Richmond Scholars Program 2027 in USA

The Richmond Scholars Program is the University of Richmond’s highest-level academic merit award for incoming undergraduate students. It recognises exceptional students who demonstrate academic achievement, engaged leadership, a strong sense of purpose and an interest in contributing to diverse and inclusive communities.

The scholarship is awarded to 25 incoming students and provides full tuition, housing and food. The award is renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters of full-time undergraduate enrolment, subject to the University’s scholarship requirements.

There is no separate Richmond Scholars application. A student’s University of Richmond first-year admission application also serves as the scholarship application. Applicants from any admission plan who have their application on file by 1 December 2026 are automatically considered. Richmond Scholars also receive benefits beyond financial support, including faculty mentorship, priority course registration, guaranteed on-campus housing and specialised academic, social and professional programming.

Scholars are also eligible for a one-time USD 5,500 grant to support a student-selected activity that enhances their academic experience. International applicants may receive full consideration for University-funded merit scholarships, including Richmond Scholars. They must also satisfy the University’s international admission requirements, including financial-responsibility documentation and English-language requirements where applicable.

• Applicants must apply as first-year, degree-seeking students.
• Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II and Regular Decision applicants may be considered.
• The University of Richmond admission application must be submitted by 1 December 2026 for Richmond Scholars consideration.
• International and non-US applicants are eligible for University-funded merit scholarship consideration.
• Applicants must satisfy the University of Richmond’s undergraduate admission requirements.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an approved University waiver.
• SAT and ACT scores are optional for most first-year students entering in Fall 2027.
• Applicants educated in certain non-traditional high-school settings may have additional testing and documentation requirements.
• Transfer students are not eligible for the first-year merit scholarships listed under this programme.
• No separate Richmond Scholars application is required.
• No specific minimum GPA for Richmond Scholars is published.
• No specific age limit is published.

• Full undergraduate tuition.
• Housing coverage.
• Food coverage.
• Scholarship renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters of full-time enrolment.
• Eligibility for a one-time USD 5,500 grant for an approved experience that enhances the scholar’s academic experience.
• Priority course registration.
• Guaranteed on-campus housing.
• Specially selected faculty mentors.
• Academic programming for Richmond Scholars.
• Social and professional development programming.
• Selected cultural-event ticket vouchers through the Modlin Center for the Arts.
• Dedicated advising and support from the Office of Scholars and Fellowships.
• Access to the wider Richmond Scholars community and alumni network.

Applicants submit the University of Richmond first-year admission materials rather than a separate scholarship application.

Required or generally required admission materials include:

• Common Application or Coalition Application.
• USD 50 application fee or approved fee waiver.
• Richmond Question supplemental essay.
• Official high-school transcript containing grades 9–11.
• Secondary School Report completed by a school official.
• At least one recommendation letter from a school official, ideally a school counsellor.
• Senior-year progress grades as they become available.
• SAT or ACT scores if the applicant chooses the test-submission route or if testing is required because of their educational circumstances.

The Richmond Question for the 2026–27 application requires one response of 350–650 words.

International applicants may additionally need:

• University of Richmond Certification of Financial Responsibility.
• Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test results if English-proficiency evidence is required.
• Additional financial-aid documents if applying separately for need-based financial assistance.

Optional materials may include:

• Arts portfolio.
• Additional supplemental documents.
• Up to two additional recommendation letters.

The Richmond Scholars Program identifies four principal criteria:

• Academic achievement.
• Engaged leadership.
• Strong sense of purpose.
• Interest in a diverse and inclusive community.

The wider merit-scholarship and admission review may also consider:

• Strength and rigour of the applicant’s secondary-school curriculum.
• Academic performance.
• Application essays.
• Recommendations.
• Extracurricular involvement.
• Special talents and achievements.
• Creativity and independence.
• Life experiences.
• Significant academic accomplishments such as research or major state or national achievements.
• Finalist interview performance where applicable.

• Receive one of the University of Richmond’s most prestigious merit awards.
• Study with tuition, housing and food covered.
• Join a small community of high-achieving undergraduate scholars.
• Receive mentorship from selected faculty members.
• Access dedicated academic and professional programming.
• Benefit from priority course registration.
• Receive guaranteed on-campus housing.
• Build connections with Richmond Scholars from different disciplines.
• Potentially receive a USD 5,500 grant for an academic enrichment experience.
• Develop leadership skills alongside a strong undergraduate education in the United States