The starting point
Johns Hopkins awards institutional merit aid to approximately 10% of freshmen, averaging $29,844 per the CDS — the most merit-generous school in the top-25 selective tier. The Hodson Trust Scholarship (~18-20 freshmen/year) and Charles R. Westgate Scholarship (up to 2 engineering students/year, full tuition) are the named programs. The Hopkins Tuition Promise (expanded November 2025, effective 2026-2027) covers zero family cost for incomes up to $100,000 (including tuition, fees, housing, and living expenses) and full tuition for incomes between $100,000 and $200,000.
Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.
Awards to discuss
The 3 awards in this school's research. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Hodson Trust Scholarship
Covers a significant portion of annual tuition (approximately $42,000/year, though JHU does not publish a specific dollar amount). · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Competitive. Approximately 18-20 incoming freshmen per year from 45,000+ applicants. All applicants automatically considered; no separate application. Selection based on academic achievement and potential.
Renewal: Renewable for four years with 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Other terms: Named for the Hodson Trust, one of the largest private scholarship endowments in the country. The flagship merit award at JHU.
https://apply.jhu.edu/tuition-aid/types-of-financial-aid/merit-scholarships/
Hodson-Gilliam Success Scholarship
Covers a significant portion of tuition. Replaces first-year work-study expectation. · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: For students with both academic achievement and demonstrated financial need. No separate application. Requires FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Renewal: Renewable for four years with Satisfactory Academic Progress and continued need eligibility.
Other terms: A merit-and-need hybrid. Distinguished from the Hodson Trust by requiring demonstrated financial need.
https://apply.jhu.edu/tuition-aid/types-of-financial-aid/merit-scholarships/
Charles R. Westgate Scholarship in Engineering
Full tuition for four years. · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Engineering majors only (Whiting School of Engineering). Up to 2 awarded per year. No separate application; all engineering applicants automatically considered.
Renewal: Renewable for four years with 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Other terms: Extremely competitive: up to 2 awards per year. Full tuition makes this one of the most valuable single-school merit awards in the top-25 tier.
https://apply.jhu.edu/tuition-aid/types-of-financial-aid/merit-scholarships/
