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The Presidential Scholarship is awarded for distinguished academic achievement and is the highest merit award at the University. Awardees must have a significant record of leadership and service to their schools and communities. Over their four years, Presidential Scholars will engage in programs and activities that will take their college experience to the next level of academia and prepare them to compete after graduation.

This four-year, renewable scholarship covers tuition, room, board, fees, insurance fee, and up to $2000/year in books. To qualify, a potential Scholar must be a current high school senior with a weighted high school cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above. The test score requirements are an SAT score of 1200 or an ACT composite score of 25*. A potential Scholar must be a US citizen or a US permanent resident.

The scholarship is renewable provided the Scholar completes thirty (30) credit hours during the freshman year, enrolls in the Academic Excellence track via the Honors Program or the Leadership Excellence track, and maintains a cumulative 3.5 grade point average.

Scholars will select an Excellence track during summer orientation. Be sure to visit their webpages to learn more about each track.

Please contact the Office of Admissions for more details at 410.951.3610 or email admissions@coppin.edu.

*CSU is currently offering test optional admission. Other factors including submission of resumes and letters of recommendation may be considered in lieu of SAT and/or ACT scores.

At Coppin, we are deeply committed to our students’ success. Access to higher education is key to transforming the lives of our multi-generational student population. By providing assistance through scholarships, we lessen the financial barriers that many of our students face. The Private Donor Award (PDA) program ensures access to the University’s outstanding academic programming.

Assistance is available to students who have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need. These scholarships are funded by the generous support of our donors to the Coppin State University Development Foundation. The two priorities of the program are to both facilitate the wishes of the donor and to assist with increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation rates.

Apply for a Private Donor Award

Eligibility

Only currently enrolled Coppin students are eligible to apply. In addition, to be considered eligible all applicants must:

• submit all required scholarship application forms and documents
• meet the minimum scholastic and other requirements specified in the Private Donor Award Program policy

Graduate Student Applicants

Graduate students are eligible to apply for funds from the Private Donor Award Program.

Part Time Students

Students who are taking 6-11 credits per semester are eligible to apply.

State Employees and Family Members

State employees and their family members who are eligible to receive tuition remission through the State of Maryland are not eligible to receive an award from the Private Donor Scholarship Program.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the online scholarship portal which can be accessed using your Coppin student email address and password. Once logged in, detailed instructions are provided. Each applicant must complete a FASFA in order to be eligible to receive funds from the PDA Program unless that student is ineligible to receive Federal Financial Aid. The open application period is March 31, 2025 to May 31, 2025.

Application Review

Applications are reviewed by the Private Donor Award (PDA) Coordinator in collaboration with various academic department review committees. Both self-reported information and imported data from the student’s record comprise content for review.

Award decisions are made based on the scholarship memorandum of understanding criteria and general program criteria including a minimum grade point average of 2.2 and active enrollment and participation in a degree seeking program.

Award Notification

Application and award notifications will be emailed to students via their Coppin student email and will also be posted to the student dashboard within the portal. All student transactions must be completed through the portal including submitting the general application and accepting any awarded scholarships. Please note, upon accepting a scholarship, an additional post-acceptance application is required.

Award Process

The PDA program works with the Financial Aid Office to properly package and effectively use the various types of student assistance (federal, state, institutional, and private). To ensure that a student's financial aid package does not exceed the federal unmet needs financial aid guidelines, all awards are forwarded to the Financial Aid Office. Financial Aid will then develop the student's award package and determine the unmet need. Once the unmet need is determined, the Foundation will post the final approved award amount to the student's account.

Expected Award Amounts (awards are for Fall and Spring semesters only)

Average award amounts:

• Full-time undergraduate (12 or more credits) - $1,000 - $1,400
• Part-time/Graduate: (6 – 11 credits) - $500 - $1,000

The average award amounts are subject to change and are dependent on availability of funding and criteria outlined within the gift agreements.

