College tuition prices are climbing, leaving many students wondering if a debt-free degree is just a dream.
While many families scramble for small grants, there is a massive, life-changing opportunity hiding in plain sight, or rather, on the fairway.
The Evans Scholarship is one of the nation’s most prestigious and generous awards, covering full tuition and housing for high-achieving golf caddies.
Administered by the Western Golf Association (WGA) and the Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF), this program has helped over 12,000 students graduate debt-free.
If you are willing to put in the work on the golf course, this scholarship offers a pathway to top-tier universities that is unmatched by almost any other private award.
What is the Evans Scholarship?
The Evans Scholarship is a full tuition and housing grant awarded to golf caddies with limited financial means.
Unlike one-time cash awards, this scholarship supports students for all four years of their undergraduate education.
Currently, over 1,100 Evans Scholars are enrolled at partner universities across the country. These students don’t just get a check; they join a community.
Most recipients live together in an Evans Scholarship House on campus, fostering a network of support, leadership, and academic excellence.
Eligibility and Selection Process
Winning an Evans Scholarship requires more than just carrying a golf bag. The selection committee evaluates candidates based on four specific “pillars” of success.
If you are eyeing the 2026 academic year, you must meet the following criteria:
| Eligibility Pillar | Requirement Details |
| Strong Caddie Record | You must have caddied regularly and successfully for a minimum of two years. You are also expected to caddie at your sponsoring club during the year you apply. |
| Academic Excellence | Applicants generally need a 3.0 GPA or higher in college preparatory courses. You must have completed your junior year of high school with above a B average. |
| Financial Need | You must demonstrate a clear financial need. The committee looks for students who require assistance to afford a top-tier university education. |
| Outstanding Character | You must demonstrate integrity, leadership, and outstanding character in your school and community activities. |
Does test optional mean test blind?
For the 2025 cycle, the ACT and SAT were optional. While this trend is likely to continue for 2026, submitting a strong test score can still bolster an application, particularly if your GPA is on the borderline.
2026 Application Timeline
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is relying on outdated guides that list late October deadlines. The Evans Scholarship deadlines are strict.
Here are the key dates you need to mark on your calendar for the high school class of 2026:
| Date | Action Item |
| August 1, 2025 | The Evans Scholarship application opens online. Start gathering your materials immediately. |
| October 1, 2025 | The CSS Profile and FAFSA become available. Complete the CSS Profile ASAP (WGAESF code: 0153). |
| October 15, 2025 | PRIORITY DEADLINE. Your application, including transcripts, evaluations, and the CSS Profile, must be complete. |
| December/January | Finalists are invited to mandatory interviews with the selection committee. |
| April 1, 2026 | All final admission and scholarship decisions are finalized. |
What’s New for 2026?
The Evans Scholars Foundation continues to expand. In a major update for the 2026 academic year, Arizona State University (ASU) has been announced as the 28th partner university.
Beginning in the fall of 2026, the inaugural class of Evans Scholars will enroll at ASU in Tempe. If you are a caddie in the Southwest, or looking to study there, this opens a brand new door for opportunity.
Beyond the Courage to Grow Scholarship
You may have encountered the Courage to Grow Scholarship during your research. While that is a helpful award, it is important to distinguish it from the opportunities provided by the ESF.
Comparing the Evans and Courage to Grow Scholarship
The Courage to Grow Scholarship is a small, monthly $500 award open to a broad range of students. It is a great “micro-scholarship” to help with books or supplies.
However, the Evans Scholarship is a “macro” solution. It covers full tuition and housing, a value that can exceed $120,000 over four years depending on the university.
While you should apply for every award you are eligible for, the Evans Scholarship should be your primary focus if you meet the caddie requirements.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is rigorous, mirroring the intensity of a college application itself.
Secure a Sponsor
You typically need the endorsement of the caddie manager or club officials at the golf course where you work.
Gather Documents
You will need high school transcripts, standardized test scores (if submitting), and a specific Caddie Evaluation Form.
Complete Financial Forms
Submit the CSS Profile by October 15. This is non-negotiable for determining financial need.
Write Your Essay
This is your chance to tell your story. Focus on your growth, your family’s background, and what caddying has taught you about resilience.
Ace the Interview
If selected as a finalist, you will interview with the scholarship committee. Dress professionally, know your application details, and be ready to speak about your dedication to the four pillars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to play golf to get the scholarship?
No. You do not need to be a golfer; you need to be a caddie. The scholarship rewards your work ethic carrying bags and assisting players, not your ability to break par.
Which universities can I attend?
Evans Scholars attend one of the Foundation’s partner universities. This includes prestigious schools like Northwestern, Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Colorado, and now, Arizona State University.
You generally apply to the partner university in your home state.
Is there an income limit for the scholarship?
There is no strict cutoff, but financial need is a primary requirement. The committee reviews the CSS Profile and FAFSA to determine if the applicant requires financial aid to attend college.
Start Your Journey Today
The Evans Scholarship is more than money; it is a validation of years of hard work.
If you have spent your summers waking up at dawn to loop around the course, you have already demonstrated the grit required to succeed.
Review the 2026 timeline, get your financial documents ready by October, and approach your application with the same focus you bring to the golf course.
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.
