Legacy scholarships could fill a special place in your financial aid package and lower tuition costs while celebrating historic traditions.
There are three major types of legacy awards created to inspire the next generation. The most numerous legacy scholarships are administered directly by universities to attract the children or close relatives of alumni. Professional organizations and corporations sometimes reserve money to support the children of their members or employees. Lastly, some community foundations endow legacy scholarships in memory of successful pioneers to encourage young adults who follow in their footsteps. Though their competitive criteria differs slightly, all three kinds can provide big bucks for taking after great role models in higher education.
Include the following 25 legacy scholarships in your search for the right funding fit.
1. American Institute of CPAs Legacy Scholars Program
Deadline: April 1st
The American Institute of CPAs Legacy Scholars Program celebrates the field’s pioneers by providing four coveted accounting scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 each. General eligibility criteria requires pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting full-time, attending an accredited four-year business school, being U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and holding a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference may be given to ethnic minorities of Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian heritage.
Contact
American Institute of CPAs Legacy Scholars Program
220 Leigh Farm Road
Durham, NC 27707
(888) 777-7077
thiswaytocpa@aicpa.org
2. Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarships
Deadline: January 15th
Annually, the Army Women’s Foundation (AWF) awards four types of legacy scholarships for $1,000 to $2,500 apiece to support the lineal descendants of female soldiers who’ve served in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Interested candidates must be enrolling full-time in an accredited community college or university from the associate to doctoral level with an academic average above 2.5. Applications must feature a transcript, DD-214 form, double-spaced essay, and two recommendations.
Contact
Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarships
P.O. Box 5030
Fort Lee, VA 23801
(804) 734-3078
info@awfdn.org
3. Auburn Spirit Foundation Legacy Scholarships
Deadline: February 10th
At Auburn University, the Spirit Foundation offers the True Blue Legacy Scholarships to incoming full-time freshmen who have had a parent/guardian or sibling graduate from the main campus in Auburn, Alabama. Relatives of alumni can earn $4,000 per year for $16,000 total unless other freshman merit scholarships are awarded. Admitted students must present a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and score at least 28 on the ACT or 1320 on the New SAT.
Contact
Auburn Spirit Foundation Legacy Scholarships
115 Quad Center
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-7570
scholar@auburn.edu
4. Bertha Brimmer Legacy Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 24th
The University at Albany, SUNY Alumni Association established the Bertha Brimmer Legacy Scholarship Fund to honor a Class of 1900 alumna who served as the tireless Executive Secretary until her passing. This $1,500 scholarship is reserved for incoming freshmen or new transfers who are the children or grandchildren of former UAlbany Great Danes. Selection is based on academic aptitude, commitment to civic engagement, and unmet financial need.
Contact
Bertha Brimmer Legacy Scholarship Fund
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
(518) 442-3080
alumniassociation@albany.edu
5. Bound Tree Medical Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: March 24th
Worth up to $2,000, the Bound Tree Medical Legacy Scholarship is presented yearly to the natural or legally adopted children of active, retired, or deceased public safety workers, including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters. Qualified applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, enter a state-approved EMT basic or intermediate certification program, and write a single-page essay about their parent’s positive influence on their career.
Contact
Bound Tree Medical Legacy Scholarship
P.O. Box 8023
Dublin, OH 43016
(800) 533-0523
scholarships@boundtree.com
6. Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholarships
Deadline: February 3rd
Founded in 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks National Foundation grants 250 Legacy Scholarships worth $1,000 per year for $4,000 total. The competitive contest is open to the children, step-children, grandchildren, and legal wards of living Elks who became active members before April 2014. Legacy recipients who exhibit charity and integrity can apply funds toward any accredited U.S. colleges or vocational schools if community service hours are met.
Contact
Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholarships
2750 N. Lakeview Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 755-4732
scholarship@elks.org
7. Fisher House Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: March 17th
The Fisher House Foundation applies proceeds from former President Obama’s book Of Thee I Sing to fund the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship Program. Legally dependent unmarried children under age 23 of active duty, retired, or deceased Armed Forces personnel who served after the 9/11 terrorist attacks could receive the $5,000 non-renewable award. Applicants must enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. undergraduate program with a cumulative unweighted GPA above 2.5.
Contact
Fisher House Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship
111 Rockville Pike Suite 420
Rockville, Maryland 20850
(888) 294-8560
legacyscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com
8. Frances G. and George B. Buell Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
At the College of Charleston, the Alumni Association oversees five legacy scholarships, including the Frances G. and George B. Buell Memorial Scholarship in honor of the 1922 alumnus who served as a U.S. Army Colonel and his wife. The program only selects full-time incoming freshmen who are the children of former CofC Cougars. Online applications need a transcript, parent’s recommendation, list of extracurricular activities, and 500-word essay.
