The scholarship that potentially gives the most money is the Gates Millennium Scholars program, as it is designed to cover the full Cost of Attendance (COA) minus any other aid received. While not a fixed dollar amount, the COA for many universities can be substantial and can exceed the maximum awards of other scholarships over a four-year period.
Understanding Top Generous Scholarships
When seeking scholarships that offer significant financial support, it's crucial to look beyond just fixed amounts and consider programs that aim to cover a student's full financial need. These often provide the most comprehensive aid.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most generous scholarships, including their maximum awards and application timelines:
| Name of Scholarship | Maximum Award | Deadline Month |
|---|---|---|
| Gates Millennium Scholars | COA - Other Aid | February |
| Jack Kent Cooke Foundation | $160,000 | November |
| Buick Achievers Scholarship Program | $100,000 | February |
| NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program | $80,000 | March |
How Cost of Attendance (COA) Impacts Scholarship Value
The "Cost of Attendance (COA)" is a crucial concept in financial aid. It includes:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
Scholarships like the Gates Millennium Scholars program, which cover COA minus other aid, ensure that a student's full demonstrated financial need is met. This means the actual dollar amount received can fluctuate based on the specific institution's costs and any other grants or scholarships the student receives. For high-cost universities, this can easily translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars over four years.
Other Notable High-Value Scholarships
While the Gates Millennium Scholars program targets the full COA, other scholarships offer substantial fixed amounts that can significantly reduce educational expenses:
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship: Offering up to $160,000, this scholarship is one of the largest undergraduate scholarships in the nation, supporting high-achieving students with financial need. The award can be used for tuition, room and board, books, and other educational expenses.
- Buick Achievers Scholarship Program: This program awards up to $100,000 to students pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, design, and business, with a focus on automotive-related industries.
- NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program: Aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research, this scholarship offers up to $80,000. In addition to financial support, recipients also engage in research training at the NIH campus.
When evaluating which scholarship "gives the most money," it's essential to consider the total financial burden removed, whether through a fixed high award or comprehensive COA coverage.
