essay scholarships for high schoolers

Top 60+ Scholarships for High School Seniors to Apply for in 2024

Introduction to Scholarships for High School Seniors

If you're a high school senior, then first off, congratulations! You're now in your fourth and final year of high school, which means a few different things... First, you're one step closer to becoming a college student - woohoo! Second, you're now officially able to start applying for scholarships for high school seniors. 

Scholarships are an AMAZING way to help you pay for college because the money you earn through scholarships does not ever need to be repaid.

Despite this, most students make the mistake of waiting to apply for scholarships until the very end of their senior year in high school, if not later, and miss out on so many great opportunities. 

To ensure maximum success, I suggest starting as early in the year as possible.

However, even if you're a little late to the game, luckily there are scholarships for high school seniors that are open and running throughout the entirety of the school year, and even into the summer after you graduate.

If you're completely new (or even relatively new) to the scholarship space, that's okay! I know from experience that the process of finding and applying for scholarships can be an overwhelming one. 

That's why, in this post, I have gathered some awesome scholarships for high school seniors that you can search through and apply for to get you started in attending college. 

But first...some frequently asked questions about scholarships for high school seniors

A scholarship is, to put it simply, free money that you can earn to put towards paying for college.

Unlike other types of financial aid (aka, loans), money that you earn from scholarships doesn't ever need to be repaid, which is what makes it so awesome. 

Nope, not at all! In fact, you're in a prime position when it comes to applying for scholarships because not only can you apply for scholarships that are open to high school students, but you can also begin to prepare for scholarships that are open to college students.

By starting the process as a senior in high school, you can get fully acquainted and comfortable with what it entails, so that once you get onto campus in the fall, you know exactly what you have to do to secure the bag! 

In addition to Access Scholarships , there are tons of other places and resources you can check out to help you search and apply for scholarships. 

You'll want to start by heading over to the website(s) run by your state that outline state-based financial aid and scholarship opportunities. 

Then, you'll want to reach out to your school counselor (and do research on Google) to learn about local scholarships that you can apply for. 

Another more unique way to find potential scholarship opportunities that are specific to you is actually through utilizing social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, even Pinterest!). You can follow hashtags on Instagram such as #TexasScholarships (if you live in Texas) so that anytime an organization posts a relevant scholarship with that hashtag, you can see it and apply if you're interested!  

Great question! One of the main ways that you can stand out through your application is through the extra requirements that you submit.

Whether it's an essay , a video, letters of recommendation, or other additional submissions, these are all places where you will want to dedicate extra time and effort to make sure that what you're sending in is authentically YOU, unique, eye-catching, and memorable. 

As a senior, I know that you must have a lot on your plate that you're trying to balance. My number one tip to get it all done (and be as successful as possible in the process) is to set goals AND stay organized - more on this in the tips section below the scholarships!

Easy Rolling Scholarships for High School Seniors 

Niche $25,000 scholarship.

Award Amount:  $25,000

Scholarship Deadline:  Monthly

Details: The Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship is open to high school seniors and is awarded monthly. 

ScholarshipPoints No Essay $2,500 Monthly Scholarship

Amount : $2,500 

Deadline : Expires on the last day of each month

Eligibility: The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship is a monthly no essay scholarship open to all high school and college students ages 16 and older, who are US residents!

Smart Owl No Essay $1,000 Scholarship

Amount : $1,000 (4 awards per month!)

Deadline : Expires on the 28th or 29th of each month

Eligibility: The Smart Owl Scholarship is a monthly no essay scholarship open to all high school and college students ages 16 and older, who are US residents!

CollegeVine No Essay $2,000 Scholarship

Award Amount:  $2,000

Details: Open to high school students of all grades in the US. 

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  End of every month

Details: Sallie Mae offers a $2,000 scholarship every month, open to high school juniors & seniors and current college students. To be considered, all you need to do is fill out the application form on their website.

CollegExpress High School Senior Monthly Scholarship

Award Amount:  Varies, but usually $1,000 - $2,500

Scholarship Deadline:  Last day of each month

Details: Answer the question:  If you could have any celebrity or influencer visit your school, who would it be?

CampusReel $2,000 Scholarship

Details: The CampusReel No Essay Scholarship is awarded monthly and all you have to do is sign up on their website. It's that easy!

Christian Connector Scholarship

Award Amount:  $2,500

Details:  The Christian Connector Scholarship is a scholarship for high school seniors (and juniors!) who are interested in or planning to enroll in a Christian college or university . 

Scholarships360 No Essay $10,000 Scholarship

Award Amount:  $10,000

Scholarship Deadline:  Rolling monthly

Details:  The Scholarships360 No Essay $10,000 Scholarship is one of the easiest scholarships to enter.

Be Bold Scholarship

Details:  The $25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the  boldest  profile.

Niche $2,000 Scholarship

Details: The Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is open to high school seniors and is awarded monthly. 

Appily Easy Money Scholarship

Award Amount:  $1,000

Scholarship Deadline:  Rolling

Details:  The Cappex Easy Money Scholarship is open to all students - no minimum GPA or essay required.

Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline: Quarterly (Last day of the month in September, December, March, and June)

Details:  The Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship is our own contribution to helping students fund their higher education. Simply fill in some easy info about yourself and you're entered to win!

No-Essay Surveys

Award Amount:  $Varies

Scholarship Deadline: Rolling monthly

Details: Not a scholarship, but if you're looking to make a few extra bucks this upcoming semester, sign up to take surveys 

Scholarships for High School Seniors by Deadline Month

Uplifting others scholarship.

Award Amount : $1,000 (3 awards)

Scholarship Deadline : July 31

Details:  Open to high school students of all years. 

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program

Award Amount : $10,000 - renewable for up to 4 years

Scholarship Deadline : January 4

Details: The GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program honors the legacy and character of our nation’s 40th President. It rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership (in their community and through extracurricular activities), drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education.

Live Más Scholarship

Award Amount:  $5,000 - $25,000

Scholarship Deadline:  January 11

Details:  The Live Más Scholarship is Taco Bell's contribution to helping students achieve their higher education goals. To apply, students must submit a video telling the story of their real, true passion. 

Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Award Amount:  $500 - $3,000

Scholarship Deadline:  January 12

Details:  The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is open to all high school students. Essays will be judged on the overall originality of the topic and the clear communication of ideas through language.

Sierra Nevada Corporation Women in STEM Scholarship

Award Amount:  $7,500

Scholarship Deadline:  January 18

Details:  Open to female-identifying high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate school students pursuing non-medical STEM-related degrees .

Edison Scholars Program

Award Amount:  $40,000

Scholarship Deadline:  January 23

Details:  The Edison Scholars Program offers $40,000 scholarships to 30 high school seniors planning on pursuing STEM degrees at 4-year colleges and universities. Must live in Edison's service territory in Southern California. 

Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program

Award Amount:  $20,000

Scholarship Deadline:  January 30

Details:  The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program honors student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and strong leadership skills in sports, in their schools, and within their communities.

Jet Future Business Leaders Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  January 31

Details: This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled college students who are interested in pursuing a career in business.

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

Details:  The Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship is designed to help you understand the negative effects that technology and too much screen time can have on our lives. Open to high school students of all years. 

EngineerGirl Essay Contest

Award Amount:  $500

Scholarship Deadline:  February 1

Details:  The EngineerGirl Essay Contest is open to all high school students (not just women !), and asks for an essay discussing the vital contribution of engineers in responding to the pandemic.

Columbus Citizens Foundation College Scholarship Program

Award Amount: Varies

Scholarship Deadline: February 1

Details: The Columbus Citizens Foundation administers scholarship programs that help hundreds of students every year in elementary school, high school, college, and medical school, and graduate programs in the arts.  

Jackie Robinson Scholars Program

Award Amount: Up to $30,000

Details: Scholarship for students accepted to accredited four-year colleges or universities. Must be a minority student , United States citizen, involved in community service and demonstrate leadership potential and financial need.

McDonald's HACER Scholarship

Award Amount: U p to $25,000

Scholarship Deadline: February 3

Details: Open to high school seniors who have at least one parent with Hispanic heritage. Must be a US resident planning to attend a two or four-year college or university. Minimum 2.8 GPA.

Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards Scholarship

Award Amount : $4,000

Scholarship Deadline : February 5

Details: $4,000 four-year scholarships available for children and grandchildren of Elks in good standing. Parent or grandparent must have been an Elk for two years and continue to be a member in good standing. Must be high school senior and apply through the related member’s Elks Lodge.

Americanism Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $100 - $1,200

Scholarship Deadline : First Friday in February

Details: The Americanism Essay Scholarship is open to Illinois high school students and requires an essay on Americanism and good citizenship.

AFA Teens for Alzheimer's Awareness College Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000

Scholarship Deadline: February 15

Details: AFA’s Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest is an annual competition for college-bound students.  Applicants are asked to write a 1,200 to 1,500-word essay that describes the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on themselves, their families or their communities, and what they have learned in light of coping with the brain disorder.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship

Award Amount: up to $5,000

Scholarship Deadline : February 14

Details: Merit-based awards for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, or DACA students of Hispanic heritage with plans to enroll full time in an accredited U.S. 4-year university in the upcoming academic year (can be a high school senior, current undergraduate student, community college transfer , or graduate student). 

The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

Award Amount: $10,000

Scholarship Deadline : February 20

Details: Three scholarships (one $10,000; two $5,000) will be awarded to graduating U.S. high school students who promoted vegetarianism (includes veganism) in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Applicants will be judged on a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle.

Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship

Award Amount : $1,500

Scholarship Deadline : February 28

Details: P.L.A.Y knows there are plenty of young minds out there that are passionate about helping animals in need. In an effort to encourage students and promote this cause, P.L.A.Y. will be awarding a $1,500 scholarship to a graduating high school student who best exemplifies their core beliefs.

Engebretson Foundation Scholarship

Award Amount:  $5,000/semester

Scholarship Deadline:  March 1

Details: This need-based scholarship is pretty straightforward: it's awarded to one student each year who demonstrates not only financial need but also impressive academic performance and leadership ability.

Horatio Alger National Scholarships

Award Amount : $25,000

Scholarship Deadline : March 8

Details:  The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. Open to US high school students with critical financial need. Minimum 2.0 GPA.

Executive Women International Scholarship Program

Award Amount : Varies

Scholarship Deadline : March 26

Details: To qualify for the scholarship, a student must be nominated by his/her school counselor or administrator. Students apply and compete at the local Chapter for up to $10,000 in scholarships. The first-place winner from each Chapter will then be submitted to the Corporate level for the opportunity to win the Corporate Scholarship.

Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program

Award Amount : $10,000

Scholarship Deadline : March 27

Details: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and The Sallie Mae Fund are proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding students. Twenty-five (25) students completing a two-year, four-year, or trade/vocational certificate/certification program will be selected to receive a scholarship of up to $10,000.

E-Waste Scholarship

Award Amount : $1,000

Scholarship Deadline : April 30

Details: The E-Waste Scholarship, sponsored by Digital Responsibility, challenges students to learn about the impact of e-waste and what can be done to minimize it.

RealtyHop Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,000

Scholarship Deadlines : April 30, August 31

The RealtyHop Scholarship awards up to $2,000 a year to eligible undergraduate students and high school seniors working towards a bachelor and/or associate degree program in the US who demonstrate the ambition, diligence, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit that is central to our company culture.

Rover Scholarship Contest

Award Amount : $2,500

Scholarship Deadline : May 1

Details: Higher education: that magical time when deadlines are tight and budgets are tighter. Rover would like to help fund your education. Just write a 400-500 word essay for your chance to win $2,500!

Visionary Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000 - $5,000

Details: The American College Foundation (ACF) offers the annual Visionary Scholarship program to financially support students in every grade level of high school.

Fountainhead Essay Contest

Award Amount: $500 - $1,000

Scholarship Deadline : June 7

Details: The Fountainhead Essay Contest is for high school juniors and seniors and has three essay prompt options.

Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  July 31

Details:  The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is a merit-based program that helps students fulfill their dreams of a higher education. To apply, students must simply answer one of three essay questions ("feel free to re-use an essay that you wrote in class, for college admission or another scholarship competition.")!

Alex Austin's Overcoming Adversity Scholarship

Award Amount:  $500 - $1,000

Scholarship Deadline:  September 1

Details: Open to all high school and college students in the US, including DACA recipients . Students who identify as part of a minority or who will be first-generation college students are encouraged to apply.

Cameron Impact Scholarship

Award Amount:  Full-ride! 

Scholarship Deadline:  September 10

Details: The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition , merit-based undergraduate scholarship awarded annually to 10-15 exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service. 

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.7 to apply.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship

Award Amount:  $40,000 per year 

Scholarship Deadline: November 18 

Details: The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Minimum 3.5 GPA. 

Heisman High School Scholarship

Award Amount:  $1,000 - $10,000

Scholarship Deadline:  October 19

Details:  Open to high-achieving high school seniors in the US with at least a 3.0 GPA who participate in a wide range of sports as well as school and community activities.

Imagine America High School Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  December 1

Details: Imagine America, sponsored by the Imagine America Foundation (IAF), is a $1,000 career education award that is available to recent high school graduates who are pursuing postsecondary education at participating career colleges across the United States.

10x Digital Marketing Scholarship

Details: 10x digital awards a $2,000 scholarship each year to one talented student (twice a year) who is majoring in (or planning on majoring in) a field related to digital marketing. 

Undocumented students and international students studying in the US are eligible to apply.

Ron Brown Scholars Program

Details: RBSP competitively awards 45 – 50 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship.

Applicants for the Ron Brown Scholarship  MUST  be Black/African American , US citizens or permanent residents, and a current high school senior at the time of their application.

National Honor Society Scholarship Program

Award Amount:  Varies

Details: The National Honor Society is committed to helping students achieve their secondary education goals, and provides the following resources to students and their families to help with the planning process. 600 scholarships are awarded each year to high school seniors who are members of the NHS.

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship Program

Award Amount: $40,000

Scholarship Deadline : December 15

Details: A serious 2-for-1 scholarship for high school students interested in computer science. Win $40,000 for college AND a paid programming internship at Amazon. 

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic performance, experience with computer science, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, short answer responses, unusual personal or family circumstances, financial need, racial/ethnic/gender diversity, and an educator appraisal, preferred to be completed by a computer science teacher.

