11 Tech Colleges with Full Ride Scholarships
If you're a high-achieving student interested in pursuing a tech degree, you might be considering applying to some of the country’s top colleges. Undergrad programs at these schools can be fairly expensive — but some colleges offer full-ride scholarships, covering all costs of attendance, including tuition, housing, meals, transportation, and books. A full scholarship can make attending the college of your choice more accessible and allow you to focus on in-depth research activities while pursuing your undergraduate degree. A full-ride scholarship is not just financial assistance; it's a strategic investment that will help you build your future academic and professional careers. In addition to monetary support, these scholarships will also bolster your resume, providing access to valuable opportunities.
Here's our curated list of 11 in-demand tech colleges that offer full-ride scholarships to incoming freshmen.
1. Emory College - George W. Jenkins Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: The tuition for undergraduate students is $63,400 for the 2024-25 academic year. The award includes full tuition, fees, on-campus room and board, and a stipend each semester. In addition, the scholarship provides a computer at the start of the program of study and, if needed, covers the cost of student health insurance at Emory.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 (No separate application is required to apply for financial aid).
Eligibility: The Jenkins Scholarship is open only to U.S. citizens who are residents of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee (all of which are home to Publix Super Markets), graduating from a high school within their home state, and enrolling full-time at Emory College.
The George W. Jenkins Scholarship is a four-year scholarship awarded to first-year Emory students based on academic merit, financial need, and a sincere interest in service and enhancing community engagement. Jenkins Scholars are members of the Emory College Scholars Program, where they join the Woodruff Scholars in utilizing the Scholar Lounge and participating in community dinners, the annual retreat, and many other Scholar activities.
Jenkins Scholars also work together on a service project each year and may choose to participate in one alternative (service-focused) spring break experience during their four years at Emory, with funding provided by Publix Super Market Charities. The application process for this award is the same as applying for the Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship.
2. Boston University - Trustee Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: The total cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year is $90,207. A Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees and is renewable for four years if certain criteria are met.
Location: Boston, MA
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
Eligibility: All students are considered for the Trustee Scholarship - U.S. citizens, permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, and international students.
BU welcomes approximately 20 outstanding students to the Trustee Scholars Program every year. Many of the current Scholars had perfect 4.0-grade point averages in high school and ranked at the top of their class. A Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees and is renewable for four years if certain criteria are met.
To be considered for a Trustee Scholarship, you must:
Submit the Common Application and all required materials for admission to one of the undergraduate degree programs at BU by December 1.
Complete the Trustee Scholarship essay on the Common Application as part of your application to BU. You can check out the topics for the essay here.
3. Tulane University - Stamps Scholars Program
Scholarship Amount: The Stamps Scholarship covers the total cost of attendance (including tuition, fees, housing, and meals) and provides an enrichment fund to support endeavors such as study abroad, undergraduate research, academic or co-curricular conferences, and unpaid internships.
Location: New Orleans, LA
Application Deadline: December 5, 2024
Eligibility: High school seniors applying to undergraduate positions at Tulane who are US citizens or eligible residents can apply.
The Stamps Scholars Program in partnership with Tulane offers scholars annual awards that range from $6,000 to $90,000 (four-year awards total an average of $24,000-$360,000) with additional funds for enrichment activities such as study abroad, academic conferences, and leadership training.
You must undertake the following steps to be considered eligible for a Stamps Scholarship:
Complete the Common Application for admission.
Complete the CSS Profile by the financial aid deadlines.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (if you are a U.S. citizen or eligible resident) by our financial aid deadlines;
Submit supporting documentation when requested by our Office of Financial Aid;
Complete the Tulane Scholarship Application, audition, or portfolio on your Green Wave Portal by December 5th.
4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - QuestBridge
Scholarship Amount: Total Estimated Cost of Attendance is $90,822. The full four-year scholarship covers tuition, housing, food, and other expenses.
Location: Pasadena, CA
Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 (QuestBridge) | November 5, 2024 (submission of additional material to Caltech)
Eligibility:
Students whose families make less than $65,000 a year and have minimal assets are eligible to participate. (This number is flexible; QuestBridge makes case-by-case exceptions.)
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply, as well as any student attending high school in the U.S., regardless of citizenship.
At the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), with more than 50 research centers, undergraduate students have the opportunity to engage in transformative research firsthand across a broad spectrum of topics — ranging from astronomy and earthquake science to neuroscience and human health. By participating in the National College Match program, you could earn a full, four-year, no-loan scholarship to Caltech.
