Horatio Alger National Scholarships
The Horatio Alger National Scholarships are administered by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting young people who have demonstrated resilience in the face of significant personal hardship. The scholarships are intended for high school students who have maintained a commitment to their education despite difficult circumstances, reflecting the core values of integrity and perseverance that define the association's mission.
Selection for these scholarships is competitive and based on multiple criteria, including demonstrated financial need, a documented history of overcoming adversity, sustained academic effort, and involvement in the community. Meeting general eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award, and candidates are evaluated through a formal review process. Scholarship funds are applied toward undergraduate studies and do not require repayment.
Eligible students may apply directly through the Horatio Alger Association's official website at no cost. Authentic scholarship programs administered by legitimate nonprofits do not charge application fees, and any third-party service requesting payment in exchange for access to this scholarship or a promise of selection should be treated as a serious warning sign.
Prospective applicants benefit from reviewing all eligibility requirements carefully before applying and from consulting the association's official resources to ensure they are working with accurate, current information. Scholarship opportunities of this nature reward genuine effort and circumstance rather than offering automatic access, making thorough and honest preparation an important part of the process.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: Horatio Alger Association — National Scholarships. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for horatio alger national scholarships?
High school students who have faced and overcome significant adversity, demonstrate financial need, and show integrity and perseverance. Open to women and men alike..
Does horatio alger national scholarships have to be repaid?
This is scholarship (not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for horatio alger national scholarships?
Apply directly through the association during the annual cycle; details at horatioalger.org.
More in Education & training
Not sure which funding fits?
Compare grants, scholarships, assistance, and loans side by side, or use the finder to narrow down by your situation.
Open the funding finder →