Are you a high-achieving student facing financial challenges and dreaming of attending a top U.S. college? The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship 2026 offers you the opportunity to apply for early admission and a full four-year scholarship worth over $325,000 at one of 55 prestigious partner colleges. This highly competitive, fully funded opportunity is specially designed for U.S.-based high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who have demonstrated exceptional academic and personal achievements.

If you’re determined, academically strong, and eager to overcome financial barriers, this scholarship could transform your future. Applications open in late summer 2025, so prepare now to give yourself the best chance of success.

About QuestBridge and Its College Partners

QuestBridge is a respected nonprofit that helps high-achieving, low-income students gain admission to leading U.S. colleges. Its 55 college partners include Ivy League universities, top liberal arts colleges, and highly selective research institutions.

Some notable QuestBridge college partners include:

• Harvard University (QS World Rank: #4)
• Stanford University (QS: #5)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (QS: #1)
• Yale University (QS: #16)
• Princeton University (QS: #17)
• Columbia University (QS: #23)
• University of Chicago (QS: #11)
• California Institute of Technology (QS: #15)

These colleges show commitment to fully funding admitted students who are selected through the National College Match program.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship 2026 Overview

Scholarship Benefits

Students selected for this fully funded U.S. undergraduate scholarship will receive:

• Full tuition and fees
• On-campus housing and meal plans
• Books and academic supplies
• Travel expenses
• No student loans or parental contribution

• Small student contribution expected through summer jobs, savings, or work-study programs

The scholarship value exceeds $325,000 over four years, ensuring that financial constraints never limit a student’s college experience.

Eligibility Criteria

The National College Match is open to students who meet the following requirements:

• Must be a current high school senior studying in the U.S.
• Must intend to start college in Fall 2026
• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S.-based student living abroad

1. Academic Achievement

• Mostly A grades in the most rigorous courses offered
• Top 5–10% of graduating class
• Strong writing ability and intellectual curiosity
• Optional but competitive test scores:
  – SAT: 1280–1460 (middle 50%)
  – ACT: 26–33 (middle 50%)

2. Financial Background

• Family income usually below $65,000 for a household of four
• Minimal family assets
• Eligible for free/reduced-price lunch
• Facing significant financial hardship

3. Personal Characteristics

• Demonstrated motivation, resilience, and leadership
• First-generation college students are highly encouraged
• Actively involved in school, family, or community

QuestBridge National College Match 2026 Application Process

Follow these steps to complete the QuestBridge National College Match 2026 application:

• Start Your Application: Opens in late summer 2025
• Gather Documents: Academic records, financial information, and recommendations
• Submit Application: Deadline is September 30, 2025
• Rank Colleges: Choose up to 15 preferred college partners by October 16, 2025
• Get Finalist Results: Released on October 21, 2025
• Submit Match Requirements: Due by November 1, 2025, for ranked colleges
• Match Day: Results announced on December 1, 2025
• If Not Matched: Apply through QuestBridge Regular Decision by December 11, 2025

Timeline Summary

• Late Summer 2025 – Application Opens
• September 30, 2025 – Application Deadline
• October 16, 2025 – Deadline to submit the Ranking Form and Agreement Form
• October 21, 2025 – Finalist Status Announced
• November 1, 2025 – Match Requirements Due
• December 1, 2025 – Match Day
• December 11, 2025 – QuestBridge Regular Decision Deadline
• Spring 2026 – College Admissions Announced
• Fall 2026 – Begin college as a QuestBridge Scholar

How Is This Different from Other Scholarships?

FAQs About QuestBridge National College Match 2026

1. Q1: Can international students apply for QuestBridge?
   Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents (even if living abroad) are eligible. International students living outside the U.S. are not eligible.
2. Q2: Is there a fee to apply for the National College Match?
   Yes, the entire QuestBridge application is free, including sending materials to partner colleges.
3. Q3: What happens if I don’t get matched?
   You can still apply to QuestBridge partner colleges via Regular Decision through the QuestBridge platform.
4. Q4: Is the Match binding?
   Yes, if you’re matched to a college (except MIT), you are committed to attending and must withdraw other applications.
5. Q5: What if I didn’t take the SAT or ACT?
   Standardized test scores are not required. Applications are reviewed holistically.
6. Q6: How many colleges can I rank?
   You may rank as many as 15 colleges for the Match process.
7. Q7: Do all applicants become Finalists?
   No, the selection of finalists is according to a holistic review of academic, financial, and personal qualifications.
8. Q8: Can I apply to other colleges early?
   If you rank colleges for the Match, you cannot apply to other schools via Early Decision/Action, except in specific non-binding cases.
9. Q9: What is the Match Scholarship worth?
   It is valued at over $325,000 and covers full tuition, housing, food, travel, and more for four years.

10. Q10: Do I need official transcripts or test scores to apply?

    Colleges allow unofficial transcripts and test scores for the first stage of the application.

If you’re a talented student facing financial hardship, QuestBridge National College Match 2026 is your chance to join a top college community—without the financial burden. Prepare your documents and reach out to your teachers and counsellor early. The application opens in late summer 2025, and the deadline is September 30, 2025. APPLY NOW.

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