You'll need to complete QuestBridge's National College Match application which includes information about your academic standing and activities as well as a chance to share how you've managed to excel in the face of financial challenges. After submitting your National College Match application, you'll rank up to 15 QuestBridge partner colleges you'd like to attend. QuestBridge selects finalists in mid-October. If you're a finalist and you've included Caltech on your ranked list, they will automatically receive your application. Caltech also requires letters of evaluation from two teachers - one from a math or science teacher and one from a humanities or social science teacher.
5. University of Texas at Austin - Forty Acres Scholars Program
Scholarship Amount: This scholarship covers full tuition and offers stipends for living, books, and enrichment activities.
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 (priority deadline) | December 1, 2024 (regular deadline)
Eligibility: High school seniors applying to UT Austin who are US citizens or permanent residents can apply. Transfer and international students are not eligible.
UT Austin is renowned for its various tech programs for undergraduates. The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a full-ride, merit-based scholarship for the University of Texas at Austin administered by the Texas Exes. This scholarship program offers a rich college experience that provides academic, leadership, professional, and cultural opportunities within an intimate cohort of fellow scholars.
Applying to The University of Texas at Austin via the Common App or ApplyTexas automatically submits you as a candidate for the Forty Acres Scholars Program. A standalone application is no longer required. Only those students selected to move forward in the process will be contacted directly by the Forty Acres Scholars Program, at which point, if the student chooses to remain under consideration, there will be additional steps to complete.
6. Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill - The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
Scholarship Amount: Full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees for Scholars at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. Additional funding for up to three summer experiences, funding for conferences throughout the academic year, and two semesters of study abroad.
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC and UNC-Chapel Hill, NC
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Eligibility:
Students must apply for undergraduate admission to Duke University and/or UNC-Chapel Hill the same year they apply to the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program.
Students must apply to the school(s) of their choice by the respective early or regular deadlines.
Admission to Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill are separate processes. All forms and correspondence dealing with admission to these institutions should go directly to their respective Offices of Undergraduate Admissions.
International students are eligible to apply for the Robertson Program, as long as they can obtain a visa to study in the United States.
Students on a gap year who have already been admitted to UNC-Chapel Hill or Duke University are not eligible to apply until they matriculate to their respective institution.
Transfer students are not eligible to apply.
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program serves as a portal to academic and leadership prospects for students. In partnership with Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill, the program aims to cultivate individuals dedicated to creating a substantial impact.
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must complete an online application form. You must apply to one or both of the schools to be considered for the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program. Following that, there are two interview rounds conducted for the selection process. Finalist Interviews will be scheduled between March 5 and March 8, 2025.
7. Vanderbilt University - Ingram Scholars Program
Scholarship Amount: Ingram Scholars receive full tuition, all required fees, and the value of on-campus housing each year plus a stipend for a special summer service project. Vanderbilt also provides additional need-based financial aid to those Ingram Scholarship recipients whose demonstrated financial need exceeds the amount of full tuition.
Location: Nashville, TN
Application Deadline: December 1, every year (for prospective students).
Eligibility:
Ingram Scholars are selected on the basis of commitment to civic-minded service, an entrepreneurial spirit, strength of personal character, and leadership potential.
In evaluating candidates, the selection committee reviews the Ingram Scholars Program application along with the entire application for first-year admission.
Ingram Scholar Finalists are also required to interview with the selection committee.
The Ingram Scholars Program challenges students to create and implement substantial service projects in the community. The program supports students who demonstrate a willingness and ability to combine a successful business or professional career with a lifelong commitment to finding solutions to critical problems facing modern society. You will be expected to devote approximately twenty hours each month during the academic year and at least one of your undergraduate summers to relevant community outreach and service projects.
You will get to meet weekly in large and small groups to discuss individual and collective progress and to reflect on the personal meaning and societal implications of service. The Ingram Scholars Program is coordinated by a faculty director who oversees scholar activities associated with the Ingram program.
8. Georgia Institute of Technology - Stamps President's Scholars Program
Scholarship Amount: The award includes:
A full-ride scholarship covering tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meal plan, books, academic supplies, personal expenses, and a stipend during the first year for a laptop.
$12,000 enrichment funding for pillar-based international experiences, unpaid internships, unpaid research, conferences, etc.
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Application Deadline: October 16 (GA residents) | November 1 (Non-GA residents)
Eligibility: Only new first-year students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or citizens of the United Kingdom are eligible. Citizens of the Republic of Ireland may be considered as well. Transfer applicants are not eligible.
