2026 Stamps Scholars Program: Full Ride Scholarship in the USA

The Stamps Scholars Program stands as one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships in the United States. Founded in 2006 by Roe and Penny Stamps, the program aims to support “extraordinary students” by providing them with a full-ride education and access to a global network of leaders.

In 2026, the program continues its mission by offering over 400 new scholarships across its partner institutions, covering everything from tuition to international research projects.

2026 Scholarship Summary

Category	Details
Host Institutions	38 Partner Universities (e.g., Georgia Tech, Michigan, Miami, Dartmouth)
Study Level	Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
Annual Reward	Up to $98,000 (Full Cost of Attendance)
Total 4-Year Value	$80,000 – $392,000
Enrichment Fund	$8,000 – $16,000 (One-time stipend)
Eligible Countries	All Countries (International students are welcome)
Deadline	Varies by University (Usually Oct – Dec 2025 for 2026 entry)

Key Benefits of Being a Stamps Scholar

Full Cost of Attendance: This typically covers 100% of tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing, and meal plans.
The Enrichment Fund: A “dream fund” of up to $16,000 that you can use for study abroad, unpaid internships, scientific research (some scholars have gone to Antarctica!), or leadership conferences.
National Network: Access to a community of over 4,000 current scholars and alumni for mentorship and professional networking.
National Convention: Invitations to the biennial Stamps Scholars National Convention to collaborate with bright minds from across the globe.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

The Stamps Foundation does not look at financial need; the award is 100% merit-based. They seek students with:

Academic Excellence: High GPAs (usually 3.5+ or 3.8+) and top-tier class rankings.
Leadership & Character: A proven track record of initiative, perseverance, and service to the community.
Innovation: Students who think outside the box to solve real-world problems.
Standardized Tests: While many schools are test-optional, a high SAT (1420+) or ACT (32+) can be very beneficial for these top-tier awards.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Partner School

You cannot apply for the Stamps Scholarship directly. You must apply to one of the 38 partner universities. Popular schools for international students include:

University of Miami
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
University of Notre Dame
Barry University
University of Michigan

Step 2: Check the Specific Deadline

Each school has its own deadline. For example:

Georgia Tech: Mid-October (for GA residents) or early November (non-residents).
University of Miami: November 1 (Early Action).
Barry University: December 15.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Most schools automatically consider you for the Stamps Scholarship if you apply by their priority/early deadline. However, some (like the University of Oregon or Mizzou) require a separate supplemental essay or application.

Step 4: The Interview Process

If shortlisted, you will go through a rigorous interview process, often involving university faculty and eventually a representative from the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation.

Important Notification

Finalists are usually notified between January and March 2026, with final selections confirmed by April 2026 for the Fall semester start.

Official Link: Stamps Scholars Partner Schools List