Excellent point!! I think the same warning should apply to all scholarships with minimum GPA requirements, where losing the scholarship would result in a school being “unaffordable” for the student. Should the possibility of losing a full ride/full tuition scholarship be incorporated into the decision making process when making a final decision on a 4-year college?
@Jamrock411 Absolutely! I would probably not recommend my son take a scholarship if the required GPA was 3.5. Especially for an engineering major.
In the case of Texas Tech, the next level down scholarship ($3,000/yr vs $4,000/yr) only requires a 3.0 to renew. This scholarship makes MUCH more sense.
@Jamrock411 Absolutely. We are afraid of KState (even though it would be a great school for S) because of their 3.5 renewals for scholarships. Of course we’d “only” suffer the pain of full in-state tuition if he couldn’t keep a scholarship (if he could even get one to start with) but it seems to make more sense to gamble on an equally good OOS school with a lower GPA req.
It really is a weighing of the risk and figuring out the best deal. My daughters have a few scholarships with different gpa requirements (not 3.5!), but those were the best choices for each at the time. I do think sometimes you have to take the chance and then do your best to meet the requirements. Take classes wisely. D#1 doesn’t do well with math, so she didn’t take that first semester. D#2 doesn’t enjoy English, so put that off for a semester (and then did just fine).
Yes, if you have the choice of School A with no gpa requirement to keep the scholarships, great. If School B has a great scholarship with a high gpa requirement, and School C has an okay scholarship but a lower gpa requirement, you’ll have to decide if the risk is worth it. Hopefully, everyone has a School A in their acceptances.
If there are choices, then I definitely would NOT choose a school that has a high GPA req’t if the student is a STEM major. Too many required classes have 4-5 credits and are famous for being so hard that getting a C is a relief.
Here is the link to Texas Tech scholarships. If my kid were lucky enough to be offered a $20,000/3.5 renewal scholarship, I would respectfully request the $12,000/3.0 renewal scholarship. It’s $8,000 less money (over 4 years), but much higher chance of keeping the scholarship. If your kid cannot maintain the GPA, they LOSE everything.
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incFreshman.php
Don’t get me wrong, these scholarships are very generous and we would be very grateful to get one. But if we had the choice, I would choose very wisely.
Alabama 3.0 evaluated after the year ends. Probation period the next semester. 3.0 for next semester is req’d.
Rowan University, Glassboro NJ , 3.0 (Merit Aid)
https://www.rowan.edu/home/undergraduate-admissions/scholarships
Howard University Full Rides: 3.5 for the Presidential and 3.3 for the Founders. GPA is evaluated after spring term for eligibility the following academic year (meaning, you cannot use the summer to bring your GPA up in hopes of keeping the scholarship for the immediate fall).
Florida Tech - 2.8 merit
Wyoming - 3.0 Rocky Mtn Scholar
Florida Bright Futures - 3.0
University of Denver merit scholarships - 2.0
University of Southern California: 2.0 for any awards given directly by admissions office, such as Stamps/Morks/Trustee/Presidential/Deans/Associates/etc. 3.0 for alumni organization scholarships.
Michigan State University: Student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA beginning with the end of the 2nd semester and compiled each semester thereafter. If the student falls below a 3.0 GPA, they will be placed on probation for 2 semesters. If the cumulative GPA is still below 3.0 after the probationary period, the scholarships will be suspended until the GPA rises above the 3.0 threshold.
Northeastern 3.0
McGill 3.7!!!
University of South Carolina - 3.0
Ohio State University - merit scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters of full-time enrollment, provided the recipient maintains a 3.2 or higher GPA (earned by no later than the end of the second year).
