,000 for use in summer research or international study, and a $2,000 book scholarship. A student with a 4.0 GPA and a 36 ACT or 16000 SAT will be selected as a Presidential Elite Scholar.
Academic Elite Scholarship: Offers tuition, one year of on-campus housing, one $8,500 stipend per year for four years, and a $2,000 book scholarship to seven freshmen each year, and to the top recipient, an additional $10,000 to each year following the first year and a $5,000 study abroad stipend. The scholarship seeks students who ultimately will make a difference throughout their lives. Students with an ACT score of 32 or a SAT score of 1420 and a GPA of 3.8 are eligible to apply, and the deadline is December 15. Students who do not meet these requirements may be nominated by a high school representative or a UA faculty member.
National Hispanic Recognition Scholarship: Offers the Presidential Scholarship, a $1,000 stipend per year for four years, and the first year of housing. Hispanic/Latinx students can take the PSAT/NMSQT by October of junior year to be considered, and College Board will invite eligible students to apply for the program online.
Alabama Advantage Scholarship: Funds the remaining dollars needed to cover the cost of UA’s in-state tuition after other scholarships and grants have been applied.
University of Delaware (Newark, Delaware)
Eugene du Pont Memorial Scholars: Offers tuition, room and board, some fees, and a $2,500 enrichment fund. Eugene du Pont Memorial Scholars are part of the Distinguished Scholars community at the University of Delaware.
University of Houston (Houston, Texas)
Tier One Scholarship: Offers tuition, fees, $1,000 to support undergraduate research, $2,000 for study abroad, priority registration, on campus housing and meal plan for the first two years at UH, and a waiver of non-resident tuition for out-of-state students. Incoming freshmen who have above a 1400 SAT score or 30 ACT score, rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, and demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement have a greater chance of selection. The 2019 scholarship priority deadline was November 15.
University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)
Presidential Scholarship: Offers full tuition. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and 31 ACT or 1390 SAT to be eligible. The 2019 deadline for completed admission applications and supporting documents was December 1.
Otis A. Singletary: Offers full tuition and a housing stipend. Applicants must have a 33 ACT or 1450 SAT to be eligible. The 2019 deadline for completed admission applications and supporting documents was December 1.
Patterson Scholarship: Offers full tuition and a housing stipend. This scholarship is available to National Merit Finalists or National Hispanic Recognition Scholars. The 2019 deadline for completed admission applications and supporting documents was December 1.
Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Presidential: Offers full in-state tuition to Kentucky residents. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA, 31 ACT or 1390 SAT, and complete the Governor’s Scholars, School for the Arts or School for Entrepreneurs program. The 2019 deadline for completed admission applications and supporting documents was December 1.
University of Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky)
Brown Fellows Program: Offers full tuition, room and board, and an allowance for books to ten students each year. Each recipient can also apply for funding to support their individual enrichment plan; up to $6,000 per project. This program is open to students with a 31 ACT or 1390 SAT and a 3.5 GPA. The 2019 deadline for application materials was December 15.
University of Miami (Coral Gables, Florida)
Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship: Offers full tuition for four years of undergraduate study. This scholarship is awarded to diverse incoming freshmen who have demonstrated academic excellence and intent to pursue graduate education. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and they must apply to Early Decision I or Early Action by November 1. Recipients must complete a full-time undergraduate program of study and maintain a 3.0 GPA for the academic year.
Stamps Scholarship: Offers full tuition, fees, room and board, a meal plan, University health insurance, textbooks, a laptop allowance, and access to a $12,000 enrichment fund. Applicants must Early Decision I or Early Action by November 1, and are automatically considered. Recipients must complete a full-time undergraduate program of study and maintain a 3.0 GPA for the academic year.
George W. Jenkins Scholarship: Offers full tuition, fees, on-campus housing, a meal plan, University health insurance, a laptop allowance, and a stipend for books, transportation, and personal expenses. This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen with strong academic credentials, significant financial needs, and a history of overcoming adversity. In addition, the scholarship is only open to U.S. citizens who are residents of qualifying states or are graduating from an accredited high school, have a minimum GPA of 3.75, and have participated in a well-rounded college preparatory curriculum. Guidance counselors must nominate their students by December 1.
Isaac Bashevis Singer Scholarship: Offers full tuition for four years of undergraduate study to exceptional and academically accomplished incoming freshmen. Applicants must Early Decision I or Early Action by November 1, and are automatically considered. Recipients must complete a full-time undergraduate program of study and maintain a 3.0 GPA for the academic year.
Marta S. and L. Austin Weeks Endowed Scholarship: Same requirements and deadlines as the Isaac Bashevis Singer Scholarship.
University of Mississippi (Oxford, Mississippi)
Stamps Scholarship: Offers the full cost of attendance and $12,000 in enrichment funding. This scholarship is offered to the top incoming freshmen who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and have proven leadership and service records.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Morehead-Cain: This scholarship covers full tuition, student fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, and miscellaneous, along with an international gap year, summer enrichment program, discovery fund, and study abroad. Students outside of North Carolina, Canada, or the UK must attend a nominating school or affiliate program to be considered, but other students can still be nominated through the Admissions Referral Program, and all students who apply by the October 15 Early Action deadline are considered.
Robertson Scholars Leadership Program: Offers eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees for Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. Recipients also receive funding for three summer experiences, conferences, and two semesters of study abroad. The application, including two letters of recommendation, are due November 15th.