Book Awards

Students needing additional assistance may apply for an award to purchase books. A completed book scholarship application must be submitted along with all requested documentation including:

• Invoice from the campus bookstore listing all course related books or access codes and their corresponding prices
• Documentation of courses enrolled in for the requested semester

If approved, the student will be notified by email. An account reflective of the award amount will be set-up at the Coppin bookstore for the student. Book awards are only given for course related materials, books and supplies.

Incoming Freshmen Awards

Incoming Freshmen are not eligible to apply to this program. The Office of Admissions may identify incoming freshmen and/or transfer students to receive funding from the Private Donor Scholarship program. The Admissions Office will make decisions based on their current recruitment priorities.

Student Emergency Fund

Students in need of emergency assistance, must apply through the Office of Student Affairs. Awards will be made on a case by case basis. The student's matriculation rate and grade point average and other documentation may be taken into consideration.

Apply for the Student Emergency Fund

Award Probation, Extension, and Expiration

Award Probation

The Scholarship Review Committee has the option of placing a student on probation if the student's academic performance falls below the minimum standard as per the award criteria. Probation will last for one semester and that student must improve academic performance by the end of that semester. If the student's grades do not improve, the award will be cancelled.

Appeal Process

Students who believe that they should have been awarded during a particular semester but did not receive their award may request a review of his or her application up to 30 days after the awards are posted for that semester.

An Army ROTC scholarship could cover 100% of the cost of your Coppin State University education. The ROTC scholarship pays for tuition, required educational fees, and provides a specified amount for books, supplies, and equipment.

The Army gives special consideration to students pursuing degrees in nursing, engineering, physical sciences, and other technical skills currently in demand by the military. Recipients of these scholarships must earn their undergraduate degree in the field the scholarship is awarded.

Each scholarship also includes a monthly stipend of $300 to $500 depending on your academic classification. Depending on your classification, the stipend rate is:

• $300/month for freshmen (for 8 months)
• $350/month for sophomores (for 8 months)
• $450/month for juniors (for 10 months)
• $500/month for seniors (for 10 months)

Army ROTC and the Honors Program

Coppin provides room and board for scholarship winners who are also part of the  Honors Program. Recipients of 4-year scholarships automatically get nominated for the Honors Program. Acceptance into the Honors Program results in an additional scholarship that covers room and board.

2-, 3- and 4- Year Scholarship Criteria

The Coppin State University Army ROTC program offers 2, 2 1/2, 3 and 4 year scholarship awards. Scholarships are open to high school (awarded by Cadet Command to HS seniors), undergraduate, transfer, and graduate students who meet all necessary requirements. When awarded, scholarships cover full tuition and fees for the duration.

Important note: The Cadet must maintain a 2.0 minimum semester grade point average (GPA). The Army suspends benefits if the Cadet falls below this minimum and reinstates benefits if/when the GPA exceeds the 2.0 minimum. Cadets are allowed 1 semester of suspension, but face disenrollment if another occurs.

Possible Total Benefits for a Scholarship Cadet

Students entering as college freshmen are eligible for 4-year scholarships. Currently enrolled students as well as enlisted active-duty personnel are eligible for:

• 3 year and 3 1/2 year scholarships
• 2 year and 2 1/2 year scholarships
• 1 year scholarships
• 1/2 year scholarships

Additional two-year scholarships are available to students who attend the Basic Camp 2-year program. These scholarships are awarded based upon outstanding performance.

Four-Year Scholarship

To be eligible for a 4-year scholarship, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 17 years old before the scholarship is effective
• Have a minimum 920 SAT or composite 19 ACT score taken no later than November of the year you apply
• Be a high school graduate or have equivalent credit, with a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) or higher
• Show a pattern of leadership and participation in extracurricular activities (Students with part-time jobs will be given substitute credit)
• Be under 27 years of age on June 30 of the year you expect to graduate and receive your officers commission (An age extension of up to four years may be granted to veterans who qualify)
• Agree to accept a commission as either an Active Army, Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve Officer.
• Meet required physical/medical standards.

