17 SAT Scholarships for US Students in 2024
Soaring college costs, including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and more, can weigh heavily on many students. Fortunately, proactive students can gain an edge by exploring scholarships and grants.
Many scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, including some that consider your SAT scores. Strong SAT scores can significantly boost your scholarship’s competitiveness. So, if you’ve already aced the SAT and want to maximize your advantage, or if you’re still debating the test’s importance, guaranteed SAT scholarships are worth exploring.
In this post, we’ll discuss scholarships specifically awarded for high SAT scores, helping you earn thousands of dollars in potential funding based solely on your test performance. Curious about how it works? We’ll guide you through platforms offering scholarships based on your SAT scores.
What is a Good SAT Score for Scholarships?
Good SAT scores above 1200 or within the top 25% for your target schools can significantly boost your scholarship chances. A high SAT score acts as a powerful indicator of your academic potential and opens doors to merit-based scholarships, potentially covering a significant portion of your college expenses.
While SAT scores are important, they’re not the sole deciding factor. Maintaining a strong GPA, actively participating in extracurricular activities, and crafting compelling essays will further strengthen your scholarship applications.
17 Scholarships for High SAT Scores
Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
Each year, the Engebretson Foundation recognizes one outstanding high school student from the US with a $10,000 scholarship. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence by achieving a minimum GPA of 3.75, ranking in the top 5% of their class, and having an SAT score of 1240 or higher. Applications are accepted from January through March of the current year.
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant
The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant is available to first-year applicants who must have attended high school in Mississippi and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance through a minimum SAT score of 1350 or by being named a National Merit Scholarship finalist.
To be eligible, students must enroll full-time at an approved postsecondary institution in Mississippi during their first year. Applications are due on September 15th of the intended academic year. The scholarship amount varies, covering up to $2,500 per academic year.
U.S. Air Force ROTC High Achievers Scholarship
High-achieving high school students can earn a full-ride scholarship through the U.S. Air Force ROTC program. To qualify, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA, score at least 1240 on the SAT exam, and commit to four years of active duty after graduation. You must also pass physical fitness requirements.
Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program
The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program at Morehouse College awards scholarships to exceptional students with financial need who exemplify academic excellence (minimum 3.2 GPA) and a passion for leadership demonstrated through community service involvement. Applicants need an SAT score of at least 1200 or over. Applications are accepted annually in the spring semester. Scholarship amounts vary, with some covering full tuition and fees.
Colorado Mesa University Distinguished Scholar
This prestigious scholarship recognizes exceptional academic achievement for incoming freshmen. To be eligible, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.75, rank in the top 5% of your graduating class, and achieve a minimum SAT score of 1340. The application is automatic when you submit your college application. The award covers full tuition for in-state students and $6,000 for out-of-state students.
Troy University Scholars Award
The Troy University Scholars Award provides full in-state tuition and housing for outstanding incoming freshmen with exceptional academic credentials. To be eligible, students must have an SAT score of at least 1360–1440 and a GPA of at least 3.7. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Point the Way Foundation Scholarship
The Point the Way Foundation Scholarship is open to students with a minimum SAT score of 1100 and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The amount awarded varies, but past recipients have received scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
Texas Tech
Texas Tech automatically awards merit scholarships to high-achieving students based on their class rank and SAT scores. The top 25% of your graduating class or students with an SAT score of 1000 or higher are eligible. Scholarship amounts vary depending on academic merit, with awards ranging from $1,000 to the full federally approved cost of attendance. For example, a student in the top 10% of their class with a perfect SAT score could potentially receive a full scholarship.
University of Missouri
The University of Missouri awards automatic scholarships based on SAT scores, with higher scores receiving larger awards. Residents with a minimum SAT score of 1060 and nonresidents with a minimum SAT score of 1130 are eligible for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to full tuition and fees.
University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington automatically awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,000 per year to eligible students based on their test scores, GPA, and class rank. To qualify, students must rank in the top 50% of their class, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and achieve an SAT score of 1100.
University of Mississippi
Automatic scholarships at the University of Mississippi are available to incoming students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The award amount varies based on SAT scores, with in-state students requiring a minimum of 1130 SAT and out-of-state students needing at least 1200 SAT. In-state scholarship values range from $1,000 to $13,072 annually, while out-of-state scholarships can range from $1,500 to $26,292.
Florida Gulf Coast University
At Florida Gulf Coast University, automatic scholarships reward high-achieving students based on a combined evaluation of their GPA and standardized test scores. To qualify, you’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.5 and a SAT score of 1220. The awards range from $500 up to the full cost of attendance after considering other financial aid you receive.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee Knoxville awards merit-based scholarships to high-achieving incoming first-year students with a minimum SAT score of 1300. Awards range from $3,000 to $9,000 annually for in-state students and $10,000 to $18,000 annually for out-of-state students.
Utah State University
Utah State University offers generous scholarships ranging from $600 per year to full tuition, with varying amounts based on state residency. To qualify, students must have a SAT score of 960 and a minimum GPA of 2.7.
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University offers automatic merit scholarships based on standardized test scores and GPAs for enrolled students. To qualify, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and an SAT score of 1130. Scholarship amounts vary by year and may be subject to change.
University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma first-year merit scholarships are awarded based on GPA, class ranking, and standardized test scores. To qualify, you’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.25 and a SAT score of 1160. Scholarship amounts range from $8,000 to $69,100.
Louisiana Tech University
At Louisiana Tech University, first-year students can receive merit scholarships based on their academic performance. To be considered, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an SAT score of 1030. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $9,500 and are renewable annually for eligible students who maintain good academic standing.
Suggestion – SAT Scoring Report: Range, Subscores, Cross-Test Scores & Chart
From the Desk of Yocket
SAT scholarships present a fantastic opportunity for ambitious students seeking higher education. They can alleviate financial burdens, allowing talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their academic aspirations. By recognizing merit and potential, these scholarships can act as powerful motivators, encouraging students to push their limits and excel.
Moreover, scholarships that consider factors beyond just scores, like community service or identity-based experiences, can broaden the definition of merit and ensure opportunities extend to a wider range of deserving individuals. Yocket provides resources to help students explore diverse scholarship opportunities tailored to their unique backgrounds and achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good SAT score for scholarships?
The SAT scores above 1300–1400 are considered competitive for merit-based scholarships. However, some scholarships target specific SAT score ranges, so it’s best to research individual programs and their requirements.
Can I use my PSAT/NMSQT score for scholarships?
Yes, high PSAT/NMSQT scores can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships and other programs.
What are some tips for getting an SAT scholarship?
Aim for a high score, maintain good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, and research scholarships that align with your interests and academic goals.