undergraduate essay scholarships 2023

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Best Writing Scholarships in 2024

Showing 159 scholarships that match your search.

Immerse Education

The Immerse Education Essay Competition provides the opportunity for students aged 13-18 to submit essay responses to a pre-set question relating to their chosen subject. 10 winners will receive a 100% scholarship, with runner-up prizes also awarded. 100% Scholarship Award For Cambridge, Oxford, Sydney & London Summer School Essay Competition.

Categories: Critical Essay

Organization: Immerse Education.

Deadline: January 04, 2025.

Additional awards: Runner-ups: 50% of scholarship.

Categories: Critical Essay.

Apply now →

Creative Writing Award

The winner will be offered the opportunity to occupy during her or his first academic year the residence room where J. D. Salinger lived; and Leadership standing in the Ursinus writing community. The winner will be expected to join the previous award winners in reading subsequent creative portfolios, and will help the Office of Admission in selecting the next winner. Award winners are also expected to be prominent members of Ursinus’ Literary Society, The Lantern, and the creative writing community.

Categories: Critical Essay, Journalism, Nonfiction, Novel Writing, Personal Essay, Playwriting, Poetry, Portfolio, Research, Screenwriting, and Short Fiction

Organization: Ursinus College.

Deadline: January 15, 2025.

Categories: Critical Essay, Journalism, Nonfiction, Novel Writing, Personal Essay, Playwriting, Poetry, Portfolio, Research, Screenwriting, and Short Fiction.

The Sub Pop Loser Scholarship

Sub Pop Records is extremely proud to offer a grand total of $15,000 in college scholarship money to three eligible high school seniors. To apply you must submit a one-page essay using any combination of our questions as a guide (or write something completely your own, be inspired and creative!). Applicants must be residents of Washington or Oregon in pursuit of higher education.

Categories: Personal Essay

Organization: Sub Pop Records.

Deadline: March 23, 2025.

Additional awards: Second place scholarship of $5,000, third place scholarship of $3,000.

Categories: Personal Essay.

Islamic Scholarship Fund Program

Students who are Muslim or active members of the Muslim community may apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund. The ISF awards multiple scholarships each year ranging from $3,000-$10,000, though the amounts and number of recipients will vary. Students must submit applications including essay questions, work samples, and letters of recommendation, and must also be majoring in an ISF-supported field related to media or politics.

Organization: Islamic Scholarship Fund.

Deadline: March 21, 2025.

Additional awards: Multiple awards of varying amounts will be given.

BBB Torch Talk Scholarship

BBB Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to educating consumers on a variety of marketplace issues; this scholarship is in pursuit of that goal. Applicants must attend high school in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington or Western Wyoming, and will submit a 500-word essay for BBB’s online magazine Torch Talk on one of the given topics.

Organization: Better Business Bureau.

Deadline: March 16, 2025.

Flag House Scholarship Award

Do you know of an unsung history-maker in your community? Is there an organization in your community working to keep the legacy of a historically significant, but often overlooked, individual alive and relevant? Identify a person living or from the past whose professional work, activism, or personal story has made a significant impact on you or your community. Describe why their story is unique and explain how they have changed history. Response should be limited to 350 words.

Categories: Research and Critical Essay

Organization: The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House.

Deadline: March 26, 2025.

Categories: Research and Critical Essay.

Unpublished Writer's Award

The winner of this award receives $1,000, an invitation to accept the award at our annual awards ceremony, promotion on our website, and a feature of their work in our Magajournal and quarterly newsletter. Applicant must email an original, unpublished fiction work (short story or novel excerpt) not to exceed 2,000 typed words on double-spaced pages

Categories: Short Fiction and Novel Writing

Organization: Go On Girl! Book Club.

Deadline: March 31, 2025.

Additional awards: Invitation to awards ceremony, promotion through website and publications.

Categories: Short Fiction and Novel Writing.

Marguerite Young Endowment Fund

The Marguerite Young Endowment Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who plan to study theology. Candidates must be attending a Protestant seminary as a master of Divinity candidate, preparing for full-time ministry and/or be a seminary intern at a Protestant Church. Application must includes proof of this, as well as a personal essay.

Organization: The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Christine B. Dexter Scholarship

The Christine B. Dexter Scholarship was established in honor of Christine B. Dexter after her passing from stomach cancer in 2008. This scholarship awards undergrad students a $2,000 scholarship towards their fall tuition. All recipients demonstrate a history of community service and resilience through their cancer journey.

Organization: Christine B. Foundation.

Incight Scholarship

The INCIGHT scholarship is open to students in Washington, Oregon, and California who have a documented disability. Applicants must complete two detailed essay responses (video essays also welcome) in order to be eligible. The number of awards and total amount awarded will be determined during the selection process, and winners will be notified in June.

Organization: INCIGHT.

Deadline: April 01, 2025.

The AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship

The AAF-Greater Evansville awards scholarships to deserving high school and/or college students yearly in April. To be eligible, students must plan to pursue a career in advertising, marketing, public relations or graphic design. Application varies yearly but includes various education details and personal statements.

Categories: Journalism

Organization: American Advertising Federation of Greater Evansville.

Categories: Journalism.

Aspiring Literary Scholar Award

The winner of this award receives $1,000, an invitation to accept the award at our annual awards ceremony, promotion on our website, and a feature of their work in our Magajournal and quarterly newsletter. Candidate must submit an essay not to exceed 800 words on the topic "The Power of The Written Word."

Dr. Jerry Pournelle Scholarship

The Dr. Jerry Pournelle Scholarship may be awarded to a candidate of any gender majoring in engineering, math, biological or physical sciences, or “science fiction as literature” as an eligible field of study. Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay on one of several scientific topics.

Categories: Research, Personal Essay, and Critical Essay

Organization: The Heinlein Society.

Categories: Research, Personal Essay, and Critical Essay.

Dr. Yoji Kondo Scholarship

The Dr. Yoji Kondo Scholarship may be awarded to a candidate of any gender majoring in engineering, math, biological or physical sciences, or “science fiction as literature” as an eligible field of study. Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay on one of several scientific topics.

Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship

Project Sleep’s Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is a national scholarship program to support students with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Students must complete an application form that includes a response to the esssay question: "If you could go back in time and speak to yourself on the day you were diagnosed, what would you say? Write a letter to yourself on that day."

Organization: Project Sleep.

What are writing scholarships?

Writing scholarships are financial awards given to students based primarily on written work, though other factors are usually taken into consideration as well. Most writing scholarships involve a prompt or series of prompts to which applicants must respond. Some writing scholarships — especially those that award large amounts of money — require applicants to submit past writing samples, or even a full portfolio.

The good news is that, with so many writing scholarships to choose from, you don’t have to apply for any that are “out of your league.” Indeed, though most students have heard of writing scholarships, you may not realize just how many different varieties there are! Here are five of the most common types of writing scholarships, all of which you can find in this directory.

1. Personal essay scholarships

Personal essay scholarships involve writing on a topic related to your own experience. You’ll often see personal essay prompts like, “How have your experiences influenced your choice of major?” and “What are your career aspirations and how do you plan to achieve them?” Other prompts may ask you to write about a role model, a life-changing event, an aspect of your identity, etc. Suggested length is usually about 500-1,000 words, but varies depending on the level of detail requested and how many essay questions are provided.

Just about every scholarship these days has a personal essay component of some kind. This is because personal essay responses both demonstrate writing skills and give the judges a clear sense of each applicant’s goals. No one wants to throw away money on an aimless student — so if you’re applying for a personal essay scholarship, make sure to convey both your writing abilities and your ambitions in your work!

2. Critical essay scholarships

Critical essay scholarships are more in line with what students might consider  “academic” essays. The prompts typically ask applicants to analyze works of literature. However, unlike open-ended English class essays, most critical essay scholarships provide a very specific prompt (e.g. “Examine The Great Gatsby in the context of its World War II-era revival”).

Critical essay scholarships can also involve non-literary subject matter. Some may ask applicants to evaluate a historical event or figure; others may ask them to defend their stance on a political or legal issue. Though the line between critical and personal essays can sometimes blur, for the purposes of this directory, we define critical essays as those that use evidence from an external source to prove a point.

3. Short fiction scholarships

Short fiction scholarships include scholarships for short stories, one-act plays, poetry, and any other form of fiction that isn’t a novel or full-length script. Short fiction scholarships tend to be easier to find than long-form fiction scholarships, since most judging panels don’t have time to read more than a few thousand words per entry. Therefore, if you write fiction and you’re hoping to nab yourself a scholarship, this category is the way to go! (That said, if you’re a hardline novelist, some places will accept a sample chapter or two as short fiction entries.)

4. Journalism scholarships

Journalism scholarships are for students interested in pursuing a career in news, magazine, and/or online journalism. These scholarship applications almost always ask for writing samples to show the candidate’s interest. Depending on the organization, they may prefer topical news reports, informative articles, thinkpieces, or a mix. Some journalism scholarships provide a prompt and ask applicants to write a new article, but the focus is usually on samples. Speaking of which…

5. Portfolio scholarships 

Portfolio scholarships are the most rigorous kind of writing scholarship, requiring a substantial body of work from each applicant — usually 5-10 pieces of writing, if not more. The upside is that awards for portfolio scholarships tend to be pretty sizable, and may even cover your entire tuition!

If you decide to apply to a portfolio scholarship, make sure you have several strong pieces of work in your oeuvre, and consider writing a few new pieces as well. What you shouldn’t do is rush through a dozen new pieces to throw together as a portfolio. If you don’t have samples at the ready from previous assignments or projects, you’ll be better off applying to a less intensive writing scholarship.

Why apply to writing scholarships?

Applying to writing scholarships is a huge undertaking, especially if you’re pursuing multiple scholarships at once. It can sometimes feel like the effort isn’t worth it, or that you have little chance of actually winning any awards. But in truth, submitting to writing scholarships is one of the best investments you can make in your education, your creative writing skills, and your professional life.

Scholarships for larger amounts do attract more applicants, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to land — only that you have to work a little harder to stand out. And you can definitely sway the odds in your favor by applying to lots of small scholarships ($500 or less) for which you’ll have fewer competitors. Remember that every little bit helps! For example, if you plan on taking out student loans, even a $500 scholarship could save you much more in interest down the line.

Another compelling reason to apply to writing scholarships is that oftentimes, you’ve already done the work, or the work required is minimal. For scholarships that require writing samples, you’ll simply submit what you’ve already written in the past — and even for scholarships with specific prompts, you rarely have to write more than a couple of pages. If you were seriously committed, you could apply to a scholarship every day, spending a single concentrated evening on each application.

Jumping off that thought, as English majors love to say: the more writing scholarships you apply for, the better a writer you’ll become. Writing tons of scholarship essays will make you a much more creative and efficient writer. Not only will this help with your personal writing projects, but it will also be invaluable to your education and even your career! Writing is a crucial skill for every major — you’ll always have to write papers and emails to professors, after all — and even if you don’t plan to pursue a writing-based job, you'll still need writing skills to polish your résumé.

Finally, remember that there’s a writing scholarship out there for everyone, no matter what your interests or intended field. This directory includes plenty of creative writing scholarships, yes; but there are also personal essay scholarships for future doctors, lawyers, salespeople, and so much more. You have nothing to lose by giving it a shot, so why not start searching for your dream writing scholarship today? (And if you’re unsure about your writing skills, you might benefit from some of the resources below.)