Three-Year Scholarship

To be eligible for a 3-year scholarship, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Have a minimum SAT score of 920 or minimum ACT score of 19
• Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
• Meet all other requirements listed for the 4-Year Scholarship

Two-Year Scholarship

To be eligible for a 2-year scholarship, you must:

• Be U.S. citizen
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
• Have 55 or more earned credit hours and be able to graduate in 2-3 years
• Meet all other requirements listed for the 4-Year Scholarship

In addition to tuition and fees scholarships, Cadets also receive book payments in the amount of $600 each semester. 

Additional ROTC Benefits

The starting salary for a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the US Army is $55,000-$62,000 (Base Pay, Variable Housing based on location and Subsistence) You can also receive special benefits and pays for Jump Status, as well as Locational and special duty pays as determined by your Branch, Unit and Locality.

Full medical and dental for the Officer, and for your family at a minimal cost.  Additional benefits that can be purchased at no or low cost to the Officer, including Thrift Savings Plan (401K-like), life insurance up to 400K, tuition assistance to earn a masters degree

Additional paid benefits in the form of Cadet Summer Training range from $1200 - $1800 for 30 days.   (CIET - Cadet Initial Entry Training;  CLC – Cadet Leader Course;  CTLT – Cadet Troop Leader Training; CULP – Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (If the Cadet is accepted for CULP they can travel to 1 of 30 countries selected throughout the world to immerse themselves in foreign culture and learn a new language)

Additional training opportunities (2 to 3 week courses): Airborne School; Air Assault School; Northern Warfare Course; Jungle Warfare Course.

Benefits Breakdown: In-state / Out of State

Stipends

All Cadets in the Advanced Course (Juniors and Seniors) receive a monthly stipend of $450 and $500 respectively for each of these 2 years (this is not in addition to the stipend provided to scholarship winners), as well as $780 for attending the 32-day Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Students attending the Basic Camp of the 2-year program are also paid $780 while attending camp.

Other Military-Affiliated Scholarships

Each academic year Army ROTC offers 2 year graduate (see 2 year scholarship requirements) and Reserve Forces scholarships. Various organizations and other military-related activities make scholarship funds available to students enrolled in Army ROTC. Some of these organizations include:

• United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
• Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

VAMortgageCenter.com offers 5 bi-yearly $1,500 scholarships in conjunction with our Military Education Scholarship Program.

Additional supplemental scholarships are also available: ROTC Alumni Scholarships-$5000 annually; ROCKS Scholarship - $2000. For academic scholars: Rhodes scholarship and Fulbright Scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements

• Current and prospective ROTC program students
• Active-duty military personnel with plans to attend college
• Honorably Discharged Veterans of the US military
• Sons and daughters of Veterans or Active-duty military

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

This program provides an opportunity for students who belong to a Reserve or National Guard Unit, as enlisted soldiers to also be members of the Army ROTC Program. MS I and II Cadets are eligible to join a guard or reserve unit; however, only non-scholarship MS IIIs or IVs can hold a SMP slot.

A student accepted for the SMP and the Army ROTC Advanced Course retains affiliation with the Reserve or Guard Unit as an officer trainee and is paid for drills and assemblies plus up to $15,000 a year in monthly stipends of $1,250 each. SMP members are also eligible for certain veterans educational benefits.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans may be eligible to compete for ROTC scholarships, and may also receive any VA benefits to which they would be normally entitled. In addition, veterans who return to active duty as officers may count their prior active duty enlisted time toward longevity pay and retirement.

An Army ROTC scholarship could cover 100% of the cost of your Coppin State University education. The ROTC scholarship pays for tuition, required educational fees, and provides a specified amount for books, supplies, and equipment.