Burger King Scholars Program

Scholarship Deadline:  December 15

Details:  Open to high school seniors in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. 

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Award Amount: up to $20,000 over four years

Scholarship Deadline:  December 17

Details:  Open to current high school seniors who plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year. 

Around the Corner from College Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  December 31 (and June 30)

Details:  This scholarship is Access Scholarship's opportunity created just for high school students! Open to high school seniors, but also to students in grades 9-11. DACA/undocumented and international students are also eligible to apply. 

Cirkledin's No Sweat Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  December 31

Details: Apply in 4 easy steps: Go to www.cirkledin.com, create a free Cirkledin account, hit the “Apply Now” button, and tell us “What is one thing that, if it were in the Olympics, you would win gold in?”

Careers Through Culinary Arts Program Cooking Competition for Scholarships

Award Amount:  Varies (up to full-tuition)

Scholarship Deadline:  Varies 

Details: Applicants must be a senior in a C-CAP designated partner high school in Arizona; Prince George’s County, Maryland; Tidewater, Virginia; or the cities of Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC. Applicants must be accepted into the cooking competition for scholarships. Check the CCAP website for local coordinator’s contact information. 

United States Senate Youth Program

Scholarship Deadline: Varies by state

Details: The United States Senate Youth Program is a scholarship for high school seniors (and juniors!) holding elected student offices. Two students are selected from each state.

Scholarships for High School Seniors: Tips for Searching & Applying!

Look, the search and application process for scholarships for high school seniors is not always a smooth-sailing process. But, the fact that you've made it this far in the post and are taking the initiative to learn more about scholarships is a great start in itself!

Here are a few quick tips to help you along your scholarship journey...

1. Set goals for yourself along the way.

I was a high school senior not too long ago, so I know exactly what it's like to have to create a balance between your schoolwork, extracurriculars, college applications, and scholarships. 

It's not always an easy task, but that's why you should work on setting goals for yourself and creating a scholarship strategy ! 

Your goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant/Realistic, Timely). Setting goals for things such as how much you are aiming to earn from scholarships and when you will set aside time to search and apply will help you to stay on track with what you want to achieve.

2. Know where to look.

If you're here and you're reading this, that means you know one great place to look! The  Access Scholarships Search Engine is an awesome resource with tons of scholarships for high school seniors. But beyond Access Scholarships, be sure to...

• Reach out to your school counselor to discuss some of the local scholarships that are out there for you to apply for
• Head over to your state's financial aid website to learn more about their grants and resources 
• Also be sure to fill out your free application for federal student aid (FAFSA).

3. Apply often.

Don't think of the scholarship process as one that you can engage in only once every few months and see success with.

The scholarship process requires consistency and dedication. If you want to have the best chance at winning scholarships, you need to be dedicated to the process (creating a healthy mix of mostly essay scholarships with some no-essay scholarships is a good strategy) and put in the effort!

4. Be organized, thorough, and on time.

Lots of students find it helpful to organize their scholarship application and search process using a spreadsheet (virtual or physical). These are extremely useful because you can keep track of important deadlines, requirements for each scholarship, and more.

TIP: Click here to view and download a copy of my own  scholarship tracker so you can get organized for yourself!

5. Think outside the box.

I have provided you with a ton of great scholarships for high school seniors right here in this post.

In addition to these, don't be afraid to venture out to find scholarships that are specific to YOU in all aspects! This means thinking critically about your hobbies and interests, and passions outside of academics.

It also means thinking about things that define who you are that you could potentially leverage in your scholarship search. For example, are you a soon-to-be first-generation college student?  Or maybe you're planning on pursuing a STEM degree ? These are just two areas that you can identify and use to search for scholarships! 

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

100 Great College Scholarships for High School Seniors – 2024

June 25, 2024

Our list of the 100 best college scholarships for high school seniors is intended to guide you toward a wide range of opportunities in the world of private scholarships. These include no essay scholarships as well as offerings for those pursuing specific majors like nursing or education as well as members of minority groups.

At the same time, we want to remind all prospective college students not to spend an excessive amount of time in pursuit of private scholarships, particularly at the expense of more fruitful avenues. In one recent year roughly $234 billion in total student aid was awarded to undergraduate students. The overwhelming majority of student aid comes from the federal government and institutional aid from colleges and universities is the second largest source, accounting for $71 billion; state governments give just $12 billion of total aid. Only 7% of the total aid handed out comes in the form of employer and private scholarships, a number that doesn’t quite support all of the hype

Focus on Merit Aid Directly from Colleges

In an effort to boost attendance and meet enrollment targets, many colleges have devoted an increasing share of their budgets to attracting desirable students via the offering of merit-based (i.e., non-need-based) financial aid. Using merit scholarships to lure high-achieving or high-scoring students can improve a college’s ranking and eventually its desirability, ultimately fueling enrollment. And because “high-achieving” and “desirable” are relative terms, students don’t have to be academic superstars to earn merit money. A number of reputable schools now offer sizable merit awards to “B” students.

Don’t Forget to Fill Out a FAFSA/CSS Profile

For those with significant financial need, the federal government continues to be the largest source of student aid. Each year, roughly 40 billion dollars, money that comes in the form of Pell Grants, work-study programs, and educational tax breaks is awarded to families. Additionally, the feds loan out close to 85 billion with a far more favorable terms than private lenders. That’s over 125 billion dollars handed out each year for higher education, a sum greater than the Gross National Product of all but 58 countries in the world. The bottom line is that there is a substantial amount of federal money available, so filling out a FAFSA is certainly worth your time.

100 Best College Scholarships for High School Seniors – 2024

No essay scholarships.

Looking for scholarships that you can apply for in less time than it takes to brush your teeth? Here are some legitimate entities that offer regular no essay scholarships that allow real students to take home cash for college.

1) Niche No Essay Scholarship

Niche is giving one student $2,000 to put toward tuition, housing, books or other college expenses — no essay required.

• Value: $2,000

2) Scholarships 360 No Essay Scholarship

The Scholarships 360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education.

• Value: $10,000

3) Sallie Mae Scholarship

Takes less than 2 minutes to enter. New winners drawn monthly.

College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)

4) collegexpress no essay scholarship.

Those with an account on this site are automatically entered to win.

5) Be Bold No Essay Scholarship

The scholarship will be awarded to the student whose profile is most bold, according to these characteristics. Earnest, Determined, and Moving.

• Value: $25,000

6) Scholarship Owl No Essay Scholarship

50 winners per year. You’ll need to sign up for an account. 1/140,000 chance of winning.

• Value: $1,000

7) CollegeVine No Essay Scholarship

All students enrolled in high school or looking to attend college next year who apply by the deadline will qualify for the scholarship. The winner of the scholarship will be chosen based on a lottery system and notified via email.

8) US Bank Scholarship

Complete free, in-app lessons about personal finance topics. The more modules you finish, the more scholarship money you could win.

• Value: $20,000

9) Unigo No Essay Scholarship

This $10,000 Unigo Scholarship is open to any applicant who is 14 years of age or older and is a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

10) College Board No Essay Scholarship

The $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is available to students who are seeking a postsecondary education, including returning adult learners. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are welcome to apply.

Merit-Based Scholarships – College Scholarships for High School Seniors

11) coca-cola scholarship .

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Visit our blog on How to Win a Coca-Cola Scholarship for more details. 150 Students are selected for a $20,000 award per year.

12) Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Equitable will provide 100 $5,000 annual scholarships that will be renewed to award recipients each academic year for four years, for a total of $20,000 per recipient.

13) Davidson Fellows Scholarship

We award $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships to gifted and high-achieving students, 18 years old or under, who have completed a significant piece of work.

• Value: $10,000-$25,000

14) National Honor Society Scholarship

Each year, scholarship recipients are selected based on their demonstration of the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.

• Value: $3,200-$25,000

15) The Elks Foundation – Most Valuable Student 

The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2025 competition.

• Value: $1,000-$7,000

16) The Gates Scholarship 

This prestigious scholarship program is based on evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, a last-dollar scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income minority students to excel in their coursework, graduate college, and continue to be leaders throughout their lives.

• Value: Full Cost of Attendance

17) Burger King Scholars Program

Offers a track for the general public as well as employees.

• Value: $1,000-$50,000

18) QuestBridge Match Scholarship 

Dream  big  and apply for full four-year scholarships to over 50 top colleges through QuestBridge.

• Value: Over $325,000

19) Cameron Impact Scholarship 

The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition, impact-driven undergraduate scholarship awarded annually to 10-15 exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and academics.

20) Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program

Open to students who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.

• Value: Up to $55,000

Scholarships for African American Students – College Scholarships for High School Seniors

21) hbcu sustainable communities initiative scholarship.

Scholarship applications are open to students from eligible HBCUs majoring in STEM, business, and sustainability-related disciplines.

• Value: $5,000 (renewable)

22) APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded annually to students intending to pursue careers as practicing planners who will diversify the profession and who can demonstrate a genuine financial need.

• Value: $5,000

23) Lee Aca Thompson Performing Arts Scholarship

Any BIPOC undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing the performing arts may apply for this scholarship.

24) HM Family Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support ambitious BIPOC students who are exploring educational and professional STEM opportunities.

25) Endeavor Design Scholarship

The Endeavor Design Scholarship is offered in support of creating racial equity in the fields of Sportswear/Active Apparel Design, Fashion Apparel/Accessories Design & Footwear Design.

• Value: $1,865

26) Jerzee Foundation Scholarship

Any African American high school senior or undergraduate student with a minimum 2.5 GPA who is attending or will attend an HBCU may apply for this scholarship.

27) PlayStation Career Pathways Scholarship

PlayStation Career Pathways is a multi-year career readiness program that elevates the next generation of business, creative and technical talent, bridges the opportunity gap, and removes financial barriers to higher education. Pathways Scholars get access to scholarships, mentorships and insider gaming industry expertise.

• Value: Up to $30,000

28) CATALYSTS Scholarship

Black/African American undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they have a GPA of 2.8 or higher and have internship or work experience regarding social impact.

29) Anderson Engineering Scholarship

Any BIPOC undergraduate student who is pursuing engineering may apply for this scholarship opportunity, but applicants who are enrolled in co-op engineering programs are preferred.

• Value: $7,000

30) ESOF Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support minority students who need monetary support to pursue higher education at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

• Value: $1,500

Scholarships for Hispanic Students – College Scholarships for High School Seniors

31) overcoming adversity carino scholarship.

Any Latinx high school senior student from the state of Washington who has a history of overcoming adversity may apply.

32) Futbol is Life Scholarship 

This scholarship seeks to celebrate and reward exceptional Hispanic students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and actively participate in a competitive soccer team.

• Value: $4,000

33) The Alliance/Merck Ciencia (Science) Hispanic Scholars Program

Open to students of Hispanic heritage who are seniors attending a high school in Brownsville, TX; Elizabeth, NJ; or Los Angeles, CA.

• Value: $2,000-$42,000

34) Se Vale Sonar Scholarship

This scholarship is to help and encourage first-generation, Latino/a, low-income high school students with academic success in pursuing a higher education.

35) Barreir Opportunity Scholarship 

Any high school senior or undergraduate student of Hispanic heritage who is from a single-parent, low-income household and displays academic potential and commitment to community service may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

36) Cybersecurity & The Latinx Community Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support Latinx students who are pursuing higher education in cybersecurity.

37) Hispanic Climb to Success Scholarship 

This scholarship is specifically designed to provide support to low-income Hispanic and Latinx students in New York,

38) El Café Del Futuro Scholarship

Each year, they offer multiple $5,000 scholarships to college students at institutions that are members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).

39) Prospanica Foundation Scholarships

Prospanica is proud to offer a select number of scholarships for qualified undergraduate and graduate business students committed to making a positive change through their contributions to society.

• Value: Up to $5,000

40) Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards

Open to Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, and Technology & Engineering.

• Value: $3,500

Scholarships for First-Generation Students – College Scholarships for High School Seniors

41) ifsa first generation college student scholarship.

Designed to give first-generation college students a chance to benefit from the life-changing experience of studying abroad.

• Value: $2,500

42) Dorrance Scholarship

The Dorrance Scholarship is a need-based award that aims to instill college-going traditions in future generations of Arizona families.

• Value: $12,000

43) I’m First! Scholarship

Students must demonstrate financial need and also show a strong interest in their communities through volunteer work.

• Value:$2,000

44) NFA First Generation in College Scholarship

The First Generation in College Scholarship is a merit-based, one-time monetary award granted to a flutist currently enrolled in or accepted to attend an accredited college, university or conservatory in the United States.

45) Golden Door Scholars Program 

Golden Door Scholars provides DACAmented & undocumented students with the financial aid and support needed to invest in their education and define their futures.

• Value: $40,000

46) StudySoup First in Family Scholarship

The winning student will be able to clearly demonstrate leadership qualities, commitment to their education, and a capacity to triumph over challenges.

47) UNCF Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship

The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship is available to students who are the first in their family to attend a 4-year college or university.

48) Florida FGMG

Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution.

• Value: Varies

49) Sallie Mae and Hispanic College Fund First in My Family Scholarship

Applicants must be Hispanic and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States. They need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be an undergraduate attending school full-time in the United States or Puerto Rico.

• Value: $500-$5,000

50) Smith Scholarship Foundation

Applicants must be Alabama residents who are graduating high school seniors, have a minimum 2.3 GPA, and have taken or plan to take the SAT or ACT.

Scholarships for Women in Stem – College Scholarships for High School Seniors

51) engineering and technical science achievement scholarship.

Engineering and Technical Science Achievement Scholarship provides financial assistance to women who are working on an undergraduate degree in a field of engineering or technical science are eligible to apply.

• Value: Awards Vary

52) Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship

They hope to encourage women to pursue computer science, engineering, and technical studies, and to become leaders in these fields.

53) Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship

The “Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship” is dedicated to a female candidate majoring in engineering, math, or biological or physical sciences.

54) BHW Women in STEM Scholarship

Women who are pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree and are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

• Value: $3,000

55) Women at Microsoft Scholarship

The Women at Microsoft Scholarship is dedicated to supporting high school senior women and non-binary individuals who are targeting a career in STEAM fields.

56) Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a female undergraduate student majoring in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field, excelling in her studies, and demonstrating significant potential.

57) UPS Scholarship for Female Students

58) michigan council of women in technology undergraduate scholarship.

