The Daniels Scholarship Program is a competitive, need- and merit-based scholarship designed to support high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership potential, and a drive to make a positive impact. This fully funded undergraduate scholarship helps cover the full cost of attendance at partner colleges and universities across the United States, empowering students to pursue a bachelor’s degree without financial burden.
Quick Summary of Daniels Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Type: Merit-based and need-based undergraduate scholarship
- Coverage: Full cost of attendance at partner schools or up to $25,000/year for non-partner schools
- Eligible Applicants: High school seniors in CO, NM, UT, WY
- Deadline: September 15 – October 17, 2025
- Fields of Study: Open to all academic majors
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Application Mode: Online
- Scholar Benefits: Tuition, housing, books, laptop, leadership training
About the Daniels Fund Scholarship
Founded in honor of Bill Daniels, a cable industry pioneer and U.S. veteran, the Daniels Scholarship Program aims to support motivated students with strong ethics and a deep commitment to community service and leadership. Scholars join a robust network of over 5,000 alumni and benefit from both financial assistance and personal development support.
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Daniels Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a graduating high school senior
- Reside in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA (unweighted on a 4.0 scale)
- Score at least 490 in SAT Math and Reading OR 18 in each ACT section
- Demonstrate financial need based on a 2024 family AGI of $100,000 or less (plus $10,000 for each additional dependent)
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Required Documents
- 2024 Federal Tax Return (Form 1040)
- ACT/SAT Scores
- Proof of citizenship/residency
- FAFSA Submission Summary
- Proof of enrollment for other claimed dependents
What the Daniels Scholarship Covers
The Daniels Scholarship is one of the top fully funded college scholarships in the U.S., covering:
- Tuition and mandatory fees
- Room and board
- Books and required supplies
- Miscellaneous educational expenses
- Laptop computer for scholars
- Leadership development and mentorship opportunities
Funding Levels
- Full cost of attendance at partner schools within CO, NM, UT, or WY
- Up to $25,000 annually at eligible schools outside the four-state region
- $7,500/year at non-partner schools within the region
Where Can the Scholarship Be Used?
Daniels Scholars can enroll in any accredited nonprofit two- or four-year college or university in the U.S., provided they are pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Scholarships are not applicable to trade schools, technical colleges, or certificate programs.
Scholarship Requirements After Selection
Once selected, Daniels Scholars must:
- Stay enrolled full-time and graduate within four years
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Attend the mandatory New Scholar Orientation Conference
- Submit required renewal documents each academic term
- Follow the Daniels Scholar Code of Conduct
- Stay in communication with the Daniels Fund
Why Apply for the Daniels Scholarship?
This top undergraduate scholarship offers more than just financial aid. As a Daniels Scholar, you’ll benefit from:
- A fully funded college education or generous annual support
- A new laptop computer for academic use
- One-on-one support and guidance throughout college
- Access to leadership development programs
- Opportunities for community service and career networking
- Lifetime membership in a prestigious scholar and alumni network
Application Process & Timeline
Application Period:
- Opens: September 15, 2025
- Closes: October 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM MT
Selection Timeline:
- Semi-Finalist Phase: October 27 – November 15, 2025
- Interviews for Finalists: February – March 2026
- Scholarship Awards Announced: Early April 2026
- Mandatory Orientation: June 2026 (expenses covered)
How to Apply for the Daniels Scholarship Program 2025-26
Interested students can apply online via the official Daniels Fund website during the open application window. No paper applications are accepted.
For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit the official Daniels Fund website.
- Apply online between September 16 and October 18, 2024: https://danielsfund.org/scholarships/daniels-scholarship-program/overview
- If selected as a semi-finalist, submit essays and letters of recommendation by November 15, 2024.
- Finalists will be interviewed in February and March 2025.
Official Website
Notes:
- The scholarship covers two-year or four-year colleges/universities in the US.
- You must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
- See the official website for a full list of partner schools and additional details.