The Army gives special consideration to students pursuing degrees in nursing, engineering, physical sciences, and other technical skills currently in demand by the military. Recipients of these scholarships must earn their undergraduate degree in the field the scholarship is awarded.

Each scholarship also includes a monthly stipend of $300 to $500 depending on your academic classification. Depending on your classification, the stipend rate is:

• $300/month for freshmen (for 8 months)
• $350/month for sophomores (for 8 months)
• $450/month for juniors (for 10 months)
• $500/month for seniors (for 10 months)

Army ROTC and the Honors Program

Coppin provides room and board for scholarship winners who are also part of the  Honors Program. Recipients of 4-year scholarships automatically get nominated for the Honors Program. Acceptance into the Honors Program results in an additional scholarship that covers room and board.

2-, 3- and 4- Year Scholarship Criteria

The Coppin State University Army ROTC program offers 2, 2 1/2, 3 and 4 year scholarship awards. Scholarships are open to high school (awarded by Cadet Command to HS seniors), undergraduate, transfer, and graduate students who meet all necessary requirements. When awarded, scholarships cover full tuition and fees for the duration.

Important note: The Cadet must maintain a 2.0 minimum semester grade point average (GPA). The Army suspends benefits if the Cadet falls below this minimum and reinstates benefits if/when the GPA exceeds the 2.0 minimum. Cadets are allowed 1 semester of suspension, but face disenrollment if another occurs.

Possible Total Benefits for a Scholarship Cadet

Students entering as college freshmen are eligible for 4-year scholarships. Currently enrolled students as well as enlisted active-duty personnel are eligible for:

• 3 year and 3 1/2 year scholarships
• 2 year and 2 1/2 year scholarships
• 1 year scholarships
• 1/2 year scholarships

Additional two-year scholarships are available to students who attend the Basic Camp 2-year program. These scholarships are awarded based upon outstanding performance.

Four-Year Scholarship

To be eligible for a 4-year scholarship, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 17 years old before the scholarship is effective
• Have a minimum 920 SAT or composite 19 ACT score taken no later than November of the year you apply
• Be a high school graduate or have equivalent credit, with a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) or higher
• Show a pattern of leadership and participation in extracurricular activities (Students with part-time jobs will be given substitute credit)
• Be under 27 years of age on June 30 of the year you expect to graduate and receive your officers commission (An age extension of up to four years may be granted to veterans who qualify)
• Agree to accept a commission as either an Active Army, Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve Officer.
• Meet required physical/medical standards.

Three-Year Scholarship

To be eligible for a 3-year scholarship, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Have a minimum SAT score of 920 or minimum ACT score of 19
• Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
• Meet all other requirements listed for the 4-Year Scholarship

Two-Year Scholarship

To be eligible for a 2-year scholarship, you must:

• Be U.S. citizen
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
• Have 55 or more earned credit hours and be able to graduate in 2-3 years
• Meet all other requirements listed for the 4-Year Scholarship

In addition to tuition and fees scholarships, Cadets also receive book payments in the amount of $600 each semester. 

Additional ROTC Benefits

The starting salary for a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the US Army is $55,000-$62,000 (Base Pay, Variable Housing based on location and Subsistence) You can also receive special benefits and pays for Jump Status, as well as Locational and special duty pays as determined by your Branch, Unit and Locality.

Full medical and dental for the Officer, and for your family at a minimal cost.  Additional benefits that can be purchased at no or low cost to the Officer, including Thrift Savings Plan (401K-like), life insurance up to 400K, tuition assistance to earn a masters degree

Additional paid benefits in the form of Cadet Summer Training range from $1200 - $1800 for 30 days.   (CIET - Cadet Initial Entry Training;  CLC – Cadet Leader Course;  CTLT – Cadet Troop Leader Training; CULP – Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (If the Cadet is accepted for CULP they can travel to 1 of 30 countries selected throughout the world to immerse themselves in foreign culture and learn a new language)

Additional training opportunities (2 to 3 week courses): Airborne School; Air Assault School; Northern Warfare Course; Jungle Warfare Course.