Our scholarship program encourages talented female students (high school seniors and current college/university students) to continue their higher education and ultimately help Michigan become the No. 1 state for girls and women in technology.

• Value: $1,000-$5,000

59) Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate mathematics or related fields degree program at a 4-year, 2-year, vocational, or technical institution in the United States OR a graduating high school senior who has plans to study mathematics or related fields.

60) SNC Women in STEM Scholarship

This scholarship program is designed to encourage women to pursue careers in currently underrepresented fields and industries.

• Value: $7,500

Scholarships for Native American Students – College Scholarships for High School Seniors

61) cherokee nation higher education scholarships.

Cherokee Nation scholarships are available for eligible tribal citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation reservation and contiguous boundaries or citizens who are eligible for the Pell grant and live outside those areas. Eligible high school juniors and seniors may also qualify for concurrent college classes.

• Value: Awards vary.

62) Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program

Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who demonstrate financial need for an award.

63) Chickasaw Nation Scholarships

This program provides a wide variety of higher education grants, scholarships and incentives to Chickasaw college students each semester.

• Value: Up to $4,500

64) Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarships Program

Their goal is to provide quality services to the Hopi people by enhancing a full range of educational opportunities.

65) Catching the Dream Program

Catching the Dream has three separate scholarship programs, the MESBEC, NALE, and TBM program.

66) American Indian College Fund Scholarship

The American Indian College Fund has a close relationship with the  35 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) . Students attending TCUs are eligible for all the different merit-based scholarship programs we offer.

• Value: $2,000-$3,000

67) Cobell Scholarship Program

Providing elevated opportunities for high achieving, community involved Native college students with leadership experience through empowering them with an impactful scholarship experience designed to support their success in higher education.

• Value: Up to $6,000

68) Ke Ali’I Pauahi Foundation

Many awards may be determined based on merit, while some are restricted for students who demonstrate financial need or for students applying from specific geographic regions.

69) Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarships

Be enrolled with your respective Tribe, either federally recognized or non-federally recognized Native Nation, from the continental US or Alaska and possess a minimum GPA of 2.5.

70) American Indian Services Scholarships

The AIS Scholarship program is to help  undergraduate Native American students  with financial support to attend college, maintain enrollment, and graduate.

Scholarships for High School Seniors – Education Majors

70) teach grant.

The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching.

71) Epsilon Sigma Alpha Scholarship

The ESA Foundation has awarded  more than $3 million  in scholarships and continues to award numerous scholarships annually. You  do not have to be an ESA member to apply for a scholarship, and our application process is 100% online.

72) James F. Reville Scholarship

The James F. Reville Scholarship is presented to an individual who intends to pursue a career related to the field of intellectual or other developmental disabilities such as behavioral sciences, social work, nursing, healthcare administration and management or psychology.

• Value:$3,000

73) Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program

The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Pennsylvania Scholarship Program offers early learning professionals a debt-free higher education, supporting them while they work to become stronger teachers and earn thriving wages.

• Value: Up to $4,500 per semester

74) Mrs. Prindables Future Educator Scholarship

Open to any incoming freshman or current student majoring in education.

75) Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship

The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program is a competitive scholarship for recent high school graduates with a passion for teaching and a history of high academic achievement, community service, and active involvement in extracurricular activities while in high school.

• Value: $10,000 (renewable)

76) Middle Class Scholarship

The Middle Class Scholarship is for undergraduates and students in California pursuing a teaching credential with family income and assets up to $217,000.

77) Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers

The AAPT Board of Directors offers scholarships for future high school physics teachers. Undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula and high school seniors entering such programs are eligible.

78) Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship

The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship provides high-achieving high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in education the opportunity to earn a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 each year for four academic years. In exchange, students agree to teach for five years at an eligible Indiana school or repay the corresponding, prorated amount of the scholarship.

• Value: $10,000 (renewable each year)

79) Teacher Education Scholarships

Every year, the American Montessori Society awards teacher education scholarships to aspiring Montessori teachers in support of their professional growth.

80) Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers

The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers was designed to encourage and support Texas’ most promising students to pursue a career in teaching through one of the state’s best university-based teacher preparation programs.

• Value: $8,000-$10,000 per year

Scholarships for High School Seniors – Nursing Students

81) emergency nurses association foundation scholarships.

To further advance emergency nursing, the ENA Foundation proudly offers educational scholarships annually. Offerings include academic scholarships, available to members and nonmembers seeking to further their education with degrees ranging from associates to doctoral degrees.

82) National CPR Association

The National CPR Association invite you to join our Healthcare Training Scholarship Plan to aid you in your endeavors to become a qualified professional in your chosen field.

83) GoodRx Nurses for Change Scholarship

Be a current, enrolled student pursuing a healthcare or allied healthcare career at an accredited program recognized by the student’s state. Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent). Self-identify as a person from an underrepresented population in the healthcare field.

• Value: $5,000 (renewable for four years)

84) Philippe Forton Scholarship

The Philippe Forton Scholarship aims to honor Philippe by supporting high school seniors pursuing nursing in post-secondary education.

85) Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship

The Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship is designed to encourage enrollment in LPN or RN nursing programs by Kansans committed to practicing in Kansas. Recipients sign an agreement/promissory note with the State of Kansas to practice nursing at a specific facility one year for each year of scholarship support.

• Value: $4,500 (renewable each school year)

86) Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania nursing students at all levels of study are eligible to apply, provided they are matriculated in an accredited nursing school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by the upcoming Fall semester. This includes students in their final year of high school who plan to pursue a nursing degree.

87) Hurst Review Services AACN Nursing Scholarship

Hurst Review and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) are partnering to offer this scholarship program that recognizes and rewards entry-level nursing students for outstanding academic performance. All applicants must already be enrolled in an AACN member institution and maintain at least a 3.2 grade point average in their current program or last school attended.

88) Gender-Inclusion Scholarship

The applications will be evaluated on a weighted scale using the following categories, listed with the areas of highest emphasis first: Personal statement, financial need, volunteer/community service history, professional associations, reference letter, academic status, honors/awards, resume, certifications, and workload.

89) Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship

The Jane Delano Nursing Student Scholarship which promotes nursing as a career and encourages new nurses to get involved with the Red Cross. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year.

90) Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Board of Directors Scholarship

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) awards 10 competitive $5,000 scholarships to qualified Alaska Native and American Indian students. This scholarship is open statewide

Scholarships for High School Seniors – Psychology Majors

91) jake thomas williams memorial scholarship.

For a high school senior majoring in social work, therapy, or psychology and planning a career in mental health or suicide prevention.

• Value: $2,750

92) David L. Burns Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to provide assistance to students in Missouri who are dedicated to supporting individuals grappling with addiction. It is open to students entering professions aimed at aiding individuals during their most challenging moments. Eligible fields include nursing, counseling/mental health, social work, and related careers.

93) Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships

The Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships help defray the direct educational costs (e.g., tuition, institutional fees, required textbooks) of exceptional Psi Chi undergraduate students.

94) Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships

Each year, their Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships award $5,000 to seven outstanding undergraduate psychology students who demonstrate financial need.

95) Inez Beverly Prosser Scholarship for Women of Color

This scholarship serves as a mechanism to empower women of color to complete their educational journey and pursue an advanced degree in psychology, and take a step toward supporting representation and impact of women of color in psychology, this scholarship will help defray the direct educational costs.

96) National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship

A college scholarship program for undergraduate students committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research.

97) Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program

To be considered for the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant you must be a Maryland resident. If you are a dependent student, your parent must also be a Maryland resident. You must also enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university each semester.

98) Aya Healthcare Future Travel Nurse Scholarship

Scholarships are available to students with a 3.0 and an interest in becoming a traveling nurse.

99) Bethesda Lutheran Communities Scholarship

Supports Lutheran students pursuing undergraduate degrees and seminarian and post-graduate students that will prepare them for ministry (such as pastor, pre-seminary and deaconess studies, deaconess, director of Christian education, or special-needs teacher),

100) Bilingual School Psychologist Scholarships

Applicants are evaluated on their leadership, work experiences, and passion to transform the bilingual speech-language pathology field.

• Value: $7,000-$9,000

College Scholarships for High School Seniors – Additional Blogs of Interest

• 26 Most Expensive Colleges in 2024
• Automatic Scholarships Based on SAT/ACT Scores
• Best Scholarships for California Scholarships 
• Most Common Scholarship Interview Questions
• How to Win Merit Scholarships 
• National Merit Scholarship PSAT Score Cutoff by State
• How to Write a Scholarship Essay
• Costs & Financial Aid

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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• Student Loans

10 Scholarships For High School Seniors

Updated: Feb 21, 2024, 9:18am

There’s no such thing as free money—but scholarships come pretty close. These financial aid awards can be need-based, merit-based or academic-based. And they can help reduce the financial burden of a college education.

Before you start applying for scholarships, carefully consider your options and target the best scholarships that appeal to your talents, interests and academic merit.

10 College Scholarships for High School Seniors

1. elks national foundation scholarship program.

The Most Valuable Student scholarship from the Elks National Foundation awards 500 scholarships to high school seniors, ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 annually. You must also be a U.S. citizen to qualify.

Students must also pursue a four-year undergraduate degree full-time to qualify, and the foundation doesn’t require you to be related to an Elks member to apply.

The organization will consider financial need, grades and leadership skills when selecting winners.

2. National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship

High school seniors planning to work in government service can apply for the National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship .

Only U.S. citizens are eligible. The one-year scholarship can range from $500 to $5,000. Students must write a one-page essay in 300 words or less describing their motivation for government work and exploring any inspiration from George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River.

Students must also include a letter of recommendation from a high school principal or guidance counselor and a copy of their transcript.

3. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards $3.55 million in scholarships to over 1,400 students annually. There are three different scholarship programs, including one for community colleges and one for two-year colleges.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is available to those attending a four-year program. Both U.S. citizens and permanent residents qualify for this award, and you must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify. The scholarship is awarded to 150 students, with each receiving a $20,000 scholarship.

4. Cooke College Scholarship Program

The Cooke College Scholarship Program is available to high school seniors planning to pursue an undergraduate degree after graduation. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify, with a maximum family income of $95,000. The program also requires students to have a 3.5 GPA or higher.

The program awards up to $55,000 annually, depending on the cost of tuition and other scholarships that the student has received. Only those planning to attend college full-time are eligible.

5. QuestBridge National College Match

This scholarship program is designed for low-income high-school seniors who demonstrate financial need to cover college tuition. The QuestBride Match Scholarship offers recipients a four-year scholarship worth over $200,000. The scholarship program may also include matching students with other types of financial aid like grants and work-study.

Students must attend one of the program’s partner institutions, which include Brown University, Yale, Stanford and more. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply.

6. BigFuture Scholarship

This scholarship from the College Board is more like a lottery drawing than a traditional scholarship. There are two types of drawings: one for $500 and one for $40,000.

The scholarship incentivizes students to start the college application process and complete the steps necessary to get accepted and find enough financial aid.

To apply, you must finish each step by the respective deadline. Not only will completing the tasks render you eligible for the scholarship drawing, but they will also help you apply to college and qualify for more financial aid.

There is no minimum GPA or test score requirement to be eligible, and there is no essay component.

7. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship

Students who apply for the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship can receive a $10,000 annual scholarship for four years in total. The foundation also covers an all-expenses-paid retreat to California. They can use the money to cover tuition, living expenses, books, fees and more.

Students must have a 3.0 GPA, be U.S. citizens and plan to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree. To apply, you need a letter of recommendation from a community leader or a school principal. Proof of financial need and a strong academic record is also required.

8. Engebretson Foundation

The Engebretson Foundation provides scholarships to high school seniors attending a four-year college.

In addition to demonstrating financial need, you must score a 28 on the ACT or a 1240 on the SAT, and have a 3.75 GPA or be in the top 5% of your graduating class. A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also required to qualify.

Students must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher with their application. You must mail or email the application form by the deadline.

9. Bryan Cameron Education Foundation

The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation offers four-year, full-tuition scholarships to students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, community service, extracurricular activities and academics. Between 10 and 15 deserving students are selected annually.

Students must have a 3.7 GPA and be U.S. citizens. High school seniors planning to attend a four-year college can apply for this scholarship. You must submit two letters of recommendation and a transcript.

10. Unigo $10K Scholarship

While many of the above-mentioned scholarships have high standards and strict application requirements, the Unigo $10K Scholarship is much easier to apply for. Students must write a 250-word essay answering the question, “Would you rather be smart, funny or rich?”

Only legal U.S. residents can apply, but there are no GPA requirements.

Can a Scholarship Affect Your Financial Aid?

External scholarships, which aren’t offered by your institution, can reduce your financial aid award from your school. If your total aid amount including scholarships, institutional aid and government funding exceeds your calculated need by $300, the government may reduce your need-based aid amount.

If you don’t report outside scholarships to your college’s financial aid office, you may need to repay some of your aid. Make sure you review your college’s policy on outside scholarships before you apply.

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Zina Kumok is a freelance personal finance writer based in Indianapolis. She paid off her own student loans in three years. She also offers one-on-one financial coaching sessions at ConsciousCoins.com.

Best Essay Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

Apply below to essay scholarships with upcoming deadlines. Exclusive Scholarships found only in Bold.org!

Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship

Thomas mashig foundation scholarship, eligibility criteria:.

• Education Level : High school or current/future trade school student
• Financial Status : Financial Need

Anthony McPherson Memorial Automotive Scholarship

• Field of Interest : Automotive
• Education Level : High school or undergraduate student

Ashanti McCall Life & Legacy Scholarship

• Background : Has a parent who is/was incarcerated

Fishers of Men-tal Health Scholarship

• Field of Study : Mental health
• Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate student
• Background : Religious and/or spiritual

Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship

• GPA : 3.0 or higher
• Education Level : High school senior

Grassroot Heroics Scholarship

Boatswain’s mate third class antonie bernard thomas memorial scholarship.

• Background : Military service member, police officer, or family of military or police

Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school student
• Background : Has lost one or both parents
• Passion : Sports

Joseph A. Monachino Memorial Scholarship

• Financial Status : Financial need
• State : Nevada

Harvest Achievement Scholarship

• Gender : Female-identifying

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Brandon m. greber memorial scholarship.