Resources to strengthen your writing skills

• 20 Writing Tips to Help You Become A Better Writer Today
• How to Stop Procrastinating and Build A Solid Writing Routine
• What is Creative Nonfiction? Memoirs, Literary Journalism, and More!
• How to Write a Memoir: Tell Your Amazing Story in 9 Steps
• How to Write a Fantastic Short Story In 7 Steps
• How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript Like a Pro
• 700+ Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire You
• 100+ Creative Writing Exercises for Authors

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28 Super Easy Scholarships to Apply for in 2023

What’s covered:, 28 easy scholarships to apply for, strategies for applying to easy scholarships.

Applying for scholarships is an important part of preparing for college. Given how expensive higher education is, these awards can relieve lots of anxiety and provide students with unique opportunities. Unlike loans, scholarships do not have to be paid back.

That said, after a grueling college application process, the thought of completing more applications can feel overwhelming to many students. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy scholarships you can apply for in under an hour. Some don’t even require essays. We’ve rounded up X super-quick scholarships with applications you’ll complete in no time at all.

1. CollegeVine Scholarships

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: Quarterly

Eligibility: High school student and US resident

Application Requirements: Create a free CollegeVine account or fill out your 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 .

2. Because College Is Expensive Scholarship

Amount: $500

Deadline: End of each quarter at 11:59 pm EST

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, college students, and graduate students

Application Requirements: Simple online form

Cedar Education Lending gives out the aptly-named Because College Is Expensive Scholarship once per quarter. All you need to do to apply is complete a simple form, and you’ll be entered into a $500 random drawing.

3. I Have a Dream Scholarship  

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: January 31, 2024

Eligibility: Must be a legal U.S. resident; must be at least 14 years old at the time of application

Application Requirements: Short answer question

For this scholarship, applicants will submit an online written response to the following prompt in 250 words or fewer:

“We want to know… what do you dream about? Whether it’s some bizarre dream you had last week, or your hopes for the future, share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college.”

4. SmarterCollege Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: Recurring (next deadline is June 30, 2023)

Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old; must be a US resident

All you have to do to apply for this scholarship is complete a 5 question application! You can apply each month.

5. Cappex Easy Money Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: The end of each month

Eligibility: Must be a registered Cappex user; must be at least 13 years old; must be a US resident; must be planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning within 4 years

In order to enter this scholarship contest, sponsored by Cappex, all you need to do is complete the online registration form. Perhaps that’s why it’s called “Easy Money!”

6. “No Essay” College Scholarship

Deadline: Monthly (next deadline is May 31, 2023)

Eligibility: High school students, college students, and others planning to attend college or graduate school within the next year ( additional eligibility requirements )

As noted in the name, this scholarship requires no essay to enter. The recipient is selected by a random drawing, and you can enter once per month. If you win, you can use the award for education-related expenses, such as tuition, housing, and books.

7. No Essay Smart Owl Scholarship

Deadline: May 29, 2023

Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old and a U.S. resident in any state, territory, or the District of Columbia, except for Rhode Island and Michigan; must be enrolled in a U.S. high school, college, or university

When you create an account on Scholarship Owl on or after April 30th, 2023, you’ll automatically be entered to win the scholarship. You can then enter again once every seven days during the Sweepstakes Period. 

8. Make Me Laugh

Deadline: August 31, 2023

Here’s one for the comedians out there. This is not only an opportunity to win $1,500 in scholarship money but also a chance to showcase your comedy set. In 250 words or fewer, respond to this prompt:

“OMG… finding and applying for scholarships is serious business, but it’s time to lighten things up a little. We don’t want to know why you deserve $1,500 or how great your grades are, we simply want to LOL. Describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!”

9. ScholarshipPoints Scholarship

Deadline: Monthly

Eligibility: Legal residents of the U.S. who are at least 13 years old; must sign up as a member of ScholarshipPoints.com

This simple online form secures $2,500 scholarships for randomly selected students each month. Completing the form means you will be automatically entered.

10. Flavor of the Month Scholarship

Deadline: July 31, 2023

I don’t know about you, but I love ice cream. The premise of this scholarship is simple: you just need to talk about your favorite flavor of the (objectively) best dessert out there. In 250 words or fewer, respond to this prompt:

“Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand. In fact, July is National Ice Cream Month, and that’s the inspiration behind this award. We think people are very similar to ice cream; some are nutty, others a little exotic, while some are very comforting. If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?”

11. Courage to Grow Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be a high school junior or senior or a college student with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a U.S. citizen

This scholarship is awarded once per month. To enter, you just need to describe in 250 words or fewer why you believe you should receive the scholarship.

12. College Is Power Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2023

Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old and plan to start college within the next 12 months or already be enrolled; must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Full- or part-time students may apply for this easy scholarship. Judging is mainly based on your response to the following prompt, which you should address in 150 words or fewer:

“What is your primary goal for going to school?”

13. Nitro Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old and a high school senior or college student, parent of a high school senior or college student, or loan-paying college graduate or parent of a graduate; must be a legal U.S. resident

This scholarship, open to both students and their parents, is offered once per month. All you need to do is complete a short form to enter the competition.

14. SuperCollege Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2023 

Eligibility: High school seniors, college or graduate students, or adults planning to enroll in college or university; must be a permanent U.S. resident; Employees, officers, and directors (and their relatives) of SuperCollege and its affiliates are not eligible

To enter the SuperCollege Scholarship drawing, you just need to complete this form . Winners are chosen at random and may apply the award to education-related expenses.

15. Tallo + Niche Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be 13 years of age

Application Requirements: Create a profile and short answer questions

You don’t need to write an essay for this scholarship—you just need to create a profile on the sponsoring site, click “Opportunities,” and enter “Niche” in the keyword field. From there, you can apply by answering very brief questions:

“What’s your next step after school? Is there a company you have your eye on? Tell us! Just answer a few questions—no essays, we promise—and you’ll be entered to win!”

16. $40,000 BigFuture Scholarships

Eligibility: High school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students

Application Requirements: Make account and complete simple steps

The College Board offers scholarships with easy requirements—advance your college application process. You get entries into their drawing for things like building your college list, practicing for the SAT, exploring scholarships, strengthening your college list, completing the FAFSA, and applying to colleges.

17. Book Recommendation Scholarship

Amount: $1,300

Eligibility: N/A

Application Requirements: Simple online form and short answer question

All you have to do to get entered to win this scholarship is register and answer the following question in one sentence:

“What is a good book you’d recommend to a friend for the summer?”

18. $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Eligibility: Must request Christian college, university, and/or Bible college information; must be enrolling for the first time as a full-time student at a Christ-centered Christian college, university, or Bible college

Students planning to attend a Christian college can fill out a simple online form to submit for this online drawing, which will surely draw fewer students than others on the list. 

19. $2,000 CampusReel Virtual Tour Scholarship

Deadline: June 30, 2023

Eligibility: Open to all high school, college, community and graduate students

Application Requirements: Watch a video

Students can easily get their name entered into this lucrative drawing by watching a student-led virtual tour!

20. Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Eligibility: Must be at least 13 years old

To submit to this drawing, students must complete a form to receive information from Catholic colleges and universities.

21. Community Champions Scholarship

Eligibility: Must have applied to or be enrolled in a degree program; or the parent or legal guardian of a person who has applied to or who is enrolled in a degree program; Must be legal resident of the US; Must be age 18 or older

Application Requirements: Social media engagement and a simple online form

To be entered in this drawing, students must follow @AscentFunding on Instagram,“like” a specific post, tag two friends in a post with a specific hashtag, save the post, and complete a contact form.

22. Shining Stars Scholarship

To be entered in this drawing, students must follow @AscentFunding on Instagram,“like” a specific post, leave a comment about mental health with a specific hashtag, save the post, and complete a contact form.

23. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Deadline: October 31, 2023

Eligibility: Students age 14 or older; Must be planning to enroll in a postsecondary institution sometime before the Fall of 2027

This application asks you to respond to a specific prompt in 250 words or less:

“ Describe your escape plan if there were a zombie outbreak at your school.”

24. Education Matters Scholarship

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Eligibility: Must be U.S. student; Must be 14 years of age or older; Must be a legal U.S. resident

To submit to this competition, students must respond to the following prompt in 250 words or less:

“What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn’t matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?”

25. Top Ten List Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2023

“Create a Top Ten List of the top ten reasons you should get this scholarship.”

26. Unigo $10k Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

“Would you rather be smart, funny or rich? Why?”

27. Too Cool to Pay for School No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: Quarterly (next deadline is June 30, 2023)

Eligibility: Must be high school, college, or graduate school student; Must be currently enrolled full time (in high school or at an accredited university) or planning on enrolling within 24 months

This easy online form submits you for a drawing that will happen four times this year.

28. Around the Corner from College Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th, 2023

Eligibility: Open to current high school students (freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors)

This drawing requires filling out a quick and simple online form.

1. Apply to as many easy scholarships as possible. 

Given that many of these scholarships are lottery-based, it’s easy to apply. Even those that have short essays require minimal time to complete the application process, so they won’t eat up too much of your day. You can maximize your chances of winning one by applying to as many as possible.

Additionally, many of these scholarships you can apply to every month. Make a schedule and fill out the simple online forms for each drawing.

2. Balance easy scholarships out with more specific ones.

You shouldn’t focus solely on “easy” scholarships since your odds of winning are much lower. Because applying to these scholarships takes minimal effort, they draw a high number of entrants. This means your odds of winning are lower than they are for scholarships with a more rigorous application process. 

If you apply to scholarships that are tailored to your profile and require more of a time commitment to enter, you will increase your award potential. That might mean entering scholarship contests for people who share your background or demographics or for students intending to study a certain discipline. Find more opportunities on the scholarship section of our blog .

3. Apply to schools with generous merit scholarships.

Most scholarship money comes from schools themselves and not external providers. Many schools consider students for merit scholarships just based on their application, so it’s no extra work; in fact, many schools have automatic scholarships based on SAT/ACT scores . Applying to schools where you’re in the top 75th percentile or above in terms of grades and test scores can maximize your chances of getting merit scholarships.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

U.S. News Scholarship Finder

Looking for scholarships and other financial aid options? Use the Scholarship Finder to narrow your search by stats like test scores, location, type of award and school type. For more information, read our guide on how to find and secure scholarships for college or search the best private loan options available .

Dorn Family Endowed Scholarship

Auburn University

What You'll Need

• Application Form

Description

Must be enrolled in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, with preference given to female students although gender of the applicant shall not be the controlling factor in awarding the scholarship.

Scott Haygood and Stefanie Sigler Haygood Endowed Scholarship

• Demonstrated Financial Need

Must be enrolled in the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, with preference to residents of Alabama or Georgia who demonstrate financial need

College of Education Barbara Toner Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Troy University

• Merit-based Aid

The College of Education Barbara Toner Non-Traditional Student Scholarship is awarded to students attending the Southeast Region of Troy’s Global University and are in the Parent Degree Program with a GPA of 2.5.

2020 Opportunity to Grow Scholarship

Williams Law Group, LLC

• Need-based Aid

The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, college student or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a two to five year post-secondary institution A minimum GPA is not required

Ron Morford Memorial Scholarship

California State University, Sacramento

This scholarship is intended to support CSUS students in Business Administration with a concentration in Accountancy or Accounting Information Systems.

Warren G. Bender Scholarship

To support students studying at Sac State majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in the Finance concentration and Risk Management and Insurance track, MBA Finance concentration or Entrepreneurship Global Business concentration.

The Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The Anhelo Project is a Chicago based non-profit organization that works to support undocumented students pursuing a post-secondary education within the State of Illinois. Since 2011 The Anhelo Project has awarded over $200,000 to more than 60 recipients pursuing their dream to achieve an education beyond high school. Students do not need to have DACA status, and we strongly encourage undocumented students from all racial/ethnic backgrounds to apply. The 2021 Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship will be awarded to eligible high school seniors, undergraduate, graduate and/or vocational training students who demonstrate leadership, academic competitiveness, community involvement, and financial need.

PRSA Foundation Scholarships

PRSA Foundation invests in the next generation of public relations practitioners by awarding scholarships and grants to students active in PRSSA campus chapters, as well as other deserving undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. and around the world.

Point Foundation

Region: National

Norman Illges Memorial Scholarship

Columbus State University

Awarded to students enrolled or accepted into a health science program, undergraduate or graduate, for educationally related expenses. Must have a minimum undergraduate gpa of 2.5 or graduate gpa of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.

The Ultimate Guide to College Scholarships

Written by lauren smyth.

Sunday. 12:00 a.m. Halfway between morning and night. Moonlight streams through the kitchen window, the only light on your path to a life of crime.

You’ve got thick socks and a grocery bag. You’ve got an excuse, too: Brother was home late from football practice, and he was hungry. Really hungry. A week’s worth of hungry.

You step carefully across that one squeaky floorboard, glancing nervously over your shoulder, and place one hand on the refrigerator door. It opens with a hiss, and blinding fluorescence fills the kitchen. You freeze, but after several tense seconds, the house remains silent. So you fill the grocery bag and sneak back to bed, praying no one will smell the double-bagged hunk of cheddar at the bottom of your closet.

This is a college student, home for spring break, taking advantage of the world’s only free grocery store—Mom’s refrigerator. This is a college student short on cash, blissfully unaware of expiration dates, doing whatever it takes to smuggle a jar of peanut butter back to the dorm. This is a college student who hasn’t yet applied for scholarships.

Many students apply for college funds before they graduate from high school. That’s the Golden Age of writing competitions, research presentations, and heartfelt essays to be read by reviewers in some far-off vault of tuition-paying, food-funding treasure. These students collect $500 here and there, receive their acceptance and financial aid letters, and start seeking off-campus jobs or taking out loans to cover the balance. That’s it, they think. This is what I have to work with.

But students often don’t realize that scholarship opportunities continue into their upperclassman years. Not only are there scholarship funds specifically for current college students, but they often pay much larger amounts than scholarships available to first-year students. This is because, as you go through college, you specialize. You become exceptional at performing Shakespeare, for example, or at designing marketing posters, or at manufacturing jewelry. Generous observers will take interest in your work and want to help you. And boom—you no longer need that loan.

Here’s your guide to getting scholarships in college, from a bona-fide scholarship collector and no-harm-in-applying advocate.

•     Look for scholarships in your areas of special interest.

Can you spot the difference between poisonous and edible mushrooms? Can you name every actor in the original Star Trek? Can you compose a serenade exclusively for the ukulele? There are scholarships for that! (No, seriously. I Googled it.)

No matter how niche your interests, or how “unprofessional” they may seem, there’s likely someone who’s just as enthusiastic as you are and wants to help you succeed. Connect with that person or organization. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask about opportunities if you’re having trouble finding the right fit.  

•     Look for scholarships in your areas of affiliation.

Are you a direct descendant of George Washington? Are you a woman interested in aviation? Are your parents graduates of a military academy? There are scholarships for that, too!

•     Ask professors about scholarship possibilities.

Professors were young once. Under duress, they admit to raiding their parents’ refrigerators and smuggling canned goods. They know you’re hungry, busy, and broke, and they’re more than happy to help you match with opportunities that fit your skills.

Sometimes, you don’t even have to ask. At Hillsdale, departmental scholarships may rain from the heavens at moments when you least expect them. Remember: Hillsdale professors are on your team. They want you to succeed.  

•     Take your essays and resume to Career Services.

Some scholarship committees make decisions purely based on academic credentials, but most will want to see a resume and at least one essay. When it comes to supplemental application materials, Hillsdale’s Career Services is your best friend. They can help you with everything from formatting to spelling to content. And, if you’re not sure where to send your spiffy new documents, they can also match you with opportunities.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Career Services is your personalized gateway to a vast array of alumni with experience in—quite literally—thousands of different career and academic paths. Hillsdale alums are a tight-knit group, and they’ll be more than happy to help you.

While you’re in the office, take advantage of some other resources for current students. Take a personality test to learn your strengths and weaknesses, adorn your resume with an on-campus job, get help applying for that summer internship you’ve always dreamed of, or learn how to make your LinkedIn profile stand out.

•     Have an essay template and resume ready to go.

Chances are, you’ll eventually encounter an opportunity with an imminent deadline. You’ve been permanently installed in so-called Purgatory , you’re swamped with homework and academic essays, and you just don’t have time to rewrite your portfolio from scratch. This is where essay templates and updated resumes come in handy.

Pro tip: When you do something resume-worthy (i.e., win an award, take a new job, or get published—at least one of which will probably happen to you at Hillsdale), add it to your resume right away. If your resume gets too long, or if your list gets disorganized, that can be fixed in the editing stage. What you don’t want to do is rewrite your resume every time you submit it.

Another pro tip: Keep a handful of past essays on hand. Most scholarships will ask versions of the same questions (usually things like “how will this scholarship help you?” or “tell us about yourself”). You can often submit the same essay to multiple committees. Case in point: I’ve submitted versions of a two-page business proposal for my podcast to at least three separate scholarships. All three applications were successful—and required less than one afternoon’s preparation.

Don’t be afraid to reuse class material if the essay prompts allow it. At Hillsdale, where classes are small and professor-student relationships are personal and by name, professors take great pride in helping you make your writing the best it can be. An essay edited by the English Department is highly valuable as, say, a writing sample for a journalism scholarship.

•     There’s no harm in applying.

The worst they can say is no. The best they can say is cold, hard cash.

You don’t need perfect grades or stellar extracurriculars to earn scholarships. You just need to be exceptionally good at or exceptionally interested in something, then find the right person to share that skill or interest.

•     Ask for recommendation letters well in advance.

Standard etiquette demands two weeks’ advance notice when asking for recommendation letters. But your politeness exceeds the standard. It’s a good idea to ask for recommendations as soon as you discover a new scholarship (unless, of course, the deadline is several months away). It’s also OK to send occasional reminders if you’ve given too much advance notice.

On the flip side, if you’ve just discovered the perfect scholarship that’s due tomorrow, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. Politeness, gratitude, and an after-the-fact thank-you gift cards go a long way.

Don’t reuse recommendation letters, unless your recommender gives you explicit permission to do so.

•     Always express gratitude.

The money granted by a scholarship committee may feel somewhat impersonal. Acceptance letters may come in the mail, or even via email, without ever revealing the real-life human behind the operation. Always remember that scholarships are funded by real people with real interests and real jobs who are giving up real resources to help you. That’s incredible. That’s praiseworthy. And it only takes 15 minutes to express gratitude in a thoughtful thank-you note , perhaps during the College’s annual Day of Thanks event, that will probably make the donor’s day and reassure them that their sacrifice has truly made a difference in your life.

  With these tips, you’ll be ready to get through college with less stress, more opportunities, and (of course) more food. If you’re ready to start the scholarship search, why not book an appointment with Career Services to fine-tune your portfolio and put your best foot forward?

Published in June 2024

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 10 easiest scholarships to apply for.

Financial Aid

Scholarships are awesome resources if you're checking out different ways to pay for college. It's free money after all—what's not to love?

As it turns out, most scholarship programs have application processes that aren't exactly lovable. Students generally have to submit a lot of information about themselves: transcripts, GPAs, test scores, resumes, community service activities, and so on. There might even be a few essays and grade requirements thrown in as well. You don't want to complain—because, again, free money—but these applications sure are tedious when you're working on college apps, high school courses, and financial aid applications all at the same time.

The following easy scholarships have application processes that are a bit more manageable. Some ask you to write short essays, while others don't require any essays at all! The awards might not be as large as some other scholarships out there, but when the application process is so easy, you really don't have much to lose. I'll start off with some words of warning before getting into the good stuff: essay and no-essay scholarships that are so easy to apply for, you might end up applying to all of them!

Caveat: If a Scholarship Seems Too Good to Be True ...

Unfortunately, there aren't too many legitimate "easy" scholarships out there. If a scholarship application sounds too good to be true, be cautious—you don't want to fall victim to a scholarship scam!

Here are some things to look out for:

• A scholarship application that asks for personal information that isn't relevant to the award: Many top scholarship programs ask for personal information (transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and even financial information for need-based scholarships); however, this info is all relevant to candidate evaluation. If you're ever uncomfortable providing personal info for a scholarship program, dig deeper. Can you verify that the program is legitimate? Does it have its own website, or can you only find info about it through a third party? Try Googling "[award name] scam" to see whether anything suspicious pops up.
• A scholarship that asks you to make payments to enter or win: Scholarship programs are in the business of giving money to students, not taking it. A scholarship program is likely just a scam if the application asks you to make a payment—especially if it asks you to enter credit card information.

Now that we've got that out of the way, it's time to get to the good stuff: all the best easy essay and non-essay scholarships and how to win them!

Essay Scholarships

The scholarships in this section ask students to submit short essays with their applications. Even though you'll have to write an essay, the rest of the application (and the essay itself) should be easy and manageable for all these awards. In fact, most of these applications shouldn't take more than one to two hours to complete.

Bachus & Schanker, LLC Scholarship

This scholarship program is a bit different from most of the other awards included in this post—it's funded by a private law firm in Colorado. Students compete for a $2,000 award by writing an essay (at least 800 words) about the 7th Amendment and how it affects their lives. Scholarships are awarded twice a year, to be paid toward tuition for the upcoming semester.

• Eligibility: High school seniors who have been accepted to a four-year university and university students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Deadline:  July 30 (to win a scholarship for the fall semester) and November 30 (to win a scholarship for the spring semester)

Courage to Grow Scholarship

This $500 award is given out to one lucky student every month. To compete for the award, applicants must explain in 250 words why they think they deserve the scholarship, intended to support students who found “courage to forge ahead when sometimes it would be easier to give up.” Past recipients’ essays have discussed overcoming obstacles from bullying to breast cancer.

• Eligibility: US high school juniors and seniors and college students with a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Deadline: Last day of every month 

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship

Odenza Marketing Group gives away two $500 scholarships each year, once in the spring and again in the fall. To compete for this award, applicants must like the Odenza Facebook page and write two short essays of about 500 words each. Each scholarship must have a clear thesis statement, offer supporting evidence in paragraph format, and be grammatically correct. In other words, these essays should follow the argumentative essay format you've learned in English class.

• Eligibility: Current high school students (US or Canadian citizens) aged 16-25 or students who have at least one year of college remaining. Applicants must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Deadline March 30 for spring, November 15 for fall

Some of these applications won't take you longer than a few minutes.

No-Essay Scholarships

When it comes to easy applications, you can't get much easier than the following scholarship programs. You'll still have to submit some information about yourself (and, in some instances, complete some brief activities or tasks), but you won't have to write any essays to qualify.