Benefits Breakdown: In-state / Out of State

Stipends

All Cadets in the Advanced Course (Juniors and Seniors) receive a monthly stipend of $450 and $500 respectively for each of these 2 years (this is not in addition to the stipend provided to scholarship winners), as well as $780 for attending the 32-day Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Students attending the Basic Camp of the 2-year program are also paid $780 while attending camp.

Other Military-Affiliated Scholarships

Each academic year Army ROTC offers 2 year graduate (see 2 year scholarship requirements) and Reserve Forces scholarships. Various organizations and other military-related activities make scholarship funds available to students enrolled in Army ROTC. Some of these organizations include:

• United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
• Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

VAMortgageCenter.com offers 5 bi-yearly $1,500 scholarships in conjunction with our Military Education Scholarship Program.

Additional supplemental scholarships are also available: ROTC Alumni Scholarships-$5000 annually; ROCKS Scholarship - $2000. For academic scholars: Rhodes scholarship and Fulbright Scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements

• Current and prospective ROTC program students
• Active-duty military personnel with plans to attend college
• Honorably Discharged Veterans of the US military
• Sons and daughters of Veterans or Active-duty military

Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP)

This program provides an opportunity for students who belong to a Reserve or National Guard Unit, as enlisted soldiers to also be members of the Army ROTC Program. MS I and II Cadets are eligible to join a guard or reserve unit; however, only non-scholarship MS IIIs or IVs can hold a SMP slot.

A student accepted for the SMP and the Army ROTC Advanced Course retains affiliation with the Reserve or Guard Unit as an officer trainee and is paid for drills and assemblies plus up to $15,000 a year in monthly stipends of $1,250 each. SMP members are also eligible for certain veterans educational benefits.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans may be eligible to compete for ROTC scholarships, and may also receive any VA benefits to which they would be normally entitled. In addition, veterans who return to active duty as officers may count their prior active duty enlisted time toward longevity pay and retirement.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in any undergraduate degree seeking program
• Be a sophomore or junior at Coppin State University (seniors are not eligible)
• Remain full-time students during the award academic year 
• Have a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA)
• Have an appreciation of all cultures

Preference is given to students on student visa at Coppin State University. However, students with permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship may also apply. This award is one-time award. Previously funded cases from this award do not qualify.

Your area of study may qualify you for a scholarship!

Academic-specific scholarships look for students pursuing a particular interest. We are proud that several of our academic programs award scholarships to deserving students.

Remember, these types of funding are different from loans—grants and scholarships don’t need to be repaid. Keep in mind, grants and scholarships often have an application process, and may have strict eligibility requirements tied to grade point average (GPA), overall academic performance, and/or other leadership or professional qualities.

Coppin State University provides merit scholarships for academic excellence to new, current, and transfer students. To be considered, simply submit your application for admission, no additional application is required but essays, references, resumes, and recommendations are encouraged! By applying to a degree-seeking program at Coppin, you're automatically considered for a merit scholarship.

These scholarships are competitive and offered by invitation only, so applying before the deadline is important. A potential scholar must be a US citizen or a US permanent resident.

Merit Awards for newly admitted students for the Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 academic year

• Presidential Scholarship - Covers all billed costs; Tuition, Fees, Room & Board and $2000 for books
• Fanny Jackson Coppin Scholarship – Covers Tuition, Fees, and $1000 for books
• Gold First-Year Student Merit Award - $5,000 partial scholarship, awarded annually for up to 4 years (requires at least 3.0 cumulative high school GPA)
• Blue First-Year Student Merit Award - $3,000 partial scholarship, awarded annually for up to 4 years (requires at least 2.75 cumulative high school GPA)
• Transfer Merit Award - $3,000 partial scholarship, awarded annually for up to 3 years (requires at least 2.5 cumulative college GPA & 24 transferable credits)