Daniels Scholarship Program
Equipping and inspiring future leaders to thrive in college and beyond
The Daniels Scholarship Program is one of the most comprehensive and generous college scholarships in the country. It helps make college possible for high-achieving, values-driven students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Scholars receive up to a full cost of attendance scholarship and can attend the college or university of their choice throughout the country.
Daniels Scholars are known for their strong character, leadership, and commitment to service. United by shared values, they are tomorrow’s leaders committed to making a difference.
Through financial assistance and personal support, the Daniels Scholarship opens doors and builds lifelong networks. It’s more than a scholarship. It’s a launchpad for lives of purpose and impact.
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Semi-Finalists Notified
Finalists Notified
Class of 2026 Daniels Scholars Announced
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What the Daniels Scholarship Covers
Daniels Scholars can attend any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States. The Daniels Scholarship offers three funding options to help students attend the college of their choice while keeping debt to a minimum, and typically, eliminating it altogether. Funds can be used for qualified educational expenses, including:
Tuition and Fees
Room and Board
Books and Supplies
Miscellaneous Educational Expenses
Three Paths to Your Dream School
Partner Schools
If you attend a partner school, the Daniels Fund and the institution combine funding to cover up to your full cost of attendance (COA). This includes tuition, fees, housing, books, and more.
Colorado Partner Schools
- Adams State University
- Colorado Christian University
- Colorado College
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University – Fort Collins
- Colorado State University – Pueblo
- Fort Lewis College
- Regis University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
- Western Colorado University
Michigan Partner Schools
- Hillsdale College
New Mexico Partner Schools
- New Mexico State University
- University of New Mexico
Texas Partner Schools
- West Texas A&M University
Utah Partner Schools
- Weber State University
- Southern Utah University
Wyoming Partner Schools
- University of Wyoming
Oklahoma Partner Schools
- University of Oklahoma
Non-Partner Schools
Outside 4-State Region
If you attend a non-partner school outside Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming, you will receive up to $25,000 per year.
Within 4-State Region
If you attend a non-partner school within Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming, you will receive up to $7,500 per year.
More than Just a Scholarship...
- A new MacBook
- Personalized support from our team throughout college
- Leadership and community-building opportunities
- Exclusive fellowship and internship opportunities
- Career development resources
Eligibility Requirements
Be a graduating senior and resident of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah or Wyoming
Have an unweighted GPA of 3.0+
Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
Demonstrate financial need through Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or less on the federal tax return on which the applicant is claimed as a dependent and review of other assets. If there are additional dependents, we allow for additional income.
Have an ACT score of 18+ in each category OR an SAT Math score of 490+ and Reading & Writing score of 490+
Voices of Our Scholars
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Arun Acharya
2021 Daniels Scholar
“My Scholar Success Officer has been there for me through it all. College isn’t always easy, especially going to an out of state school. Just having someone check in, listen, and really care made a huge difference and made successfully graduating from my dream school possible.”
Cheyenne Phillips
2023 Daniels Scholar
“I didn’t know where to start with so many different things during this new chapter of my life, but the Daniels Fund walks me through it. They help me through the highs, lows and give me support so I actually feel ready to take that next step. It makes me feel like, okay, I can do this!”
FAQ
General Questions and Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Bill Daniels was a cable television pioneer known for his compassion for those in need and his unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. Bill loved America dearly. He fought in two wars to defend our country and the freedoms we enjoy today. Bill Daniels was also passionate about the free enterprise system, which he believed provided the best opportunity to help people improve their lives.
Daniels Scholars are selected because they embody the criteria Bill Daniels defined for the program:
- Strength of character
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to serving their communities
- Academic performance or promise
- Well-rounded personality
- Emotional maturity and stability
Bill Daniels would also want his scholars to uphold the values that meant so much to him. Those values include ethics and integrity, honesty, respect for people, loyalty and reliability, entrepreneurial spirit, patriotism and dedication to community, commitment to excellence, and etiquette.
There are a number of specific requirements to be eligible for the Daniels Scholarship Program. Please read the Eligibility section below for full details.
What are you looking for in applicants?
Daniels Scholars are selected for strength of character, leadership potential, commitment to service, and academic promise.
Scholars uphold the values Bill Daniels cherished: ethics and integrity, honesty, respect, reliability, entrepreneurial spirit, belief in free enterprise, patriotism, and excellence.
What are the financial eligibility criteria?
- The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on the 2024 tax return must be $100,000 or less for the household claiming the applicant as a dependent.
- For each additional, $10,000 of additional income is allowed.
- Applicants must submit supporting documentation, including the 2024 tax return and FAFSA.
Can the scholarship be used outside the four-state region?
Yes. Scholars may attend any accredited nonprofit college or university in the U.S.
Can I apply if I plan to attend a two-year college?
Yes, if you intend to complete a bachelor’s degree. The scholarship may not be used for trade schools or certificate programs.
Application and Selection Process
How do I apply?
Register and complete the online application between mid-September and mid-October. This initial application should take approximately one hour to complete.
What happens after I apply?
- All applicants will be notified of their status in late October.
- Semi-finalists will be asked to submit essays, recommendation letters, and documents for verification.
- Finalists are notified in mid-January and will be interviewed in February or March.
- Daniels Scholars are announced in late March and must attend the required orientation in June.
What documents are required to apply?
- If you move on to the semi-finalist stage, you will be required to provide:
- Previous year’s federal tax return (Form 1040)
- Qualifying ACT or SAT scores
- Proof of state residency
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- FAFSA Submission Summary
Is this a four-year scholarship?
The Daniels Scholarship is a four year, annually renewable scholarship.
Are there any required events?
Yes. All new Daniels Scholars must attend the orientation conference in June.