Scholarships
Top Scholarships Based on GPA
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By Zach Skillings Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts. Learn about oureditorial policies
Updated: March 31st, 2023
Some scholarship programs rely on Grade Point Average (GPA) as a way to sort through applicants. In fact, there’s a variety of scholarships based on GPA. It goes without saying that the higher your GPA is, the better chance you have of earning a scholarship. But how high does your GPA need to be exactly? There’s no clear-cut answer, but in this guide, we’ll cover what you need to know about applying to scholarships based on GPA. We’ll also provide a list of top scholarships you can apply for that take GPA into consideration. Let’s get started!
Also see:Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool
What GPA do you need to get a scholarship?
That depends on a few things. In most cases, your GPA alone won’t earn you a scholarship. Many scholarship committees will consider your GPA alongside a variety of other factors including essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities, interviews, and strength of course schedule. That means having an impressive GPA doesn’t automatically translate to scholarship money. Having a strong overall application is usually better than relying exclusively on your GPA. That being said, a solid GPA can put you in contention for a variety of scholarships. This is especially true when scholarships have minimum GPA requirements. Some scholarship committees only consider applicants whose GPA meets a certain threshold. Minimum requirements range from around 2.0 on the lower end to 3.75 or higher for competitive academic scholarships. Generally speaking, a 3.0 GPA or higher will give you a decent shot at qualifying for a variety of scholarships.
Types of scholarships
You should also be mindful of the types of scholarships you’re applying for. Academic merit-based scholarships typically have higher GPA requirements. Because these scholarships are based solely on academic achievement, GPAs are considered more heavily when determining recipients. Meanwhile, GPA is less important for need-based scholarships, athletic scholarships, and talent-based scholarships. Your GPA may still be considered for these types of scholarships, but probably not in the same way as merit-based scholarships.
See also: What GPA do you need to get a full scholarship?
What if there’s no minimum GPA requirement?
Some scholarship applications don’t list minimum GPA requirements. In fact, many top-notch merit scholarships don’t have specific GPA requirements. These scholarship programs typically still take GPA into account, but they also rely on other methods of evaluating applicants. For instance, they might consider applicants based on their class rank, standardized test scores, or difficulty of courses taken. The reason for this is that GPA is not always a reliable indicator of academic success. GPA scales vary between high schools, meaning that a 4.0 GPA at one school may not mean the same as a 4.0 GPA at another school. Additionally, weighted GPAs must be considered differently versus unweighted GPAs. Because of all this, many scholarship programs forego minimum GPA requirements. Your GPA is still important for these types of scholarships, but you won’t have to worry about meeting a certain cutoff to be considered. Rather, you’ll be evaluated based on the strength of your overall application.
Jump ahead to… Top scholarships based on GPA Upcoming scholarships based on GPA College-specific scholarships
Top scholarships based on GPA in 2023
Many programs award scholarships to students based on GPA. Below we’ve rounded up a few of the top scholarships that have minimum GPA requirements:
American Floral Endowment Scholarships
- Eligibility: College students (who have a minimum 2.0 – 3.5 GPA) pursuing a degree in agriculture or floriculture
- Amount: $300 – $4,000
- Deadline: May 1, 2023
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
- Eligibility: All high school students, college students, graduate students, and adult learners
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: July 31st and December 31st of every year
Clubs of America Scholarship Award
- Eligibility: Open to college students who write an essay on their career aspirations and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: August 31, 2023
Cameron Impact Scholarship
- Eligibility:Graduating high school seniors (who have a minimum unweighted 3.7 GPA) planning to enroll in an accredited four-year U.S. college or university
- Amount:covers the full cost of tuition
- Deadline:September 8, 2023
Upcoming scholarships
BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship
- Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (who have a minimum unweighted 3.75 GPA) pursuing an engineering or related science degree
- Amount: $1,500 per year
- Opens:February 1, 2024
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school seniors who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan to pursue a college degree
- Amount: $20,000 for undergraduate study
