Hagan Scholarship

What Is the FutureReady Scholarship?

The Hagan Scholarship is a need-based merit scholarship designed to help high-achieving students from rural and small-town communities graduate college debt-free. 

Unlike many other scholarships, it provides financial aid, investment training, and study abroad opportunities, ensuring scholars gain both academic and real-world experience.

In addition to the domestic undergraduate scholarship, the Hagan Scholarship Foundation also offers the Hagan International Scholarship, which supports graduate students from foreign institutions attending U.S. universities.

Who Is Eligible for the Hagan Scholarship?

The Hagan Scholarship is a need-based merit scholarship available to both domestic undergraduate students and international graduate students. 

While both programs share the goal of helping students graduate without debt, their eligibility criteria differ based on academic level and residency.

Eligibility for Domestic Undergraduate Students

To qualify for the Hagan Scholarship for U.S. students, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• High School Senior: Must be graduating from a public, private, charter, magnet, or STEM high school in the U.S.
• Academic Excellence: Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale.
• Financial Need: Household adjusted gross income must not exceed $100,000 (based on 2023 tax returns).
• Work Requirement: Must complete 240 hours of paid employment between January 1 and fall semester enrollment.
• College Enrollment: Must enroll full-time at an eligible four-year not-for-profit college or university immediately after high school.
• U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency: Required for domestic applicants.

Important Notes:

• Standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) are not required for eligibility.
• Applicants must apply for federal and state grants if eligible.

Eligibility for International Graduate Students

The Hagan International Scholarship is only for non-U.S. citizens who have completed or will complete their undergraduate studies at a foreign institution and wish to pursue a graduate or professional degree at a U.S. university.

• Non-U.S. Citizen: Must be an international student not holding U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
• Undergraduate Degree from a Foreign Institution: Must be graduating or have already graduated from an accredited university outside the U.S.
• Graduate or Professional Degree Enrollment: Must plan to attend a U.S. graduate school (Master’s, Doctorate, or Professional degree program).
• Strong Academic Performance: A minimum 3.50 GPA (or equivalent international grading standard).
• Financial Need: Must demonstrate financial need based on the cost of attending a U.S. institution.

Important Notes:

• The work requirement does not apply to international students.
• International applicants must secure admission to a U.S. institution before receiving funding.

The Importance of Financial Need and Community Involvement

Both versions of the Hagan Scholarship prioritize applicants who:

• Demonstrate financial need and require additional assistance to complete their education.
• Show leadership and involvement in school, work, or community service.
• Have a strong academic record and a commitment to graduating with minimal debt.

By focusing on academic merit, financial need, and career preparedness, the Hagan Scholarship Foundation ensures that recipients have the resources, skills, and opportunities needed for long-term success.

Hagan Scholarship Requirements

The Hagan Scholarship has different requirements for domestic undergraduate students and international graduate students. 

Both programs focus on academic merit, financial need, and career readiness, but applicants must submit specific documents and materials for consideration.

Requirements for Domestic Undergraduate Applicants

Applicants for the Hagan Scholarship (U.S. undergraduate students) must provide:

• Completed Online Application: Available starting in January 2026 on the Hagan Scholarship Foundation website.
• High School Transcript: Must show an unweighted GPA of 3.50 or higher.
• Financial Documents: Parent or guardian’s previous year’s federal tax return to verify financial need (household income must not exceed $100,000).
• Proof of Employment: Applicants must complete 240 hours of paid work between January 1 and fall semester enrollment. Documentation from an employer is required.
• College Enrollment Verification: Proof of acceptance to an eligible four-year not-for-profit college or university.
• Short-Answer Responses: Applicants must submit well-crafted responses detailing:
  • Academic and career goals
  • Financial need and impact of the scholarship
  • Work experience and leadership roles
• Additional Information: Finalists may be required to submit additional verification before scholarships are awarded.

Note: No essays, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), or letters of recommendation are required.

Requirements for International Graduate Applicants

• Completed Online Application: Available on the Hagan Scholarship Foundation website.
• Undergraduate Transcript: Must show a minimum 3.50 GPA (or equivalent international grading standard) from an accredited foreign institution.
• Proof of Admission to a U.S. Graduate School: Applicants must submit a letter of acceptance from a U.S. university for a Master’s, Doctorate, or Professional degree.
• Financial Need Documentation: Proof that the applicant requires financial assistance to attend a U.S. institution.
• Personal Statement: International applicants must submit a one-page essay detailing:
  • Academic and career aspirations
  • How the scholarship will impact their education
  • Commitment to leadership and professional development
• Additional Materials: The foundation may request further documents for verification.

Note: No work requirement, standardized test scores, or letters of recommendation are required for international applicants.

How to Apply for the Hagan Scholarship

The Hagan Scholarship application process follows a structured approach for both domestic undergraduate students and international graduate students. 

While most steps are similar, key differences are noted below.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Access the Application

• The application opens in January each year.
• The form is available on the Hagan Scholarship Foundation website.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

• Provide personal information, academic details, and financial background.
• Domestic applicants must answer short-response questions. 
• International applicants submit a one-page personal statement.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

• For Both Applicants:
  • Academic transcript (minimum 3.50 GPA)
  • Financial documentation (proof of need)
  • Proof of college/university admission
• For Domestic Applicants Only:
  • Parent/guardian’s previous year’s federal tax return (household income ≤ $100,000)
  • Proof of employment (showing 240 hours of paid work)

Step 4: Submit the Application by the Deadline

• The 2025 deadline was March 15, 2025 (expect March 2026 for the next cycle).
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the deadline: Late applications are not accepted.
• Not meeting the work requirement (Domestic applicants only): 240 hours of paid employment must be documented.
• Submitting incomplete financial documents: Income verification is required for domestic and international students.

Hagan Scholarship Deadline & Important Dates

The 2025 Hagan Scholarship application cycle has closed as of March 15, 2025. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April 2025. If you missed this year’s deadline, the 2026 application cycle is expected to open in January 2026.

Below is a general timeline of important dates for both domestic undergraduate and international graduate applicants.

Milestone	2025 Cycle Dates	2026 Expected Dates
Application Opens	January 15, 2025	January 2026
Application Deadline	March 15, 2025 (closed)	March 2026
Finalists Notified	April 2025	April 2026
Scholarships Awarded	April 2025	April 2026

Note: The official 2026 application dates will be announced later this year. Applicants should check the Hagan Scholarship Foundation website for updates.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning

Hagan Scholarship judges seek academically driven students with financial needs who demonstrate strong work ethic and leadership potential. Successful applicants show commitment to working 240+ hours, community involvement, and financial responsibility.

How to Strengthen Your Application

• Clearly explain financial need: Be specific about how the scholarship will impact your education.
• Emphasize work experience: Detail your responsibilities and skills gained from paid employment.
• Demonstrate leadership: Highlight school, work, or community leadership roles.

The Role of Community Service & Leadership

While work experience is required, involvement in volunteering, clubs, or extracurriculars strengthens applications. Judges value applicants who go beyond academics to make an impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hagan Scholarship

How competitive is the Hagan Scholarship?

The scholarship is highly competitive, with only a select number of recipients awarded each year based on academic performance and financial need.

Can I apply if I’m already in college?

No, the scholarship is only open to high school seniors entering their first year of college.

How will I receive the scholarship money?

Funds are sent directly to the recipient’s college or university and are applied toward tuition and educational expenses.

How much is the Hagan Scholarship?

The Hagan Scholarship provides up to $7,500 per semester, totaling $60,000 over four years, plus additional grants for school supplies, investment training, and study abroad opportunities.