• Education Level : High school junior or senior or undergraduate student
• Background : Plans to enter the military

Slater Miller Memorial Fund

• Education Level : Trade school student
• Financial Status : Low-income
• Background : Non-profit or volunteering experience

Chris Struthers Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
• Field of Study : Graphic design

Next Chapter Scholarship

• Education Level : Community college or trade school student
• GPA : 2.0 GPA or higher

Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior or undergraduate
• Experience : Volunteering
• GPA : 2.5 or higher

Gloria Rickett Memorial Scholarship

• State : Maryland
• Field of Study : Childhood development, nursing, or the arts

Dr. C.L. Gupta Young Scholars Award

• Background : High standardized test scores

Ken Larson Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior or four-year undergraduate student
• Field of Study : Public services or law

Nursing Student Scholarship

• Field of Study : Nursing

Jason David Anderson Memorial Scholarship

• State : New Jersey
• GPA : 3.0 GPA or higher
• Background : Has been affected by addiction (personally or through a loved one)
• Field of Study : Healthcare or rehabilitation

Robert Lawyer Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school, undergraduate, trade school, or graduate student
• Background : First-generation college student
• Identity : Non-traditional college student

Sewing Seeds: Lena B. Davis Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school or four-year undergraduate student
• Identity : Underrepresented minority
• Field of Study : Psychology, social work, counseling, or other mental health-related fields

Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship

• Background : Has lost a parent or lives in a single-parent household

Make Your "Truth" Your Own Scholarship

• Background : Former Jehovah’s Witness

AB Foundation Scholarship

• Education level : High school senior & undergraduates
• Background : Teen mom and/or child of a teen mom

Juanita Robinson English Book Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate student
• School : Howard University

Joseph Lipovits Memorial Aviation Scholarship

• Field of Study : Aviation/flying

Brad Hinshaw Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior or undergraduate student
• Background : Has lost a parent to cancer

About essay scholarships 

Essay-based scholarships are the most common and traditional form of scholarships available to students pursuing higher education. Though essay scholarships may seem intimidating at first glance, this type of scholarship can be invaluable to students looking to earn money through scholarships. 

An essay scholarship is a financial aid opportunity that requires students to write a short statement in order to apply. No-essay scholarships, on the other hand, do not require written statements as part of the application process. 

Students tend to gravitate towards no-essay scholarships, as they are easier to apply to in regards to both time and effort. While no-essay scholarships are a great resource as well, students should consider applying to a mix of both no-essay and essay scholarships to have the best chances of winning. 

Since fewer students take the time to apply for essay scholarships, there is less competition for them. This means that students that do apply for essay scholarships will often have higher chances of winning money than students who exclusively apply for no-essay scholarships.

Though no-essay scholarships can save time in the application process, they typically attract a large number of applicants. Both college students and high school students will usually face more competition with this type of scholarship. 

In many cases, it isn’t as difficult to apply for essay scholarships as college students imagine. The written statement is often quite short and usually hovers around 400-600 words. That’s around a page of writing or even a little less. There are even many opportunities that require even shorter essays, such as 100-300 words!

If that still sounds daunting, remember that essay scholarships will provide a prompt to write on. Most scholarships will focus on a certain aspect of a student’s life. For example, a mental health awareness scholarship might ask students to write about their personal struggles with mental health and how they have overcome those challenges in pursuit of a better education. 

Similarly, major-based scholarships, like STEM or arts scholarships, often ask students to write about why they chose to study that particular field. Typically, no additional research needs to be done to write the essay portion of the application. In nearly all cases, donors simply want to hear about who the applicant is. 

To write the essay scholarship, students only need to draw on their personal experiences or life goals to show the donor who they are as a person. High school students might focus more on their goals for the future, while undergraduate and graduate students might talk about their current studies. 

Whatever the case, both high school students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, should focus on showcasing their talents, goals, and personality in the essay. The more detailed and unique an essay is, the easier it is for the donor to feel a connection with you, making your application stand out from the competition.

Essay scholarships are available to students of all ages and all grade levels. College students and high school students alike can apply for essay scholarships. As long as the scholarship allows applicants of your grade level, you can apply.

Though some essay scholarship prompts may seem better suited towards one age group than another, students should still apply as long as they are eligible. For example, a scholarship that asks applicants to write about their major and why they chose it might seem easier to answer as a college student. 

However, if high school students are eligible, they can likely answer the prompt by writing about their intended major. Both high school students and college students should be able to write most scholarship essays.

The purpose of the essay scholarship is to allow the donor to get a better view of the applicant, so make sure to add personality and detail to your essays. You can also check out  this guide  on writing scholarship essays for exclusive tips!

Best essay scholarships

 The majority of scholarships available are essay-based, so there are plenty of opportunities to choose from. Each scholarship has its own benefits, so it's important to apply for a variety of scholarship opportunities. The highest-value scholarships can be the most helpful when paying your tuition, but they often receive the most competition as a result. To have the best chances of winning, consider smaller scholarships with fewer eligible applicants.

Essay scholarships for high school students

There are plenty of high school scholarships available for students of all grade levels. Additionally, high school students can apply for scholarships specific to their grade level.

Essay scholarships for high school freshmen 

Freshman year is the earliest students can begin applying for scholarships, meaning that applicants who start as high school freshmen can get ahead of the game. The earlier you start applying, the longer you'll have to earn college funding. The following scholarships are a great place for high school freshmen to begin their search!

• Bold Climate Changemakers Scholarship
•   M.R. Brooks Scholarship  
• "Equal Opportunity" Scholarship

Essay scholarships for high school sophomores

There are also plenty of scholarship opportunities for high school sophomores who are looking to get a jump on their scholarship applications. The scholarships below are a great way for sophomores to get started!

• Bold Community Activist Scholarship  
• CollegeXpress No-Essay Scholarship
• Bold Great Books Scholarship  

Essay scholarships for high school juniors

As upperclassmen, high school juniors have even more scholarships available to them than freshmen and sophomores. In addition to scholarships open to all high school students, juniors can also apply for scholarships exclusively open to juniors and seniors. Check out the list below and start applying!

• Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship  
• Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship  
• Janey Mae Memorial Scholarship

Essay scholarships for high school seniors

Senior year of high school is one of the most popular times to apply for scholarships. As a result, there are many scholarships created specifically for high school seniors. Since other grade levels can't apply, there are often fewer eligible applicants for senior scholarships, giving you a better chance of winning! You can check out the scholarships below to begin applying. 

• MJM3 Fitness Scholarship  
• Michael Valdivia Scholarship
• Charlotte Emery Memorial Scholarship   

Essay scholarships for college students

While it's great to start securing scholarship funding in high school, it's never too late to apply! There are plenty of scholarships for those currently in college, such as those listed below.

• Live Your Dash Entrepreneurs Scholarship
• Dr. Sharyn First-Generation in Business Scholarship   
• Chris Jackson Computer Science Scholarship  

Essay scholarships for graduate students

Many graduate students aren't aware of all of the scholarships available to them, meaning that many miss out on available financial aid. If you're a graduate student, consider applying for the scholarships below!

• Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship
• Derrick Richardson Law Student Scholarship  
• Chang Heaton Scholarship for Music Excellence

Essay scholarships for international students 

International students are often left behind when it comes to earning financial aid. With fewer government resources available, international students pursuing their degrees in the US may have unmet financial needs. The following scholarships for international students in the US are a great place to start!

•   International Studies Scholarship
• Crenati Foundation Supporting International Students Scholarship   

Essay scholarships for women 

Many scholarship donors aim to help underrepresented or disadvantaged students, such as racial minorities, low-income students, LGBTQ+ students, or women. If you're a female student, consider applying for the following scholarships!

• Taking Up Space Scholarship  
• Indigenous Women in STEM Scholarship  
• Charlotte Emery Memorial Scholarship

Frequently asked questions about essay scholarships 

How do i win essay scholarships.

The most important part of the essay application is simply finishing it. Many high school students and college students won’t even bother to apply for essay scholarships. As a result, just turning in an application that meets all of the requirements and answers the prompt places you ahead of a good chunk of your peers. 

Still, it’s good to fine-tune your scholarship essays and make sure you turn in your best work. There are several steps students can take in order to take their scholarship essays to the next level. Click here to read our full guide on how to write a scholarship essay .

First, make sure your essay stays on topic and answers the prompt. Don’t get sidetracked by tangential experiences. Read the question carefully and make an outline of what you want to write before you start writing. This can help make sure your essay is focused and coherent. Make a list of what points you want to include in your answer and in what order. Then, make sure to stick to those points.

One important point is to make sure you maintain your basic writing skills. If grammar is something you struggle with on occasion, make a plan to catch any mistakes you might make. Using a tool like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s spell check can be very helpful in making sure no minor errors are made. You can also try reading your essay out loud, or asking a friend to look it over. Sometimes two pairs of eyes are better than one. 

Another way to elevate your essay is to open with a hook. Perhaps you have a funny story about your academic experiences that relates to the question asked. Or, you could retell the moment you decided to pursue your current major. Any impactful experience you’ve had that relates to the question asked can be a good way to open your essay. 

Opening with a hook makes your essay more memorable and makes the reader want to keep reading. If your essay sounds generic or uninspired, the donor may pass you over for someone else. Making your essay personal and engaging is a key way to make an impact on your reader and stand out from other competitors. 

Most of the time, when a donor includes an essay question, it’s because they’re looking for a specific type of student. Many donors favor students that are driven, motivated, and willing to work hard to achieve their dreams. Look carefully at the prompt for hints on what qualities the donors are looking for. 

An essay question that asks about a student’s struggle with finances, for example, is likely looking for a high school student or college student that has worked hard to pursue education despite the challenges they faced. A prompt that asks students to talk about their chosen major is likely looking for a student that is inspired and has a special interest in their field. 

A mix of your personal experiences, academic interests, and goals for the future are usually good points to work into your essay. It’s important to both answer the question clearly and help the donor understand who you are as a person. 

How do I apply for scholarships? 

Applying for scholarships is not as difficult as it seems. Most applications give clear instructions and are easy to complete. A good place to start is finding a scholarship search resource that works for you. 

One easily accessible way to find scholarships is through your school. For high school students, the guidance office may be able to connect you with scholarship opportunities. College students, including graduate students, will want to talk to their financial aid office instead. 

The advantage of finding scholarships through your school is that the financial aid or guidance office may be able to find opportunities specifically made for your school. This means the competition pool will be much smaller as you will only be competing with your classmates. 

As for how high school students and college students can apply for these opportunities, the instructions will likely depend on that specific school’s process for applying. Administrators in the financial aid or guidance office will be able to guide students through the application process. 

An alternative is using online platforms to search for and apply for scholarships. High school students and college students alike will benefit from this method, as online platforms typically allow students to apply for multiple scholarships at once. Making a free profile with  Bold.org , for example, will allow high school students and college students to quickly apply with just one click to no-essay scholarships. 

Creating a profile with online scholarship platforms allows the site to submit applications on your behalf. In addition, the information stored in the profile can be used to help find more relevant scholarship search results for each student’s needs.

For example, high school students will automatically be barred from applying to scholarships that only look at college students, and vice versa. This can help save some time and ensure students don’t waste their efforts applying for scholarships that will not consider them. 

In order to apply for a scholarship on an online platform, students simply need to create a free profile and find the scholarships they want to apply for. Their information will be sent to the donors for review. 

If there is an essay requirement, students must prepare a written statement ahead of time. Students can then paste their essays into the application on the online platform. The essay will be submitted along with the student’s personal information from their profile. 

When can I start applying? 

High school students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, can apply whenever they like. Very few scholarships exist for students below the high school level, and while some opportunities are available to recent college graduates, most are for those still in school. 

Students at any level between high school and graduate school can start to apply for scholarships at any time. High school seniors are the group of high school students that will likely have the easiest time finding scholarships they can apply for. Many donors looking to create opportunities at the high school level view high school seniors as the demographic most concerned with generating funding for college. 

Winning scholarship money while still in high school can help students in their college search. Getting an idea of how much money you will be able to spend on college is a good way to narrow down your search for the perfect school for you. In addition, winning scholarship money might make it possible for high school students to attend a college they previously thought would be too expensive. 

As a result, starting to apply for scholarships as a high school senior or junior would be a reasonable time to begin. 

Applying earlier is typically better than applying for scholarships later on. This is simply because starting to find and apply to scholarships earlier will allow students more time to apply, get their results back, and apply again. The more this cycle is repeated, the more money students typically make. 

Remember that not every scholarship you apply to will yield positive results. Therefore, applying to as many scholarships as possible will increase the possibility that a few of those applications will win. 

However, there’s nothing wrong with trying to find scholarships even before your senior year in high school. In addition, starting to apply as an undergraduate student or a graduate student is completely fine as well. There are many opportunities made specifically for college students, many of which include graduate students as well. 

It may seem counterintuitive to start applying for scholarships after committing to a college. However, winning scholarship money can help not just with creating a budget for college, but also with the expenses of continuing your college education. Each new semester means new textbooks and new school supplies, for example. 

In addition, college is a path to many educational opportunities that are usually not available to high school students. For example, many college students study abroad, whether as undergraduate students or graduate students. Saving up some scholarship money for the costs of continuing your education and taking advantage of college opportunities like studying abroad can be very helpful. 

How do I know if I’m eligible for a scholarship?

Every scholarship posting will clearly state its requirements, so be sure to read the entire description. Remember that your efforts may be wasted if you do not fit the criteria for a certain scholarship. No matter how much you excel in school, you cannot win a scholarship that you are not eligible for. 

Scholarships often tend towards very general requirements or more exclusive requirements. General scholarships are often open to students of any major and any grade level, meaning the vast majority of students will be able to apply.

Exclusive scholarships, on the other hand, are made for a more specific purpose. For example, the donor of an exclusive scholarship might want to use their money to uplift indigenous students in the medical field. As a result, the scholarship might only accept applicants that are indigenous students and focused on nursing or medicine. Students that do not match these criteria will not be considered. 

Some common restricting factors in exclusive scholarships are education level, demographic, income level, academic interest, and GPA. An exclusive scholarship might restrict the applicant pool by all or some of these criteria. 

Certain opportunities might be open to graduate students only, and not high school students or undergraduate students. Some scholarships might require students to study a particular major, such as graphic design. A more general scholarship might use an umbrella term, like the humanities, instead of a specific major. Whatever the case, be sure you have carefully read each of the requirements before applying. 

