If you are looking to study in the U.S under fully funded scholarship, this list of universities that offer annual fully funded scholarships in USA gives you the needed options. These universities offer full scholarships each year to undergraduates, master’s, and PhD students. Some are need-based whereas some are merit-based. Either way, they cover tuition, and many include housing, books, and travel.
Universities That Offer Annual Fully Funded Scholarships in USA
Here are full list of Universities in USA that offer fully funded scholarships to its students. If you are an international student looking to study in U.S, read through this options to find available schools that fit your scholarship need.
1. Harvard University (MA)
Harvard ranks high globally, but it’s not just for the rich. The university offers generous financial aid and is known for giving students from modest backgrounds a real shot.
Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Offers need-based aid that covers 100% of demonstrated financial need
Most families earning under $85,000 pay nothing
PhD students get full tuition, living stipend, and research support
Harvard Kennedy, Business, and Law schools offer separate fellowships.
2. Yale University (CT)
Yale is one of the universities that offer annual fully funded scholarships in USA. Yale doesn’t hold back when it comes to funding top students. If you get in and you need help, they’ll cover it.
Levels: All
Need-based financial aid for undergraduates
Fully funded PhD programs with stipends and tuition
Professional schools offer their own funding options
Yale World Fellows and other programs support global scholars.
3. Stanford University (CA)
Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford backs big thinkers. It invests heavily in grad students and offers full rides to select undergrads.
Levels: All
Knight-Hennessy Scholars program funds graduate students across disciplines
Undergraduate aid meets 100% of need
Full funding includes tuition, living expenses, and travel
Strong support for international students.
Also Read: Financial Opportunities of Study Abroad in the UK for Foreign Students
4. MIT (MA)
MIT cares about merit and affordability. It offers strong aid packages and full PhD funding for top tech and science minds.
Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate
Need-based scholarships for undergrads
PhDs receive full tuition and a stipend
Departments like Engineering and Computer Science offer teaching assistantships
Master’s funding varies—check each program
5. Princeton University (NJ)
Princeton University is another one in our list of universities that offer annual fully funded scholarships in USA. Princeton was one of the first to replace student loans with grants. If you’re admitted, money won’t block your way.
Levels: Undergraduate
100% of financial need met with grants
Families making under $100,000 pay nothing
PhD programs are fully funded with housing and research support.
6. Duke University (NC)
Duke mixes academic power with major funding. It partners with UNC to offer one of the most competitive undergrad scholarships in the country.
Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate
Robertson Scholars Program covers full costs and offers summer grants
PhDs are fully funded with teaching or research assistantships
Law, Business, and Medicine have competitive fellowships.
7. University of Chicago (IL)
This school is known for rigorous academics and serious financial backing. It backs top scholars with both merit and need-based funding.
Levels: All
Odyssey Scholarship supports low-income undergraduates
Full PhD funding through UChicago GRAD
Offers fellowships, research grants, and teaching stipends
Scholarships available across schools, including Harris Public Policy.
8. University of Pennsylvania (PA)
Penn blends Ivy League reputation with full financial backing for those who earn it. Grad programs are well-funded, especially in business and education.
Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate
Full need-based aid for undergrads
Fully funded PhDs in fields like business, education, and medicine
Wharton PhD students receive tuition, stipend, and research support.
9. Columbia University (NY)
In the heart of New York City, Columbia offers full aid to students with strong need or academic merit. Columbia university is among the universities that offer annual fully funded scholarships in USA.
Levels: All
Full need-based aid for undergraduates
Graduate fellowships across disciplines
School of Journalism, SIPA, and Engineering offer full fellowships
MS Express and other programs fund select students fully.
10. Amherst College (MA)
This liberal arts college is small but generous. Amherst has one of the strongest aid programs for international students.
Level: Undergraduate
Need-blind for all applicants, including internationals
Replaces loans with grants
Full cost of attendance covered if you qualify.
11. University of Notre Dame (IN)
Notre Dame supports both financial need and academic merit. Scholarships are competitive and comprehensive.
Level: Undergraduate
Offers full-ride merit-based programs like the Stamps Scholarship
Covers tuition, housing, meals, and enrichment funding
Also provides need-based aid.
12. Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
WashU offers both merit and need-based aid. Its full-ride scholarships focus on leadership and community impact.
Level: Undergraduate
Danforth and Ervin Scholars Programs offer full tuition and living stipend
Scholars get leadership training and mentorship
PhD students receive funding packages with stipends.
13. Vanderbilt University (TN)
Known for its strong merit scholarships, Vanderbilt gives full rides to some of its top applicants every year.
Level: Undergraduate
Ingram, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Chancellor’s Scholarships
Cover full tuition plus summer stipends
Also offers financial aid to meet full need.
14. University of Southern California (CA)
USC is one of the few private schools on the West Coast that offers full merit scholarships to undergraduates.
Level: Undergraduate
Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition
Presidential Scholarship covers half tuition
Highly competitive, based on academics and leadership.
15. Clark University (MA)
Clark backs international students through its Global Scholars Program. It offers major funding to those who prove strong academic and leadership potential.
Level: Undergraduate
Global Scholars Program offers up to full tuition and housing
Focused on international applicants
Renewable based on academic performance
Universities that offer annual fully funded scholarships in USA
If you have interest in studying in America, you should consider applying to any of the schools and look out for more details about their scholarship program. Do you know any Universities that offer annual fully funded scholarships in USA, you can share below in the comment.