American University: 3.2, includes Tuition Exchange as well
University of Alabama - Huntsville: “Most scholarships have the following three requirements for renewal: (1) the student must attempt full-time enrollment (12 hours) both fall and spring semesters; (2) the student must successfully complete a combined total of 24 credit hours for the fall and spring semesters; and (3) the student must maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA. However, there are a few scholarships that have different renewal requirements, so be sure to read the scholarship description enclosed with the scholarship award letter to verify the requirements for your specific scholarship. Also be aware that not all scholarships are renewable. Again, refer to your award letter and scholarship description for complete information.” http://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/scholarship-faqs
Louisiana Tech: scholarships based on HS GPA and ACT or SAT: “In order to remain eligible for these scholarships, students must maintain full-time enrollment (excluding summer) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Presidential, and State Board of Supervisors scholarships also require a 3.0 GPA at the end of each quarter to retain these scholarships, while Outstanding Student scholarships require a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each Spring Quarter to retain these scholarships.” http://admissions.latech.edu/tuition_fees/scholarships/freshman-scholarships.php
Tuskegee University: scholarships based on HS GPA and ACT or SAT: 30 credits with GPA minimum ranging from 2.6 to 3.5, depending on scholarship. http://www.tuskegee.edu/scholarships/freshman_scholarships.aspx
Prairie View A&M: 30 credits with 3.2 GPA for Regents’ Student Merit Scholarship; 30 credits with 3.0 GPA for Presidential Academic Scholarship and Distinguished Student Academic Scholarship. https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/home/types-of-aid/scholarships/university-scholarships/
Kansas State University Purple and White Scholarship: 3.5 cumulative GPA after first year, renewable for three additional years. If GPA drops below 3.5, scholarship is suspended one semester at a time until GPA is above 3.5.
Texas Tech - The bigger the award, the higher GPA you must maintain. NMF Full tuition must maintain 3.5. Lesser awards require 3.25 or 3.0. It looks like if your GPA drops, your award decreases, but its unclear. Here is the link with the table… https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incFreshman.php
Texas A&M: renewal requirements vary; some are listed at https://scholarships.tamu.edu/FRESHMEN/Available-Scholarships .
Temple University: Academic Merit Scholarships: “Scholarships are renewable for up to four continuous years for freshman and three continuous years for transfer students while maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade point average and full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits). Students that transfer from Temple University will lose scholarship eligibility. Returning student’s cumulative GPA is reviewed annually (after spring grades are posted) and students that don’t meet the 3.0 GPA requirement are subject to losing their scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Students that raise their cumulative GPA after the summer session(s) or fall semester should contact the SFS office to review for reinstatement.” http://sfs.temple.edu/financial-aid-types/scholarships/new-incoming-students
Rice University: Trustee Scholarship 2.8
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Presidential Scholarship, Women of Excellence Scholarship, Alumni Endorsement Grant, FIRST Robotics Scholarship, 3.0 requirement.
Arizona State University NMF/Barrett: 3.0
https://students.asu.edu/scholarships/renewal
(copy and paste the above when you add your info)
ASU used to be 3.5, as I recall.
@OHMomof2 This is very helpful info. I think maintaining a 3.5 is just too difficult for some majors. 3.0 seems more manageable.
Alabama 3.0 evaluated after the year ends. Probation period the next semester. 3.0 for next semester is req’d.
Rowan University, Glassboro NJ , 3.0 (Merit Aid)
https://www.rowan.edu/home/undergraduate-admissions/scholarships
Howard University Full Rides: 3.5 for the Presidential and 3.3 for the Founders. GPA is evaluated after spring term for eligibility the following academic year (meaning, you cannot use the summer to bring your GPA up in hopes of keeping the scholarship for the immediate fall).
Florida Tech - 2.8 merit
Wyoming - 3.0 Rocky Mtn Scholar
Florida Bright Futures - 3.0
University of Denver merit scholarships - 2.0
University of Southern California: 2.0 for any awards given directly by admissions office, such as Stamps/Morks/Trustee/Presidential/Deans/Associates/etc. 3.0 for alumni organization scholarships.
Michigan State University: Student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA beginning with the end of the 2nd semester and compiled each semester thereafter. If the student falls below a 3.0 GPA, they will be placed on probation for 2 semesters. If the cumulative GPA is still below 3.0 after the probationary period, the scholarships will be suspended until the GPA rises above the 3.0 threshold.
Northeastern 3.0
McGill 3.7!!!
University of South Carolina - 3.0
Ohio State University - merit scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters of full-time enrollment, provided the recipient maintains a 3.2 or higher GPA (earned by no later than the end of the second year).
American University: 3.2, includes Tuition Exchange as well
University of Alabama - Huntsville: “Most scholarships have the following three requirements for renewal: (1) the student must attempt full-time enrollment (12 hours) both fall and spring semesters; (2) the student must successfully complete a combined total of 24 credit hours for the fall and spring semesters; and (3) the student must maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA. However, there are a few scholarships that have different renewal requirements, so be sure to read the scholarship description enclosed with the scholarship award letter to verify the requirements for your specific scholarship. Also be aware that not all scholarships are renewable. Again, refer to your award letter and scholarship description for complete information.” http://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/scholarship-faqs
Louisiana Tech: scholarships based on HS GPA and ACT or SAT: “In order to remain eligible for these scholarships, students must maintain full-time enrollment (excluding summer) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Presidential, and State Board of Supervisors scholarships also require a 3.0 GPA at the end of each quarter to retain these scholarships, while Outstanding Student scholarships require a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each Spring Quarter to retain these scholarships.” http://admissions.latech.edu/tuition_fees/scholarships/freshman-scholarships.php
Tuskegee University: scholarships based on HS GPA and ACT or SAT: 30 credits with GPA minimum ranging from 2.6 to 3.5, depending on scholarship. http://www.tuskegee.edu/scholarships/freshman_scholarships.aspx
Prairie View A&M: 30 credits with 3.2 GPA for Regents’ Student Merit Scholarship; 30 credits with 3.0 GPA for Presidential Academic Scholarship and Distinguished Student Academic Scholarship. https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/home/types-of-aid/scholarships/university-scholarships/
Kansas State University Purple and White Scholarship: 3.5 cumulative GPA after first year, renewable for three additional years. If GPA drops below 3.5, scholarship is suspended one semester at a time until GPA is above 3.5.
Texas Tech - The bigger the award, the higher GPA you must maintain. NMF Full tuition must maintain 3.5. Lesser awards require 3.25 or 3.0. It looks like if your GPA drops, your award decreases, but its unclear. Here is the link with the table… https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incFreshman.php
Texas A&M: renewal requirements vary; some are listed at https://scholarships.tamu.edu/FRESHMEN/Available-Scholarships .
Temple University: Academic Merit Scholarships: “Scholarships are renewable for up to four continuous years for freshman and three continuous years for transfer students while maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade point average and full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits). Students that transfer from Temple University will lose scholarship eligibility. Returning student’s cumulative GPA is reviewed annually (after spring grades are posted) and students that don’t meet the 3.0 GPA requirement are subject to losing their scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Students that raise their cumulative GPA after the summer session(s) or fall semester should contact the SFS office to review for reinstatement.” http://sfs.temple.edu/financial-aid-types/scholarships/new-incoming-students
Rice University: Trustee Scholarship 2.8
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Presidential Scholarship, Women of Excellence Scholarship, Alumni Endorsement Grant, FIRST Robotics Scholarship, 3.0 requirement.
Arizona State University NMF/Barrett: 3.0
https://students.asu.edu/scholarships/renewal
University of Oklahoma National Merit tuition waiver - 2.8 cumulative. Academic Scholars portion of the NMF scholarship 3.25 cumulative. https://www.ou.edu/content/admissions/nationalmerit.html
(copy and paste the above when you add your info)
I think the discussion above about GPA etc is valuable, but will it get lost on this thread?
3.5 means that the student needs to protect his/her GPA like a pre-med or pre-law student. This can create incentives against academic exploration where it may result in risks to GPA (e.g. shying away from taking interesting courses because they may be difficult or have tough grading).
Alabama 3.0 evaluated after the year ends. Probation period the next semester. 3.0 for next semester is req’d.
Rowan University, Glassboro NJ , 3.0 (Merit Aid)
https://www.rowan.edu/home/undergraduate-admissions/scholarships
Howard University Full Rides: 3.5 for the Presidential and 3.3 for the Founders. GPA is evaluated after spring term for eligibility the following academic year (meaning, you cannot use the summer to bring your GPA up in hopes of keeping the scholarship for the immediate fall).
Florida Tech - 2.8 merit
Wyoming - 3.0 Rocky Mtn Scholar
Florida Bright Futures - 3.0
University of Denver merit scholarships - 2.0
University of Southern California: 2.0 for any awards given directly by admissions office, such as Stamps/Morks/Trustee/Presidential/Deans/Associates/etc. 3.0 for alumni organization scholarships.
Michigan State University: Student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA beginning with the end of the 2nd semester and compiled each semester thereafter. If the student falls below a 3.0 GPA, they will be placed on probation for 2 semesters. If the cumulative GPA is still below 3.0 after the probationary period, the scholarships will be suspended until the GPA rises above the 3.0 threshold.
Northeastern 3.0
McGill 3.7!!!
University of South Carolina - 3.0
Ohio State University - merit scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters of full-time enrollment, provided the recipient maintains a 3.2 or higher GPA (earned by no later than the end of the second year).
American University: 3.2, includes Tuition Exchange as well
University of Alabama - Huntsville: “Most scholarships have the following three requirements for renewal: (1) the student must attempt full-time enrollment (12 hours) both fall and spring semesters; (2) the student must successfully complete a combined total of 24 credit hours for the fall and spring semesters; and (3) the student must maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA. However, there are a few scholarships that have different renewal requirements, so be sure to read the scholarship description enclosed with the scholarship award letter to verify the requirements for your specific scholarship. Also be aware that not all scholarships are renewable. Again, refer to your award letter and scholarship description for complete information.” http://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/scholarship-faqs
Louisiana Tech: scholarships based on HS GPA and ACT or SAT: “In order to remain eligible for these scholarships, students must maintain full-time enrollment (excluding summer) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Presidential, and State Board of Supervisors scholarships also require a 3.0 GPA at the end of each quarter to retain these scholarships, while Outstanding Student scholarships require a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each Spring Quarter to retain these scholarships.” http://admissions.latech.edu/tuition_fees/scholarships/freshman-scholarships.php
Tuskegee University: scholarships based on HS GPA and ACT or SAT: 30 credits with GPA minimum ranging from 2.6 to 3.5, depending on scholarship. http://www.tuskegee.edu/scholarships/freshman_scholarships.aspx
Prairie View A&M: 30 credits with 3.2 GPA for Regents’ Student Merit Scholarship; 30 credits with 3.0 GPA for Presidential Academic Scholarship and Distinguished Student Academic Scholarship. https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/home/types-of-aid/scholarships/university-scholarships/
Kansas State University Purple and White Scholarship: 3.5 cumulative GPA after first year, renewable for three additional years. If GPA drops below 3.5, scholarship is suspended one semester at a time until GPA is above 3.5.
Texas Tech - The bigger the award, the higher GPA you must maintain. NMF Full tuition must maintain 3.5. Lesser awards require 3.25 or 3.0. It looks like if your GPA drops, your award decreases, but its unclear. Here is the link with the table… https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incFreshman.php
Texas A&M: renewal requirements vary; some are listed at https://scholarships.tamu.edu/FRESHMEN/Available-Scholarships .
Temple University: Academic Merit Scholarships: “Scholarships are renewable for up to four continuous years for freshman and three continuous years for transfer students while maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade point average and full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits). Students that transfer from Temple University will lose scholarship eligibility. Returning student’s cumulative GPA is reviewed annually (after spring grades are posted) and students that don’t meet the 3.0 GPA requirement are subject to losing their scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Students that raise their cumulative GPA after the summer session(s) or fall semester should contact the SFS office to review for reinstatement.” http://sfs.temple.edu/financial-aid-types/scholarships/new-incoming-students
Rice University: Trustee Scholarship 2.8
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Presidential Scholarship, Women of Excellence Scholarship, Alumni Endorsement Grant, FIRST Robotics Scholarship, 3.0 requirement.
Arizona State University NMF/Barrett: 3.0
https://students.asu.edu/scholarships/renewal
University of Oklahoma National Merit tuition waiver - 2.8 cumulative. Academic Scholars portion of the NMF scholarship 3.25 cumulative. https://www.ou.edu/content/admissions/nationalmerit.html
UMBC – 3.25 cumulative, with one semester probation possible EXCEPT for Presidental Scholarships.
(copy and paste the above when you add your info)
Alabama 3.0 evaluated after the year ends. Probation period the next semester. 3.0 for next semester is req’d.
Rowan University, Glassboro NJ , 3.0 (Merit Aid)
https://www.rowan.edu/home/undergraduate-admissions/scholarships
Howard University Full Rides: 3.5 for the Presidential and 3.3 for the Founders. GPA is evaluated after spring term for eligibility the following academic year (meaning, you cannot use the summer to bring your GPA up in hopes of keeping the scholarship for the immediate fall).