SME Education Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (who have a minimum 2.5 – 3.0 GPA) pursuing manufacturing and engineering-related degrees
- Amount: Varies depending on the scholarship
- Opens:November 1, 2023
College-specific scholarships
Many colleges and universities award scholarships to incoming students based on their GPA. Below we’ve listed some of those schools:
Eastern Kentucky University
- This school offers scholarships ranging from $3,000 per year (3.0 – 3.29 GPA) to the full cost of in-state tuition (3.80 – 4.0 GPA and ACT 28+)
Indiana Wesleyan University
- This school awards annual scholarships ranging from $4,000 (2.79 and below GPA) to $13,000 (4.0 and above GPA)
Massachusetts State Universities
- The Paul Tsongas Scholarship awards Massachusetts students (who have a minimum 3.75 GPA) with a tuition waiver at eligible Massachusetts state universities
Montana State University Billings
- Incoming first-year students who have at least a 3.5 GPA are eligible for a $4,000 renewable scholarship
Northeastern Illinois University
- Incoming first-year students who have a 3.35 GPA or higher are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- This school offers a variety of scholarships based on GPA and test scores, ranging from $500 to the full cost of tuition
Saint Louis University
- Incoming first-year students who have a minimum 3.85 GPA are eligible for the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship
Taylor University
- Incoming first-year students who have a 3.88 GPA and a 1330 SAT or 29 ACT are eligible for a $16,000 annual scholarship
Texas A&M – Texarkana
- Incoming first-year students who have at least a 3.65 GPA and minimum 26 ACT are eligible for a $8,500 renewable scholarship
University of Iowa
- This school offers multiple merit-based scholarships based on GPA and test scores, including the $8,500 renewable Iowa Flagship Award
University of North Texas
- This school offers several scholarships based on GPA and class rank, ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,000 per year
University of Rhode Island
- Incoming first-year students with a minimum 3.2 GPA are considered for scholarships ranging from $1,500 per year to $15,000 per year
University of St. Thomas
- Incoming first-year business students who have a minimum 3.7 GPA are eligible for a full-tuition scholarship
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Incoming first-year students who have a 3.75 GPA and 29 ACT are eligible for a $5,000 annual scholarship
University of Virginia
- Current students who have at least a 3.4 GPA are eligible for a variety of merit-based scholarships
Western Michigan University
- Incoming first-year students who demonstrate financial need and have a 3.7 GPA or higher are eligible for a $16,000 annual scholarship
Western New Mexico University
- Incoming first-year New Mexico residents who have a 3.75 GPA or higher are eligible for nearly $9,000 of financial assistance per year
Western Oregon University
- Incoming first-year students who have a 3.8 GPA or higher are eligible for a $5,500 annual scholarship
William Woods University
- Incoming first-year students who have at least a 3.75 GPA are eligible for a scholarship covering full tuition, room, and board
Our list is just the start…
Our list just scratches the surface of merit-based scholarships that take GPA into consideration. There are many other scholarships out there, some of which do have minimum GPA requirements and some of which don’t. Use this list as a jumping off point to find other scholarships you may be eligible for. And be sure to check with the colleges you’re considering to see what types of scholarships they offer. Good luck!
FAQs
What GPA is good enough for scholarship? ›
Minimum requirements range from around 2.0 on the lower end to 3.75 or higher for competitive academic scholarships. Generally speaking, a 3.0 GPA or higher will give you a decent shot at qualifying for a variety of scholarships.
Are scholarships based on overall GPA? ›While some scholarships are based on a student's GPA, most scholarship aren't only about a student's GPA. Rather, providers use grade point averages as a piece of scholarship qualification criteria (For example, the details may note, “Students must have a 3.0 GPA or above to apply.”)
What is the #1 way to increase your chances for a scholarship? ›You will increase your chances of winning a scholarship by taking your time to fill out each application thoroughly. Forgo the urge to copy and paste, even if two scholarship essay questions seem identical. Don't skip optional questions either, since they are a wonderful way to share more about yourself and your goals.
Is 3.3 GPA good for scholarship? ›With a 3.3 GPA, you're eligible to apply for a large majority of scholarships. While some may require a 3.5 or higher, they account for only a small portion of available scholarships.
Is 3.40 A Good GPA? ›A 3.4 is comfortably above the national average GPA for high school graduates and is considered competitive at most colleges and universities. It also approaches the 3.5 GPA that more selective schools use as an unofficial benchmark.