Many exclusive scholarships will be specific enough that most students will not be able to apply. For example, a scholarship open only to Asian American molecular biology graduate students will receive a lower volume of applications than a scholarship available to all STEM majors. 

However, there’s no need to get discouraged if you find it difficult to locate an exclusive scholarship that matches your needs. The multitude of scholarship opportunities available on sites like  Bold.org  means that there is a scholarship for everyone. New scholarships are created and added each day, meaning students who continuously look for and apply to scholarships are more likely to find relevant opportunities. 

In addition, it’s a good idea to apply for both general and exclusive scholarships. This helps students cast a wider net and hopefully increase their chances of winning money. 

What do I have to do to apply?

The application process for most scholarships is fairly simple, especially if students choose to apply through an online platform. 

Sometimes, the most difficult part of applying for a scholarship is simply qualifying, especially if there are many requirements. Once students find opportunities that match their needs, very little action is required.

Students will need to send some of their personal information to the donor to confirm they match the criteria listed. This is often done automatically through online platforms, or students may need to fill out a form through the appropriate school office if the scholarship is not listed online. 

If the scholarship does not require an essay, then that’s all you need to do. If the scholarship does require a personal statement, then that will be the second and final part of the application. 

The essay question, as we’ve covered, can appear intimidating but is usually answered in a page or less. Since donors simply want to hear about you as a person and your academic pursuits, staying honest and true to yourself is usually the best way to tackle the essay. 

It’s not necessary in most cases to do more research to answer the essay question. Sharing personal experiences that relate to the question can be a good way to start. Students should already have all the information they need to answer the question. The only thing left is presenting that information and any personal experiences in an orderly, coherent manner. 

To summarize, scholarships are relatively low-stress to apply to. Students will only need to submit their personal information and write a short personal essay about themselves to be considered.

Are scholarships counted as income? 

Typically, scholarships are not counted as income. 

Scholarships will remain tax-free as long as the scholarship money is used for necessary educational expenses. Necessary educational expenses include tuition fees, textbook and equipment fees, mandatory course fees, and mandatory enrollment fees. It’s important to note that housing and travel expenses do not count as necessary educational expenses. 

In other words, if failing to pay an expense would obstruct your ability to graduate with a degree, that expense likely qualifies as a necessary educational expense. 

In addition, the following requirements must be met for your scholarship money to be considered tax-free. First, the total money earned from all essay scholarships cannot be greater than the total amount your university or college charges you for your education. This rarely happens and is usually not a problem for most students. 

Secondly, the recipient of the essay scholarship money must be currently completing a degree at an accredited college or university. Third, the money cannot be given in exchange for a service or job provided. Scholarship money is not a payment or a salary; it is gift aid that is given to a student to help them pay for college. 

Lastly, the money cannot be marked for other expenses such as room and board (which are not necessary educational expenses). Typically, donors will not stipulate how the money should be spent, so this is rarely an issue. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The most important part of the essay application is simply finishing it. Many high school students and college students won’t even bother to apply for essay scholarships. As a result, just turning in an application that meets all of the requirements and answers the prompt places you ahead of a good chunk of your peers. Still, it’s good to fine-tune your scholarship essays and make sure you turn in your best work. There are several steps students can take in order to take their scholarship essays to the next level. Click here to read our full guide on how to write a scholarship essay.

Applying for scholarships is not as difficult as it seems. Most applications give clear instructions and are easy to complete. A good place to start is finding a scholarship search resource that works for you. One easily accessible way to find scholarships is through your school. For high school students, the guidance office may be able to connect you with scholarship opportunities. College students, including graduate students, will want to talk to their financial aid office instead.

High school students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, can apply whenever they like. Very few scholarships exist for students below the high school level, and while some opportunities are available to recent college graduates, most are for those still in school. Students at any level between high school and graduate school can start to apply for scholarships at any time. High school seniors are the group of high school students that will likely have the easiest time finding scholarships they can apply for. Many donors looking to create opportunities at the high school level view high school seniors as the demographic most concerned with generating funding for college.

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18 Top Scholarships for High School Seniors

Financial Aid

Aside from grants and loans , private scholarships are some of the best ways to help fund your college education. There are thousands of scholarships out there for high school seniors, all with different eligibility requirements, deadlines, and award amounts, so it's definitely worth your time to do some research.

To help you find scholarships—and free money!—for college, we've compiled a list of some of the best college scholarships for high school seniors based on availability and award amounts . These scholarships are generally flexible (so you'll be able to use them at any accredited college you attend), and they also don't have any geographical restrictions (so you're eligible to apply no matter where you live in the US).

The list is broken down into four sub-lists . You can click these links to jump between sections, or just keep scrolling:

• Scholarship competitions
• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based scholarships
• Specialty awards 

Don't forget to check out the end of the article for strategies on getting the most scholarship money possible!

Scholarship Competitions

The following scholarships are awarded based on performance in some sort of contest . These types of scholarships can be pretty intensive, so give yourself extra time to effectively prepare if you plan on pursuing one of them.

All scholarships are competitions—to win the following scholarships, though, you'll have to go head-to-head with other students.

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition

Students compete for this award by writing and recording an audio essay on a patriotic theme. The theme for the 2023-2024 contest is "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" The first-place winner gets a grand prize $35,000 scholarship to the American college, university, or technical school of their choice. The program gives out a total of $2 million in awards and incentives each year.

• Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
• Deadline: October 31, 2023

The Fountainhead Essay Contest

Students compete for this award by writing an essay on one of three topics related to Ayn Rand's book The Fountainhead. The first-place winner will receive a grand prize of $5,000 . Runners-up also receive awards. Each year, a total of $22,500 is given out in prize money.

• Eligibility: High school students ages 13+
• Deadline:   Likely April 2024

Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Students compete for this award by writing an essay on one of three topics related to Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged. The first-place winner will receive a $10,000 prize. Runners-up also win prizes, and $40,000 in scholarship money is awarded annually.

• Eligibility: High school seniors, college students, and graduate students
• Deadline: November 6, 2023

American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest

Are you a good public speaker, or do you just want an excuse to hone your public-speaking skills? Then this competition would be a good fit for you. Students compete for this award by preparing and performing an eight- to 10-minute oration on some aspect of the US Constitution, as well as giving a three- to five-minute speech on an assigned topic. You can view this year's topics here .

The first-place winner receives $25,000 , second place receives $22,500, and third place receives $20,000. There are also smaller awards for state winners. More than $203,500 in prize money is given out annually.

• Eligibility: US high school students under 20 years of age
• Deadline: Varies by state , as contests are arranged by local American Legion departments

Create-a-Greeting Card Scholarship Contest (Gallery Collection Scholarship)

This scholarship is pretty unique—and it's great for students with some untapped artistic talents! Students compete for this award by submitting a photo, piece of artwork, or computer graphic to be used on the front of a greeting card. The winner will receive $10,000 , and the winner's school will also get $1,000.

• Eligibility: High school and college students ages 14 or older
• Deadline: May 15, 2024

To win these scholarships, you have to show that you're tough—or at least that your brain is tough.

Scholarships Based on Academic Strength

The following scholarships are generally awarded based on students' academic performance in conjunction with a few other factors , such as leadership skills and commitment to community service. As a result, the most competitive applicants will be dedicated, high-achieving students who are also invested in their communities.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Coca-Cola Scholars are judged primarily on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and community service. This scholarship program is fairly big: 150 awards of $20,000 each are given out every year, and the program gives out $3.55 million dollars annually. You can learn more about the Coca-Cola Scholarship by reading our guide to winning the award .

• Eligibility: US high school seniors; can't be children or grandchildren of Coca-Cola employees (current and former)
• Deadline: October 2, 2023

Burger King Scholars Program

Applicants for this scholarship are judged on their GPA, work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service. Award amounts range from those as small as $1,000 to those as large as $50,000 . To apply for this award, applicants must be Burger King employees or  the spouse or child of a Burger King employee. 

• Eligibility: Employees and their spouses/partners/children, US high school seniors
• Deadline: Likely December 2023 (or until they receive 50,000 applications—so apply early!)

Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships

For these, award eligibility requirements will vary based on your local Ronald McDonald House Charity chapter. For example, some have ethnic eligibility requirements. Deadlines and award amounts will also vary by location, but some of the bigger national awards can be as large as $100,000 ! Check out our how-to guide to learn more about getting an RMHC scholarship.

• Eligibility: High school seniors, but other requirements may apply depending on scholarship
• Deadline: Varies depending on scholarship, but usually January

If your family income isn't enough to cover college expenses, need-based scholarships would be a great option for you.

Scholarships Based on Financial Need

The following scholarships take financial need into account when choosing award recipients. For many of these programs, though, financial need is just one of many criteria considered .

In other words, strong applicants will also be successful students, leaders, or community activists. For most of these applications, you'll likely have to submit documentation about your family income.

Horatio Alger Scholarship Award

This generous need-based scholarship is geared toward students who have faced and overcome great obstacles. To be considered eligible, your gross adjusted family income must be at o r below $55,000 . At the national level , there are 105 awards of $25,000 each; at the state level , there are scholarships of $10,000 each for all 50 states (plus the District of Columbia).

This one scholarship application will get you considered for many other national, state, and specialized scholarships , which means less work for you and more opportunities for scholarship funding!

• Eligibility: US high school juniors with a GPA of 2.0 or above who plan on getting a bachelor's degree
• Deadline: Likely March 15, 2024

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program

Applicants to this need-based scholarship are judged on their leadership skills and commitment to community service. To be considered eligible, you must identify as a minority student and be a US citizen. As many as 60 new scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarships are four-year awards, and recipients can receive as much as $30,000 over four years .

• Eligibility: US minority high school seniors with a minimum SAT of 1000/ACT of 21* who plan on getting a bachelor's degree in the US
• Deadline: Likely January 2024

*JRF recognizes the difficulties posed by COVID-19; students applying without standardized test scores will not be disadvantaged in the selection process. 

Engebretson Foundation Scholarship

This need-based scholarship is pretty straightforward: it's awarded to one student each year who demonstrates not only financial need, but also shows impressive academic aptitude and leadership ability. The annual award winner receives $5,000 per semester of college . Winners may reapply for the prize every year.

• Eligibility: High school seniors with high GPAs and SAT/ACT scores as well as financial need who plan to attend a four-year college
• Deadline: Likely March 2023 (note that applications must be submitted via email or regular mail )

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

In addition to providing funding for college, this scholarship program offers personal advising on selecting a college, navigating the financial aid process, and transitioning from high school to college. Applicants are judged on academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, desire to help others, and leadership skills. Awards are given to students each year and can be as high as $55,000 per academic year. 

• Eligibility: High school seniors who have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need (family gross income of $95,000 or below) and plan to attend a four-year college
• Deadline:  November 2023

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition

Applicants to this need-based scholarship are judged on their scholarship and leadership abilities. Each year, 500 scholarships are given out across the country, with award amounts ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 per year . Applications must be submitted to the Elks Lodge closest to your home address, so make sure to research the Elks Lodges in your area before you apply.

• Eligibility: US high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year US college
• Deadline: November 2023

Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship aims to help scholastically outstanding minority high school seniors reach their full potential. Every year, 300 students receive a scholarship covering the full cost of attendance (including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation) that is not already covered by other financial aid and expected family contribution . Read more about the Gates Scholarship and how to win it in our complete guide .

• Eligibility: US minority high school seniors who are Pell-eligible (Pelligible?), have a minimum 3.3/4.0 GPA, and plan to attend a four-year US college
• Deadline: Likely September 15, 2023

These next scholarships are unique—just like every student applicant!

Specialty Scholarships

The following scholarship programs are national awards that target students who have specific or unique interests or achievements . Whether you're the next president of the SPCA or even the USA, you should be able to find a specialty scholarship that's perfect for you!

Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

Are you a proud vegetarian? This might seem like a niche award, but the scholarship is very real! Applicants are judged on their "compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle." If you've promoted vegetarianism at school or in your community, you'll likely be a great candidate for this scholarship. The first-place winner usually receives $10,000 and two runners-up each receive $5,000, but the award total increased to $30,000 for 2024, so the awards for this year will be even larger.

• Eligibility: High school seniors
• Deadline: February 20, 2024

Adobe Design Circle Scholarship

Is graphic design your passion? Are you always brainstorming invention ideas? Do you see a website layout and think, “I could make this better?” The Adobe Design Circle Scholarship is open to students who plan to pursue any design-related major through an accredited program. This award offers 10 annual scholarships up to $25,000 per academic year for tuition and fees.  

The exact amount of each scholarship varies, determined by factors including projected cost of attendance (e.g., for a state university vs. a private college) and the applicant’s expected financial need. Scholarships can be renewed for up to four years, or until graduation, pending satisfactory degree progress. The Design Circle also provides a variety of mentorship opportunities to the scholarship winners, such as shadowing, internships, workshops, and networking.

• Eligibility: Students pursuing any year of their undergraduate studies
• Deadline: Likely March 2024

Equitable Excellence Scholarship Scholarship

The Equitable Excellence scholarship (formerly the AXA Achievement scholarship) targets students who have empowered society through achievements that mitigate risk . This idea can be interpreted pretty broadly, so spend some time figuring out what risk means to you and whether you've participated in making the world a safer place through any of your activities.

Every year, hundreds of students representing all 50 states; Washington, DC; and Puerto Rico receive one-time scholarships of $2,500, $10,000, or $25,000 .

• Eligibility: US high school seniors
• Deadline: Likely December 2023 (or until they receive 10,000 applications—so apply early!) 

William Randolph Hearst Foundations US Senate Youth Program

If you're passionate about public service, this is the scholarship for you. The Senate Youth Program targets students who participate in their high school student government and plan to study history or political science in college . Applicants are judged on their leadership skills, academic performance, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Each winner will receive a $10,000 award in addition to an all-expenses-paid educational week in Washington, DC.*

• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
• Deadline: Varies depending on the state you're in , but typically September-November

*Currently, the 2024 program is scheduled to happen in person. However, the event could be moved online due to COVID-19 or other public health concerns. 

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Making the Most of Your Scholarship Applications: 3 Key Tips

If you're going to go through all the work of submitting a scholarship application, then you want to make sure you have an excellent shot at winning awards . The following three tips will help you submit the greatest number of successful scholarship applications possible.

