Hagan Scholarship for 2025-2026 Academic Year 

The Hagan Scholarship is a unique, nationwide, need-based merit scholarship designed to help students graduate from college debt-free. Managed by the Hagan Scholarship Foundation, this scholarship provides substantial financial aid along with practical life skills training for students across the United States.

What is the Hagan Scholarship?

The Hagan Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving, hardworking students who demonstrate financial need. It helps cover the cost of a four-year college education, providing up to $7,500 per semester for a total of up to $60,000. Scholarship recipients, known as “Hagan Scholars,” also receive free workshops, brokerage accounts, and study abroad opportunities to help them succeed both academically and in life.

Eligibility Criteria for the Hagan Scholarship

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

1. High School Graduation: Applicants must be in their final year of high school in the U.S. and have a minimum GPA of 3.50.
2. College Enrollment: Students must enroll in an eligible four-year college immediately after high school.
3. Financial Need: Household income for the applicant’s family must not exceed $100,000 based on federal tax information.
4. Work Requirement: Applicants must complete 240 hours of work from January 1 until the beginning of their first college semester.
5. Additional Requirements: Applicants should be fluent in English, apply for any available federal and state grants, and must not have a felony conviction.

Download  Hagan Scholarship Brochure for more information.

Responsibilities of Hagan Scholars

After receiving the scholarship, students must meet certain requirements to keep it:

1. Maintain a 3.25 GPA and complete at least 14 credit hours each fall semester and 30 credit hours each academic year.
2. Workshops: Attend free life-skills workshops organized by the foundation.
3. Work Hours: Continue working 240 hours each year as part of the program’s requirement.
4. Graduate On Time: Scholars must stay on a four-year graduation schedule.

Application Process and Deadline

Application Availability: The scholarship application opens on September 1 each year.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by December 1 for the following academic year.

Review and Notification: Applications are reviewed for eligibility, and finalists are notified of their status before scholarships are awarded in April.

Benefits of the Hagan Scholarship

1. Financial Support: Students receive up to $7,500 each semester for eight consecutive semesters, covering tuition, fees, books, and personal expenses.
2. First-Year Essentials: Each recipient gets $2,000 before starting college to purchase essential items like a laptop, printer, or phone.
3. Investment Management: In the second year, recipients are given a Schwab brokerage account with funds managed by the student. Over time, this account increases from $10,000 to $20,000 as students progress in college.
4. Study Abroad Opportunity: By the third year, students with a GPA of 3.50 or higher can take an all-expenses-paid study abroad trip worth up to $8,000.
5. Graduate Scholarship: After completing their undergraduate degree, Hagan Scholars may apply for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship that provides additional support for up to four more semesters.

Why the Hagan Scholarship Stands Out

The Hagan Scholarship not only covers educational costs but also provides essential life skills training. Through workshops, investment management, and travel opportunities, Hagan Scholars learn valuable lessons that prepare them for life beyond college.

With more than 4,500 scholarships awarded to date, the Hagan Scholarship is one of the most impactful programs for students with financial need who want to achieve a debt-free college education.

Hagan Scholarship Application Tips

Read Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the entire Hagan Scholarship Foundation (HSF) website. Understanding the scholarship’s criteria, benefits, features, and responsibilities is essential.

Start Early: Begin preparing application documents as soon as possible after September 1, 2024. Avoid procrastination to ensure all requirements are met without rushing.

Follow Instructions: Adhere strictly to the online form instructions and guidelines for preparing your PDF submission. Incomplete or improperly prepared submissions will not be processed. High-quality and complete submissions are a must.

Personal Essay & Four-Year Plan: These documents are crucial for setting yourself apart. Your Four-Year Plan serves as a roadmap to achieve your goals, so it’s advisable to seek guidance if needed. Ensure all documents are clear, well-aligned, and in portrait format. Avoid using photos of documents.

High-Quality Photo: Submit a professional, color head-and-shoulders photo.

Personal Email Only: Use your personal email, not school or parental emails, for communication. HSF will communicate solely through email, and you won’t be able to change your email until the fall semester of 2025, so ensure you receive all HSF emails.

Final Check Before Submission: Carefully review all information before submitting. Verify that the correct PDF is uploaded and can be opened.

Final Words

The Hagan Scholarship is a powerful opportunity for ambitious, deserving students to achieve their educational and personal goals. By offering financial aid and practical learning experiences, this scholarship empowers students to graduate from college debt-free and prepared for future success.

For more information and to apply, visit the Hagan Scholarship Foundation website.