AFSA High School Scholarship

For this scholarship, all you need to do is complete an entry form and answer an eight-question quiz. Five $1 ,000 awards are given out each year. Winners are randomly selected by a computer-generated drawing. Your odds of winning are based on the total number of entries received. Essentially, it’s a scholarship raffle, and you get one ticket per “draw.”

• Eligibility: Current high school seniors (US citizens or legal residents)
• Deadline: June 30, 2023

Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

This scholarship has one of the easiest applications out there: just fill out a few questions, and you're done! A $1,000 scholarship is awarded every three months. Winners are selected randomly.

• Eligibility: Current high school, college, and graduate students studying in the US
• Deadline: The last day of every March, June, September, and December

The Annual Haiku Society of America Haiku Award in honor of Harold G. Henderson

This scholarship program gives out three prizes of $200, $150, and $100 , but the application process is fun and easy. Students qualify by simply writing and submitting up to five original haikus. If you win, your haiku also gets published in an anthology and on the HSA website! Note: There is a small fee to apply, but the site is indeed reputable.

• Eligibility: All students in grades 7-12
• Deadline: Open June 1 - July 31

"No Essay" College Scholarship

This $2,000 award is given out monthly. To apply for this scholarship, submit an application that includes basic identifying information, your GPA, and your SAT/ACT scores. Winners are randomly selected, and you can submit a new application every month.

• Eligibility: High school students, adults heading back to school, current college students, and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school within the next year

Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Do you have a creative side and an eye for fashion? Students can compete for the grand prize of $10,000 (one each for the dress and tux categories) by designing and wearing prom outfits made out of duct tape. Check out the website for fun pictures of past winners!

Eight $500 prizes are given to runners-up (four for dresses and four for tuxes).  Applicants can enter as individuals or as part of a couple. Submissions that get the most votes win prizes, so be sure to recruit your friends to vote for you!

• Eligibility: High school students in the US and Canada (excluding certain states and territories—refer to the official rules for details)
• Deadline: The submission window is generally open from March through June, and winners are announced in July. Check the website for exact dates. 

U.S. Bank Student Union Scholarship

Multiple awards are available through this scholarship. To qualify, you'll need to create an account and complete learning modules about financial education. The more modules you complete, the more money you're eligible to earn. 

One first prize winner and one second prize winner are randomly selected during each of two entry periods. Winners can receive up to $20,000 , depending on how many learning modules they complete 

• Eligibility: Current US undergraduate students
• Deadline: Spring and fall of each year. Check website for more details.

Because College is Expensive Scholarship

This $500 scholarship is awarded to one student four times a year (March, June, September, and December) .If you want to enter, all you have to do is fill out the form on the Cedar Lending website.

• Eligibility : High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; current college students; anyone else looking to attend college or grad school
• Deadline : March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, and December 31st. One winner is selected by the 15th of each month. 

3 Tips for Winning Easy Scholarships

Just because a scholarship is easy to apply for, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to win. Since these scholarship applications are so simple to complete, you'll probably have a lot of competition. Here are some strategies to help you submit your best applications possible:

#1: If you have to write an essay, you'll have a better shot at success if your views align with those of the organization awarding the scholarship. To prepare, do some research about the company or charity's mission statement. For instance, don't write an essay about how much you love fossil fuels if the scholarship is offered by an environmental organization! 

#2: Make sure your application is polished. You won't have the opportunity to make more than a first impression (remember, these apps are short and sweet!), so double-check for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.

#3: Last but not least, be sure that your application is complete and on time!

What's Next?

These scholarships are excellent options if you want to churn out as many applications as possible. As you might've noticed, though, the award amounts are a bit underwhelming (though keep in mind that several smaller awards can be just as helpful as one big award!). Larger scholarships and grants are often available through colleges directly and applying for financial aid using the FAFSA .

You'll have to spend more time on your applications if you're gunning for a top scholarship, but the payoff can be more than worth it. To learn more about some of the best scholarships out there, check out our guides to the top scholarships for high school juniors and seniors .

Francesca graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. She's worked with many students on SAT prep and college counseling, and loves helping students capitalize on their strengths.

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• Our Experts' Advice for Choosing the Best Scholarship Websites

Best Scholarship Websites of 2024

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Even the best student loans and other financial aid items don't always provide enough to cover all the costs of college. Scholarships are a great way to bridge the gap, with no obligation to repay the money. Finding scholarships you qualify for can be difficult. But there are several great scholarship websites that can help you do it.

Keep in mind, however, that many colleges deduct private scholarships from the amount of gift aid they provide, reducing how much "free money" you can get from the school. That would effectively negate the work you did in seeking out and applying for private scholarships. Therefore, you should consider looking at schools that offer merit-based scholarships or provide generous packages to students with financial need.

Scholarships.com

Collegeboard, scholarshipowl, compare the best scholarship websites.

We've rounded up the best scholarship websites for students looking to save on the cost of college, with an emphasis on those that provide a wide breadth of opportunities. Most of the sites are free to use. Some offer basic features at no cost, with an option to pay for additional functionality. 

Peterson's 

Our experts for the best scholarship websites.

We consulted scholarship and financial experts to give their insights into finding the best scholarship websites — and when to avoid them altogether.

• Christopher Rim, founder and CEO at Command Education
• Jennifer Ledwith, owner at Scholar Ready
• Neeta Vallab, founder at MeritMore
• Ryan Wangman, former loans reporter at Personal Finance Insider

Best Scholarship Websites FAQs

There isn't a singular website that's the best to apply for scholarships. Instead, consider scholarships.com, Fastweb, Bold.org, Peterson's, College Board, Scholly, GoingMerry, Scholarship Owl, and ProFellow.

Do your due diligence when looking to apply for scholarships you find on aggregation websites. Confirm that the scholarship's sponsor is legitimate by looking at reviews of the company, and check its Better Business Bureau grade, if available. 

Most private scholarships won't completely cover the cost of your education. You're better off looking for merit scholarships from individual colleges that cover your costs completely or filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  to see if you're eligible for a need-based full ride. 

Generally speaking, you shouldn't pay someone to search for scholarships for you, though there are exceptions to every rule. Many scholarship websites are free to use. They only "cost" the time you spend searching on them. 

The timing on when you should start filling out applications for scholarships varies depending on the specific scholarship you're applying for. Some scholarships are even available to high school students, so it's never too early to start your search.

The GPA requirement varies from scholarship to scholarship, but the lowest GPA is usually around 2.0. In general, you'll have a better chance of success with a higher GPA. 

Some of the most common scholarship types include academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, identity-based scholarships, and first-generation student scholarships.

Our Experts' Advice for Choosing the Best Scholarship Websites

What are the advantages of private scholarships versus scholarships or grants from schools.

Neeta Vallab: 

"Honestly, there are very limited advantages to using private scholarships over grants directly from schools. Unlike private scholarships, most grants from schools do not require a separate application and are renewable for four years. Additionally, many colleges will deduct the value of a private scholarship from any award they give you. This is called 'displacement.' And because this practice is so prevalent, it often leaves students with no net financial benefit, despite the effort they invested in submitting an application."

Jennifer Ledwith:

"Unlike scholarships from schools, private scholarships can be used at multiple universities. Furthermore, unlike grants from schools, private scholarships don't have to follow federal or institutional financial aid methodology. Consequently, students can receive private scholarships without regard to other financial aid awards. Furthermore, some private scholarships send the money directly to the student, allowing greater flexibility in using the funds."

Should you always consider scholarships before loans? Are there any scenarios you should pick a loan?

Christopher Rim: 

"No, you should never pick a loan over a scholarship! You always have to pay back loans. Students should bear in mind that they may have their scholarship rescinded if they don't meet the terms and conditions. They should be absolutely sure to read the terms of their scholarship thoroughly to understand the possible consequences if they fail to meet the set conditions."

Ryan Wangman:

"You'll need to repay the money you borrow from any lender, so it's never a good idea to choose a loan over a scholarship, which is money you don't have to pay back. There aren't any scenarios I can think of where it is better to pick a loan than a scholarship. 

How do you know what scholarships you're qualified for?

Rim : 

"Many websites will allow students to filter through their databases to find scholarships they are eligible for. Others ask students to create a profile and then match them based on demographic information. Once students find the scholarships on databases, they should be sure to cross check eligibility requirements on the sponsoring organization's website."

Vallab : 

"Private scholarships will usually have a qualifications section in their description. Some colleges may publish a scholarship grid showing the GPA and test scores required for certain levels of eligibility. Not all merit scholarship information is published however."

What's the best way to track what scholarships you've applied for and are waiting to hear back from?

"Students should keep a spreadsheet to track their scholarship application status."

"Like Jennifer mentioned, a spreadsheet is usually the best way to track application status. Make sure you note how far along you are in each process, as well as any awards you have received — both private and from the schools you've been accepted to.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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30 NO-ESSAY Scholarships for the Class of 2023

With so many application deadlines and SAT test dates piling up, applying for scholarships can quickly become overwhelming. Especially when those scholarships make you jump through hoops by writing essays and submitting transcripts. The stress of writing a scholarship essay on top of keeping up with school can deter students from taking advantage of free money . That’s not the case with these no essay scholarships. From surveys to sweepstakes these easy scholarship applications are a breeze. These programs want to help busy students like you pay for school, without adding extra stress to your life. Calling Class of 2023, these scholarships are looking for you! 

Applying to these scholarships is a no-brainer. Want more opportunities to score free money? 

Check out our other scholarship lists! 

Our Top Scholarship Pick

The $25,000 “be bold” no essay scholarship.

Rolling monthly application deadlines. Next deadline: June 1, 2023

Award: Awards $25,000

Overview: The $25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. No-Essay Scholarship in just a few clicks! Fund your education with verified new scholarships, available only on Bold.org. New scholarships are added daily, and membership is 100% free for students.

$2,000 Nitro Scholarship

Deadline: March 3, 2022 

Award Amount: $23,410 20 winners, $1,170 each

Overview: The Skin Grip Diabetes Scholarship will be awarded to 20 individuals who live fearlessly and fight to make the world a better place despite their diagnosis.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a high school senior or any undergraduate in a 2- or 4-year degree program who has diabetes. To apply, please upload a short video (can be filmed via cell phone, Zoom, etc) two minutes max, answering this question:

How do you live fearlessly with diabetes?

$1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2023

Award Amount: $2,000

Overview: Apply to Nitro’s monthly No-Essay Scholarship in seconds for a chance to win $2,000!

2022 HireAHelper Skilled Trade & Technology Scholarships

Deadline:  July 17, 2023.

Award: $2,000

Overview: Growing demand and lack of qualified workers in skilled trades like the moving industry means it’s a great time to go back to school and enter these lucrative and fast-growing industries. To help keep up with demand and assist the next generation of professionals, HireAHelper will award a $2,000 scholarship four times a year to eligible students.

Kahoot Live Scholarship

Deadline: May 26, 2023

Award Amount: $500

Overview: Do we have any Swifties in the house? If so, this Kahoot scholarship is just for you! We will quiz you on all things Taylor Swift to test out just how much of a Swiftie you really are.

Hop on our Instagram live on Thursday, May 25 at 9 PM Eastern to join us as we give away another $500 scholarship to the winner of this Swifie-fied Kahoot game!

As always, we must have at least 1,000 viewers on the live stream and 1,000+ players in the Kahoot game to award the scholarship, and you must be a current or future college student with a Bold.org profile to participate.