What GPA do you need to get a scholarship to Harvard? ›Recipients are chosen on the basis of financial need and academic merit. Scholarship applicants must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.33 or higher. See important information about enrollment status for Special Students in Enrollment Considerations.
What are the chances of getting full scholarship? ›How hard is it to get a full ride scholarship? Less than 1 percent of students get full ride scholarships, showing just how difficult it is to earn one. However, with the right background, proper planning and by knowing where to look, your chances of landing a full ride scholarship can increase.
Can average students win scholarships? ›While many scholarships award outstanding academic, musical or athletic talent, there are ample scholarship opportunities for average students from every walk of life are available.
What GPA do I have to keep to not lose my scholarship? ›To be eligible for federal student aid and college financial aid, a student must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). This generally consists of maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (i.e., at least a C average) and passing enough classes with progress toward a degree.
Who is most likely to get a scholarship? ›- Grades: Students with a 3.5 to 4.0 unweighted GPA are twice as likely to win a private scholarship as students with less than a 3.0 GPA. ...
- Test Scores: Students with above-average SAT and ACT test scores are more likely to win private scholarships.
What are scholarship judges looking for? ›
Down in the nitty gritty, judges will compare GPAs, test scores, experiences, essays, in order to see which candidate is most suited for their scholarship award. After this step, they'll pick their winner—or winners, depending—and send out notifications to the lucky and deserving student.
Can you get a full ride on a 3.3 GPA? ›In many cases, full ride scholarships are reserved for students with a 3.7 GPA. However, some institutions do offer full ride scholarships for students with a 3.3 GPA. In order to qualify for a full ride scholarship with a 3.3 GPA, you will likely need to be very selective with your college choices.
Can I get a full ride with a 3.2 GPA? ›You're eligible for a large number of scholarships with a 3.2 GPA. While some may require a 3.5 GPA or higher, the majority require a 3.0 as their minimum. Apply for plenty of scholarships prior (and during) college to save some money on tuition!
Can you go to Harvard with 3.3 GPA? ›1. What's the lowest GPA Harvard accepted? Answer- Harvard requires a 4.18 to get in. However, they may accept some with a 4.0 as well.
Am I smart with a 3.3 GPA? ›Assuming an unweighted GPA, this means that you've earned a solid B+ on average across all of your classes. A 3.3 GPA is above the national average for high school students, but it's not high enough to get you accepted to schools that are very selective. 52.21% of schools have an average GPA below a 3.3.
Can I raise my GPA from 3.3 to 3.5 in one semester? ›If you have a 3.0 GPA and 15 credit hours, by earning straight A's during your next (15 credit) semester, you can bump your GPA to a 3.5. However, if you have already earned 60 credit hours and have a 3.0 GPA a straight-A semester will only bump your GPA to a 3.2.
Is a 3.4 GPA honor roll? ›Honor Roll GPA must equal a 3.30 or higher • High Honor Roll GPA must equal a 3.7 or higher • When calculating the Honor Roll GPA use the chart below and average out all letter grades. All courses are weighted evenly.
What is the lowest GPA Harvard has accepted? ›You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.
Does Harvard give 100% scholarships? ›Scholarships & Grants
Because Harvard is committed to affordability, our scholarships are designed to cover 100% of your demonstrated financial need. Here is our process: First we determine your award by establishing your parent contribution. Then we factor in student employment and any outside awards you've received.
Scholarships for Harvard University
Harvard does not offer any merit-based aid and no full-ride scholarships. However, they do meet 100% of students' demonstrated financial needs. Almost half of the batch at Harvard University avails need-based scholarships or financial aid every year.
What happens if you win too many scholarships? ›
What happens to leftover scholarship money. If you earned scholarships and grants that add up to more than your total cost of attendance, your school may send you a refund of the leftover scholarship money.
How to get 100% scholarship in USA? ›- Know where to look. ...
- Prepare in advance. ...
- Work hard and keep motivated. ...
- Make yourself stand out from other applicants. ...
- Read the application instructions carefully. ...
- Submit an exceptional scholarship essay or cover letter. ...
- Be realistic.
Too Many Scholarships Affect Financial Aid
You're required to report any sort of outside scholarships or financial aid to your college, so your institutional aid can be adjusted accordingly. Basically, the more outside scholarship money you get, the less money the school itself will give you.
