As you hunt for scholarships, start keeping track of colleges with automatic merit scholarships. Many colleges and universities across the United States offer automatic scholarships based on your SAT or ACT scores and high school GPA. These scholarships can make your dream of higher education a reality without the stress of hunting for additional financial aid. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to some colleges that offer automatic scholarships, their requirements, and the amount of money you could receive.

Remember, there are many more colleges with automatic scholarships; these are only a few. Look at the university you have in mind to see if they offer automatic scholarships based on test scores and GPA.

Here are 10 colleges with automatic merit scholarships:

1. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama, a public research institution, is known for its academic and athletic excellence. One of the rich traditions at the University of Alabama is the "Roll Tide" chant, which echoes throughout the campus as a rallying cry for the Crimson Tide football team. 

Scholarship: Presidential Scholarship

Requirements:

• GPA: 3.5+
• ACT/SAT: In-state: 30-36 or SAT: 1360-1600 | Out-of-state: 32-36 ACT or 1420-1600 SAT

Out-of-state students: $28,000 per year
In-state students: Full tuition

The university offers several automatic merit scholarships for lower test scores and GPA.

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2. Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana is known for its lively campus and strong traditions. The Louisiana Tech Bonfire is a favorite tradition where everyone shows their Bulldog pride. Famous alum Terry Bradshaw, a Hall of Famer and popular sports commentator, started his career as a quarterback for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

Scholarship: Presidential Scholarship

Requirements:

• GPA: 3.0 – 4.0
• ACT: 33+ | SAT 1450-1600

Out-of-state-students: $9,000 - $9,500
In-state students: $9,000 - $9,500

3. University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a renowned institution with a strong reputation. Their mascot is the Rebel Black Bear, representing the determination and spirit of the university. Notable alumni include author John Grisham and NFL quarterback Eli Manning.

 Scholarship: Luckyday Scholarship

Requirements

• GPA: 3.2+
• ACT: 20+ or SAT: 940/SAT-R: 1020

 Out-of-state students: Up to $24,000 over 4 years
In-state students: Up to $24,000 over 4 years

4. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is known for popular majors such as business, engineering, and health sciences. Students here love traditions like the "Battle of the Bluegrass" basketball game against the University of Louisville and attending the Keeneland horse races in Lexington.

Scholarship Name: Presidential Scholarship

 Requirements:

• GPA: 4.0 (test optional criteria) | GPA: 3.50 & ACT 31/1390 SAT

Out-of-state students: Varies
In-state students: Full tuition

Scholarship: Otis A Singletary

Requirements:

• GPA: 4.0 (test optional criteria) | GPA: 3.80 & ACT 33/1450 SAT

Out-of-state students: Varies
In-state students: Full tuition + housing stipend

5. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina (USC) is well-known for its excellent academic programs, particularly in fields like business, engineering, and journalism. They have a special tradition called "Cocky's Reading Express," where their mascot, Cocky, visits local elementary schools to encourage reading. Some notable alumni from USC include actress Viola Davis and basketball star Alex English. 

Scholarship: Provost Scholars Award

 Requirements:

• National Merit Finalists based on PSAT/NMSQT (most students score within the top 1% in their state)

 Out-of-state students: Up to $6,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
In-state students: Varies

Scholarship: Horseshoe Scholars

Requirements:

• GPA: 4.8 + top 1% of class
• ACT: 35 | SAT: 1550

Out-of-state students: $11,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
In-state students: Varies

Scholarship: Alumni Scholars Award

Requirements:

• GPA: 4.8
• ACT: 35 | SAT: 1550

Out-of-state students: $8,000 + tuition reduction to in-state rate
In-state students: Varies

USC is one of many colleges with automatic merit scholarships for different GPA-test score combinations.

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6. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University, located in Stillwater, offers a vibrant campus life and a variety of academic programs. Students at OSU are diehard football fans, especially during the spirited "Cowboy Football" experience. Among its notable alumni are country music legend Garth Brooks and former NBA player Desmond Mason. 

Scholarship Name:

• In-State students: Academic Excellence Award
• Out-of-State students: Achievement Scholarship

  Requirements:

• GPA: 3.0 – 4.0
• ACT: 24 - 36 or SAT: 1160 - 1600

Out-of-state students: Ranges from $6,000 - $15,000 per year
In-state students: $1,500 - $3,000 per year

7. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University, situated in Lubbock, Texas, offers a wide range of academic programs and a lively campus community. Known for its strong emphasis on research, Texas Tech provides students with ample opportunities for hands-on learning. Notable alums include NFL star Patrick Mahomes. 

Scholarship: National Merit Finalists

Requirements: National Merit Finalist (in-state and out-of-state students)

Scholarship Amount: Full-ride (tuition, room, board, books, transportation, misc.)

Scholarship Name: Presidential Merit Scholarship

 Requirements:

• GPA: 3.0 – 4.0
• ACT: 22-36 or SAT: 1100-1600

Out-of-state students: Up to $9,000 per year
In-state students: Up to $9,000 per year

8. Texas State University

Located in San Marcos, Texas State University offers a picturesque campus and a wide range of majors. Known for its vibrant arts and music programs, Texas State provides a creative and supportive environment for students to explore their passions. Distinguished alums include Dr. Paul Phillips III and musician George Strait.

Scholarship Name: President’s Honor Scholarship

Requirements:

• GPA: Top 25% of graduating class or IB diploma or AP Capstone Diploma
• ACT: 32+ | SAT: 1420+ SAT

Out-of-state students: $48,000 over 4 years
In-state students: $48,000 over 4 years

9. University of Arizona

 The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, is renowned for its top-ranked programs in fields like astronomy, business, and engineering. It's one of the few colleges that offer automatic merit scholarships based on GPA only—no SAT/ACT scores required. The university offers the SALT (Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques) program, providing specialized services for students with learning and attention differences. Notable alumni include former astronaut Mark Kelly and NBA player Andre Iguodala.

Scholarship Name: Arizona Tuition Award

  Requirements:

• GPA: Vary based on core unweighted GPA
• ACT/SAT: not required

Out-of-state students: Up to $32,000 per year
In-state students: Varies

10. University of Iowa

 The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, is renowned for its esteemed creative writing program. The Iowa Writers' Workshop, founded in 1936, is one of the country's oldest and most respected writing programs, producing notable alums such as Flannery O'Connor and John Irving.

Scholarship Name: Iowa Scholars Award

 Requirements:

• GPA: not available – check with university
• ACT: not available – check with university

Out-of-state students: Up to $8,500 per year
In-state students: Up to $8,500 per year

Summary

These are just a few of the many colleges and universities with automatic merit scholarships based on your academic achievements. Remember to check each institution's specific requirements, as they may vary. Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of attending college, so make sure to explore your options and apply to schools that align with your academic strengths. Your path to higher education is closer than you think!