#1: Do Your Own Research

As you've probably noticed, many of the above scholarships are fairly generous national awards, so they’re going to be quite competitive. Unfortunately, even if you’re a strong contender, the sheer size of the applicant pool will likely lower your chances. So what's a student to do?

The good news is that there are countless scholarship programs out there. It just takes a bit of digging to find one that matches your interests, location, background, identity, etc. The more niche a scholarship program is, the better chances you'll have of winning an award (assuming you're qualified for it). So do some research on scholarships programs that operate in your area or are offered to students with your particular interests, experiences, skills, or passions.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarships are a good place to start. You can also pay a visit to your guidance counselor, who should have more information on local scholarships.

In addition, you could branch out on your own by searching online for scholarships in your area . If you have a particular talent, skill, or interest, look for scholarships that are offered to students based on those criteria.

#2: Apply Broadly

Applying for scholarships—like applying to colleges—is, in part, a numbers game. You wouldn't apply to just one school if you wanted to optimize your chances of getting into a great college, would you?

Many scholarship applications ask similar questions and require similar information, so if you apply to one program, you might as well apply to a bunch . It's free to apply for most scholarships anyway—all it takes is a few hours of your time.

Finally, take advantage of applications that submit you for consideration for many scholarship awards , such as the Horatio Alger Scholarship mentioned above.

#3: Make Note of Deadlines

Scholarship applications are all over the place—there's no defined "scholarship season" for submission deadlines, but many are due before college application deadlines . As such, it's better to start your scholarship search sooner rather than later so you don't miss out on any great opportunities .

The summer before your senior year is a good time to start making note of programs you're interested in. Keep track of application deadlines by maintaining a spreadsheet that you update regularly. This is especially helpful if applications require you to ask for letters of recommendation ; you can make sure to give teachers and mentors plenty of advance notice to write you a letter.

What's Next?

Want to get a head start on scoping out scholarships? Then check out our comprehensive guides to winning some of the most competitive national scholarships available, including the Gates Scholarship , the Coca-Cola Scholarship , the Walmart Scholarships , and the McDonald's Scholarships .

Looking for scholarships with low-hassle applications? Our article on the easiest scholarships to apply for will give you a great starting list.

Wondering if you can get a scholarship for something like being left-handed ? Learn more about the weirdest scholarships you can win in our guide.

Need more help with your scholarship search? Read our expert guide on how to find college scholarships and the best scholarship search websites .

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40 College Scholarships for High School Juniors in 2023

What’s covered:, why scholarships matter, college scholarships for high school juniors, tips for applying for scholarships.

Think it’s too early to apply for a scholarship? If you’re a high school junior, think again. There are many college scholarships open to 11th graders and other students who aren’t yet seniors. 

So, what’s available? Here’s your guide to top scholarships for juniors.

Are you applying to schools and want to know your admissions chances? Calculate your chances right now and understand your odds before applying.

Scholarships can help offset the cost of college tuition and other expenses, such as room, board, and textbooks. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back, so they can be enormously helpful to you throughout your education.

Receiving a merit scholarship is also an honor that can help you get into a college. If you receive the award as a junior, you’ll be able to include it on your college application.

It’s a good idea to start early because you’ll save time during your busy senior year. It can also give you peace of mind to know that you have supplemental income to add to your college fund. You may even be able to attend a college you may not have been able to afford otherwise.

1. Alexander Hamilton Awards

Scholarship award: $1,000

Open to: High school juniors

Thirty-five awards are given to underserved students based on academic, personal, service, and entrepreneurial accomplishments. Honorees participate in a five-year empowerment program at no cost to them. They also receive two $500 monetary awards — one at the beginning of the program and one at the end.

2. American Legion Oratorical Contest

Scholarship award: 18,000 (top prize); each state winner receives a $1,500 scholarship, and those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship

Open to: High school students under age 20

This oratorical contest has a mission of instilling a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Students must speak about some aspect of the Constitution and ways that citizens can serve the nation.

3. Carson Scholars

Open to: Students in grades 4-11

Carson Scholars give back to their communities through community service. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and a demonstrated track record of community service. Only one student per high school may apply.

4. The Coolidge Scholarship

Scholarship award: Full ride, including tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study

Open to: High school juniors 

Coolidge scholars display academic excellence and a demonstrated interest in and appreciation for public policy and the values of Calvin Coolidge. Award recipients participate in an orientation in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, the summer before their senior year of high school. They return for one week for the next three summers.

Top applicants are designated “Coolidge Senators” and are invited to participate in the Senators Summit in Washington, D.C.

5. Doodle 4 Google

Scholarship award: $30,000 plus $50,000 tech grant for the recipient’s school

Open to: K-12

Open to young artists, Google announces a theme for the competition each January and features the National Winner’s artwork on the Google homepage after the contest closes in March.

6. Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1,000 (first place)

Open to: Students in grades 9-12

For this scholarship, students submit a personal statement responding to a prompt or topic of their choice. Applicants may reuse an essay used for another purpose, such as a class or other scholarship application.

7. National Merit Scholarship Program

Scholarship award: $2,500

Your PSAT scores qualify you to be considered for this prestigious award. Semifinalists will complete applications through their school, once notified of their status by National Merit. Scores are ranked within states, so students from higher-scoring states are less likely to become semifinalists. Approximately 7,250 students receive scholarship awards. To learn more about the process, read How to Qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program .

8. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Scholarship award: $5,000-$15,000

Open to: Students between the ages of 14-18

This award recognizes students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national levels. (Find more community service scholarships here .)

9. Samsung American Legion Scholarship

Scholarship award: $10,000 each (National Scholars, two from each region)

Open to: High school juniors and seniors

In order to qualify for this scholarship, you must have attended one session of The American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. You must also be a direct descendant of a wartime U.S. military veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates. The scholarship is awarded based on academic record, involvement in school, and community service.

10. United States Senate Youth Program

Scholarship award: $10,000

Open to: Rising high school juniors and seniors

Students apply for this competition by contacting their state selection coordinators. They must display leadership by serving in an elected or appointed position within an organization related to student government, education, public affairs, or community service. Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity school system, will spend a week in Washington, DC.

11. Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Science Competition

Open to: Students in grades K-12 (separated by age groups)

Students submit projects that show engagement in real-world problem-solving with a strong emphasis on STEM. All entries must include an abstract, description, bibliography, and five sample web pages.

For more STEM scholarships, check out A Guide to STEM Scholarships .

12. Voice of Democracy Youth Scholars

Scholarship award: $35,000 (first place)

Students produce an audio-essay to respond to a theme regarding their democratic and patriotic values.

13. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Scholarship award: $25,000

Open to: All students 

Students at all education levels from high school to graduate school are challenged to create the boldest profile according to these characteristics: earnest, determined, and moving. Carpe diem—preference is given to applicants who apply early. 

14. $1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

Open to: High school, community college, and college students 

Truly an easy scholarship to apply for, the short, simple-to-fill-out application asks a few basic questions such as your GPA, the colleges you’re considering applying to, and what you intend to major in. 

15. The Fountainhead Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $5,000 first place, $1,250 second place, and $250 third place 

Open to: 11th and 12th graders 

Perfect for students who love to read, write, and think about books, the Fountainhead Essay contest challenges applicants to write an 800 to 1,600-word essay about Ayn Rand’s novel, The Fountainhead . 

16. SelectBlinds $1,000 Scholarship

Open to: High school and college students 

Show off your innovative spirit and highlight what you’re passionate about for the opportunity to win this $1,000 award. To enter, share a unique way to use window coverings (other than covering windows) or highlight a technology that you think can improve window coverings. Additionally, applicants are asked to submit a 250 to 750-word essay answering one of five prompts. 

17. Unigo Flavor of the Month Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1,500

Open to: Students ages 14+

Ice cream lovers and creative writers rejoice—there’s a scholarship just for you! To enter, submit an essay no longer than 250 words answering the question: “If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?” 

18. American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship

Scholarship award: $5,000

Open to: High school students in grades 9-12 

Write a 500-word essay on why college is important to you, and submit your most recent high school transcript for a chance to win this robust award. Financial need is not considered when choosing a winner, but punctuation, grammar, ability to follow guidelines, originality, and overall quality are—so be sure to submit your best work.  

19. The Christian Connector Scholarship

Scholarship award : $5,000 

Open to: High school students with interest in attending a Christian college or university

A can’t-miss scholarship opportunity for students thinking about attending a Christian college, university, or Bible college, simply fill out the form on their website to put yourself in the running for this award. Note, the scholarship can only be used at qualifying schools—any school that is a member of the CCCU , NACCAP , or ABHE automatically qualifies.

20. CollegeXpress One Question Scholarship  

Scholarship award: $1,000 or $10,000

Open to: Students ages 13+ 

Applicants must fill out a registration form and answer the following question in one sentence: “What is your favorite college mascot?”

21. Courageous Persuaders Video Scholarship Competition

Scholarship award: $2,000 grand prize 

Open to: High school students

Create a 30-second (or shorter) commercial delivering a message about the dangers of drinking or texting while driving—the grand prize-winning video will be run on television. Looking for ideas? Check out last year’s winning video . 

22. Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Americanism Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $1,500 grand prize 

Open to: Grades 7-12

The FRA—a group representing the sea Services: U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—welcomes students to write a 350-word essay promoting the spirit of Americanism and patriotism. Submissions must be made through an FRA member of a local FRA branch. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can find past winning essays on the FRA’s website . 

23. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

Open to: Students ages 8 to 18

A scholarship for inspiring, public-spirited young people, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes rewards students who have positively impacted their community and environment. Past winners of the award have organized and led extraordinary service activities, and demonstrate characteristics such as positivity, courage, generosity, and high moral purpose. 

24. Jane Austen Society of North America (JANSA) Essay Contest

Open to: High school students in grades 9-12

Literature lovers will welcome this opportunity to win an award for college. To compete, write an essay on a work of Jane Austen’s (the topic changes yearly; 2020’s contest is focused on her female villains). In addition to a scholarship, winners also receive a one-year JANSA membership, a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels, and their winning essay is published on JANSA’s website.

25. The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists

Open to: High school students, college students, and graduate students 

Tell a story with still photography—think newspaper, not art gallery—to earn a chance at a $2,500 scholarship from the James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists. In addition to their photo submission, applicants are asked to include an essay, two letters of recommendation, their transcript, and a portfolio. 

26. Annual DNA Day Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $1,000 for first place and a $1,000 genetics material grant for winner’s school; $600 for second place and a $600 genetics material grant for winner’s school; $400 for third place and a $400 genetics material grant for winner’s school; $100 for ten honorable mentions

The American Society of Human Genetics hosts an annual scholarship competition to support National DNA Day. Students must write an essay that answers a unique question each year that displays an understanding of important concepts in genetics.

27. Teen Entrepreneur Scholarship

Scholarship award: $3,200

Are you a young entrepreneur or interested in starting a business one day? The Teenage Entrepreneur Society is awarding one high school student $3,200 to further your education or business. To apply, you must talk about the support systems in your life that have helped you succeed in entrepreneurship.

28. $500 High School Junior Scholarship

Scholarship award: $500

Are you a high school junior in the Class of 2023? If so, this might be the easiest scholarship you apply for. Visit niche.com , create an account, and you’ll be entered to win $500! If you win, you can use the money to pay for the college search process or apply the funds to your future education expenses.

29. CollegeXpress “Grill & Chill” Scholarship

CollegeXpress’s “Grill and Chill” Scholarship has a quick and easy application process. Simply answer one question—“What’s your favorite summertime food?”–in one sentence for your chance at winning a $1,000 scholarship. 

30. Americans United’s Student Essay Contest

Scholarship award: $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place

This annual essay contest by Americans United challenges students to write a 750 to 1,000-word essay about why religious freedom and the separation of church and state is important for them and their communities.

31. Speak Up! Scholarship

Scholarship award: $2,000

The National Society of High School Scholars is awarding five students involved in communications classes like Yearbook, Public Speaking, or Visual Design a $2,000 scholarship. Students must answer the following two questions in a 500 to 800-word essay: “What do you think are the most important aspects of clear and effective communication? What have you done to practice and perfect the art of communications?”

32. Claes Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars is awarding five students with a passion for sustainability, conservation, and preserving the Earth a $2,000 scholarship. Students must answer the following question in a 500 to 800-word essay: “Mr. Claes Nobel said: ‘I hope soon, you shall gain a new world view that fosters global stability and the cultivation of love and virtue.’ What do you think Mr. Nobel meant by this statement, and what does it mean to you personally?”

33. Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Open to: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

The $2,000 Catholic College Scholarship Drawing is open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors interested in attending a Catholic college or university.

34. Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

Open to: High school students, undergraduate students, graduate students

To raise awareness about technology addiction, Digital Responsibility requests students to answer this prompt in 140 characters: “Instead of spending time with technology, I’d rather…” Ten finalists selected will be asked to write a 500 to 1,000-word essay about technology addiction, and the winner will receive the $1,000 scholarship.

35. Minecraft Scholarship

Open to: High school and college students

Do you love playing Minecraft? If so, this annual scholarship awarded by Apex Hosting is the perfect opportunity for you. To enter, students with a 3.0 or higher GPA must write a 500-word essay about how Minecraft can positively influence the future of education and the workforce.

36. UniMovers Working Student Scholarship

Open to: College-bound seniors, college students, and non-traditional students

UniMovers understands the challenges of balancing school and work, so they want to award working students a $1,000 scholarship. To enter, students must write an essay about how they represent one of the core values of UniMovers in both their personal and professional life.

37. Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship for Excellence in Writing

Open to: High school juniors or seniors

A scholarship for aspiring writers, the Phyliss J. McCarthy Scholarship by Learncurious is offering one grand-prize winner a scholarship of $1,000 for answering one of three prompts in a 2,000-word essay.

38. Courage to Grow Scholarship

This scholarship that renews each month is simple—students must explain why they believe they should be awarded the scholarship in 250 words or less. Students must be juniors or seniors in high school with at least a 2.5 GPA.

39. NSHSS-DECA ICDC Conference Scholarship

Students who are members of both the National Society of High School Scholars and the Distributive Education Clubs of America can apply for this scholarship. Students must also have at least a 3.5 GPA and an interest in pursuing a career in marketing, finance, hospitality, or business. The scholarship requires one 500-word personal statement that asks students to describe their career plans and explain how DECA and NSHSS have prepared them to succeed.