ScholarshipPoints Scholarships

Deadline: See Website

Award Amount: Up to $10,000

Overview: Complete the form to be automatically entered into our $10,000 scholarship!

Scholly No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: June 1, 2023

Overview: Are you looking to secure funding for college or graduate school?

We’ve partnered with Scholly to create this exclusive scholarship for high school students, transfer students, college students, and current or prospective graduate students.

CampusReel No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount:$500

Overview: Are you on the hunt for financial aid for college?

We’ve partnered with CampusReel to create this exclusive scholarship for high school students, transfer students, college students, and current or prospective graduate students.

AFSA High School Senior Contest

Deadline: January 1, 2024.

Overview:  The High School Senior College Scholarship Contest is open to high school seniors who are citizens or aliens legally residing in the USA. Scholarship funds are payable to the winner’s college/university or certified trade school in the United States; winner must enroll for classes beginning no later than Fall 2022 session. Winner selection is NOT based on financial need, GPA or demographic criteria. Home-schooled students may apply as long as course of study is equivalent to that of a senior in high school.

GoSkills Scholarship

Deadline: Fall Deadline: Sept. 15 (11:59PM PST) Fall Award Date: Oct. 15 Spring Deadline: March 15 (11:59PM PST) Spring Award Date: April 15

Overview: Okay, Female high school and college students, here is your time to debut your online business ambitions. There are open-ended questions on the application, but it’s more like a friendly conversation. The questions ask you about your concerns and your role models. Besides the application, you need to provide a link to your business plan (GoSkills provides instructions for your business plan right above the area for the link). If you don’t get excited about writing an essay, try your hand at mapping a business plan

Nitro Pay For College No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $10,000

Overview: We’ve partnered with Nitro to create this exclusive no-essay scholarship for anyone thinking through how to pay for college.

Nitro is a leading financial aid and loan resource platform, guiding you on everything from the FAFSA to best practices for federal and private loans.

By applying, you’ll automatically get registered for Nitro, setting you up for success in funding your education in the most effective way. The scholarship will be awarded to applicants who get the most out of the Nitro platform.

Bold.org No-Essay Community Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000

Overview: This scholarship is for students who recognize the value of a strong community, and are always on the lookout for ways to help their friends and strengthen their community. It will be awarded to a student who has invited many friends to join Bold.org.

To invite a friend, visit your Invite Friends page on the Bold.org dashboard to copy your unique invite code and text it to your friends. For each friend who creates a profile, your chances of winning the Community Scholarship go up.

AFSA $2,000 College Scholarship

Deadline: January 1, 2024

Overview: The Second Chance College Scholarships Contest is open to citizens and aliens legally residing in the USA with High School Diploma, GED or equivalent. Scholarship funds are payable to the winner’s college/university or certified trade school in the United States; winner must enroll or already be enrolled for Spring 2022 session. Winner selection is NOT based on financial need, GPA or demographic criteria.

Expand Your Horizons Scholarship

Deadline: April 28, 2024

Overview: Getting the most out of life requires both the courage to explore the world, and the kindness and openness to welcome and accept all those you meet along the way.

One student whose profile demonstrates an openness to learning about other cultures and sharing their own will receive $2,000 to help them continue on their path to travel and learn.

This may include studying new languages, traveling to study in a new place, teaching or learning art styles or cooking methods from a new culture, or anything else that demonstrates openness to new cultures in your school, work, or hobbies.

Launchy Web3 Scholarship

Deadline: April 30, 2024

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: Chain Catalyst by Launchy is a free newsletter for web3 builders and investors.

We’ve partnered with Chain Catalyst by Launchy to create this exclusive scholarship. By applying, you’ll automatically be subscribed to the Chain Catalyst by Launchy newsletter, getting web3 tips, news, and insights delivered directly to your inbox.

The scholarship will be awarded to applicants who get the most out of Chain Catalyst by Launchy.

Scholarships4Moms

Deadline: June 15, 2023

Overview: Over $1.2 million in scholarships given away. You could be the next winner!

CARiD.com Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2023

Overview: CARiD is giving away $1,000 to offset your educational expenses for college! Just getting the essentials can add up quickly and CARiD wants to help – books, food, backpacks, some sweet spinners for your commuter vehicle, or whatever else you need to get ready for school! Most importantly – CARiD believes in higher education and wants to help you achieve your goals!

Barbara Lotze Scholarship

Deadline: December 1, 2023

Overview: Undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula and high school seniors entering such programs are eligible. Successful applicants receive a stipend of up to $2,000 and a complimentary AAPT Student Membership for one year. The scholarship may be granted to an individual for each of four years.

Richard “88 Fingers” Turner, Jr. Music Scholarship

Deadline: August 1, 2023

Overview: Richard “88 Fingers” Turner, Jr. is a beloved husband and talented pianist.

Known for his dexterity and musical talent, Richard has inspired the next generation of aspiring African American musicians. In order to truly thrive in the industry, it’s critical for musicians to have a strong educational foundation, which can often be inaccessible due to the high cost of college.

This scholarship seeks to honor Richard Turner, Jr. by supporting African American musicians in their pursuit of education.

Any African American two or four-year undergraduate student who is pursuing a music degree and career may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, submit a 2-3 minute video of yourself performing.

“A Bold Mind” Psychology No-Essay Scholarship

Overview: Psychology is a great career field for students with a deep sense of curiosity about human behavior and the mind.

This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about psychology so they can afford to pursue their education.

Any student who is pursuing psychology may apply for this exclusive no-essay scholarship!

“Science for Life” Biology and Health Sciences No-Essay Scholarship

Overview: Biology and health sciences can require significant education which can be difficult for the average student to afford without becoming buried in debt.

This scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing biology and the health sciences so that they can complete their degrees no matter their financial status.

Any student who is interested in studying biology or the health sciences may apply for this no-essay scholarship opportunity!

Milk Road Crypto and Web3 No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: August 16, 2022

Packed with insights, analysis, and entertainment, The Milk Road helps you get smarter about crypto without ever feeling dumb, regardless of how much you already know.

We’ve partnered with The Milk Road to create this exclusive scholarship. By applying, you’ll automatically be subscribed to The Milk Road, giving you essential crypto insights straight to your inbox.

This scholarship will be awarded to applicants who get the most out of The Milk Road. You will be a strong applicant if you:

• Read The Milk Road every day
• Share The Milk Road with your friends
• Apply what you learn to accelerate your education and career

CollegeXpress No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,200

Overview: Are you a high schooler preparing to navigate through your college experience?

We’ve partnered with CollegeXpress to create this exclusive scholarship for high school students who are interested in college resources, an opportunity related to our 30 other no-essay scholarship awards.

This scholarship is also unique in that it will favor students who apply earlier—who are bold and seize the day without procrastinating.

The Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award Sweepstakes

Overview: Sign up for emails to get helpful college tips and resources, and enter for the chance to win a scholarship! Throughout the year, 12 eligible students or parents will be randomly selected to win a $5,000 Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses.

Huntington’s College Scholarship Sweepstakes

Deadline: June 30, 2023

Award Amount: $4,000

Overview: Scholarship contest for college-bound students. Simply submit this Official Entry form by the deadline posted in the Official Rules and you could win a $4000 College Scholarship!

Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships

Deadline: See Website 

Award Amount: Up to $1,000

Overview:  Since 1964, the Italian Catholic Federation has awarded over $2,000,000.00 in scholarships to more than 6,000 high school students, of the Catholic faith, attending college. Each spring, the Italian Catholic Federation receives nearly 400 applications for its yearly scholarship awards. Applications are received from students in public as well as Catholic high schools in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Illinois.

No Essay Smart Owl Scholarship

Deadline: May 29, 2023

Award Amount: $7,000

Overview:  Apply Me, Inc. (“ScholarshipOwl”) is pleased to offer this scholarship sweepstakes (“Scholarship Sweepstakes”) in which you can apply for a chance to win a scholarship to be paid by ScholarshipOwl directly to your qualified high school, college or university.

For What It’s Worth Scholarship

Overview: We’ve partnered with For What It’s Worth to create this exclusive scholarship. By applying, you’ll automatically be subscribed to the For What It’s Worth newsletter, getting tips and news delivered directly to your inbox so you can invest in the world that you want.

The scholarship will be awarded to applicants who get the most out of For What It’s Worth. You will be a strong applicant if you:

• Read For What It’s Worth every week
• Share For What It’s Worth with your friends
• Engage with For What It’s Worth’s content

Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest

Deadline: June 7, 2023 

Overview: We’re giving away $20,000 in cash scholarships to high school students who make the best prom attire out of Duck® Brand Duct Tape! New this year? You can document your journey to prom perfection in a short video or written essay. Plus, once the voting period starts, a live voting counter lets you see the results in real time.

“A Bold Life” No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: July 31, 2023

Overview: Regardless of where you find yourself today, remember that you only have one life to live, and it’s up to you to make it count. Embracing the world with boldness can help you do that.

To encourage people to create an adventurous and exciting life as they define it, the “A Bold Life” No-Essay scholarship exists to support a student who will do what it takes to live life to the fullest.

The scholarship is open to all students and non-students from any field of study. The only requirement is that you’re committed to overcoming fear and relentlessly pursuing a life that will leave you fulfilled.

More Helpful Guides:

How to Find—and Win—Scholarships: Your Complete Guide

How I Landed My Dream Internship

Make a List, Check It Twice: A College Applications Guide

Three Difficult Conversations to Have About Affording College

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How to Start Your College Search

The 30 Hardest Colleges to Get Into by Acceptance Rate

Your Guide to Required Documents for College Applications

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15 Scholarships for Women in STEM

Due to the outsized growth of jobs in STEM fields, educating college students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is increasingly important. But even in 2023, there’s a huge gender gap in STEM fields of study. One survey from MIT found that female-identifying workers made up only 28% of all STEM jobs worldwide. One approach to remedying this inequality? College scholarships for female students in STEM fields.

15 Scholarships for female students in STEM fields  

Though research shows that students in STEM fields tend to have higher lifetime earning potential , you should never take on more debt than you need to. One smart way to pay for school without taking out loans ? Scholarships. If you’re a female student in STEM, here are 15 scholarships to help offset educational costs. 

1. The Science Ambassador Scholarship

Amount: Full tuition

Provider: Cards Against Humanity

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled as a high school senior or undergraduate student at a college/university
• Identify as a woman  
• Studying or planning to study a STEM-related field

Application Requirements: Video presentation

Sponsored by the game Cards Against Humanity, the Science Ambassador Scholarship funds one student’s full tuition for four years of study. Winning could mean not needing student loans at all  – and that alone is worth an application. To apply, students will record a three-minute mini-lecture on any STEM topic. Even if you haven’t decided upon your exact field of study, all female STEM students are encouraged to apply for this scholarship fund. 

2. Women at Microsoft Scholarship

Amount: Up to $20,000

Provider: Seattle Foundation

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Enrolled as a high school senior
• Identify as a woman or non-binary person

Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, relevant work experience, list of extracurricular activities

The Seattle Foundation invests in bettering the Pacific Northwest, but their Women at Microsoft Scholarship is offered to female or non-binary high school students across the U.S. Unlike other STEM scholarship programs, students aren’t required to pursue a STEM degree, but must be interested in pursuing a career in a STEAM ( STEM with the arts ) field. The maximum possible award amount is a $5,000 prize, renewable for up to four years. 

