Richmond Scholars Program 2026 – Full Tuition Undergraduate Scholarship

Scholarship Description

The Richmond Scholars Program is the University of Richmond's most prestigious and competitive academic scholarship, awarded to approximately 25 incoming first-year students each year. This merit-based award covers full tuition, housing, and food, and is renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment.

The program seeks to bring engaged, high-achieving students to campus and to support them as part of a small, multi-disciplinary community of learners. Richmond Scholars are selected based on four main criteria: academic achievement, engaged leadership, a strong sense of purpose, and interest in a diverse and inclusive community.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia, United States. The university's beautiful campus is located approximately six miles from downtown Richmond and offers a vibrant academic and social community.

Scholarship Deadline

To be considered for the Richmond Scholars Program, you must submit a complete admission application by December 1 of your senior year in high school.

Host Institution

The University of Richmond is a private liberal arts university in Richmond, Virginia, known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community. The university offers undergraduate programs across the arts and sciences, business, leadership studies, and more.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Undergraduate (First-Year). The scholarship is for students entering their first year of study.

Fields: All fields of study are eligible. The University of Richmond offers majors across the arts and sciences, business, leadership studies, and more. Richmond Scholars are encouraged to pursue their academic interests across any discipline.

Target Group

The scholarship is open to all first-year, degree-seeking applicants, including U.S. citizens and international students. All applicants for first-year admission are automatically considered for the Richmond Scholars Program provided they submit a complete application by December 1. No separate scholarship application is required.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: Renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters (four years) of full-time enrollment.

Scholarship benefits include:

• Full tuition, housing, and food scholarship
• Eligibility for a one-time $5,500 enrichment grant to support a student-selected activity that enhances the academic experience (such as study abroad, internships, or research)
• Priority course registration and guaranteed on-campus housing
• Specially selected faculty mentors to guide students and help them fulfill their potential
• Special ticket vouchers to selected cultural events at the Modlin Center for the Arts
• Academic, social, and professional programming designed to build community
• Dedicated Office of Scholars and Fellowships staff for advising and support

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Applicant type: First-year, degree-seeking applicants (including Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision).
• Application deadline: Must submit a complete admission application by December 1 of the senior year.
• Nationality: All U.S. and international first-year applicants are eligible.
• Selection criteria: Applicants should demonstrate academic achievement, engaged leadership, a strong sense of purpose, and interest in a diverse and inclusive community.

Not eligible:

• Transfer students are not eligible for the Richmond Scholars Program.
• Students who do not submit a complete admission application by December 1.

Application Procedure

1. Submit your admission application by December 1 – All applicants for first-year admission who apply by December 1 are automatically considered for the Richmond Scholars Program. There is no separate scholarship application required.
2. Complete all application materials – Ensure your application is complete, including transcripts, recommendations, and any optional materials. Test scores are optional for first-year students entering in 2024 and are not required for Richmond Scholars consideration.
3. Wait for finalist notification – Students selected to advance to the finalist round will be notified via the Spider Portal by February 1.
4. Prepare for interview – Finalists will be invited to interview with a faculty selection committee via Zoom in mid-February.
5. Final selection – Final selection of Richmond Scholars will be completed by March 1.
6. Accept your award – If selected, accept your scholarship and complete enrollment confirmation by the May 1 deadline.

Important notes: The evaluation process is highly personalized and holistic. Additional academic assessments such as success in a highly rigorous curriculum, published research, and other state and national academic accolades can influence the highly competitive selection process. Applications received after December 1 will not be considered for the Richmond Scholars Program.

Official Website & Application Links

Richmond Scholars Program – Official Website

University of Richmond Admissions: https://admission.richmond.edu

Scholars Program Contact: Office of Admission – admission.richmond.edu