Rising tuition costs can make the American Dream feel out of reach for many students.
However, the Horatio Alger Association exists to bridge that gap, not just for students with perfect grades, but for those who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
If you are a high school student who has faced significant challenges and still maintained a commitment to your education, the Horatio Alger Scholarship could be your path to a college degree.
Scholarship Summary: What is the Horatio Alger Scholarship?
The Horatio Alger Association administers over 70 scholarship programs. Unlike merit-based awards that focus strictly on high GPAs or test scores, this program looks for grit.
The scholarship is designed for students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming personal difficulties.
These difficulties could be financial, medical, family-related, or emotional.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
Winning a Horatio Alger Scholarship provides more than just money.
- Financial Aid: Awards range from $10,000 to $25,000 for National and State scholarships. Specialized scholarships can go up to $50,000.
- Support Services: Recipients gain access to counseling, financial literacy training, and academic support.
- College Success Program: Mentorship and resources to help you navigate your college years.
- National Scholars Trip: National Scholarship winners (valued at $25,000) receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to meet Association members and fellow scholars.
Eligibility and Selection Process
The eligibility criteria for the Horatio Alger Scholarship are strict regarding citizenship and financial need, but flexible regarding academic stats.
2026 Eligibility Criteria Table
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Citizenship | Must be a United States Citizen. (Permanent Residents/Green Card holders are not eligible). |
| Financial Need | Family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must be $100,000 or lower. |
| Academics | Minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. |
| Enrollment | Must plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit institution (students starting at a 2-year college and transferring are eligible). |
| Status | Must be a full-time high school Junior (for National/State awards) or Senior (for specific targeted awards). |
| Character | Must demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. |
| Involvement | Must be involved in co-curricular and community service activities. |
The Selection Process
The selection committee focuses heavily on the “Adversity” section of your application.
They are looking for students who have faced hardship, such as the death of a parent, homelessness, foster care, major health issues, or an abusive environment, and used education as a way to rise above it.
2026 Application Timeline
Missing a deadline is the easiest way to lose a scholarship. The application dates vary depending on your current grade level.
Note: The application cycle for the 2026 academic year begins in late 2025.
| Student Type | Application Opens | Application Deadline | Forms Due | Notification |
| High School Juniors | December 1, 2025 | March 1, 2026 (12:00 PM ET) | March 6, 2026 | May 2026 |
| High School Seniors | December 1, 2025 | February 15, 2026 | February 20, 2026 | April/May 2026 |
| Career & Technical | March 15, 2026 | June 15, 2026 | June 2026 | Summer 2026 |
Timelines are subject to change. Always verify on the official application portal.
How to Apply for Horatio Alger Scholarship
The application process is entirely online. One single application allows you to be considered for dozens of scholarships you are eligible for (National, State, and most specialized awards).
Step 1: Create Your Account
Visit the official Horatio Alger Scholarship application portal (scholars.horatioalger.org) once it opens on December 1st. You will need to complete a profile that determines your eligibility.
Step 2: The Adversity & American Dream Essays
This is the core of your application. You will need to write short responses/essays regarding:
- Your Horatio Alger Story: A detailed account of the adversity you have faced. Be honest and vulnerable.
- The American Dream: How you plan to use your education to contribute to society and achieve your goals.
Step 3: Certification Form (Counselor)
You must enter the email address of your high school counselor. They will receive a link to upload your transcript and verify your GPA.
- Tip: Ensure your transcript includes your fall semester grades.
- Warning: School firewalls often block these automated emails. Follow up with your counselor to ensure they received it.
Step 4: Support Form (The “Second” Recommendation)
This is unique to Horatio Alger. You must list a Support Form Provider.
- Who qualifies? An adult over 21 who is not related to you (e.g., neighbor, teacher, pastor, boss).
- Their role: They will read your adversity essay and sign a form confirming that the challenges you described are true. They can also add comments about your character.
Step 5: Income Verification
You must upload the first page of your parents’ federal tax return (Form 1040) to prove your AGI is under $100,000.
If your parents do not file taxes, you can submit proof of government benefits (SNAP, SSI, etc.).
3 Tips for a Winning Application
Focus on Resilience, Not Pity
When writing about your adversity, do not just list bad things that happened. Focus on how you survived them, what you learned, and how those struggles fueled your desire for education.
Choose the Right Support Provider
Pick someone who knows your personal struggles intimately. A teacher who only knows your grades is not the best fit. Pick a mentor who has seen you grow through hard times.
Submit Early
The system can crash on deadline day. Aim to finish by mid-February, even if the deadline is March 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the scholarship renewable?
Most Horatio Alger Scholarship awards are disbursed over the course of your college career, provided you maintain a 2.0 GPA and full-time enrollment.
Can I apply if I am not a US Citizen?
No. You must be a US Citizen. Permanent Residents and DACA recipients are currently not eligible for the national undergraduate program.
Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?
No. The Association does not require standardized test scores for the application.
Can I use the funds for a for-profit college?
No. Funds must be used at a non-profit, accredited public or private institution in the United States.
Final Thoughts
By offering substantial financial aid and a network of support, the Association helps students turn the American Dream into reality.
Remember, the income limit is now $100,000, and the application opens December 1, 2025. Gather your documents, identify your support provider, and get ready to tell your story.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
