The Horatio Alger National Scholarship, from the Horatio Alger Association, awards 105 scholarships of $25,000 each to high school juniors with financial need who have shown integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. The undergraduate junior application window runs December 1 to March 1; the Association’s page does not print the year.
This profile uses the Association’s Undergraduate Scholarships page and Scholarships page, checked in November 2026.
Who is eligible for the Horatio Alger National Scholarship
The Association requires applicants to:
- “Be enrolled full time as a high school junior in the United States.”
- Show a strong commitment to earn a bachelor’s degree at an accredited nonprofit U.S. institution right after high school. Starting at a two-year school and transferring is allowed.
- “Demonstrate financial need ($100,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required).”
- “Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities.”
- “Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.”
- “Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.”
- “Be a United States citizen.”
The junior-year timing is the detail most families miss. You apply as a junior, a full year earlier than most national awards. If you are already a senior, the National Scholarship is not the right program, though the Association runs a separate senior window for other scholarships.
What the award pays
The Association offers “105 scholarships at $25,000 each.” One application covers every Horatio Alger scholarship you are eligible for, except some Specialized Scholarships that may need separate applications.
That single-application rule means a strong National application can also put you in line for the Association’s state and institution-specific awards. Examples listed on the page include 50 Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation scholarships of $10,000 for Montana seniors, and Denny Sanford scholarships tied to specific universities, such as 25 awards of $10,000 at Arizona State University and 6 of $40,000 at Long Island University.
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How selection works
The Association’s pages do not describe review stages or publish an acceptance rate. The stated intent is to support “promising students who have critical financial need, demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.” Expect your adversity story, activities and need to carry as much weight as grades, given the 2.5 GPA floor.
Deadlines and timeline
| Application | Window |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate, juniors (National Scholarship) | December 1 to March 1 |
| Undergraduate, seniors | December 1 to February 15 |
| Career and Technical | March 15 to June 15 |
| Graduate | July 1 to August 31 |
The page gives these windows without a year. Based on the pattern, the next junior window would open December 1, 2026, and close March 1, 2027, but confirm on the Association’s site when it opens.
How to make a strong application
- Name the adversity plainly. “Perseverance in overcoming adversity” is a stated requirement, not a bonus. Describe what happened, what you did and what changed.
- Show integrity with an example. It is listed alongside adversity. A specific moment beats a general claim.
- Include service. Co-curricular and community service involvement is required, so list both.
- Have income figures ready. The $100,000 cap is on adjusted gross family income. Ask a parent for the AGI line from the most recent tax return.
- Look at the state awards. One application covers most of them, so check which state and university awards fit you.
Similar programs to consider
- The Hagan Scholarship for high-achieving seniors with need.
- The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship, which also weighs persistence.
- The BURGER KING Scholars Program, which counts financial need as a third of the score.
- Our scholarship essay tips and the scholarship finder.
Horatio Alger National Scholarship FAQ
Can seniors apply for the National Scholarship?
No. It requires full-time enrollment as a high school junior. Seniors have a separate December 1 to February 15 window for other scholarships.
Do I have to start at a four-year college?
No. Starting at a two-year school and transferring to finish a bachelor’s degree is allowed.
What is the income limit?
Adjusted gross family income of $100,000 or lower.
Can permanent residents apply?
The National Scholarship requires U.S. citizenship.