Horatio Alger National Scholarship Association

The Horatio Alger Association is an education nonprofit that administers more than 70 scholarship programs. One national option serves high-school juniors across the United States who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree and have faced significant adversity. For the Class of 2027, the Association announced 105 recipients receiving up to US$25,000; that describes the selected cohort and does not guarantee openings or the same funding in a future round.

The current National Scholarship page requires full-time enrollment as a junior, plans to complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited public or private nonprofit institution, financial need with adjusted gross family income of US$100,000 or less, at least a 2.0 GPA, extracurricular or service involvement, U.S. citizenship, and integrity and perseverance through adversity. Students may begin at a two-year college if credits transfer to a four-year institution. The FAQ says international students and permanent residents are not eligible.

One application generally considers students for several Association programs, although certain specialized awards require separate forms. Applicants write about their personal story and adversity; a counselor verifies the school record and grades; and an adult over age 21 who is not related to the applicant reviews a support form. The application also asks for a transcript with fall grades and income verification. Prepare documents early and make sure each reference receives the system-generated email.

There is no application fee. The current FAQ lists March 1 at noon Eastern as the junior deadline, but does not identify the award-cycle year in that answer. Confirm the date in the portal for your graduating class before scheduling essays or requesting records. The Association says awardees are notified by email and mail in April or May and only selected students receive notice. Documents sent by mail, fax, or email are not accepted; they must be uploaded through the portal.

Recipients request the scholarship each year, and funds are sent to the college for eligible cost-of-attendance charges. The Association generally directs the award to accredited nonprofit institutions, not for-profit or online colleges, and recipients must meet renewal and enrollment conditions. When comparing aid offers, separate confirmed scholarship money from grants, loans, and costs the award will not cover. If other aid covers the full cost, the FAQ asks students to notify the Association so funds can be re-awarded. Applicant phone: 844-422-4200.

Who it serves and what it can cover: The National Scholarship for high-school juniors offers 105 awards of up to US$25,000 each. The current page requires financial need with adjusted gross family income of US$100,000 or less, U.S. citizenship, at least a 2.0 GPA, and perseverance through adversity. One free application covers many programs and requires essays, school certification, a transcript, and income verification.

How to apply or get help: The Association posts an online application during each round and lists 844-422-4200, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern, for applicant questions. Its FAQ lists March 1 at noon ET for juniors but does not identify the cycle year in that answer; confirm the exact date in your cohort’s portal. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information