Daniels Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Daniels Fund

The Daniels Scholarship Program is committed to making college education accessible for driven and goal-oriented students.

We're in search of students who possess exceptional potential, robust character, grand aspirations, and values that mirror those of our founder, Bill Daniels. Daniels Scholars® represent the future leaders of America, they are resilient in the face of life's trials and are dedicated to impacting their world positively. They are autonomous, innovative thinkers who take pride in their nation and their communities, striving tirelessly to enhance them.

Do you fit this description? If so, apply between September 15 and October 17 via the link provided below to be part of an extraordinary network of over 5,000 Daniels Scholars and alumni throughout the United States.

What criteria are used to select Daniels Scholarship Program recipients?

Bill Daniels, a trailblazer of cable television, was renowned for his empathy for the less fortunate and his unwavering stance on ethics and honesty. He was a great patriot who defended our nation in two wars to safeguard the liberties we value today. Bill Daniels was also a fervent supporter of free enterprise, which he deemed the optimal avenue for individuals to better their lives.

Daniels Scholars are chosen based on the standards established by Bill Daniels:

• Integrity of character
• Potential for leadership
• Dedication to community service
• Academic achievement or promise
• Well-rounded personality
• Emotional stability and maturity

Bill Daniels would also expect his scholars to uphold the principles he held dear. These principles encompass ethics and integrity, honesty, respect for others, loyalty and dependability, entrepreneurial spirit, patriotism and community commitment, dedication to excellence, and etiquette.

There are specific prerequisites for eligibility for the Daniels Scholarship Program. Refer to the Eligibility section below for comprehensive details.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Daniels Scholarship Program requires students to meet the following conditions at the time of application:

• Applicant must be a high school senior set to graduate
• Applicant must reside in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming
• Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident
• Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in high school (on an unweighted 4.0 scale)
• Applicant must have at least a 490 SAT Math score and a 490 Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score, or a minimum ACT score of 18 in each component (writing score not necessary).
• Applicant must meet the financial eligibility requirements outlined below.

Financial Eligibility Details

For the Daniels Scholarship Program, candidates must show financial need through an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or less on the 2024 federal tax return where the candidate is listed as a dependent and through a review of other assets. If there are other dependents, aside from the candidate, listed on the 2024 tax return, we allow an extra $10,000 of income for each additional dependent.

On the 2024 Form 1040, the AGI is located on Line 11, and claimed dependents can be found in the Dependents section, as shown in the sample form below:

During the procedure, candidates will provide documents to confirm eligibility, including their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) 2024 federal tax return, ACT/SAT scores, citizenship and residency papers, proof of college enrollment for any additional claimed dependents, and their FAFSA Submission Summary. We advise all students to complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens for the 2025-2026 academic year.