The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar merit-based scholarship for high school seniors in the U.S. from low-income households. It covers the full cost of college attendance not met by other financial aid, including tuition, fees, books, housing, and food. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, Pell-eligible, plan to enroll full-time in a 4-year accredited, not-for-profit college, and maintain strong academic standing, typically with a weighted GPA ≥ 3.3/4.0.