Contact
Frances G. and George B. Buell Memorial Scholarship
18 Bull Street
Charleston, SC 29424
(843) 805-5507
alumni@cofc.edu
9. Jerry Inskeep Legacy Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 10th
Honoring the legacy of the Columbia Management Co. co-founder who died of liver cancer in 2009, the Jerry Inskeep Legacy Scholarship Fund is managed by the Community Foundation of San Juan Island for local Washington State high school seniors. Appropriate applicants will be accepted at accredited four-year colleges, hold U.S. citizenship, live on San Juan Island, take 12+ hours per term, and need financial assistance for their first bachelor’s degree.
Contact
Jerry Inskeep Legacy Scholarship Fund
640 Mullis Street Suite 104
P.O. Box 1352
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(360) 378-1001
scholarships@sjicf.org
10. Kansas State Alumni Heritage Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Kansas State University’s Polytechnic Campus in Salina awards the Alumni Heritage Scholarship for $8,000 per year or $32,000 total. It’s designed for out-of-state high school seniors with a parent or grandparent, whether biological or adopted, who graduated from K-State. These legacy scholarships remain renewable if freshmen maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in bachelor’s programs. There’s also a three-year Transfer Heritage Scholarship for $24,000 available.
Contact
Kansas State Alumni Heritage Scholarship
2310 Centennial Road
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 826-2672
polytechnic@k-state.edu
11. Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship for Women
Deadline: April 15th
The Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship for Women confers at least $1,500 in honor of the Bellevue graduate who excelled as the Vice President and CIO of Burns & McConnell. Funding is reserved for female high school seniors or undergraduates who are carrying on Paper’s passion for technology at an accredited two- or four-year U.S. institution. Ladies must hold a minimum 3.2 GPA, reside in Greater Kansas City, and display technical promise.
Contact
Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship for Women
1055 Broadway Blvd. Suite 130
Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 842-0944
info@krispaperlegacy.com
12. Louisiana Tiger Legacy Scholarship Program
Deadline: November 15th
Louisiana State University (LSU) launched the Louisiana Tiger Legacy Scholarship Program in 2016 to provide $500, $750, and $1,000 awards to in-state residents whose parent graduated from or is employed at the Flagship Campus, including the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Eligible biological, adoptive, or step-children must matriculate full-time, achieve a minimum ACT score of 24, and score at least 1160 on the New SAT or 1090 on the Old SAT.
Contact
Louisiana Tiger Legacy Scholarship Program
1146 Pleasant Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
(225) 578-3103
financialaid@lsu.edu
13. Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
The Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship offers $500 to $1,000 per year from Park University to honor the late Alumni Council Director’s 14-year leadership. The Alumni Association seeks incoming freshmen or transfers who are the spouse, sibling, child, grandchild, or niece/nephew of past Park Pirates. Like most renewable legacy scholarships, terms and conditions require making satisfactory degree progress with a minimum 2.5 GPA overall.
Contact
Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship
8700 NW River Park Drive
Parkville, MO 64152
(816) 584-6412
erik.bergrud@park.edu
Scholarship Link
14. Michael B. Coleman UNCF Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: July 22nd
The United Negro College Fund began the Michael B. Coleman UNCF Legacy Scholarship to support African American youth who will make history like Columbus, Ohio’s first Black and longest-serving mayor. For the $2,700, applicants must be U.S. citizens from “Arch City,” gain admission at accredited two- or four-year colleges, excel academically with a 3.0 GPA or greater, demonstrate significant financial need, and write a personal goals essay.
Contact
Michael B. Coleman UNCF Legacy Scholarship
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 810-0258
Michael.burton@uncf.org
15. Minnesota Masonic Charities Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Minnesota Masonic Charities (MMC) has donated over $42 million since 2004 to various generous causes, including the Legacy Scholarship. Valued at $4,000 per year for $16,000 total, this merit-based program supports the children and grandchildren of Masons who are graduating from public or private Minnesota high schools. Applicants must present a high-achieving GPA between 3.6 and 3.89, or apply for the smaller $10,000 Heritage Scholarship.
Contact
Minnesota Masonic Charities Legacy Scholarship
11501 Masonic Home Drive
Bloomington, MN 55437
(952) 948-6214
info@mnmasonic.org
16. NHA Past Presidents’ Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
Since 2008, the National Hydropower Association (NHA) Past Presidents’ Legacy Scholarship has granted $2,500 to the next generation of promising young water resources professionals. Interested undergrad or post-grad applicants must choose hydropower-related majors, such as engineering, biology, hydrology, environmental studies, and marine science. Other scholarship terms are finishing 60+ college credits, sustaining a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher, and being a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
Contact
NHA Past Presidents’ Legacy Scholarship
601 New Jersey Ave NW Suite 660
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 682-1700
help@hydro.org
17. NSPE Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 1st
Succeeding as legendary pioneers like Edith Clarke and Emily Roebling could be more affordable with the $2,000 Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship from the National Society of Professional Engineers. Eligible female U.S. citizens with current NSPE membership who are entering their junior year of an ABET-accredited bachelor’s program in engineering will qualify. Don’t forget to attach a 500-word essay titled “Engineering Career Goals and Aspirations to Achieve Them.”
