Pursuing higher education can be financially challenging. However, numerous scholarships are available to assist high school seniors in funding their college education. Below is a list of 11 notable scholarships for high school seniors:
1. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
Overview: This merit-based scholarship awards $20,000 to 150 high-achieving high school seniors annually. It recognizes students for their leadership, academic excellence, and community service.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of their junior year.
Application Deadline: Typically in October.
More Information: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
2. The Gates Scholarship
Overview: Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers the full cost of attendance for outstanding minority students from low-income households.
Eligibility: High school seniors from minority backgrounds with a minimum 3.3 GPA and demonstrated leadership abilities.
Application Deadline: Typically in September.
More Information: The Gates Scholarship
3. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
Overview: This scholarship provides up to $40,000 annually to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. It covers tuition, living expenses, books, and fees.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.5 and demonstrated financial need.
Application Deadline: Typically in November.
More Information: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
4. Horatio Alger Scholarship Award
Overview: This scholarship assists high school students who have faced and overcome significant obstacles, offering up to $25,000.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum 2.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need.
Application Deadline: Typically in October.
More Information: Horatio Alger Association
5. Elks Most Valuable Student Competition
Overview: The Elks National Foundation awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 per year to high school seniors based on academics, leadership, and financial need.
Eligibility: High school seniors who are U.S. citizens.
Application Deadline: Usually in November.
More Information: Elks National Foundation
6. National Merit Scholarship Program
Overview: This program awards scholarships to students who excel in the PSAT/NMSQT, recognizing academic achievement.
Eligibility: High school juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT and meet other program requirements.
Application Deadline: Varies based on testing dates.
More Information: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
7. Ron Brown Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship awards $40,000 ($10,000 per year) to African-American high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Eligibility: African-American high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadline: Typically in January.
More Information: Ron Brown Scholar Program
8. Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
Overview: This need-based scholarship awards $10,000 per semester to one student each year who demonstrates impressive academic aptitude and leadership ability.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.75, ACT score of 28 or SAT score of 1240, and demonstrated financial need.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025.
More Information: Engebretson Foundation
9. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
Overview: This $25,000 scholarship is awarded to students with the boldest profiles, emphasizing earnestness, determination, and moving beyond adversity.
Eligibility: Students at any education level, school, field of study, and GPA will be considered.
Application Deadline: Annually on February 28th.
More Information: Bold.org
10. Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Overview: This monthly scholarship awards $25,000 to a student without requiring an essay.
Eligibility: High school seniors, college students, and others planning to enroll in college within 12 months.
Application Deadline: Monthly deadlines; next deadline is March 31, 2025.
More Information: Niche
11. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship awards $10,000 per year to students from underserved communities pursuing a degree in computer science. Recipients also receive a paid internship at Amazon.
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to major in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Finally
Finding and applying for scholarships can make a significant difference in reducing the cost of college education. Many high school seniors miss out on opportunities because they don’t apply early enough or assume they won’t qualify. However, many scholarships consider more than just grades—they look at leadership, financial need, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements.
To increase your chances of winning a scholarship:
- Start researching scholarships as early as possible.
- Keep track of deadlines and requirements.
- Apply for multiple scholarships to improve your odds.
- Prepare strong applications, including well-written essays and letters of recommendation.
Many organizations, companies, and foundations are eager to support students in their educational journey. With the right effort and planning, high school seniors can secure funding and reduce the financial stress of college.