QuestBridge National College Match
A full four-year scholarship to a top college. Tuition, housing, and food covered. Built for high achievers from low-income homes.
Award Value
$325,000+
Deadline
October 1, 2026
Matched in 2025
2,550 Finalists
How the Match Works
- 1
September
Submit the application
Free online form. Essays, transcript, and recommendations.
- 2
October
Rank your colleges
Pick up to 15 partner colleges in your order of choice.
- 3
Late October
Finalists announced
Finalists are chosen from the full applicant pool.
- 4
November
Match requirements
Finalists send extra materials each college requests.
- 5
Early December
Match day
Matched students learn their full ride college.
Who Is Eligible
High school seniors; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students attending high school in the U.S. (regardless of citizenship); typically from households earning less than $65,000 annually for a family of four with minimal assets; academic excellence (primarily A's in challenging courses).
The Ideal Candidate
Highly motivated high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement—typically ranking in the top 5-10% of their class—despite facing significant financial hardship. Successful applicants often represent the first generation in their family to attend a four-year university and exhibit strong qualities of resilience and integrity.
Who It Serves
High school seniors from low-income backgrounds.
Partner Colleges
55 top-tier partner colleges including Ivy League and leading liberal arts colleges (e.g., Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT).
Partner Colleges in Our System
35 schools offering the QuestBridge Match scholarship.
California Institute of Technology
Full four-year, no-loan scholarship covering tuition, fees, housing, and food (worth over $325,000).
Colgate University
Full four-year scholarship (covers tuition, room, board, and more, with no parental contribution)
Davidson College
Full four-year scholarship covering entire cost of attendance (tuition room board and other expenses) loan-free
Denison University
Full cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, fees) for four years
Middlebury College
Full scholarship (tuition, room, board, fees - meets 100% demonstrated need)
Oberlin College
Full four-year scholarship (tuition, room, board, and fees per QuestBridge Match terms)
Scripps College
Full ride (Tuition, fees, room, board, books) minus student contribution
Swarthmore College
Full cost of attendance (covers tuition, fees, room, and board)
Want a stronger QuestBridge application?
Our team helps with essays and college ranking strategy.