Merit Scholarships

Hood College has developed an extensive merit scholarship program that recognizes outstanding achievement and/or demonstrated talent and accomplishment in leadership, research, community service or writing. Students admitted to Hood are considered for merit scholarships at the time of admission. Some scholarships, however, are awarded through an interview process involving our Faculty Scholarship Committee.

Each year, Hood College awards more than $5 million in merit-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships range from $2,000 to full-tuition.

From time to time, an individual student-applicant may qualify for consideration in more than one scholarship category. In such a case, the highest scholarship amount will take precedence in Hood’s awarding process. All are limited up to eight semesters.

Students are notified of yearly renewal criteria, including minimum grade point average, upon receipt of their financial aid award letter.

  • Founders Scholarship —awarded to incoming full-time first-year students who have the highest academic profiles and have shown leadership in school and community activities.
  • Hodson -Gilliam Scholarship —awarded to incoming full-time first-year students from ethnic backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Applicants must have demonstrated high academic achievement.
  • Teacher Academy of Maryland Scholarship - awarded to incoming full-time first-year education majors who have successfully fulfilled required criteria for TAM program completion. In addition to the monetary scholarship, three (3) credits will be awarded to fulfill EDUC 204, a prerequisite education course.
  • Trailblazer Scholarship —awarded to incoming first-year students with strong records of academic performance and extracurricular involvement. These students show the potential to contribute to classroom activities and the Hood College community.
  • Recognition Award —awarded to incoming full-time first-year students who have the potential to succeed academically and have demonstrated leadership, commitment to community service and/or demonstrated talent.
  • Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship —awarded to incoming full-time transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members and have earned an A.A. or A.S. degree. Must be a Phi Theta Kappa member at the time of admission.
  • Leader's Transfer Scholarship —awarded to incoming full-time transfer students who have demonstrated academic achievement.
  • Trailblazer Transfer Scholarship —awarded to incoming full-time transfer students who have demonstrated academic achievement..
  • Recognition Transfer Scholarship —awarded to incoming full-time transfer students who have demonstrated academic achievement..
  • Legacy Scholarship —awarded to full-time, first year and first time transfer students whose parents earned a graduate degree from Hood College.