Daniels Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Daniels Fund

Description

The Daniels Scholarship Program is a comprehensive, merit- and values-based college scholarship for high-achieving students from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. It provides substantial financial support and personal development opportunities so scholars can pursue degrees at accredited nonprofit colleges and universities anywhere in the United States. Beyond tuition, the program emphasizes character, leadership, and service, creating a network of peers and mentors focused on purposeful impact.

- Supports high-achieving, values-driven students from four states
- Usable at any accredited nonprofit college or university in the U.S.
- Emphasizes character, leadership, and community service
- Provides financial aid plus personal and network support

Award Value

The Daniels Scholarship can fund up to the full cost of attendance, using one of three funding options designed to minimize or eliminate student debt. Eligible expenses include tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other qualified educational costs. Scholars may combine Daniels funding with other aid, subject to program rules, to cover remaining costs.

- Up to full cost of attendance (varies by chosen college)
- Three funding options to reduce or eliminate debt
- Pays tuition, fees, room & board, books/supplies, and other qualified costs
- Compatible with other financial aid under program guidelines

Eligibility

Selection favors students who demonstrate strong character, leadership potential, commitment to community service, academic performance or promise, a well-rounded personality, and emotional maturity. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who are residents of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming. Minimum application requirements include an unweighted GPA of 3.0+, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, demonstrated financial need (Adjusted Gross Income of $100,000 or less on the tax return where the applicant is claimed as a dependent, with allowances for additional dependents), and standardized test minimums (ACT 18+ in each category OR SAT Math 490+ and Reading & Writing 490+).

- Selection criteria: character, leadership, service, academics, maturity
- Residency: graduating seniors from CO, NM, UT, WY
- GPA: unweighted 3.0 or higher
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Financial need: AGI ≤ $100,000 on dependent’s tax return (adjustments allowed)
- Test scores: ACT 18+ in each section OR SAT 490+ Math and 490+ Reading & Writing

Application Timeline

Specific application dates and deadlines vary by year; applicants should consult the official Daniels Scholarship website for current timelines. The typical process includes an initial application, review for semi-finalist selection, interviews and reference checks, finalist selection, and award notifications with onboarding. Applicants should prepare academic transcripts, standardized test scores, a copy of the relevant tax return to document AGI, recommendation letters, and any required essays well in advance.

- Check the official site for current dates and deadlines
- Typical stages: application → semi-finalist review → interviews → finalists → award
- Required documents: transcripts, test scores, dependent tax return, recommendations, essays
- Expect interviews and multiple review stages

History of the Award

The scholarship was established to reflect the values and legacy of Bill Daniels, a cable-television pioneer known for his service, compassion, and strong commitment to ethics. Daniels served in two wars and championed the free enterprise system, believing it provided opportunities for personal improvement. The program was created to identify and support future leaders who embody his values of integrity, honesty, respect, loyalty, entrepreneurial spirit, patriotism, and commitment to excellence.

- Founded in honor of Bill Daniels, a business leader and veteran
- Rooted in values: ethics, integrity, respect, loyalty, entrepreneurship, patriotism, excellence
- Designed to cultivate leaders who reflect the founder’s principles

For current application details, award amounts at specific colleges, or questions about eligibility nuances, refer to the official Daniels Scholarship website or contact the program directly.