GradGuard Scholarship
Official Rules
GradGuard is committed to helping students and families manage the financial realities of college life. In honor of National Insurance Awareness Day on June 28, we’re highlighting the vital role insurance plays in safeguarding students and families investment in higher education. As the leader in tuition and renters insurance, GradGuard has protected 1.7 million students across 1,900+ institutions. GradGuard’s scholarship program is designed to hear and support the voices of real students who convey the value of protecting themselves from the risks of college.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited U.S. college or university for the Fall 2026 term.
Scholarship Award
$3,000 for 5 recipients
Application Instructions
Record a 90-second video sharing why tuition insurance and/or renters insurance are essential for college students. Use the prompts below to guide your content, choosing one or more to respond to in your video. Be sure to highlight the unique benefits and value of GradGuard as you answer.
Share personal college experiences, stories, or real-world scenarios where having tuition or renters insurance could make a difference. Emphasize how these protections help students stay focused on their education by reducing financial stress and providing peace of mind.
Tuition Insurance Prompts
What is tuition insurance and how can it help protect a student's college investment? How might this reduce your financial stress?
From mono to mental health—there are legit reasons students need to withdraw. Tell us about a real-life or hypothetical life event that GradGuard’s Tuition Insurance can help protect?
What would happen if you had to withdraw from college due to a covered emergency? How can GradGuard’s Tuition Insurance help?
Renters Insurance Prompts
Why is renters insurance essential for college students living in on-campus residence halls or off-campus housing?
Imagine your laptop or bike is stolen, or there’s water damage from a burst pipe to your apartment. How can renters insurance help you recover?
Have you or your college friends ever faced a big bill after accidentally damaging a dorm or apartment? How could renters insurance have helped cover those costs?
2025 Recipient Videos
Kara, a college freshman beginning her journey at UCLA, shares how renters and tuition insurance have helped bring confidence and peace of mind to her college journey so she can fully embrace the experience ahead.
Wes, a student at Abilene Christian University, experienced firsthand how quickly things can change on campus—from a fire to unexpected water damage. With valuable belongings like tech equipment at risk, renters insurance can help provide protection when it matters most.
Jazmin, a graduate student at Arizona State University, relies on her laptop, camera, and mic—her "classroom, newsroom, and creative space". But what happens if any of those are lost, damaged, or stolen? That’s where renters insurance can help her stay protected.
Compliance Tips
Stick to the Facts: Avoid making exaggerated or misleading claims about tuition or renters insurance. Use the resources to ensure your information is accurate.
Do – “Renters insurance can help protect your belongings from situations like theft, fire, or water damage.”
Don’t – “Renters insurance covers everything you own!”
Avoid Guarantees: Refrain from guaranteeing specific outcomes or benefits.
Do – “Tuition insurance can reimburse non-refundable tuition costs if you need to withdraw for covered reasons.”
Don’t – “This will save you $10,000!”
Be Clear About Coverage: When describing what tuition or renters insurance can help cover, use general phrases like “can help protect” or “may cover,” as policies vary.
Do – “Tuition insurance can help reimburse your tuition expenses and other fees.”
Don’t – “Tuition insurance guarantees you’ll get all your money back, no matter what.”
Submission Instructions
Content: Share your name and university at the opening of the video.
Length: Keep videos concise; 90 seconds maximum.
Orientation: Use horizontal (landscape) format for better compatibility.
Resolution: Record in high-definition (HD), ideally 1080p or higher.
Audio: Ensure clear audio, free from background noise.
Composure: Focus on eye contact; refrain from direct script reading.
Lighting: Use good lighting to ensure the subject is well-lit and visible.
Clarity: Avoid excessive editing; prioritize authenticity and clarity.
File Format: Submit in commonly accepted formats (e.g., MP4, MOV).
Title: Follow naming convention (first name_last name_2026)
Selection Criteria
The winners will be selected based on:
Clarity, relevance, and originality of content (40%)
Understanding of tuition and/or renters insurance (40%)
Creativity in presenting the topic (20%)
Deadline
Applications open on May 1, 2026.
The submission deadline is 11:59 PM PDT on May 31, 2026.
Questions? Contact us at scholarships@gradguard.com.