40. Walgreens Expressions Challenge

Scholarship award: $2,000 (first place)

High school students between the ages of 13 and 18 are invited to create an artistic project about anything that is having an impact on them. Students can enter the contest as individuals or in groups of up to five people in total.

41 (Bonus). CollegeVine Scholarships

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: Quarterly

Eligibility: high school student and US resident

Application Requirements: create a free CollegeVine account or fill out chancing profile if you already have an account. 

CollegeVine provides a quarterly, no-essay scholarship of $2,000. All you have to do is sign up for a free account, which allows you to see your chances of acceptance at 1,600+ schools, get your essays reviewed by a peer, ask questions in our community forum, and more. If you already have an account, just make sure your chancing profile is filled out.

Awards will be paid out directly to students to help them cover any educational costs. Learn more about the CollegeVine scholarships .

Explore your options.

There are many other niche scholarships and resources available. Do your research to find find scholarships that are most applicable to your interests and strengths. The more specific the scholarship, the better your chances of winning. Similarly, local awards are easier to win than big, national competitions.

Know the terminology.

A need-based scholarship is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. A merit-based scholarship is awarded based on academic or extracurricular talents. Most external scholarships, such as the ones listed above, are merit scholarships, though some do take into account a student’s financial need.

The best way to win merit scholarships, however, is not by applying to external scholarships. You’re much more likely to win more scholarship money by applying to lower-ranked schools where your profile is especially strong. 

Read the rules carefully.

An error can lead to your disqualification from a scholarship. Make sure you understand all the rules and submit all the necessary components. Be sure to submit them before the deadline as well!

Want access to expert college guidance? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.

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10 Essay Scholarships For High School Seniors To Apply

Are you a high school senior who loves to put pen to paper? Do you dream of being the next J.K. Rowling or Ernest Hemingway? Well, get ready to grab your writing utensils, because we’ve got some fantastic news for you! 

There are numerous essay scholarships available exclusively for high school seniors. That’s right, you could earn money for college just by showcasing your writing skills. From creative writing to persuasive essays, the possibilities are endless. So, if you’ve got a way with words and a desire to earn some cash for college, it’s time to get cracking on those scholarship applications. Who knows, your writing could be the ticket to your college education and your future success!

Essay scholarships for high school seniors

1. afsa high school essay contest.

Are you a high school student with a passion for international affairs? Do you love to express your thoughts through writing? Then the AFSA Essay Contest is perfect for you! This scholarship challenges high schoolers to write an essay on a selected topic related to American foreign policy and global issues. Whether you’re interested in politics, economics, or human rights, this contest is an excellent opportunity to showcase your knowledge and writing skills.

The winners will receive a cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. to meet with government officials and tour international landmarks. Plus, it’s a chance to meet other talented young writers and make lasting connections. So, don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to share your voice and earn some scholarship money!

2. Interface “Tech for Good” Scholarship 

If you’re a tech enthusiast and have a passion for making a positive impact in the world, then the Tech for Good Scholarship is perfect for you! Interface Systems is offering a one-time grant of $5,000 to a high school senior or college student who can write an outstanding essay on the topic of how technology can be used for the greater good of humanity.

You can explore topics like sustainability, accessibility, social justice, healthcare, and education. The essay should be no more than 750 words and demonstrate your passion for both technology and making a positive impact in society. So, if you have some big ideas for how technology can be used to make the world a better place, then this scholarship is an excellent opportunity to showcase your creativity and passion!

3. WCF National Scholarship 

Do you have a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to make a difference in the world? The WCF National Scholarship Competition is just for you! This essay scholarship is open to high school seniors and college undergraduates who have innovative business ideas and want to create a positive impact. The winner of the competition will receive a $20,000 scholarship to help them pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

The application requires you to submit a business proposal outlining your idea, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. So, put on your thinking cap and let your creativity run wild! Who knows, you might just be the next big thing in the world of entrepreneurship.

4. AEL Collegiate Essay Competition Scholarship

Are you passionate about education and leadership? Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? If yes, then Pepperdine University’s Aspiring Education Leaders (AEL) scholarship program might be just for you! This scholarship is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in education leadership and who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

The AEL scholarship provides selected candidates with financial assistance to attend Pepperdine’s prestigious Graduate School of Education and Psychology, where they will receive exceptional training and mentorship from experienced educators and leaders.  Just submit an essay with a word count between 1,500 and 2,000. The winners get three $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 essay prizes. If you have a strong passion for education, leadership, and community service, this scholarship could be an excellent opportunity to help you achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in the world. 

5. America’s 911 Foundation College Scholarship  

Are you passionate about serving your community and helping others? America’s 911 Foundation is offering a scholarship that aims to support students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and patriotism. To apply, students are asked to write a 500-word essay on a given topic related to the 9/11 attacks and how they have affected their lives and worldview. The foundation awards scholarships to multiple students each year, with amounts ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.

This scholarship is a great opportunity for students to not only receive financial support for their education but also to reflect on the impact of one of the most significant events in American history. If you’re a student who is passionate about making a positive difference in the world and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11, this scholarship is for you!

6. Life Lessons Scholarship Program  

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it throws unexpected events our way. To raise awareness about the importance of life insurance, Life Happens has created the Life Lessons Scholarship Program. This scholarship aims to support students who have faced a loss due to the death of a parent or guardian who did not have life insurance.

By sharing their experiences and lessons learned, applicants can win a scholarship of up to $15,000 to help them achieve their academic goals. It’s an opportunity to transform a difficult experience into a source of motivation and inspiration. So, if life has dealt you a tough hand, use your story to win this scholarship and show the world that you can turn a tragedy into a powerful life lesson.

7. Arts for Life Scholarship  

Are you a high school senior in Florida with a passion for the arts? Look no further! The Arts for Life Scholarship is here to help fund your future artistic endeavors. All you need to do is submit an original piece of art, along with a written essay on how the arts have impacted your life, for a chance to win up to $3,000 in scholarship money.

The scholarship is open to all graduating high school seniors in Florida who plan to pursue further education in the arts. So, whether you’re a painter, dancer, musician, or something in between, let your creativity soar and apply for this unique scholarship opportunity!

8. DAR Good Citizen Scholarship 

The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest was created in 1934 with an aim to reward students who have the qualities of a good citizen, specifically for students who have demonstrated qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.

In the first stage, the eligible students are selected by teachers and peers. The student does not have to be a US citizen but accredited with their state board of education to be eligible for this award. The DAR awards one student per year.

9. Maxwell Foundation Scholarship  

The Maxwell Scholarship was created to help Washington high school seniors who want to pursue higher education in colleges of their choice. The Foundation provides students entering a four-year private college program throughout the academic year with the financial aid of up to $5,000 each year.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students have to be a resident of Western Washington, have an SAT or ACT score of 1200 or above, pursue a four-year degree at a recognized private university in the United States, and demonstrate financial need.

10. Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Scholarship  

Looking for a scholarship that will test your writing skills and reward you for your creativity and knowledge? The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has you covered with their youth scholarship program. Open to high school students, the VFW scholarship program challenges you to write an essay on a patriotic theme.

From exploring the meaning of the U.S. Constitution to discussing the importance of American democracy, this scholarship gives you the opportunity to express your ideas and learn about American history and values. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a chance to win some cash for college! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to show off your writing skills and love for the country.

What kind of essays do scholarships want?

Experts caution that writing an essay for a scholarship is different from writing an essay for a high school class. There are thousands of candidates each year, making it an extremely difficult process to submit an essay for a scholarship. Students will have to make sure to write an essay that convinces the scholarship program board that they deserve the money up for grabs, as many scholarship applications call for one. 

From mechanical engineering scholarships to environmental scholarships to even scholarships for nursing , different scholarships have different formats and word limits, the first thing to keep in mind while submitting an essay is to adhere to the format as specified by the scholarship. It is essential to keep your essay within the allotted word count and make sure you are responding to the question that has been posed. Even though the essay prompt appears to be somewhat open-ended, your essay should nonetheless have a distinct beginning, middle, and end.

In essays and scholarship applications, students frequently feel pressure to present a particular persona or aspect of themselves. However, this is not always required. The essay should feel real and true to the student’s life. Above all, what the scholarship essay seeks is for the essay to stand out in a sea of academic writings by providing genuine insights into who the candidate is on a deeper level.

In conclusion, scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for students to fund their education and pursue their dreams. It’s essential to keep in mind that scholarship committees are looking for applicants who stand out, who have a unique perspective, and who are willing to put in the effort to craft a well-written and thoughtful essay.

So take the time to research the scholarships you’re interested in, brainstorm ideas, and write a compelling essay that showcases your strengths, passions, and achievements. Remember, your essay is your chance to make a lasting impression and persuade the scholarship committee that you are the best candidate for the award.

So go ahead, put pen to paper, and show the world what makes you extraordinary! However, if you wish to go for a scholarship without an essay too, a non-essay scholarship should work fine for you!

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

Explore a plethora of invaluable resources and insights tailored for high schoolers at TheHighSchooler, under the guidance of Sananda Bhattacharya’s expertise. You can follow her on Linkedin

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Local is everything

Yorktown High School alumna earns prestigious public service scholarship

A Yorktown High School alum has secured a prestigious scholarship to continue pursuing youth advocacy and educational reform in East Africa.

Elal Tilahun, a political science junior at Tulane University, is among 100 students from 88 colleges across 44 states and territories who have been awarded the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service .

Now in its third year, the scholarship from the Obama Foundation and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky offers college juniors up to $50,000 in financial aid. It also includes a 10-year travel stipend, funding for work-travel experiences, and access to a network of mentors and leaders, enabling recipients to undertake public service projects worldwide.

Tilahun says she plans to use the funds to pursue youth advocacy and grassroots educational reform in East Africa “to drive more self-sufficient and sustainable change and reduce reliance on aid.”

“We wanted to see what young people with a passion for public service could achieve with the right support,” former president Barack Obama said in a statement, discussing the program he helped launch in 2022. “The enthusiasm and teamwork displayed by the first two cohorts have been inspiring. Today, as we welcome our third cohort, I am more hopeful than ever about our future.”

The scholarship, supported by a $100 million personal contribution from Chesky, spans two years and equips students with essential tools and resources to start their careers in public service.

Applicants are evaluated based on their academic performance, public service engagements, work history, and involvement in community activities, with financial need also considered. The selection process includes reviewing academic records, descriptions of service and work experiences, and evidence of leadership development program participation.

“The Voyager Scholarship is designed to empower a new generation of leaders to confront and navigate future challenges,” Chesky said in a press release. “The first two classes of Voyagers explored 80 countries, demonstrating the creativity and community spirit central to this initiative. I’m excited to see how this evolving program continues to shape visionary leaders.”

In addition to her academic pursuits, Tilahun serves as the vice president of the Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association at Tulane. She also manages the aftercare program at École Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orléans , providing multilingual education to students from toddler through eighth grade, and oversees the resource library at the International City/County Management Association in New Orleans.

Previously, Tilahun interned at The Dream Project in Arlington , focusing on advocacy and fundraising to assist Virginia students whose immigration status complicates their educational opportunities. She also contributed to Bright Star Ethiopia , an NGO addressing socio-economic challenges in Ethiopia, particularly in the realms of education, child labor, and the development of women and youth.

About the Author

James Jarvis covers county government, schools local politics, business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa.

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Top 43 Idaho Scholarships in August 2024

Kayla Korzekwinski is a Scholarships360 content writer. She earned her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied Advertising/PR, Rhetorical Communication, and Anthropology. Kayla has worked on communications for non-profits and student organizations. She loves to write and come up with new ways to express ideas.

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Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Square Dance is the official state dance of Idaho, and these scholarships are sure to get you dancing! Students in Idaho have access to a variety of scholarships for different areas of study. These opportunities are a great resource to help fund your education in the Gem State. Continue reading to learn the best ways to pay for your education!

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The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

• The scholarship requires a fee to apply
• The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
• The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
• Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
• The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
• The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
• The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
• There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
• The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
• There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!

* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system. ** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements. ***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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Idaho Opportunity Scholarship

Offered by Idaho State Board of Education

The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship is open to Idaho residents who will or have graduated from an Idaho high school who will attend one of the… Show More

The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship is open to Idaho residents who will or have graduated from an Idaho high school who will attend one of the following universities: Boise State University, Brigham Young University – Idaho, College of Idaho, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, Northwest Nazarene University, University of Idaho, or Western Governors University. Recipients must renew each year and are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of four years. First-time applicants must complete the FAFSA as well as the State Board of Education scholarship application by March 1. If you're an Idaho resident planning to attend an in-state university, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high… Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education. Show Less

Apply to these scholarships due soon

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

BigFuture $40k Essay-Free Scholarship

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

$2,000 sallie mae scholarship this scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization..

