Pursuing higher education can be financially challenging. However, numerous scholarships are available to help alleviate these costs. Below is a list of 11 notable scholarships for college students:
1. 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
2. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Overview: This program awards $20,000 scholarships to 150 graduating high school seniors each year, recognizing leadership and service.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of their junior year.
Application Deadline: Usually in October.
More Information: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
3. Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Overview: Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this program covers the full cost of attendance for outstanding minority students.
Eligibility: High school seniors from minority backgrounds with a minimum 3.3 GPA and demonstrated leadership abilities.
Application Deadline: Typically in January.
More Information: Gates Millennium Scholars
4. 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
5. 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
6. Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
Overview: These scholarships assist 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
7. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship awards $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 to students 18 or younger who have completed significant projects in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, or philosophy.
Eligibility: Students 18 or younger who have completed a significant piece of work in one of the application categories.
Application Deadline: Usually in February.
More Information: Davidson Institute
8. NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Overview: The National Institutes of Health offers scholarships up to $20,000 per year for students from disadvantaged backgrounds committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum 3.3 GPA and demonstrated financial need.
Application Deadline: Typically in March.
More Information: NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
9. Generation Google Scholarship
Overview: Google offers $10,000 scholarships to students pursuing computer science degrees who demonstrate a passion for technology and leadership skills.
Eligibility: Current undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field.
Application Deadline: Varies annually.
More Information: Generation Google Scholarship
10. Collegiate Inventors Competition
Overview: This competition encourages innovation by awarding up to $10,000 to college students who create original inventions.
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate or graduate students with a faculty advisor.
Application Deadline: Typically in June.
More Information: Collegiate Inventors Competition
11. “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 December 31st.
More Information: Bold.org
Finally
Securing scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of college education. It’s important for students to research and apply for scholarships early, as many have strict deadlines. Some scholarships require essays, letters of recommendation, or proof of financial need, so being prepared can increase your chances of success.
Applying for multiple scholarships increases the likelihood of receiving financial aid. Many students overlook smaller awards, but even a few thousand dollars can help cover books, housing, and other expenses.
Colleges, private organizations, and government institutions all offer scholarships. Checking with your school’s financial aid office and using scholarship search engines can help you find more opportunities.
By taking advantage of these scholarships, students can focus on their education without the stress of overwhelming student loans.