Kenan Music Scholars Program: This scholarship offers full tuition, including fees, room and board, additional financial support for musical enrichment activities. Recipients have the opportunity to combine musical studies with coursework or a second major. All students who take part in scholarship auditions for those who want to major in music at UNC-Chapel Hill are considered for this scholarship.
Chancellor’s Science Scholarship: This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and room and board for out of state students (in state students are awarded $10,000). The scholarships are annual and renewable for four years, and students can apply for additional funding for summer research opportunities, conferences, and other academic enrichment opportunities. The scholarship is directed towards high achieving STEM students from all backgrounds.
Colonel Robinson Scholarship Program: This scholarship is for STEM applicants, and it offers full scholarship for four years. Recipients receive support for a summer science study abroad experience after their first or second year.
Pogue Scholarship Program: Covers tuition, fees, and room and board for out of state students, which is renewable for four years of undergraduate study. Students who show extraordinary talent and a commitment to diversity and are admitted through early action are considered for this scholarship, and for in-state students, a $10,000 scholarship is offered.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Levine Scholars Program: Offers full tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees, a $8,000 service grant, and four summer experiences. To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, demonstrate a commitment to community service, excel academically, and possess a capacity for ethical leadership. Students must be nominated by their high school counselor, and the 2019 application deadline was November 1.
University of Richmond (Richmond, Virginia)
Richmond Scholars Program: Offers full tuition, room and board, priority course registration, guaranteed on-campus housing, eligibility for a $3,000 grant for a student-selected academic activity, mentorship, tickets to selected cultural events, and other benefits to 25 incoming students each year. All applicants for admission who apply by December 1 are automatically considered.
University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)
Forty Acres Scholars Program: Provides tuition, a living stipend, book stipend, enrichment activities including a community component, a global experience, and professional experiences. Recipients demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a track record of outstanding academic success. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and apply by the November 1 priority deadline to be eligible.
University of Texas at Dallas (Dallas, Texas)
The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program: Offers full tuition, fees, a living stipend, a $1,000 yearly textbook stipend, a $12,000 study abroad fund, a $3,000 fund for professional development, travel expenses for cohort trips, tickets to cultural events, paid travel home twice yearly for domestic students and once for international students, and other benefits. Students must have a 1490 SAT score, 34 ACT, or status as a National Merit Semifinalist. Additional considerations include a class rank in the top 5%, broad and eclectic interests, and social skills. The 2019 deadline was December 1, and finalists are invited to McDermott Award Finalists’ Weekend.
National Merit Scholars Program: Offers full tuition, fees, a $4,000 per semester supplies stipend, a $1,500 per semester housing stipend, and a one time $6,000 study abroad award. In order to be eligible, students must be recognized as a National Merit Finalist and list UT Dallas as their first choice.
University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Virginia)
The Jefferson Scholarship: This scholarship covers full tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board, personal expenses, and includes an enrichment program. Students are nominated by eligible schools.
Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee)
Ingram Scholars Program: Ingram Scholars are provided full tuition each year and a stipend for a summer service project, along with additional financial aid to recipients who demonstrate need.
Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who achieve academically and have strong leadership abilities and contributions outside school. Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholars receive full tuition and a stipend for a summer service project, along with additional financial aid to recipients who demonstrate need.
Chancellor’s Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who have worked to solve economic/social/racial issues. Chancellor’s Scholars receive full tuition and a stipend for a summer service project, along with additional financial aid to recipients who demonstrate need. Scholarships are renewed each year as long as the recipient maintains at least a 3.0 GPA.
Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Virginia)
Stamps Scholarship: Offers full tuition, fees, room and board, and an enrichment fund for four years. Selections are based on exceptional achievements in academics and leadership. All students who apply to Virginia Tech are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholarship: Offers tuition, room and board, and $3400 for personal expenses every year to students who demonstrate an unusual distinction in the classroom and beyond. This scholarship requires an application and interview.
Stamps Scholarship: Offers full tuition, room, board, and fees along with a $3400 allowance for students who demonstrate leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation. There is no application, and identified finalists are invited to campus for interviews and notified by March.
Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholarship: Offers tuition, room and board, and $3400 for personal expenses every year to students who demonstrate an unusual distinction in the classroom and beyond. This scholarship requires an application and interview.
Stamps Scholarship: Offers full tuition, room, board, and fees along with a $3400 allowance for students who demonstrate leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation. There is no application, and identified finalists are invited to campus for interviews and notified by March.
Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Virginia)
The Johnson Scholarship: Offers tuition, room and board, and funding up to $7,000 to support summer experiences to 10% of each year’s incoming class. Selections are based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and potential to contribute to the intellectual and civic life on campus and of the world. Applications through the Common Application and a writing supplement are due later than December 1, and finalists will participate in an on-campus competition with all expenses paid.
Wofford College (Spartanburg, South Carolina)
The Richardson Family Scholarship: Offers full tuition, fees, room and board, a monthly stipend for books and miscellaneous expenses, a laptop, summer internships with one involving opportunity for overseas travel, and a January travel experience. Selections are based on character, family commitment, instincts to lead, inclination to use one’s talents, academic accomplishments, and evidence of courage, sense of duty, and selflessness. Applicants must be nominated as a Wofford Scholar by their guidance counselors.