3. SNC Women in STEM Scholarship

Amount: $7,500

Provider: Sierra Nevada Corporation

• Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Enrolled as a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student at a college/university
• Identify as a woman
• Studying or planning to study a non-medical, STEM-related field 

Application Requirements: Transcript, SAT and/or ACT scores

The Sierra Nevada Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders in technology. Aside from supplying valuable financial support, the SNC Women in STEM Scholarship also matches recipients with a career mentor. With no essay requirement, you can add this application to your list of easy scholarships.

4. Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship

Amount: $7,000

Provider: Palantir

• Enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, or junior in a college/university
• Studying computer science, software engineering, or a STEM-related field

Application Requirements: Online application

The Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship offers an educational stipend to 10 women each academic year. Sponsored by a data analytics firm, winners of this award will also be invited to a virtual development workshop with Palantir engineers. So, thanks to this scholarship program, female undergraduate students can offset the cost of their college tuition and gain some real-world insight into working in STEM. 

5. Society of Women Engineers ( SWE ) Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Provider: Society of Women Engineers

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Sophomore through PhD), or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (Freshmen)
• Enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a college/university
• Studying or planning to study engineering, technology, or computing 

Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 letters of recommendation

The Society of Women Engineers is a trade organization passionate about closing the gender gap and improving the quality of life for women in engineering. In 2022, they awarded over $1.7 million to young women pursuing both bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship . While most awards on this list are just for U.S. citizens, the SWE has scholarship programs specific to students in India, too.

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6. The Women in Aerospace (WIA) Foundation Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: The Women in Aerospace (WIA) Foundation

• Enrolled full-time as a junior or senior in a college/university
• Studying engineering, math, or science  

Application Requirements: High school and college transcripts, essay

If you’re a junior or senior in college who wants to pursue a career in aerospace, put the Women in Aerospace (WIA) Foundation Scholarship on your list. The foundation gives out 5 merit-based awards each year. Prize amounts range from $2,000 to $5,000. When evaluating applications, this selection committee places the most weight on the essay, which asks students to explain why aerospace is important to someone with limited knowledge of the field. 

7. Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $4,000

Provider: The Heinlein Society

• Enrolled full-time in a college/university
• Studying engineering, math, or biological or physical sciences 

Application Requirements: Essay, personal statement

Named for Virginia Heinlein, a biochemist and engineer who served as a muse, editor, and scientific guru for her sci-fi author husband Robert A. Heinlein, the Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship honors Virginia’s legacy. The academic scholarship is targeted toward female students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a field similar to those Virginia pursued. Applicants will write a statement about their future career goals and answer an essay question on a STEM topic. 

8. BHW Scholarship

Amount: $3,000

Provider: BHW Group

• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a college/university
• Studying or planning to study a STEM-related field  

Application Requirements: Essay, headshot

The BHW Group is an app development company with a passion for empowering future female STEM leaders. The ​​BHW Scholarship is open to high school students, current undergraduates, and even those pursuing a graduate degree. Applicants will write a 500- to 800-word essay about apps and their influence on their lives. 

9. Shared Opportunities Women of Color in STEM Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Provider: Shared Opportunities

• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander
• Enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at a college/university
• Studying a STEM-related field

Application Requirements: Transcript, 1 letter of recommendation, 2 essays

Women of color are significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, so Shared Opportunities has made it their goal to help close the gap. They’ve endowed the Shared Opportunities Women of Color in STEM Scholarship , which requires two essays. You’ll likely impress the selection committee if you choose a topic that relates to their mission of inclusion in STEM. 

10. Snapology STEAM Studies Scholarship

Provider: Snapology

• Currently enrolled as a high school senior
• Planning to study a STEAM-related field 

Application Requirements: Essay

For female high school seniors, the Snapology STEAM Studies Scholarship offers $1,000 toward higher education. Applicants will answer the question: “If you had the authority to change your school in a positive way, what specific changes would you make?” A learning program focused on STEAM skills, Snapology gives out one scholarship per year and evaluates their applicants solely on their essays – so make sure yours stands out.  

11. VIP Women in Technology Scholarship

Provider: Visionary Integration Professionals

• Identify as a woman 
• Studying or planning to study computer science, information systems, business information management, or an IT related major

Application Requirements: Transcript, essay, personal statement, list of extracurricular activities/community service

Created by the information technology management firm Visionary Integration Professionals, the VIP Women in Technology Scholarship has given out scholarships to more than 150 women over 17 years. With a more narrow range of eligible STEM majors, this scholarship program seeks female students who hope to pursue a career in IT, and it’s open to community college students, too. This selection committee also prioritizes students with a history of community service. If you’re a charitable student, you can find more scholarship programs that reward community service here.

12. Women in Derivatives (WIND) High School Scholarship

Provider: Women in Derivatives (WIND) 

• Minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
• Planning to study a finance-related field

Application Requirements: Transcript, 1 letter of recommendation, essay

While a lot of focus is placed on the first three letters of STEM, the Women in Derivatives (WIND) High School Scholarship targets mathematics. For high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in finance, this scholarship program is for you. Applicants must come from an underprivileged background and demonstrate financial need. In addition to the scholarship funds, winners get the opportunity to shadow a female financial leader for a day. 

13. Orchard’s Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM

Amount: Up to $2,500

Provider: Orchard

• Enrolled as a high school senior or undergraduate at a college/university
• Studying or planning to study a STEM-related field 

Application Requirements: 2 essays

Orchard is an online real estate platform that places great emphasis on diversity and inclusion. In 2021, they created Orchard’s Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM to support female minorities pursuing STEM majors. The essays are pretty straightforward: write about why you are pursuing STEM and how this scholarship will help. Because the only application requirement is these two essay questions, answer them in detail . 

14. True Medical Women in STEM Scholarship

Provider: True Medical

• Enrolled in a college/university

Application Requirements: Transcript, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency, essay

An online doctor’s office and pharmacy based in the UK, True Medical sits at the intersection of a few STEM fields. In an effort to empower the next generation of female STEM leaders, the True Medical Women in STEM Scholarship was born. The bulk of this scholarship application is the essay portion where students should speak to the challenges they’ve faced as a woman in a STEM field and the ways they’ve overcome them. 

15. Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Learner

• Enrolled as high school senior or undergraduate student at a college/university
• Planning to or currently studying mathematics or a related field

In an effort to create a brighter future for women in STEM, the Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship supports one math-loving female student. To apply for this scholarship program, write an essay about what draws you to math and how math principles shape your life. You’ll get bonus points for boldness, innovation, and ambition, so don’t hold back. Looking for more STEM scholarships to fund your degree? Check out this list .

Get matched to scholarships with Going Merry

While female students outnumber male students in college enrollment, the story is different in STEM. Thankfully, each of these unique scholarships seeks to support female students and increase the number of women pursuing fields like electrical engineering, biochemistry, and physical sciences. If you’ve found your way to this list, chances are you’re a busy, driven STEM student. So, instead of spending valuable time filtering through thousands of scholarship programs, let Going Merry deliver hand-selected awards directly to you. Just create a profile, populate it with some identifying details, and we’ll match you to scholarships you’re already qualified for. Sign up for Going Merry – we’ll help you find and win more awards to help lower the cost of your STEM degree.

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IU Bloomington leads the nation in scholarships for critical languages

Indiana University leads the nation in successful applications for the Boren Award, an undergraduate scholarship and graduate fellowship program designed to increase the number of qualified fluent speakers of languages deemed critical by the U.S. Department of State.

This year, 12 IU Bloomington undergraduate students and one graduate student fellow were granted Boren Awards to study Arabic, Chinese and Russian, breaking IU’s record for successful applicants in a given year. Zakwani Zulualabiade, a graduate student of African American and African Diaspora studies, will travel to Ghana to both conduct research and study Akan Twi, a dialect of Akan spoken by over 9 million people in Ghana.

This is the second year that Indiana University Bloomington has been a Top Performing Institution for the undergraduate Boren Scholarships and the second in which the university has broken its previous record. Only 34% of applicants nationally were awarded scholarships for 2024.

IU students will travel in Morocco, Kazakhstan, Ghana and Taiwan in 2024-25 for a year of intensive language study and a semester-long internship in the host country. The students have won approximately $365,000 in national language scholarships for the 2023-24 application cycle.

“We are so proud of these exceptional students who will use their language excellence to make the world a safer and more connected place,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “This honor is another example of Indiana University’s national leadership in critical language instruction.”

Multiple awardees stressed how valuable the Boren Scholarship is, not only for making their year abroad more affordable but also for their future careers. As a part of the Boren Award, students commit to working for the U.S. government in some capacity after graduation. For Micaela Fenn, who will study Arabic in Morocco next year, this has been a long-term goal.

“Ever since freshman year, I’ve had a strict plan that I’ve stuck to: I wanted to graduate, complete my capstone year, work in the Peace Corps and finally become a Foreign Service officer,” said Fenn, who is majoring in international studies and Middle Eastern languages and cultures. “Without the Boren, I would have had to abandon my plans.”

Like Fenn, many of the Boren Award recipients plan to complete the work requirement in placements across the federal government while using the language skills they honed abroad. One awardee, who wished to remain anonymous due to the potentially classified nature of their future work, shared how important the Boren Scholarship experiences are for students’ futures.

“This award opens doors to unparalleled experiences, including intensive language study, meaningful internships and cultural immersion, all of which are crucial for fostering a deep appreciation and nuanced understanding of global affairs,” the awardee said.

Zulualabiade echoes that sentiment.

“To have won the Boren Award means I can be of greater service to the nation while working with communities across the African Diaspora,” he said. “It is a great starting point for my work and career both as a community advocate and a scholar.”

The number of successful applicants exemplifies IU’s leadership in language studies, spearheaded by the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies and College of Arts and Sciences. Indiana University offers more languages than any other university in the U.S., with the corresponding opportunities for direct application of those languages in service to the state of Indiana and beyond.

“We’re very proud that IU tops the nation in Boren Awards,” said John Ciorciari, dean of the Hamilton Lugar School. “The Boren program’s focus on critical language acquisition connects to a core element of our mission: to produce students with deep knowledge of foreign languages and cultures who are prepared to make a positive difference on key global issues. Our students’ success reflects their excellence and that of their dedicated faculty mentors. We are delighted that so many have earned this prestigious scholarship.”

Students across IU credited both the Boren Scholarship screening committee and their professors for their successful application. All of the students who use IU’s rigorous review process — a collaboration between Education Abroad, the Hamilton Lugar School, Hutton Honors College and the Office of National Scholarships and Awards — were either selected as awardees or alternates.

“IU prepared me for a successful Boren application through the targeted efforts of a team of staff who supported applicants by reviewing and providing feedback on our essays,” said Sachin G. Talagery, a dual major in international studies and Middle Eastern languages and cultures who will be studying in Morocco.

This screening committee and IU’s leadership in Language Flagships — hosting more than any other university in the country — have led to IU’s sustained success. John Miller, an undergraduate studying international law and institutions who will spend next year in Taiwan, shared how the community and expertise brought him to IU in the first place.

“Foreign language learning has been a huge part of my undergraduate studies and a large reason why I decided to attend IU,” Miller said. “For me, receiving this award is a reassurance that all this hard work was worth it.”

Marielle Petranoff

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Top Scholarships for College Freshmen in June 2024

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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Scholarships are not only for high school students. There are many great scholarships for college freshmen out there. Applying to scholarships once you’ve already started school can help you reduce future tuition payments and ensure that you can remain in school even if you encounter any unexpected financial obstacles. Our team has assembled a thoroughly-vetted list of the top scholarships for college freshman to help you start your applications. Let’s get into it!