Florida Tech - 2.8 merit
Wyoming - 3.0 Rocky Mtn Scholar
Florida Bright Futures - 3.0
University of Denver merit scholarships - 2.0
University of Southern California: 2.0 for any awards given directly by admissions office, such as Stamps/Morks/Trustee/Presidential/Deans/Associates/etc. 3.0 for alumni organization scholarships.
Michigan State University: Student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA beginning with the end of the 2nd semester and compiled each semester thereafter. If the student falls below a 3.0 GPA, they will be placed on probation for 2 semesters. If the cumulative GPA is still below 3.0 after the probationary period, the scholarships will be suspended until the GPA rises above the 3.0 threshold.
Northeastern 3.0
McGill 3.7!!!
University of South Carolina - 3.0
Ohio State University - merit scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters of full-time enrollment, provided the recipient maintains a 3.2 or higher GPA (earned by no later than the end of the second year).
American University: 3.2, includes Tuition Exchange as well
University of Alabama - Huntsville: “Most scholarships have the following three requirements for renewal: (1) the student must attempt full-time enrollment (12 hours) both fall and spring semesters; (2) the student must successfully complete a combined total of 24 credit hours for the fall and spring semesters; and (3) the student must maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA. However, there are a few scholarships that have different renewal requirements, so be sure to read the scholarship description enclosed with the scholarship award letter to verify the requirements for your specific scholarship. Also be aware that not all scholarships are renewable. Again, refer to your award letter and scholarship description for complete information.” http://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/scholarship-faqs
Louisiana Tech: scholarships based on HS GPA and ACT or SAT: “In order to remain eligible for these scholarships, students must maintain full-time enrollment (excluding summer) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Presidential, and State Board of Supervisors scholarships also require a 3.0 GPA at the end of each quarter to retain these scholarships, while Outstanding Student scholarships require a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each Spring Quarter to retain these scholarships.” http://admissions.latech.edu/tuition_fees/scholarships/freshman-scholarships.php
Tuskegee University: scholarships based on HS GPA and ACT or SAT: 30 credits with GPA minimum ranging from 2.6 to 3.5, depending on scholarship. http://www.tuskegee.edu/scholarships/freshman_scholarships.aspx
Prairie View A&M: 30 credits with 3.2 GPA for Regents’ Student Merit Scholarship; 30 credits with 3.0 GPA for Presidential Academic Scholarship and Distinguished Student Academic Scholarship. https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/home/types-of-aid/scholarships/university-scholarships/
Kansas State University Purple and White Scholarship: 3.5 cumulative GPA after first year, renewable for three additional years. If GPA drops below 3.5, scholarship is suspended one semester at a time until GPA is above 3.5.
Texas Tech - The bigger the award, the higher GPA you must maintain. NMF Full tuition must maintain 3.5. Lesser awards require 3.25 or 3.0. It looks like if your GPA drops, your award decreases, but its unclear. Here is the link with the table… https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incFreshman.php
Texas A&M: renewal requirements vary; some are listed at https://scholarships.tamu.edu/FRESHMEN/Available-Scholarships .
Temple University: Academic Merit Scholarships: “Scholarships are renewable for up to four continuous years for freshman and three continuous years for transfer students while maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade point average and full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits). Students that transfer from Temple University will lose scholarship eligibility. Returning student’s cumulative GPA is reviewed annually (after spring grades are posted) and students that don’t meet the 3.0 GPA requirement are subject to losing their scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Students that raise their cumulative GPA after the summer session(s) or fall semester should contact the SFS office to review for reinstatement.” http://sfs.temple.edu/financial-aid-types/scholarships/new-incoming-students
Rice University: Trustee Scholarship 2.8
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Presidential Scholarship, Women of Excellence Scholarship, Alumni Endorsement Grant, FIRST Robotics Scholarship, 3.0 requirement.
Arizona State University NMF/Barrett: 3.0
https://students.asu.edu/scholarships/renewal
University of Oklahoma National Merit tuition waiver - 2.8 cumulative. Academic Scholars portion of the NMF scholarship 3.25 cumulative. https://www.ou.edu/content/admissions/nationalmerit.html
UMBC – 3.25 cumulative, with one semester probation possible EXCEPT for Presidental Scholarships.
University of Missouri–2.5
(copy and paste the above when you add your info