Ultimate List of Full Ride STEM Scholarships for Students

Managing college expenses can be tough. This guide lists full-ride scholarships along with resources to help during the application process.

Introduction

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields drive innovation and progress, but the high cost of these degrees deters many students. Full-ride STEM scholarships help, honoring academic achievement while relieving the financial strain of these demanding disciplines.

The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (It succeeds the earlier Gates Millennium Scholars Program, which is closed to new applicants.) It seeks students with exceptional academic and leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities.

• Eligibility:
  • Applicants must be African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American, Hispanic American, or Pacific Islander American.
  • Must be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States.
  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on an unweighted 4.0 scale, or have earned a GED.
  • Must demonstrate leadership through community service, extracurriculars, or other activities.
  • Must meet Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria.
  • Must plan to enroll full-time in a four-year accredited college or university in the United States.
• Award amount:
  • Covers tuition, fees, room, and board not already covered by other financial aid.
  • Renewable for up to the full cost of attendance through a bachelor’s degree.
  • Additional funding may be available for graduate school in certain fields.

The Hertz Foundation Fellowships

The Hertz Foundation Fellowships support outstanding graduate students in the applied sciences. Chosen for their potential to drive groundbreaking innovation, recipients receive financial aid, mentorship, and access to the Hertz Fellows network, an environment that nurtures collaboration and amplifies the impact of their research.

• Eligibility:
  • College seniors, first-year graduate students, or those in a gap year preparing to apply to graduate school.
  • Must intend to pursue a Ph.D. in the applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering.
  • Studies should focus on understanding and solving major, near-term problems facing society.
  • Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Award amount:
  • A generous stipend, full tuition, and additional support for research-related expenses.
  • Ongoing professional development and networking opportunities.

“To go to USC without a scholarship is next to impossible.”

~ Jerry Buss

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, named after Senator Barry Goldwater, encourages exceptional students to pursue careers in science, mathematics, and engineering. It prioritizes research potential and supports students who show exceptional promise in their fields. Recipients gain recognition and access to a network of scholars and alumni for collaboration and mentorship.

• Eligibility:
  • Sophomore or junior pursuing a degree in science, mathematics, or engineering.
  • Demonstrated potential for and intent to pursue a research career in the field.
  • U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident.
  • Strong academic record, in the top quartile of the class.
• Award amount:
  • Up to $7,500 per year for tuition, fees, books, and room and board.
  • The amount may vary based on financial need and the cost of attendance.
  • Scholars awarded as sophomores receive up to two years of support; those awarded as juniors receive up to one year, or until graduation if sooner.

Robertson Scholars Program

The Robertson Scholars Program lets students pursue their interests at both Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Scholars combine rigorous academics with leadership development, community service, and global experiences, forming a close-knit community focused on positive change locally and globally.

• Eligibility:
  • High school seniors planning to enroll full-time at Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill.
  • Demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community service.
  • A strong record of extracurricular involvement and personal achievement.
• Award amount:
  • Covers full tuition, fees, and room and board for four years of undergraduate study.
  • Funds three summers of domestic or international experiences, plus professional development and leadership training.

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes exceptional young scholars for their ability, creativity, and commitment. Selection is based on the significance and impact of their project or achievement. It empowers recipients with resources and recognition to pursue their passions and make a positive difference.

• Eligibility:
  • Under the age of 18 at the time of application.
  • Exceptional talent and accomplishment in any academic field.
  • A project with the potential to make a significant positive impact on society.
  • Application categories: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and Outside the Box (for innovative, unconventional projects).
• Award amount:
  • Awards of $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000, depending on the level of achievement.
  • Plus mentorship, networking, and resources to further develop the project.

QuestBridge National College Match

The QuestBridge National College Match connects high-achieving, low-income students with selective colleges and universities. With a single application, students can apply to multiple partner colleges, including institutions like Yale, Stanford, and MIT. Finalists matched through the program receive full four-year scholarships covering tuition, room, and board, with no loans or parental contribution required.

• Eligibility:
  • Class year: high school seniors graduating in the current cycle and planning to enroll as first-year college students the following fall.
  • Citizenship: any high school senior in the U.S. is eligible, as are U.S. citizens and permanent residents living abroad. International students living outside the U.S. are not eligible. Undocumented or international students attending high school in the U.S. are eligible but should review QuestBridge’s additional citizenship requirements for the Match Scholarship.
• Award amount:
  • A full four-year scholarship covering tuition, room, and board, provided by QuestBridge partner colleges.
  • Plus support services, mentorship, and resources throughout college.

Stamps Scholarship

The Stamps Scholarship is a merit-based award that supports outstanding students. Beyond financial aid, scholars get mentorship, leadership development, and networking. It emphasizes academic excellence and community engagement in a supportive environment.

• Eligibility:
  • High-achieving high school seniors planning to enroll full-time at a participating college or university.
  • Exceptional academic achievement, leadership skills, and extracurricular involvement.
  • A commitment to community service and a strong record of integrity and character.
• Award amount:
  • Typically covers full tuition, fees, room, and board for four years of undergraduate study.
  • May also fund books, supplies, and travel.
  • The exact amount varies by participating college or university.

For more, see additional lists of scholarships.

Coolidge Scholarship

The Coolidge Scholarship is an annual, full-ride, presidential scholarship covering tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. It can be used at any accredited U.S. college or university. Anyone of any background, pursuing any field, may apply to this non-partisan, need-blind program.

• Eligibility:
  • Plan to enroll full-time as an undergraduate at an accredited U.S. college for the first time in the fall.
  • High school juniors (or the equivalent for homeschooled students). Juniors taking courses at a local college are also eligible.
  • U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents by the scholarship deadline.
  • Cannot be immediate family of any current employee or trustee of the Coolidge Scholars Program or the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation.
• Award amount:
  • Covers full tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years at any accredited U.S. college or university.
  • Plus access to funding for internships, research, and study abroad.

Science Ambassador Scholarship

The Science Ambassador Scholarship supports women in STEM through financial aid and leadership opportunities. Scholars join a community of advocates for diversity and inclusion in STEM. It covers full tuition, fees, and other educational expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited college or university.

• Eligibility:
  • High school seniors who identify as women and plan to pursue an undergraduate STEM degree.
  • Exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a passion for STEM.
• Award amount:
  • Covers full tuition, fees, and other educational expenses for four years of undergraduate study.
  • Plus leadership development and mentorship within the STEM community.

The National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program, launched in 1955 by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), recognizes exceptional high school students with college scholarships. Over 1.3 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year, with finalists competing for various awards.

• Eligibility:
  • U.S. high school students.
  • Must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
  • Must meet the published program entry and participation requirements.
• Award amount:
  • Varies by sponsor, but can cover full tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Guide for Scholarships

This is just a starting point. Rishab Jain secured over $500,000 in high school scholarships and is on a full ride at Harvard, thanks not to one but ten different scholarships. Access his free scholarship guide or join his scholarship masterclass.

Scholarships can be hard to navigate, but they are key to an affordable college education. Cutting down your college costs reduces stress over your four years, which is why winning scholarships matters so much.

About Afreen Hossain:
I’m a web developer, amateur astronomer, and mathematician with ambitions to become a computer scientist. Eager to contribute to advancements in technology, healthcare, transportation and space for a more accessible and beneficial world. Learn more about me at LinkedIn.