As colleges continue to raise their tuition fees each year, students might be desperate to find ways to alleviate the burden of higher education. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average federal loan is more than $37,000, which means more students might be turning to scholarships to lessen their loan payments.
While some lucrative scholarship programs are out there, like the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, D.C. Leadership 1000 Scholarship or the Buick Achievers, these scholarships tend to be incredibly competitive, with many applicants ultimately not awarded anything.
Luckily, many universities offer automatic scholarships for students. Unlike need-based scholarships, which are determined by a student’s financial circumstances, automatic scholarships are either granted to all students or are given to students who meet standardized test scores or GPA minimums. All students who meet the criteria are automatically given the scholarship, regardless of their financial need.
Automatic scholarships are mutually beneficial: students have to pay less for their education, and universities get to attract high-achieving students. Both private and public universities will offer these types of scholarships, which gives students the flexibility to find the best fit for them.
The amount of money will vary from institution to institution and can either be one-time awards or renewable annually, as long as the student continues to meet the minimum requirements.
A common misconception that some students have is that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will only help students get need-based aid. However, some merit scholarships require students to fill out the FAFSA, so check with the school’s financial aid office or website to determine eligibility requirements.
Specifically, for students pursuing BS/MD or BS/DO, there are some schools that offer automatic scholarships for students, helping to alleviate the financial burden of undergrad and medical school. As students continue to make their college list, they should consider automatic scholarships as well as any criteria to make sure they are eligible for these awards.
Direct Medical Programs That Offer Automatic Scholarships
These scholarships are subject to change. Confirm on each individual school’s website to review any updated information.
Baylor University
Award amounts vary; notification date is based on the decision plan. Can learn more on goBAYLOR account. No additional application is required for a merit-based scholarship. All applicants are automatically and comprehensively considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply. Must apply by 1/1 or 2/1 including students who apply as test optional.
Brooklyn College
All students are granted a $4,000 a year scholarship
Drew University
Annual scholarship amounts range from $15,000 to $27,000 and are renewable at the initial amount awarded, assuming no major changes in college tuition charges and contingent on the maintenance of satisfactory academic progress and continued full-time enrollment.
Howard University
Award amount isn’t listed, but it is determined by the student’s high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
Molloy College
Through Molloy College Scholars Program, students with a 95 percent high school average and either a 1380 SAT or 29 on the ACT are eligible to qualify.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
BS/MD students are awarded full tuition and fees, as long as they are a either a U.S. citizen or a U.S. lawful permanent resident and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
Texas Tech
Award amount is determined by test score and high school rank. Award amounts can vary from $1,000 to $9,000 per year. Students must apply by December 1 to be eligible.
Union College
The Board of Trustees Scholarship offers free tuition and is available to any incoming freshman who has at least a 3.9 GPA and 33 ACT/1500 SAT score.
University of Arizona
The award amounts vary from $750 to $12,500, with the highest amounts going to students with a 4.0+ GPA and 1420+ on the SAT.
University of Oklahoma
Automatic scholarship amounts will vary between $8,000 to $60,000 total for four academic years. To qualify, students must have at least a 24-27 ACT/1160-1290 SAT and either be ranked in the top 10% of their class or have a 3.25 GPA.
Yeshiva University
All BS/MD students receive a $25,000 annual scholarship. Additional financial aid is available for students who demonstrate further financial need.
Youngstown State University
Award amounts vary from $1,000 to $5,000 per year, with all automatic scholarships renewable for four years. Students must meet minimum GPA or SAT/ACT requirements to qualify.
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