The Stamps President's Scholarship, presented annually, is a prestigious financial award for the top one percent of high school seniors across the country who wish to study at Georgia Tech. This scholarship invites exceptionally promising students from diverse backgrounds, nurturing their growth as scholars, leaders, and community contributors. Through purposeful programming, mentoring, and enhanced educational opportunities, the scholarship supports the comprehensive development of these individuals. Among the 100 finalists, 40 are awarded the Stamps President's Scholarship, while the remaining 60 receive the Gold Scholarship (up to 8 semesters of funding).
As a scholar, you’ll be eligible to receive mentoring for each cohort by two dedicated professors known as Faculty Guides. You’ll get to attend annual cohort retreats including one outdoor leadership Tech Trek and Academic Search for Knowledge (ASK) Expeditions including outdoor adventure and urban study, planned by students and professors. You’ll gain access to special speakers, employment opportunities, dinners, receptions, and priority housing during your first year.
9. Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, Illinois) – Duchossois Leadership Scholars Program
Scholarship Amount: Duchossois Leadership Scholars will be provided a full-tuition scholarship for undergraduate study at Illinois Tech for up to four years, provided they maintain the criteria of the scholarship along with support to cover 100 percent of their meal plans and housing on Mies Campus during the first four years of study at Illinois Tech, including during summer sessions in which the student is registered.
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in November/December.
Eligibility:
Students competing for the Scholars Program must be United States citizens or permanent residents, and satisfy high selection standards including an outstanding academic ability with a minimum 3.5 high school grade-point average.
Duchossois scholars may be selected only before entering Illinois Tech as first-year students; currently enrolled students are not eligible.
Students majoring in any program are eligible.
Students coming from households with an annual income of $300,000 or more (adjusted gross income) are not eligible for the Duchossois Leadership Scholarship.
The Duchossois Leadership Scholars Program at Illinois Tech is an elite scholarship program aimed at top students from across the country who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential and academic success in their projected field. The program will challenge you through course study, mentorships, internships, service, and leadership development activities to think boldly and creatively in your field and across disciplines. The program will provide you with the opportunity and support to experiment and pursue extraordinary work.
Students must complete a supplemental application for the Duchossois Leadership Scholars Program (including an essay, résumé, and two letters of recommendation) in addition to the regular application for admission to Illinois Tech. If selected as a finalist from the pool of applicants, students must interview during Scholarship Weekend in mid-February on Illinois Tech's Mies Campus in Chicago.
10. Virginia Tech Honors College - Stamps Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: Virginia Tech Stamps Scholars receive funding for four years for an estimated cost of attendance which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Each scholar will also receive a generous enrichment fund for experiential learning opportunities, which could include undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, academic and co-curricular conferences, or a combination of opportunities.
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January. It is strongly recommended that students apply for Early Action (November 15) to gain access to the scholarships.
Eligibility: Freshman applicants to Virginia Tech who have indicated an interest in the Honors College on their undergraduate application can apply for the Stamps Scholarship.
Virginia Tech has partnered with the Stamps Scholars Program to award multi-year scholarships that help driven and talented student leaders achieve their education and life goals. Stamps Scholars will live in student-led Honors communities with other high-achieving peers pursuing similarly rigorous courses of study, service, and personal development. All Honors residents enjoy increased individual contact with faculty and participate in enriching co-curricular functions such as dinners with award-winning faculty and guests.
You will need to complete the Stamps Scholarship application on VT’s Scholarship Central by the posted deadline each year. The Honors College will contact selected candidates for a virtual interview with the faculty scholarship committee. Finalists will have another virtual interview with a representative from the Stamps Scholars Program.
11. The George Washington University - Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship Program
Scholarship Amount: A full, four-year scholarship covering tuition, room and board, books, and fees at the university.
Location: The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: January 5, 2024, or if nominated by their high school counselor, January 11, 2024
Eligibility: Students who are residents of Washington, DC, who have attended an accredited high school in the area, and who are applying for financial aid.
The Stephen Joel Trachtenberg (SJT) Scholarship program, founded in 1989, provides academically talented D.C. high school seniors with a full, four-year scholarship covering tuition, room and board, books, and fees at the university. As an SJT Scholar, you get to become part of a distinguished group of GW scholars and alumni, participate in collaborative learning environments, interact with university leadership, including provosts, deans, program directors, and a host of distinguished faculty, and serve as ambassadors for special university and related events.
Scholars are chosen based on academic performance, leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. The selection process includes an essay, teacher recommendations, and an evaluative interview by the Admissions Committee. Scholarships are renewed yearly, contingent on meeting the university's academic standards.
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