Horatio Alger National Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Horatio Alger National Scholarship supports promising students who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming significant adversity, alongside critical financial need and a determination to succeed. The flagship National Scholarship offers $10,000 awards in all 50 states for high-school students, with a National Award of $25,000 for top applicants, and the Association runs additional programs (including career and technical education scholarships) ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. Eligibility requires applicants to be U.S. citizens with a family income of $65,000 per year or less and a GPA of at least 2.0; applicants born abroad must submit proof of citizenship. The application is distinctive in its emphasis on adversity and resilience — components include transcripts, financial information, counselor and personal support forms, and "Adversity" and "American Dream" essays where applicants describe the hardships they have faced and overcome. A single application is considered for the full range of Horatio Alger scholarships for which the student qualifies. Applications are submitted online and are due by 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 1.

Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen (proof required if born abroad)
• Have a family income of $65,000 per year or less (critical financial need)
• Have a GPA of at least 2.0
• Demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming significant adversity
• Submit the online application (with Adversity and American Dream essays) by March 1