The Hagan Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Benefits
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide, need-based, merit scholarship designed to support high-achieving, self-motivated students in achieving their higher education goals. It provides substantial financial assistance and unique opportunities to help recipients graduate college debt-free. Hagan Scholars currently attend numerous colleges and universities across the United States.
Key Benefits of the Hagan Scholarship
The Hagan Scholarship offers a comprehensive package of benefits designed to support students throughout their college journey:
- Financial Assistance: The scholarship provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, significantly reducing the financial burden of college. The actual disbursement amount each semester is determined by the Hagan Scholarship Foundation (HSF) based on the Total Cost of Attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, personal and transportation costs), minus the total dollar amount of all scholarships, awards, grants, waivers, and one-half of the recipient’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI). The disbursement amount is adjusted each semester to account for changes in other financial aid or the recipient's EFC/SAI.
- College Essentials Funds: First-year recipients receive $1,000 prior to college enrollment to purchase essential items for college, such as a computer, cell phone, clothing, office supplies, and bedding.
- Schwab Brokerage Account: Second-year recipients open a Personal Schwab Brokerage Account. HSF deposits an initial $100 and provides each recipient with an HSF Schwab Brokerage Account to manage until graduation. The funds managed by each recipient increase over time: $10,000 in the second year, $15,000 in the third year, and $20,000 in the fourth year.
- Study Abroad Opportunities: Third-year recipients who have achieved a 3.50 CGPA are eligible for an all-expense-paid study and travel abroad experience worth up to $8,000. Alternatively, the funds can be used to study abroad during the second semester of their third year.
- Graduate School Funding: Recipients graduating college in fewer than four years can use the remaining term of the four-year scholarship to attend graduate school. Furthermore, those graduating college while in the Hagan Scholarship Program can apply for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship, which provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to four additional consecutive semesters of graduate study. Recipients must enroll as full-time graduate students the semester following receipt of their undergraduate degree.
- Workshops: The scholarship includes workshops designed to teach important life skills not typically covered in the college curriculum.
Eligibility Requirements for the Hagan Scholarship
To be eligible for the Hagan Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens.
- High School: Applicants must attend an eligible public high school located in the United States.
- Academic Achievement: Applicants must have achieved a minimum unweighted Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.50 based on a 4.0 grading scale.
- College Enrollment: Applicants must enroll at an eligible four-year college or university the first semester following high school graduation. The scholarship cannot be used to attend a community college, junior college, or online institution.
- Graduation Schedule: Applicants must maintain a four-year or less graduation schedule or complete the equivalent of a four-year degree if in a professional program.
- Work Requirement: Applicants must work 240 hours from January 1 until commencement of the fall semester in college. Work must be regularly scheduled employment performed under supervision for compensation.
- Household Income: The applicant’s Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for Federal Income Tax purposes must not have exceeded $100,000. "Household Income" is defined as the total income received by all adult members of a household living under the same roof.
- FAFSA Completion: Applicants are not required to provide FAFSA information initially. However, citizens selected as Finalists must provide the FAFSA Summary showing the Student Aid Index (SAI).
- Grant Application: Applicants must apply for Federal and State grants if eligible.
- English Language Fluency: Applicants must be fluent in the English language.
- High School Graduating Class: Applicant must be in the high school graduating class.
Maintaining the Scholarship
The Hagan Scholarship is renewable for up to seven additional consecutive semesters if the recipient fulfills the scholarship criteria and mandatory workshop responsibilities. Funding ceases upon graduation or after earning 140 credit hours, whichever comes first. Even after funding ends, recipients continue managing their HSF Schwab Account and fulfill all other scholarship criteria until their Award Year Class graduates college.
Disbursement of Funds
The disbursement amount is determined each semester by HSF. They take the Total Cost of Attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, personal and transportation costs) and deduct the total dollar amount of all scholarships, awards, grants, waivers, Federal and institution-provided work-study, and one-half of the recipient’s FAFSA SAI. The EFC does not have to be paid; it is used only to determine the disbursement amount. The disbursement amount will be adjusted each semester to offset the expiration or loss of other scholarships, awards, grants, waivers, and changes in the recipient’s EFC.
Read also: Who Qualifies for the Hagan Scholarship?
Work Requirement Details
Recipients must work 240 hours each year, from January 1 until commencement of the fall semester in college. Work can be performed at any time during this period at the recipient's discretion. Employment must be regularly scheduled work performed under supervision for compensation. Employment and/or paid internships must be regularly scheduled work performed under supervision for compensation.
Graduate Scholarship Opportunity
Recipients who will graduate college while in the Hagan Scholarship Program can apply for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship the semester prior to graduation. This scholarship is good for up to four additional consecutive semesters to attend graduate school or a professional school, receiving up to $7,500 each semester. Recipients must enroll in college as a full-time graduate student the first semester following receipt of their undergraduate degree.
Important Considerations
- There is no application fee or processing fee for the Hagan Scholarship.
- Recipients are selected on an objective and non-discriminatory basis, regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or sex.
- Decisions made by HSF are final and not subject to appeal.
Read also: Understanding the Hagan Scholarship Timeline
Read also: Unlocking Potential: Posse Scholarship
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