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We helped over 4 million students find scholarships in 2023

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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
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• The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
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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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“Get Inspired” TikTok Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

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Online platforms like TikTok have given people all around the world the opportunity to create and share content. But sometimes with so many people constantly posting and sharing, it’s hard to break out of all the noise. That’s why Scholarships360 is asking what or even who inspires you to create, to share, and to connect with others. To enter this scholarship, all you have to do is follow our Scholarships360 TikTok account, like the “Get Inspired” post pinned to our profile, and comment on what inspires you. For extra consideration, tag some friends who inspire you as well! Show Less

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

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Have you thought about how you will display that diploma that you're working so hard to earn? We are happy to share that we have the answer! Scholarships360 is excited to announce our new TikTok Diploma Frame Giveaway! In partnership with Church Hill Classics, we are giving away custom diploma frames (in the form of $250 gift certificates) to two lucky students! To apply to win a diploma frame, simply follow these steps: Follow the Diploma Frame TikTok account Follow the Scholarships360 TikTok account Like Scholarships360's pinned "Diploma Frame TikTok Giveaway" post and comment how you will make the most of your high school, career/technical, or college degree! We look forward to reading your comments! Show Less

Niche $10,000 “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!

FIRE First Amendment Scholarship Competition This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression

Are you a high school senior or undergraduate student interested in freedom of speech and the First Amendment? Consider applying to the Foundation for Individual… Show More

Are you a high school senior or undergraduate student interested in freedom of speech and the First Amendment? Consider applying to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s First Amendment Scholarship Competition! To apply, students should respond to the prompt below in an essay of 500 to 700 words. About the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression FIRE’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought—the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them. FIRE recognizes the importance of young people being involved in the free speech movement. The FIRE Student Network (FSN) is a coalition of students who appreciate the importance of advancing civil liberties on their campuses. FIRE’s team makes sure that FSN members have the information and resources they need to organize policy reform campaigns, coordinate on-campus FIRE and activism events, write articles for student and mainstream publications, and much more. Show Less

“Jump for Joy” InstaScholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

When you’re not searching for scholarships, what do you like to do for fun? Do you dance? Play sports? Watch movies? Here at Scholarships360, we… Show More

When you’re not searching for scholarships, what do you like to do for fun? Do you dance? Play sports? Watch movies? Here at Scholarships360, we know how important it is to enjoy life. That’s why we’re offering a $500 scholarship to one student who tells us what makes them jump for joy! Whether it’s spending time with your friends, playing with your dog, or jamming out to music, we want to know what brings a smile to your face. To apply for this scholarship, simply follow us on Instagram, go to the “Jump for Joy” InstaScholarship post at the top of our grid, like the post, and drop a comment about something you love to do for fun. Extra consideration will be given to students who mention at least one friend in their comment! 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

“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to… Show More

In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025) and undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year, this scholarship aims to lighten your financial worry and allow you to take fewer loans. Remember, scholarships are essentially “free money” that need not be paid back. This scholarship, specifically, aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application, and wish you much success on your academic journey!  Show Less

“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500… Show More

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women aims to help women cover the costs of pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream is starting a business, learning a foreign language, or attending college on the path to fulfilling your dream, the scholarship will cover those costs and make your journey a little easier. No matter your goals, we want to help out a woman who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. In order to apply, simply write an essay about how the $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women will help you fulfill your dreams. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We encourage you to apply and look forward to reading your essay. Good luck! Show Less

$2,500 ScholarshipPoints Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by ScholarshipPoints

Easy $2,500 scholarship from ScholarshipPoints open to all students.

“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500… Show More

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is meant for high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 or 2025), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year who are looking for ways to fund their postsecondary education in STEM. In order to apply, you must write an essay about how your passion for STEM started and how the scholarship will help you fulfill your dreams. No matter which STEM field ignites your interest, we look forward to reading your essays. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Apply today - it’s time to cell-e-brate you! Show Less

“A Helping Hand” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult… Show More

At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult for students coming from low-income backgrounds or for those who demonstrate financial need. This is where our “A Helping Hand” Scholarship comes in! We're offering a $500 scholarship to help out a low-income student who is passionate about their higher education journey and is actively looking for ways to fund it. This award is open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year. In order to apply, students should submit an essay detailing how winning the scholarship would help you fulfill your dreams. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

$2,000 Niche “No Essay” College Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Easy scholarship from Niche open to all high school, college, and graduate students.

“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career… Show More

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

“Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range… Show More

Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range of students in a wide range of majors. If starting your postsecondary education at a community college is right for you, we have a scholarship just for you! The “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship aims to financially support community college students who are passionate about their higher education journeys and actively looking for ways to fund it. In order to apply for the “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay explaining how earning their degree at community college will help them achieve their educational and career goals. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!  Show Less

ScholarshipOwl $50,000 No Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by ScholarshipOwl

Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students. Each month, 4 winners will be selected to earn $1,000 each. In December… Show More

Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students. Each month, 4 winners will be selected to earn $1,000 each. In December 2023, there will be 2 additional winners earning $1,000 each. Applicant must be a resident of any of the 50 United States, District of Columbia or US Territories except for Rhode Island and Michigan. Applicant also must be 16 years of age or older and either be enrolled now, or will be enrolled within three months of registration in the Scholarship Sweepstakes, in a qualified high school, college or university within the United States. Show Less

“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter… Show More

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter students from attending. If you’re in a situation similar to this, we may just have the perfect scholarship opportunity for you: the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship! With this scholarship, we aim to help out a lucky undergraduate student (enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year) who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. The scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen who is enrolled as an undergraduate at a four-year university in the U.S. during the 2023-24 academic year. In order to apply, submit an essay explaining how earning your bachelor’s degree will help you achieve your educational and career goals. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

Sharing is Caring Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Did you know you can win a $1,000 scholarship just by sharing Scholarships360 with your friends? The Sharing is Caring Scholarship is open to all… Show More

Did you know you can win a $1,000 scholarship just by sharing Scholarships360 with your friends? The Sharing is Caring Scholarship is open to all Scholarships360 users who refer their friends to Scholarships360. The more people you refer, the higher your chances of winning! To apply, just send your personal referral link to your friends. For every person who creates a Scholarships360 account using your personal referral link, you’ll gain an entry to the Sharing is Caring Scholarship. Get started by visiting the Scholarships360 Referral Center! Show Less

Top 10 scholarships for college freshmen overall

Our editors hand-picked the following top 10 scholarships for college freshmen by searching for renowned organizations who have been offering a scholarship for several years. We looked for opportunities with high awards and wide eligibility requirements. Here are the editors’ picks for top 10 scholarships for college freshmen:

• New Heights Scholarship – For high school seniors or college students who respond to a short prompt about their career goals. Worth $1,000
• Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged) – For students who submit an essay about the novel Atlas Shrugged. Worth $25,000
• Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest – For high school and college students who submit a greeting card of their own creation. Worth $10,000
• NSHSS James W. Lewis Collegiate Global Leader Scholarship  – For college students who show leadership skills and a commitment to diversity. Worth $5,000
• El Cafe Del Futuro Scholarship  – For undergraduate and graduate students attending Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the US. Worth $5,000
• La Unidad Latina Foundation National Scholarship  – For Latino/Hispanic undergrads with a minimum 2.8 GPA. Worth $1,000
• Collegiate Inventors Competition – For college students who submit an original invention. Worth up to $10,000
• Navisite’s Next Steminist Scholarship Program  – For women who are HS seniors or college students and submit a 60-second video about their dream STEM career. Worth $10,000
• Barry Goldwater Scholarship – F or college students pursuing a research career in STEM. Worth $7,500
• Earnest More Than a Scholarship – For students enrolled in a Title IV undergrad program. Worth $5,000

How to win scholarships for college freshmen

Now that you’ve got a list of some great opportunities, it’s time to start your applications. Most college scholarships receive a huge number of applicants, so it’s important to ensure that your application stands out from the crowd.

Essays are one of the best ways to showcase what makes you unique on a scholarship application. To ace your essay, check out our “Show, Don’t Tell” essay primer , and our guide on how to write an essay about yourself . And if you need a little nudge to get you started, try out our guide on how to start a scholarship essay – we’ve even included a few examples to inspire you to get that first word on the page!

It’s also important to keep word limits in mind as you write your essay. Different scholarship programs put different limits on their essay prompts, and you should adjust the scope of your essay based on those limits. Our guides to writing 250 and 500 word essays can help you tune your writing to these different limits.

Also see: The ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships

Tips for college freshmen

Freshman year is a big year for students. If you are a first-year in college, it may be your first time living away from your parents, cooking your own meals, and managing your own money. To top it all off, this is all in addition to adjusting to college academics and balancing extracurriculars with schoolwork! Luckily, we have a few tips to help you through this transition.

These include guides on how to make money in college, how to save money , and how to decide whether work-study is worth it for you . You can also check out our guides on how to find roommates and how to pay for housing , and investigate whether you can pay for off-campus housing with student loans . And don’t miss our guide on how to get involved on campus !

Don’t forget the FAFSA

Remember, as a college student, you have to fill out the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile every year to keep your college updated on your financial need. If your economic situation changes, your need-based aid may increase or decrease as a result. In order to maintain eligibility for the Pell Grant , federal loans, and institutional aid, be sure to fill out the required forms every year.

Look into local scholarships

Local scholarships are one of the most overlooked resources for students looking to fund their bachelor’s degree. Many local institutions, such as community service organizations, religious institutions, or neighborhood associations offer scholarship funds, and sometimes memorial scholarships for past members. These can help undergraduate students earn their degrees without going into debt.

One reason why local scholarships are so important is because these specific scholarships receive less applications. That means each applicant has a higher chance of winning. Make sure to look into these scholarship opportunities to find some promising leads to fund your college education.

Frequently asked questions

Can you apply to scholarships once you're already in college, will my financial aid go down if i win a scholarship once i'm in college, additional scholarships.

• Top STEM scholarships
• Top scholarships for women
• Easy scholarships to apply for
• How to win local scholarships
• Top scholarships for Black students
• Top scholarships for college students

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Stanford will increase student financial aid, providing expanded scholarship funding so that undergraduate families with annual incomes below $100,000 will not have to pay tuition, room, or board beginning in the upcoming 2023-24 academic year, the Board of Trustees announced following its meeting this week.

Click on image to enlarge.

The new $100,000 threshold compares to the current threshold of $75,000 below which undergraduate families at Stanford receive scholarship support to cover tuition, room, and board. Families with incomes below another threshold – $150,000 – will continue to receive at least enough scholarship support to cover tuition at Stanford.

“Stanford is committed to providing an affordable education for all students, regardless of their economic circumstances. We are pleased that this newest expansion of our financial aid program continues and extends that commitment,” said Jerry Yang, chair of the Stanford Board of Trustees.

For families who do pay tuition, trustees approved a 7% increase in undergraduate tuition for the 2023-24 academic year, seeking to support continued high-quality academic and student support programs amid the effects of high inflation on the cost of university operations. However, Stanford’s aid program will take into account the increase in tuition for current students receiving need-based financial aid; those whose family financial circumstances do not change can expect to pay the same amount they do this year, and possibly less for those with family incomes under $100,000.

