Grace College is pleased to announce Julia Start of Kennesaw, Georgia, as the 2026 full-tuition President’s Scholarship recipient from the school’s Presidential Scholarship Days (PSD). PSD is an annual competition for high-achieving high school seniors that awards nearly $2 million in scholarships each year.
“I am so excited to start my journey at Grace College and feel beyond blessed to be receiving this scholarship,” said Start. “The Lord has been so good to me in my college decision-making process, and I praise him for this honor. I am eager to see what opportunities and friendships this new chapter in my life will bring!”
Start had little knowledge of Grace College until she found its website and began to learn more about its mission.
“I was immediately drawn to Grace’s academics, community and Christ-centered focus,” said Start. “Despite the college’s distance from my hometown, I have family nearby and often travel through the area to visit them.”
Start selected her major in psychology with the Bethany Nesbitt child and family concentration as a result of working at a therapeutic horseback riding facility. Through her experience, she discovered her passion for serving children with special needs and their families. After graduation, she intends to become a child life specialist.
Presidential Scholarship Days are for students who meet two or more of the following criteria: 3.75 GPA, top 20% class rank and 1230 SAT or 26 ACT. Larger scholarships range from $17,000 per year to full tuition, and all attendees receive a minimum of $1,000 per year added to their generous academic scholarships.
“This year, our record-breaking 346 competing scholars came from 20 states and 12 countries,” said Dr. Mark Pohl, vice president of enrollment management. “Even more impressive, these students had an average 4.04 GPA. We look forward to welcoming these scholars to our campus, hearing their stories and getting to know their families each year. A majority of the participants end up attending Grace and contributing to our thriving, Christ-centered community.”
Presidential Scholarship Days are part of Grace College’s robust financial aid program, which provides institutional aid to 100% of its students, with nearly 20% attending tuition-free.
The event schedule kicks off with an optional lunch and a campus tour. The scholars are officially welcomed at the presidential welcome and panel before participating in 15-minute interviews with Grace College professors. The day wraps up with an academic showcase that spotlights Grace’s seven academic schools and allows students to interact with faculty in programs of interest.
For more information about financial aid and scholarships available at Grace College, visit www.grace.edu/admissions, call 866-974-7223 or email admissions@grace.edu.