Offered by Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Cady McDonnell Memorial Scholarship

Offered by American Congress on Surveying and Mapping

Are you a female, NSPS (National Society of Professional Surveyors) Student Member who is enrolled in a degree program in surveying or a related field?… Show More

Are you a female, NSPS (National Society of Professional Surveyors) Student Member who is enrolled in a degree program in surveying or a related field? If so, you may be eligible for the Cady McDonnell Memorial Scholarship! Every odd year (e.g. 2025, 2027, etc.), the scholarship awards $2,000 to multiple female NSPS members who are enrolled in a two- or four-year degree program in surveying or a related field, and are residents of one of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. To apply, interested students must submit an application form, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal introductory letter, a copy of their ID, and a course syllabus or program course catalog. Don't miss out on this opportunity to further your education and achieve your career goals! Show Less

BigFuture $40k Essay-Free Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Open to US-Based high school students in the class of 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Morgan McGee Scholarship

Offered by Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho

The Morgan McGee Scholarship is available to Idaho residents who are diagnosed with epilepsy. High school seniors or current college students who plan to attend… Show More

The Morgan McGee Scholarship is available to Idaho residents who are diagnosed with epilepsy. High school seniors or current college students who plan to attend a trade school, college, or university in Idaho are welcome to apply. Show Less

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Idaho AGC Education Foundation Scholarship

Offered by Idaho Associated General Contractors (AGC)

Are you enrolled full-time in an institution of higher education in Idaho as a second-, third-, or fourth-year student and pursuing a construction-related major? Alternatively,… Show More

Are you enrolled full-time in an institution of higher education in Idaho as a second-, third-, or fourth-year student and pursuing a construction-related major? Alternatively, are you an Idaho resident currently living in Idaho and enrolled as a full-time, second-, third-, or fourth-year student in an accredited, online post-secondary program pursuing a construction-related major? If either applies, you may be eligible for the Idaho AGC Education Foundation Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,500 to multiple eligible students attending school within Idaho pursuing majors such as Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Material Engineering, Business Administration with a Construction emphasis, or other fields of study directly connected to the construction industry. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

American Legion Auxiliary Department of Idaho Traditional Nurses Scholarship

Offered by American Legion Auxiliary Department of Idaho

Are you a college-bound high school senior from Idaho who is a direct descendent of a veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces… Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior from Idaho who is a direct descendent of a veteran who served in the United States Armed Forces during (a) April 6, 1917 – Nov. 11, 1918 or (b) December 7, 1941 – present day? If so, consider applying for the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Idaho Traditional Nurses Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to multiple Idaho high school seniors who are aspiring nurses and descend from U.S. Army Veterans who served during the eligible dates. To apply, interested students must submit a letter of application, three letters of recommendation, their high school transcript, their veteran’s certificate of honorable discharge (Form DD-214), and a current financial statement (by completing the FAFSA). If you’re an aspiring nurse from Idaho who is the direct descendant of an honorably discharged veteran, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Merritt Brook Scholarship

Offered by Idaho Community Foundation

The Merritt Brook Scholarship provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors in designated Idaho counties who plan to enroll at a college in any… Show More

The Merritt Brook Scholarship provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors in designated Idaho counties who plan to enroll at a college in any state. Show Less

Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program

Offered by Dominion Energy

Are you a racial or ethnic minority planning on enrolling in full-time post-secondary study? Then you might consider applying for the Dominion Energy Educational Equity… Show More

Are you a racial or ethnic minority planning on enrolling in full-time post-secondary study? Then you might consider applying for the Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship! Awarding between $5,000 and $10,000 to 60 lucky students each year, the only writing required to apply is a quick personal statement of your goals and aspirations. Just keep in mind that the scholarship is only open to students from Connecticut, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North or South Carolina, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah. If you’re from one of those states and want some help paying off college costs, we encourage you to apply for the Dominion Energy Education Equity Scholarship! Show Less

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners

Are you an Idaho resident who has graduated from an Idaho high school and is currently working towards their first undergraduate degree at an in-state… Show More

Are you an Idaho resident who has graduated from an Idaho high school and is currently working towards their first undergraduate degree at an in-state college or university? If so, you may be eligible for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners! Three times a year, the scholarship awards up to $3,500 to multiple eligible students attending Boise State University, Brigham Young University – Idaho, College of Idaho, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, Northwest Nazarene University, the University of Idaho, or Western Governors University. If you're an Idaho resident pursuing an undergraduate degree at one of these universities, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship

Offered by Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation

Are you an osteopathic medical student who is in the second, third, or fourth year of your medical program and has a commitment to practicing… Show More

Are you an osteopathic medical student who is in the second, third, or fourth year of your medical program and has a commitment to practicing medicine in the Northwest? If so, consider applying for the Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards at least $10,000 each to multiple osteopathic medical students who can demonstrate a commitment to practicing medicine in the Northwest, an understanding of osteopathic principles and practices, and previous volunteer leadership. While applicants do not need to be from the Pacific Northwest themselves, select scholarships will be reserved for applicants from Alaska, Montana, and Washington who are dedicated to returning to their home states, as well as a scholarship for a female student from Oregon who is attending the WesternU Oregon Campus College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific – Northwest in Lebanon, OR. If you're an osteopathic medical student passionate about practicing medicine in the Pacific Northwest, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be… Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month. Show Less

Celebrate The West

Offered by Western Governors' Foundation (WGF)

Are you a high school student residing in the American west or U.S. territories whose Governors participate in the bipartisan Western Governors’ Association (WGA)? More… Show More

Are you a high school student residing in the American west or U.S. territories whose Governors participate in the bipartisan Western Governors’ Association (WGA)? More importantly, do you love where you live and have a passion for art? If so, you might consider applying for the Celebrate the West Contest! Each year, the scholarship awards between $200 and $1,500 to 23 lucky students who create a piece of artwork that most thoughtfully reflects an insight about the West or the applicant’s relation to the West. In order to apply, you simply need to email a digital copy of your artwork and your entry form to [email protected] . If you’re passionate about art and have some insights about where you live, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

Anne Veseth Memorial Scholarship Fund

Are you a college-bound high school senior or current undergraduate student who is or will be attending an institution of higher education in Idaho? Further,… Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior or current undergraduate student who is or will be attending an institution of higher education in Idaho? Further, are/will you be majoring in or studying Fire Ecology or Auto Mechanics, or are you a current Wildland Firefighter majoring in any subject? If either applies, you may be eligible for the Anne Veseth Memorial Scholarship Fund! Each year, the scholarship awards between $1,400 and $2,800 to 1 to 2 eligible students at an Idaho university who have a passion for Fire Ecology or Auto Mechanics. To be considered, interested students must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit a transcript as well as a 1-3 page written statement describing their career goals, as well as their past extra-curricular activities and work experiences. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Idaho Nursing and Health Professionals Scholarship Fund

Have you been accepted into an accredited nursing or health professions program in Idaho and demonstrate financial need? If so, you may be eligible for… Show More

Have you been accepted into an accredited nursing or health professions program in Idaho and demonstrate financial need? If so, you may be eligible for the Idaho Nursing and Health Professionals Scholarship Fund! Each year, the scholarship awards between $3,000 to one eligible student at an Idaho university who has a passion for pursuing nursing or another eligible health profession. To be considered, interested students must submit a transcript, one letter of reference, a copy of their FAFSA report, as well as a 1-3 page written statement describing their career goals, as well as their past extra-curricular activities and work experiences. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Mike Crapo Math and Science Scholarship Fund

Are you an Idaho resident who will be enrolling as a full-time student at the freshman level (first year) at an in-state, four-year college or… Show More

Are you an Idaho resident who will be enrolling as a full-time student at the freshman level (first year) at an in-state, four-year college or university to major in a math- or science-related field? If so, you may be eligible for the Mike Crapo Math and Science Scholarship Fund! Each year, the scholarship will award $1,200 to five eligible students. All applicants, with the exception of non-traditional students who have not been enrolled in a higher education institution for a period of three years, must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. To be considered, interested students must submit a transcript, as well as a 1-3 page written statement describing their career goals, as well as their past extra-curricular activities and work experiences. If you're an incoming college freshman from Idaho with a passion for math and/or science, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

How to win Idaho scholarships

Idaho is an extremely unique state, so it’s no wonder you are a curious student seeking Idaho scholarships! From its mountainous landscape to its potato themed treats, there’s something for everyone in Idaho! In order to win Idaho scholarships, you should highlight these unique and amazing aspects of Idaho in your scholarship applications while simultaneously connecting with your own unique interests and passions! 

Maybe you grew up in Idaho, hiking and spending time outdoors surrounded by mountains. Therefore, it’s not surprising that you were to pursue a career as a park ranger, in forest conservation or something in a related field! So make it known that Idaho inspired your future career and passion! Doing so will allow you to be a well-rounded candidate for Idaho scholarships. Idaho scholarship grantors are looking for students who will help better their state by receiving an education in Idaho! So, be sure to detail how much Idaho means to you! 

Writing resources for acing Idaho scholarship essays 

Many Idaho scholarships may have you write an essay about yourself . These scholarship essays can vary in length from 250 words up to 500 word s. Therefore, make a point to read over our Scholarships360 ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to not only reply to these Idaho scholarships but also win them! Additionally, check out our guides on how to start a scholarship essay and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your Idaho scholarship application is flawless. 

Idaho student debt snapshot

According to the Department of Education , Idaho residents owe $7.2 billion in federal student loan debt with student borrowers owing $33,012 each on average (those numbers do not include private loans). 50%of these loan borrowers are under the age of 35. When looking for ways to fund your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow you to take fewer loans. Be sure to apply for as many as you’re eligible. Keep on reading to learn more about top Idaho scholarships, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Idaho!

Merit scholarships at Idaho colleges and universities

University of Idaho

• Eligibility: First year students who are admitted and have a 3.0+ GPA
• Amount: $1,000 up to $6,500
• Deadline: Admission to the University of Idaho

Lewis-Clark State College

• Eligibility: Must be an incoming first-year to LC State with a 3.0+ GPA. and a 20+ ACT score or 1020+ SAT score
• Amount: $1,000 up to $2,500 
• Deadline: March 1 

Idaho State University

• Eligibility: Must be entering ISU as a first-year student with a 3.0+ GPA. For Presidential tier, must have a 32+ ACT score or 1420+ SAT
• Amount: $1,000 up to $7,500
• Deadline: Fall = July 1, Spring = November 1

College of Idaho

• Eligibility: First-year students entering College of Idaho with a 3.23+ GPA
• Amount: $12,000 up to $22,000
• Deadline: Admission to the College of Idaho

Boise State University

• Eligibility: Must be an incoming student to Boise State University with a 3.2+ GPA
• Amount: $2,000 up to $2,500
• Deadline: Fall = February 15, Spring = October 1

Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity

In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.

Here are a few well-known Idaho universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:

• In-state tuition: $8,816
• Out-of-state tuition: $28,052
• In-state tuition: $8,356
• Out-of-state tuition: $27,466
• In-state tuition: $8,882
• Out-of-state tuition: $27,076

How do you get in-state tuition? 

Being an Idaho resident can significantly reduce the cost of tuition for Idaho colleges and universities. In order to become a resident for tuition purposes in Idaho, you will have to continuously reside in Idaho for 12 months prior to the semester in which residency is sought. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of a physical presence in Idaho such as utility statements, rental agreements and documentation from an Idaho employer. 

Does Idaho offer tuition reciprocity? 

Yes, Idaho offers a tuition reciprocity program through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program. Under the WUE, undergraduate students from Idaho may enroll in participating institutions in other western states at a reduced tuition rate. 

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Idaho scholarship spotlight

Idaho community foundation scholarships.

• Eligibility: There are several scholarships for students in eastern, northern, and southwest Idaho. Check the website for each scholarship’s eligibility requirements
• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: Varies 
• Eligibility: Students into an Idaho nursing or health professionals program. Demonstrate financial need. Preference given to students in the top third in academic ranking for their class
• Deadline: March 15 
• Eligibility: Idaho residents who are majoring in math or science enrolling as a first-year student at a school in Idaho with a 3.0+ GPA

Idaho Latino Scholarship Foundation

• Eligibility: Idaho residents of Hispanic/Latino descent. Must attend an Idaho institution. Must have a 2.5+ GPA. Demonstrate leadership in school, community and/or other service organizations that promote, enhance, or strengthen diversity
• Deadline: March 1
• Eligibility: Must be an Idaho resident and have graduated from an Idaho high school with a 2.7+ GPA. Must attend one of the following institutions: Boise State University, Brigham Young University – Idaho, College of Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, College of Western Idaho, College of Eastern Idaho, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, North Idaho College, Northwest Nazarene University, University of Idaho, Western Governors University
• Amount: $3,500

Idaho Hispanic Business Association Richard G. Cortez Scholarship

• Eligibility: Idaho residents of Hispanic descent. Must enroll in at least 12 credit hours. Must have a 2.5+ GPA. Must demonstrate academic and extracurricular achievement
• Deadline: April 1 

Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship for CTE

• Eligibility: Idaho residents who graduated or will graduate from an Idaho high school. Must have a 2.8+ GPA. Demonstrate volunteer work, community leadership, and public service
• Amount: $3,000
• Deadline: Mid-April

Idaho Associated General Contractors Education Foundation scholarship

• Eligibility: Idaho residents who are in their sophomore, junior, or senior year and studying a construction-related major. Must have a 2.8+ GPA
• Deadline: First week of May each year

Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants scholarship

• Eligibility: Idaho residents who are majoring in accounting with a 2.75+ GPA. Must be attending an Idaho college or university as a junior or senior year undergraduate, or a graduate student
• Deadline: Late May 

American Indian College Fund Full Circle & Tribal College scholarships

• Eligibility: Any Native American U.S. citizen that is a member or descendant of a state or federally recognized tribe
• Deadline: May 31 
• Eligibility: Idaho residents who are pursuing a certificate, associate’s degree, or first bachelor’s degree. Must be returning to college at least part-time. Must not have completed more than 2 classes in the last 24 months. Must have a 2.5+ GPA. Must attend an eligible institution (see website)
• Deadline: Fall = July 1, Spring = December 1, Summer = April 15

Additional Idaho resources

Scholarship idaho.

Scholarship Idaho is a common application for 8 state-sponsored Idaho scholarships.

Next Steps Idaho scholarships listing

Next Steps Idaho provides a database of Idaho scholarships, many of which are specific to certain cities and areas of study.

Idaho School Board Association Scholarships

Scholarships for family of Idaho School Board members. 

FAFSA guide

On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. Idaho students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.

Frequently asked questions about Idaho scholarships

Does idaho offer free college, are there idaho scholarships for certain fields of study, can i apply for multiple scholarships, what type of scholarships does idaho offer.

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With unprecedented demand for pilots, technicians, and crewmembers, now is a great time to enter aviation. The scholarships listed below can help you achieve your aviation goals.

AOPA Scholarships

AOPA Flight Training Scholarships can be used for flight training expenses in pursuit of a primary pilot certificate or advanced rating. In 2019, AOPA gave away more than $1 million in scholarships to high school students, teachers, and adults in flight training. See here for tips on making your application stand out.

Industry Scholarships

• Aero Club Foundation of Washington
• Air Force Association
• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
• General Aviation Manufacturers Association scholarships
• The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Scholarships
• National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
• National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
• National Gay Pilots Association
• The Ninety-Nines
• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
• SMS-Pro Aviation Safety Scholarship
• University Aviation Association (UAA)
• Whirly Girls helicopter scholarships
• Women in Aviation, International

Regional Scholarships

• Aero Club of New England
• Alaska Airmen Association
• Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation
• Montana Department of Transportation

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Would you like to add your scholarship to this resource list? Please email  [email protected] .

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