An Ottumwa High School senior will attend one of America’s best colleges after graduation, at no cost to him or his family.
OHS senior, Ryley Hougland learned last week that he had been selected as a College Match Scholarship recipient through QuestBridge to attend Northwestern University with a full, four-year scholarship worth over $200,000. The scholarship will cover tuition and fees; room and board; books and supplies; and travel expenses. He is the son of Aaron and Jessica Hougland.
QuestBridge matches college partners to students with financial need. College partners use a combination of their own funds as well as state and federal aid to fund the scholarship.
Hougland made an initial application to QuestBridge in September and was notified October 18 that he was a finalist. He then had to select and rank 12 participating universities he was interested in attending and submit additional paperwork and essays. Once an offer is made, it is binding, he said. He was matched with Northwestern, ranked third on his list.
The senior Bulldog football team captain and National Honor Society member is planning a career in journalism. With an ACT of 34 and a 4.0 GPA, he had a variety of academic options. “I don’t like math and science that much,” he said. “Northwestern has a terrific journalism program.”
Without a lot of opportunity for experiences in his chosen field, Hougland looks forward to the variety the career will provide. “I’ll be doing something different every day,” he said.
His current schedule includes AP and college coursework. While certain credits will not transfer, he isn’t worried. He wants to take all courses from Northwestern due to their level of academics, he said.
Hougland is looking forward to his future at Northwestern. He compared the QuestBridge process to a lottery, “you have no idea where you’re going.”
-30-