Report Highlights. Over 1.7 million scholarships are awarded annually. However, only 7% of college students will receive a scholarship.
How many scholarships is a good amount? ›For those that want solid numbers, on average, many of the students I work with are applying for anywhere between 3-7+ scholarships, each, per week. Some weeks those numbers are much higher, and other weeks students are preparing or taking the week off to recharge mentally.
How much scholarship money do most students get? ›The average institutional scholarship award is $6,335. About four in 10 scholarship recipients received funds from their state, with an average award of over $2,362.
Can you get denied a scholarship? ›Scholarship applications are rejected for several reasons. It could be that the essays submitted weren't as high in quality as those submitted by other candidates, poor GPA, low amounts of extracurricular activities, neglecting to submit all required materials, etc.
When should you decline a scholarship? ›GPA to keep the scholarship is too high for your planned major, making it too risky with high a chance of losing it. burdensome tasks required to keep the scholarship (such as volunteer work, meetings, letters, papers, travel, etc.) scholarship does not last four years and is non-renewable.
What can make you lose your scholarship? ›Eligibility Changes
If you spend the scholarship on something other than what the scholarship is for, you could lost it. GPA – If the scholarship required a minimum grade point average to qualify or to maintain the scholarship and you fall below, you could lose the scholarship.
- Rhodes Scholarship.
- Fullbright Scholarship.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
- Princeton Scholarship.
- Mitchell Scholarship.
- Churchill Scholarship.
- Marshall Scholarship.
- Jardine Scholarship.
What are the two most common scholarships? ›
Common types of scholarships for college are merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and athletic scholarships.
What is the hardest college to get a scholarship? ›The list, compiled using offer information from Rivals, lists Stanford as the hardest scholarship offer to get, as David Shaw and his staff offered just 69 prospects. The top five is rounded out by Washington (80), Oklahoma State (91), Northwestern (102) and Miami (117).
How do you impress scholarship judges? ›Service and volunteer work are outstanding qualities applicants should highlight when applying for a scholarship. Your selflessness is a value the committee will appreciate. Creativity reflects your ability to captative. Remember, judges are reviewing many applications.
How do you get picked for a scholarship? ›Some scholarships for college are merit-based. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest.
What not to do in scholarship essays? ›Don't use words like “finally”, “in sum” or “in conclusion”. Don't repeat or sum up in any way. Don't start too many sentences with the word “I”. Don't tell the reader explicitly, “I am a unique and interesting person.” Instead, let the reader glean this from your unique and interesting essay.
What is the easiest type of scholarship to get? ›Some colleges, especially private schools, automatically consider each applicant for a merit-based scholarship, which is awarded during the acceptance process. These types of scholarships are often the easiest to obtain, since they do not require a separate application.
Is Scholarships360 legit? ›Founded by two first-generation brothers, Scholarships360 is a free of charge (and spam!) platform for finding up-to-date scholarships. Scholarships listed on the site are vetted by members of the Scholarships360 team to ensure they're legit and not expired.
Can you go D1 with a 3.3 GPA? ›For D1 sports, high school athletes need to earn a core course GPA of 2.3 or higher.
Is a 3.5 GPA good enough for scholarships? ›A 3.5 GPA will make it easier to find scholarships, but it won't guarantee you a scholarship. You'll also need to have good test scores and extracurriculars in order for your application to be considered. Nevertheless, there are numerous benefits to applying for a 3.5 GPA scholarship.
Can I raise my GPA from 3.3 to 3.7 in one year? ›It depends on how long you've been in school. If this GPA is based on one year, then yes, you can raise your GPA to a 3.7 by getting a 4.0 ((3.4 + 4.0)/2) = 3.7), if the credit values are the same. If this GPA is based on two years, then yes, you can raise your GPA to a 3.6 by getting a 4.0.
Is a 3.2 GPA good enough to put on a resume? ›
When to include your GPA. While there's no clear-cut rule that dictates when to include your GPA, most career experts say to only keep it on a resume if it's over 3.5.
Can I get into Harvard with a 3.2 GPA? ›To get to Harvard your GPA has to be at least a 4.0 and even then if you get in your lucky but they require at least a 4.18 GPA only .
