<p>I am a prospective international relations major also.</p>
<p>Comment: George Washington University is 55K+ total costs a year. The largest merit aid scholarship they offer for general majors (non-engineering) is 15K. If you don't receive any need-based financial aid for most families 40K+ a year is not very feasible and not worth it. </p>
<p>Suggestion: Michigan State University. It has the james madison college, a residential college within MSU for public policy with 4 majors; international affairs, political theory/democracy, comparative cultures/politics, and social relations/policy. It is fairly well known and has a 95% placement rate within 6 months of graduation. The political science major (outside of james madison) is also pretty well established at MSU. With your stats, you would definitely be qualified for several different scholarships at MSU (if you apply by November 1). To be invited into the honors college, you typically are in the top 5% ranked in your class, and have a 1360 (M/V) SAT or 30+ ACT.</p>
<p>Here are a sampling of the scholarships you would likely be eligible for, from the MSU website: </p>
<p>~Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship
Awarded to students with out-of-state residency who have a high school GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or above and ACT composite of 21 or above or SAT combined score (critical reading and math) of 1000 or above, for use with an MSU-sponsored Study Abroad program; $3,000-$5,000, depending upon the length of the program. </p>
<p>~Honors College National Scholarships
The Honors College National Scholarship (HCNS) is a four-year scholarship of $8000 per year awarded to nonresident students who join the Honors College as incoming freshmen. The HCNS is not related to financial need. Holders of HCNS awards are expected to be US citizens or permanent residents or citizens of Canada or Mexico and must maintain good standing as Honors College members. </p>
<p>~Professorial Assistantships
Professorial Assistantships are offered to Honors College invitees with an ACT composite score of at least 33, an SAT total score of at least 1500 (critical reading + math sections only), or semifinalist standing in a National Merit program. Professorial Assistants begin work immediately with a faculty member on research or other scholarly activities. PAs work eight to ten hours per week, are paid a stipend of about $2300 for the first year, and may be reappointed at a slightly higher rate for a second year. </p>
<p>~Tuition Grants
Every out-of-state student who is eligible for a Professorial Assistantship and who has accepted membership in the Honors College receives a Tuition Grant which equalizes tuition and fees to the rate charged to a Michigan resident. (The Tuition Grant is currently worth about $13,000 per year.) The Tuition Grant may be renewed for a total of four consecutive (undergraduate) years, provided the student remains a member of the Honors College. </p>
<p>You also may be invited to the ADS scholarship weekend held in February, which gives you an opportunity to get a full ride scholarship.</p>
<p>~Alumni Distinguished Scholarship
Awarded to the top 15 candidates based on intellectual performance and participation in the MSU Alumni Distinguished Scholarship competition. Invitations to compete in the examination are sent to the most outstanding students who apply for admission by November 1. Renewable over eight semesters, these scholarships include tuition, fees, room and board (double occupancy in an MSU residence hall and Silver Meal Plan), and $1,000 annually.
Distinguished Freshman Scholarship
Awarded to 20 runners-up in the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship competition; includes tuition and fees for eight semesters.
Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Commended Finalist
Awarded to 30 finalists in the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship competition; $2,500 per year for eight semesters.
Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Commended Semi-Finalist
Awarded to 65 semi-finalists in the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship competition; $1,500 per year for eight semesters. </p>
<p>So as you can see, loads of opportunities. U of Michigan also might be good for consideration, although they only offer a political science major and do not have a international relations major, only a concentration. I also have no idea about their scholarships for out-of-state students</p>