Contact
NSPE Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship Program
1420 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(888) 285-6773
memserv@nspe.org
18. Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship Award
Deadline: January 27th
The Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship Award was created in 2014 after the Michigan hockey captain and West Point hopeful died from heart complications. The $3,000 scholarship goes to a male or female high school senior who captures Ryan’s spirit and good sportsmanship in MHSAA interscholastic ice hockey competition. Candidates must also have lettered in at least two varsity sports, worked toward a superb 3.5 GPA or higher, and been accepted into a public or private U.S. college.
Contact
Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship Award
5143 Fourth Avenue SW
Grandville, MI 49418
(616) 254-6430
RyanFischer11@comcast.net
19. Steven P. Cramer Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
Cramer Fish Sciences, an Oregon-based, employee-owned company founded by Steven P. Cramer, offers a legacy scholarship to encourage future fisheries scientists with $2,000. It’s designed for graduate students affiliated with accredited U.S. institutions who are pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. degree full-time with a research emphasis on fisheries management issues. The mailed application must feature a cover letter, resume or CV, two-page project proposal, unofficial transcript, and advisor’s recommendation.
Contact
Steven P. Cramer Legacy Scholarship
600 NW Fariss Road
Gresham, OR 97030
(877) 977-0102
scholarship@fishsciences.net
20. Tahawus Legacy Education Fund Scholarships
Deadline: July 15th
Since 2014, the Tahawus Legacy Education Fund has awarded scholarships to young adults with biological or adopted parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who lived in the Adirondack mining village of Tahawus, New York, anytime between the 1940s and early-1960s. Eligible candidates must be matriculated full-time at accredited colleges, attain at least sophomore standing, achieve a 2.75 overall GPA or better, and engage in community service.
Contact
Tahawus Legacy Education Fund Scholarships
P.O. Box 406
Newcomb, NY 12852
joan.burkedesigns.burke@gmail.com
21. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: April 20th
Enacted in 2001, The American Legion Legacy Scholarship bestows up to $20,000 yearly upon the biological and legally adopted children of post-9/11 fallen soldiers and veterans VA-rated 50 percent or higher disabled. Eligible dependents apply during their high school senior year before entering a regionally accredited U.S. college or university full-time. The online application portal requires an official DD-1300 or DD-214 form, school transcript, and Student Aid Report.
Contact
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
1608 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 861-2700
22. Truman State Bulldog Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: None
Rated America’s #1 public value in Consumers Digest, Truman State University in Kirksville offers the Bulldog Legacy Scholarship for $1,000 to Missouri and $2,000 to out-of-state residents. Automatic consideration is given at admission to full-time incoming freshmen who have a parent or step-parent who graduated with a Truman State degree. Funding could be added to the Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship for students with a minimum 3.5 GPA and ACT score of 23.
Contact
Truman State Bulldog Legacy Scholarship
100 East Normal Avenue
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 785-4114
admissions@truman.edu
23. W. Sanders Murell Alumni Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: March 16th
Worth $2,000 per year for $8,000 total, the W. Sanders Murell Alumni Legacy Scholarship is administered by the UAB National Alumni Society to entering freshmen whose parents hold bachelor’s or higher degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Qualified Blazers must matriculate for 12+ credits per term, maintain a 2.5 GPA or greater, achieve a minimum ACT score of 25, and display leadership in extracurricular activities.
Contact
W. Sanders Murell Alumni Legacy Scholarship
1301 10th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 934-3555
uabalumni@uab.edu
24. Willie R. Evans UBAA Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: June 30th
The University at Buffalo Alumni Association (UBAA) started the Willie R. Evans Legacy Scholarship, which gifts $3,000 per year, in 2009. It’s reserved for full-time undergraduates whose parent, grandparent, or legal guardian graduated from this SUNY campus. New applicants must be in the process of finishing 30 credits, register for the upcoming Fall term, display academic merit with a 2.5 GPA or higher, and submit a 750-word essay about their enrollment decision.
Contact
Willie R. Evans UBAA Legacy Scholarship
201 Harriman Hall
Buffalo, NY 14214
(800) 284-5382
ubfan@buffalo.edu
25. WTS International Leadership Legacy Scholarship
Deadline: November 23rd
Featuring over 6,500 members, Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International, Inc. has seven tuition assistance funds, including the $5,000 Leadership Legacy Scholarship for graduate students. This merit-based program awards female M.S. and Ph.D. students who are enrolled full-time at U.S. universities for advanced degrees in transportation-related fields like engineering, logistics management, or sustainable transportation. Emphasis is placed on leadership skills shown in active volunteer service.
Contact
WTS International Leadership Legacy Scholarship
3200 Tower Oaks Blvd. Suite 400
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 622-7800
mferranto@wtsinternational.org
According to The New York Times, average prices for attending a four-year public college rose from a meager $510 to over $9,000 between 1974 and 2015. Private, nonprofit universities fared even worse with mean costs jumping from $2,000 to $31,000 per year in the same time frame. Luckily, dozens of techniques have also popped up for students to glean healthy amounts of financial aid that will make degrees less expensive. Whether you’ve chosen your parent’s alma mater or not, legacy scholarships are available to finance your own collegiate success.