Should I list a 3.3 GPA? ›Putting a GPA on a resume is optional (most of the time). List your GPA if the employer requires you to. Add your GPA if it's equal or higher than 3.5. Consider putting your GPA only if you have under 3 years of experience.
What is the lowest GPA Yale will accept? ›Visiting campus or attending an information session can be an excellent way to learn more about Yale, but it will not affect your chances of admission. What is the minimum GPA required for admission? We do not set a minimum GPA, nor do we attempt to re-weight GPA's to any standard other than what a school provides.
Can I get into NYU with a 3.3 GPA? ›Most students admitted to NYU have an unweighted GPA of 3.7 or above, so you'll need to have at least a 3.7 to be seriously evaluated. To meet the NYU GPA requirements, you'll have to score primarily A's and A-'s on your high school courses.
Can you get a full scholarship with a 3.5 GPA? ›With a 3.5 GPA, you might be eligible for a full-ride scholarship. However, it's important to note that there is no such thing as a free lunch. If you receive a full-ride scholarship, that means you'll need to maintain your GPA in order to keep receiving funding.
Is A 3.5 A Good GPA? ›A 3.5 GPA is a strong GPA, but it may not guarantee admission to highly selective colleges. Admissions committees consider your entire application when making their decisions, including your test scores, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and essays. A 3.5 GPA may make you a competitive candidate.
How good is a 3.7 GPA? ›A 3.7 GPA stands for a Grade Point Average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. It indicates that you've earned a predominantly A- average in your courses. A 3.7 GPA is considered to be a very good GPA and is often an indicator of strong academic performance.
Is a 3.1 GPA good for scholarships? ›With a 3.1 GPA you're eligible to apply for many scholarships. There are some that will require higher GPAs, like 3.5, but the majority with GPA requirements are usually around 3.0. Start applying to as many scholarships as you can today and start building up a nest egg to help offset the cost of college tuition!
Can I get a full-ride scholarship with a 4.0 GPA? ›Getting a full-ride scholarship with a 4.0 GPA is possible, but it isn't as common as you might think. Most scholarships only cover a certain percentage of your tuition, so you will still have to pay some of the cost of college.
Can you get a full-ride with a 3.6 GPA? ›
Although a strong GPA helps increase your chances of getting a full-ride scholarship, you don't need a perfect 4.0 to be qualified. In fact, GPA requirements are most commonly set at a 3.0 average, with what's considered to be a "good GPA" typically being a score between 3.5 and 3.8.
Will a 3.8 GPA get you a scholarship? ›Colleges provide various financial aid packages to support their students. With a 3.8 GPA, you'd be eligible for most merit scholarships. But that's not the only option available. There are also scholarships for students with a 3.8 GPA that are offered by outside organizations and corporations.
Is a 3.5 GPA good enough for Ivy League? ›So, is a 3.5 GPA good enough for Ivy League schools? On its own, it likely isn't enough to provide the competitiveness you'll need to get an offer. Of course, it is possible to get accepted with a stellar application. You'll need to rely on other impressive achievements to improve your chances.
Are you smart if you have a 3.5 GPA? ›A 3.5 GPA is equal to a 90% average. Many employers and graduate programs use a 3.5 GPA as the benchmark. However, outside of the top 10 graduate schools, the average GPA for law, medical, and business graduate school are as much as 0.74 below 3.5.
Is 3.75 GPA enough for Harvard? ›Harvard does not have a minimum GPA requirement. However, Harvard is highly competitive, so it may be challenging to get in with a 3.7 GPA. The average GPA for entering Harvard students is 3.9.
Can I go Ivy League with 3.7 GPA? ›Yes, you can get into an Ivy League with a 3.7 GPA. Though, the lower your grade, the less your chances of getting into an Ivy League, but with a strong personal statement and a properly packaged application, you can get in with a grade even less than 3.7 GPA.
Can I get into UCLA with a 3.7 GPA? ›UC has a specific way to calculate the grade point average (GPA) it requires for admission. California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement.
Will Harvard accept 3.1 GPA? ›To get to Harvard your GPA has to be at least a 4.0 and even then if you get in your lucky but they require at least a 4.18 GPA only .
Can you go D1 with a 3.1 GPA? ›For D1 sports, high school athletes need to earn a core course GPA of 2.3 or higher.