Continued commitment to student aid

Stanford’s undergraduate admission process is need-blind for U.S. applicants, and the university commits to providing the necessary financial support for any admitted student to attend.

The university has expanded its financial aid program several times in recent years, and today its features include:

• More than two-thirds of Stanford undergraduates receive some form of financial aid from internal and external sources, including athletic scholarships.
• In fall 2022, first-year students who were awarded need-based aid received an average annual scholarship of more than $62,000 from Stanford.
• 86% of students graduate with no student debt.
• Stanford excludes home equity from the calculation of parental contribution toward the costs of attending, benefiting many families.

As part of this aid program, for many years Stanford has committed to providing sufficient scholarship support so that parents with annual incomes below a certain threshold, and assets typical of that income level, are not expected to contribute toward tuition, room, or board. This income threshold will increase to $100,000 beginning in 2023-24.

Stanford also requires no parental contribution toward tuition from families with annual incomes below $150,000 and typical assets. Many students with family incomes above the $150,000 threshold also are eligible to receive Stanford scholarship support, awarded on a sliding scale based on family financial circumstances. (These levels are set based on cost of living in the United States and may not apply to families living in other countries; aid eligibility is determined based on individual family circumstances.)

Undergraduate tuition and fee levels

Tuition provides core support for Stanford’s academic programs, faculty and staff compensation, student services, and financial aid, as well as infrastructure and other support services. However, tuition only covers a portion of the university’s cost of educating each student. Undergraduate tuition was kept flat in 2021-22 and increased 4% in 2022-23.

Along with the 7% increase in the tuition rate for 2023-24, charges for room and board will increase 7% for those who pay these charges, supporting inflation-driven cost increases in food and materials as well as compensation for critical housing and dining staff. Stanford’s financial aid program will cover the increased costs for families currently receiving need-based aid if their financial situations remain the same.

Total undergraduate charges for full-tuition–paying families will be $82,406 in 2023-24, including $61,731 for tuition, $19,922 for standard room and board, and $753 for the mandatory health fee. As noted above, a large proportion of Stanford students do not pay the full price, receiving significant offsetting amounts of financial aid.

Tuition and financial support for graduate students

Graduate and professional programs have different tuition rates, but general graduate tuition will increase by 4% in 2023-24 under the trustees’ action. (Doctoral students are not responsible for paying tuition in years 1–5; it is paid on their behalf through a variety of funding sources and mechanisms.)

Specific tuition levels for graduate and professional programs will be posted to the Student Services website later in the year.

Stanford continues working to support graduate student affordability. The university in recent years has expanded the availability of on-campus housing and committed to providing 12-month funding for up to five years for all doctoral students in good academic standing. Stanford also increased the health insurance subsidy to 100% for graduate students who are supported on research and teaching assistantships, or an equivalent level of fellowship, and increased to a maximum of $20,000 per year the Graduate Family Grant providing support for individuals with dependent children to help cover expenses such as child care, health care, and rent.

ROTC Scholarships

Pay for college with the army’s help..

Cover your college education while gaining valuable leadership skills in Army ROTC with financial support from the Army.

Get a scholarship with Army ROTC.

Scholarships and other monetary support are available to help with costs when you join Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Focus on your education and graduate into a secure path as an Army Officer—and with less debt for the school years your scholarship covers. You’re eligible if you are a high school student enrolling in college, enrolled in college, or an active-duty enlisted Soldier.

Reach your financial goals.

Get tuition and fees covered.

Get the full college experience, only with less debt, in exchange for a career serving in the Army as an Officer after graduation. ROTC scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and can be applied to any of the 1,000+ participating schools, covering either tuition and fees or room and board.

Get money for expenses and books.

Receive monthly help to offset living and book costs. All ROTC scholarships include an extra $420 each month throughout the school year for expenses like housing, along with $1,200 each year to spend on books.

Apply in high school or college.

You’re eligible to apply for an Army ROTC scholarship at a participating school upon completion of your junior year of high school or as a college student.

High School

Here’s what to know when applying for an ROTC scholarship in high school.

Start the application process.

To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, create an account and log in to the Scholarship Application. From there, you’ll locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at the school you plan to attend. Most of them have served before and understand the process you’re going through.

Important dates to remember

ROTC scholarship applications opened on June 12, 2023. Applications must be started no later than March 4, 2024 to be eligible for review by the Army ROTC National Scholarship Board for the 2024 – 2025 school year.

Due October 9, 2023

Applications will be reviewed from October 16 – 20, 2023.

Due January 15, 2024

Applications will be reviewed from January 22 – 26, 2024.

Due March 11, 2024

Applications will be reviewed from March 18 – 22, 2024.

Your obligation with an ROTC scholarship

Your acceptance of the ROTC scholarship means a future service obligation of eight years in the Army, with requirements for active duty and/or the Army Reserve or Army National Guard depending on the scholarship. You may be eligible to serve part time in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard while pursuing a civilian career immediately after graduation.

Scholarship recipients who wish to exit the ROTC program may do so after their freshman year of college without any obligation. 

Here’s what to know when applying for an ROTC scholarship in college.

Types of scholarships available.

You’ll have access to four-year, three-year, or two-year scholarships if you decide to join Army ROTC as a college student. Four-year scholarships are most common for students who are on a five-year college plan, while two-year scholarships are more common for those who attend certain participating two-year community colleges before transferring to a four-year university.

To get started on your ROTC scholarship application, locate and contact the Recruiting Operations Officer at your school to discuss how to apply. Most of them have served before and understand the process you’re going through. Their years of experience will help the process.

Scholarship recipients who wish to exit the ROTC program may do so after their freshman year of college without any obligation.

Requirements to be eligible for an ROTC scholarship.

To be accepted for any ROTC scholarship, you must meet these standards.

Be a U.S. citizen.

Be at least 17 and under 31 in year of commissioning.

Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.50 if you’re in high school while applying.

Have taken the SAT or ACT.

Take the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) .

Meet the physical weight and height requirements .

Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army , Army Reserve , or Army National Guard .

Career-building scholarship programs

Nursing scholarships.

Nursing students can apply for any Army ROTC scholarship by following the directions above. Being a nurse in the Army provides you with opportunities not found in the civilian world, including a three-week paid Nurse Summer Training Program, which introduces students to the Army Medical Department and the roles and responsibilities of an Army Nurse Corps Officer .

Enlisted Soldier Scholarships

As an enlisted Soldier, you have access to the Green to Gold program and scholarship opportunities to cover costs for tuition or room and board, while you earn your undergraduate or graduate degree.

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International Programs

How to apply for the benjamin a. gilman international scholarship.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a program offered by the U.S. Department of State that enables students who are currently receiving or will receive a Federal Pell Grant to study abroad during their undergraduate experience. This program’s main core values lie in diversifying the population that studies abroad, fostering international relationships with host countries, and encouraging the learning of world languages. These goals aligned with my own reasons for wanting to study abroad, which encouraged me to apply.

As a Pell Grant recipient, the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship was critical in making study abroad a real possibility for me. In fall 2023, I was fortunate enough to live and study in Seville, Spain. This experience was truly life changing. I met so many great people, formed strong relationships with new friends, my host mom, and my professors, and engaged directly with the Spanish language and culture. My greatest wish is that other undergraduate students can have similar experiences, especially those with financial concerns.

I always knew I wanted to study abroad during my undergraduate years, but financial constraints placed a huge barrier in my way. When I learned of the Gilman Scholarship Program, I realized that it could bridge the financial gap and turn my dreams into a reality. Awards range from $100 to $5,000 for a semester or the entire academic year, and the amount depends on the student’s financial needs. My award truly made the difference in my decision to study abroad. Now, I want to help fellow Pell Grant recipients who are interested in studying abroad apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

This article will act as a how-to guide for applying for the scholarship. Below, I will outline the main steps in the application process and offer some additional tips for success.

Prepare to write your essays

During the application process, you will write three essays. These essays should be written in a word processing application, such as Word, and should be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins. If you are applying for the Critical Need Language Award or a STEM Supplemental Award, you will have additional essays. Find more information here.

The first essay is your Statement of Purpose . This should be a maximum of 7,000 characters and should detail your reasons for studying abroad. You should address the following questions:

• How will studying or interning abroad help you achieve your future academic or professional goals?
• Why did you select your specific program and host country?
• How are you academically prepared to be a successful scholar abroad? If you have faced significant academic difficulties, tell us about those and how you are overcoming them.
• What examples of knowledge, skills, and experiences will you draw on to meet the challenges of going abroad?

Second, you will write two Community Impact essays : the first on Building Mutual Understanding, and the second a proposal of your Follow-On Service Project.

Gilman Scholars are expected to foster mutual understanding with the people they meet in their host country by sharing their experiences on what it means to be an American while learning about the host culture. The Building Mutual Understanding essay should be a maximum of 3,000 characters and should respond to the following prompts:

• As a U.S. citizen, how will you represent and share what it means to be an American during your program? 
• How will you seek opportunities to become more culturally engaged and have meaningful interactions with people and cultures different from your own during your abroad program?

The final essay you will have to write is the Follow-On Service Project Proposal. This project is designed to increase awareness of study abroad while also sharing information about the Gilman Scholarship Program. This can be conducted in your home or campus community. It has a maximum of 3,000 characters and should respond to the following prompt:

In no particular order, describe your Follow-On Service Project in more detail: 

• What is your project and how will it increase awareness of study abroad and the Gilman Program among your peers in your home or campus community?
• Identify and explain why you chose the specific community you will be reaching. 
• How will you integrate the impact of your experience abroad into your project?
• With which campus departments, student organizations, or community organizations will you collaborate?

Obtain transcripts

Request transcripts from any institution you have attended as a degree-seeking student. They can be official or unofficial.

Fill out the online application

You can find the application on the front page of the Gilman Scholarship website .

The scholarship has multiple application periods (summer, fall, academic year, winter, and spring). The fall application opens in mid-August and closes in early October. The spring application opens mid-January and closes in early March.

Before you submit your application, contact your Financial Aid and Study Abroad advisors

Your application must be certified by your Financial Aid and Study Abroad advisors at your institution. Before submitting your application, reach out to your advisors so that they know to expect a notification from Gilman. This is also very helpful in the event that your advisors are not registered as Gilman advisors.

Registered advisors will appear in the online application, and you will be able to select them. They will receive a notification from Gilman, and they will then complete their portion of the application certification by the advisor deadline.

Submit your completed application 

Be sure to submit your application through the online application portal by the deadline!

Some additional tips

• The Gilman selection panelists want to hear about you. Make your application as personal as possible while still bearing in mind that it is an academic scholarship. Use your experiences, goals, and academic history to back up your responses to the essays!
• Start writing your essays early. You will want to revise them and ask peers or advisors to help you look over them. The essays are the most critical pieces of your application.
• Follow @gilmanscholarship on Instagram for updates on approaching application deadlines, stories from Gilman scholars and alumni, essay writing tips, and other helpful information.
• As soon as you apply to study abroad at your university, get in contact with the Study Abroad office at your institution for help during the Gilman Scholarship application process. At the University of Iowa, the contact is Teresa Kout, participant services coordinator in International Programs. You can reach her at [email protected] . They have invaluable tips that can help you obtain an award.

If you would like to reach out to me with questions or just to learn more about studying abroad and the Gilman Scholarship Program, you can email me ( [email protected] ), or find me on Instagram (@mollyemcneill)! 

International Programs  (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.

• student fund
• study abroad

International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .