The Stamps Scholars Program 2026

For high-achieving high school seniors, the cost of higher education is often the only barrier to a dream university. 

While many scholarships cover tuition, very few cover the “extras”, study abroad, unpaid internships, and leadership conferences, that make a college experience truly transformative.

The Stamps Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious merit-based awards in the United States. 

Unlike standard tuition waivers, this program partners with over 30 universities to offer a comprehensive package that often includes full tuition, room and board, and a dedicated enrichment fund.

Scholarship Summary: More Than Just Tuition

Founded in 2006 by E. Roe Stamps and his late wife Penny, the Stamps Scholars Program has grown into a nationwide network of visionary leaders. 

The program is unique because it is not a single, centralized application; instead, the foundation partners with specific universities to identify and fund extraordinary students.

The award is designed to remove all financial barriers, allowing students to focus on academic excellence and leadership development.

What Does the Stamps Scholarship Cover?

While award amounts vary slightly by partner institution, the Stamps Scholarship generally provides the following coverage:

Full Tuition and Fees

Covers the complete cost of attendance for four years.

Room and Board

Many partner schools (such as the University of Miami and Barry University) include housing and meal plans.

Enrichment Fund

This is the program’s standout feature. Scholars receive a stipend, typically between $6,000 and $16,000 to fund academic and professional development. This can be used for:

• Study abroad programs
• Unpaid internships
• Academic conferences
• Leadership training
• Research projects

National Network

Access to a community of over 4,000 current and alumni scholars, including biennial national conventions.

Note on Value: The total monetary value of a Stamps Scholarship over four years typically ranges from $150,000 to over $390,000, depending on the institution’s cost of attendance (e.g., out-of-state tuition vs. in-state).

Eligibility and Selection Process

The Stamps Scholars Program is merit-based. Financial need is generally not a consideration for selection, though you must meet the admission criteria of the partner school.

The selection committees are looking for more than just a 4.0 GPA. They are looking for students who will leave a fingerprint on their campus community.

Eligibility Breakdown

Criteria	Description
Academic Merit	Applicants typically represent the top 1-5% of the incoming class. High GPAs (often 3.8+ unweighted) and rigorous course loads (AP/IB/Honors) are expected.
Leadership Potential	You must demonstrate a history of leadership. This isn’t just holding a title; it is about showing how you have impacted your community, school, or organization.
Exceptional Character	Resilience, innovation, and a service-oriented mindset are key traits evaluated during the interview process.
Residency Status	Varies by school. While most scholars are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, several partner schools (like the University of Miami and Barry University) do consider international students.
Student Status	Most awards are for incoming first-year freshmen. However, a select few schools offer “Walk-On” scholarships for rising juniors (students entering their third year).

2026 Application Timeline

Because you apply for the Stamps Scholarship through the partner university, there is no single national deadline. 

However, most schools utilize Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) deadlines for scholarship consideration.

If you are aiming for the Class of 2030 (entering Fall 2026), use this timeline as your strategic guide.

Phase	Estimated Date	Action Required
Preparation	August – October 2025	Research partner schools. Draft your Common App essays and identify recommenders.
The “Big” Deadline	Nov 1 – Nov 15, 2025	Most partner schools (e.g., University of Miami, Georgia Tech, UOregon) require you to apply for admission by the Early Action deadline to be considered.
Separate Apps	Nov – Dec 2025	Some schools (e.g., University of Oregon, Mizzou) require a separate Stamps application or essay in addition to the general admission application.
Semifinalist Review	January 2026	Universities review applications. Semifinalists are selected and often invited to submit video introductions or additional essays.
Interview Weekends	Feb – March 2026	Finalists are invited to “Scholars Weekends” (virtual or on-campus) for interviews with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation and university faculty.
Award Notification	March – April 1, 2026	Final scholarship offers are extended.

Critical Deadline Examples for 2026 Cycle:

• University of Miami: Must apply Early Decision I or Early Action by November 1.
• University of Oregon: Admission app by Nov 1; Separate Stamps app by Nov 12.
• University of Missouri: Stamps Scholarship application due Dec 1 (Must have applied to Mizzou and Honors College prior).
• Barry University: Application usually due by Dec 15.

How to Apply for the Stamps Scholarship

Applying requires a strategic approach because the process differs from campus to campus. Follow these steps to ensure you don’t miss out.

1. Identify Partner Schools

You cannot apply directly to the Stamps Foundation. You must apply to one of the ~38 partner institutions.

• Notable Partners: Georgia Tech, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame, University of Virginia, Wake Forest, William & Mary, and the University of Texas at Austin.

2. Determine the Application Method

Schools generally fall into two categories:

• Automatic Consideration: You simply apply for admission by the Early Action deadline (usually Nov 1 or Nov 15), and you are automatically reviewed for the scholarship. (Example: University of Miami).
• Separate Application: You apply for admission, receive access to a scholarship portal, and must submit a specific Stamps essay and extra recommendations. (Example: University of Oregon, Mizzou).

3. Ace the “Enrichment” Question

If you reach the interview stage, you will likely be asked: “How would you use the enrichment fund?”

Tip: Don’t just say “travel.” Be specific. Propose a research project in a specific country, a specific unpaid internship in Washington D.C., or a specific leadership conference relevant to your major.

4. Prepare for the Interview

Finalists are interviewed by the Stamps Foundation and university faculty. 

Be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences, your failures (and how you learned from them), and your vision for your college career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students apply for the Stamps Scholarship?

Yes, but only at specific partner schools. The University of Miami and Barry University, for example, explicitly state that international students are eligible. 

However, some state universities may reserve the award for domestic students. Always check the specific university’s financial aid page.

Is the Stamps Scholarship transferable?

No. The scholarship is awarded by the specific institution. If you win a Stamps Scholarship at Georgia Tech, you cannot transfer it to the University of Michigan.

Can I apply for the Stamps Scholarship at multiple schools?

Yes! You can apply to as many partner schools as you like. It is possible (though rare) to be named a finalist at multiple institutions.

Do I need to demonstrate financial need?

No. The Stamps Scholarship is strictly merit-based. FAFSA submission is often required by universities for general processing, but your family’s income does not determine your eligibility for this specific award.