Navigating the world of higher education can be daunting, especially when it comes to financing your college journey. Fortunately, scholarships are a fantastic way to alleviate financial stress and pave the way for academic success. This comprehensive guide will explore the Top 100 Scholarships every student should know about, highlighting essential details, eligibility criteria, application processes, and links for more information.
1. Bill Gates Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
- Eligibility: Minority students, high school seniors, U.S. citizens
- Details: This prestigious scholarship aims to help high-achieving, low-income students obtain a college degree.
- More Info: Gates Scholarship
2. National Merit Scholarship
- Award Amount: Between $500 and $2,000 annually
- Eligibility: High school students who take the PSAT
- Details: Recognizes academically talented students and awards scholarships based on PSAT scores.
- More Info: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
3. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
- Award Amount: $20,000
- Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors
- Details: Awards scholarships to students nationwide who show leadership, academic excellence, and community service.
- More Info: Coca-Cola Scholars
4. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $30,000 over four years
- Eligibility: Minority students interested in pursuing a higher education
- Details: Provides students with financial support and mentorship.
- More Info: Jackie Robinson Foundation
5. Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $12,500 per year
- Eligibility: High school seniors
- Details: Open to any student regardless of race, religion, or national origin.
- More Info: Elks National Foundation
6. Horatio Alger Association Scholarship
- Award Amount: $25,000
- Eligibility: High school seniors who have faced and overcome adversity
- Details: Supports students who have demonstrated financial need.
- More Info: Horatio Alger Association
7. Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, and college students
- Details: Awarded based on an essay submission.
- More Info: Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
8. AXA Achievement Scholarship
- Award Amount: $2,000 – $25,000
- Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors
- Details: Awarded based on determination, knowledge, and enthusiasm in achieving personal goals.
- More Info: AXA Scholarship
9. Dell Scholars Program
- Award Amount: $20,000
- Eligibility: Students who have participated in a college readiness program
- Details: Supports students with financial need, focusing on perseverance and determination.
- More Info: Dell Scholars
10. Wells Fargo Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduate students
- Details: Aims to increase access to higher education for underrepresented students.
- More Info: Wells Fargo Scholarship
11. AFSA High School Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: Up to $2,500
- Eligibility: High school students
- Details: For students interested in careers in firefighting, emergency services, or law enforcement.
- More Info: AFSA Scholarship
12. Burger King Scholars Program
- Award Amount: Up to $50,000
- Eligibility: High school seniors, Burger King employees or family members
- Details: Aimed at students who demonstrate academic achievement and community involvement.
- More Info: Burger King Scholars
13. Davidson Institute for Talent Development Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $50,000
- Eligibility: Students under 18 demonstrating scholarly talents
- Details: Focuses on gifted students with financial need.
- More Info: Davidson Institute
14. Born to Be Wild Scholarship
- Award Amount: $2,000
- Eligibility: Older adults and anyone attending school
- Details: Supports non-traditional students.
- More Info: Born to Be Wild Scholarship
15. Point Foundation LGBTQ Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $30,000
- Eligibility: LGBTQ students
- Details: Offers scholarships based on academic merit and financial need.
- More Info: Point Foundation
16. The Ron Brown Scholarship
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Eligibility: African-American high school seniors
- Details: Focuses on leadership and academic achievement.
- More Info: Ron Brown Scholarship
17. P.E.O. Sisterhood Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Female students pursuing higher education
- Details: Multiple scholarships supporting various educational paths.
- More Info: P.E.O. Sisterhood
18. William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
- Details: Offers a range of loan options for students.
- More Info: Federal Direct Loans.
19. National Hispanic Merit Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Hispanic heritage students
- Details: Supports high-achieving Hispanic students across the U.S.
- More Info: National Hispanic Scholarship Fund
20. KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program
- Award Amount: Up to $20,000
- Eligibility: High school students who show financial need
- Details: Aims to help students pursue an education in a public college or university.
- More Info: KFC Scholars
21. Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program
- Award Amount: $20,000
- Eligibility: Student-athletes with strong academic performance
- Details: Recognizes athletes who encourage community service participation.
- More Info: Foot Locker Scholars
22. AES Engineering Scholarship
- Award Amount: $500
- Eligibility: Students pursuing engineering, business, or a related field
- Details: Awarded based on an essay.
- More Info: AES Engineering
23. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
- Award Amount: Up to $15,000
- Eligibility: Activists working for social justice
- Details: Supports students who are participating in movements for social change.
- More Info: Davis-Putter
24. TSA Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Senior students who are part of the Technology Student Association
- Details: Supports students pursuing technology and engineering careers.
- More Info: TSA Scholarships
25. Niara Justice Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Students engaging in social justice work
- Details: Aims to support rising leaders dedicated to effecting change.
- More Info: Niara Justice
26. Gonzaga University Presidential Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $53,000
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen
- Details: Based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.
- More Info: Gonzaga Scholarships
27. B. Davis Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
- Details: Based on an essay about your goals for education.
- More Info: B. Davis Scholarship
28. Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility: Women pursuing business degrees
- Details: Supports female students in business-related fields.
- More Info: Zonta International
29. Brower Youth Awards
- Award Amount: $3,000
- Eligibility: Young activists working for environmental or social justice
- Details: Supports youth-led initiatives.
- More Info: Brower Youth Awards
30. The Trevor Noah Scholarship Fund
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students from marginalized backgrounds
- Details: Focuses on supporting underrepresented communities.
- More Info: Trevor Noah Scholarship
31. American Indian College Fund Scholarships
- Award Amount: $1,000 to $5,000
- Eligibility: Native American students
- Details: Aims to increase the number of Native Americans in higher education.
- More Info: College Fund
32. Harry S. Truman Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $30,000
- Eligibility: College juniors interested in careers in public service
- Details: Recognizes and supports future public service leaders.
- More Info: Truman Scholarship
33. LGBTQ+ Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: LGBTQ+ students pursuing community colleges or vocational schools
- Details: Supports diverse, inclusive campuses.
- More Info: LGBTQ+ Scholarships
34. Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship
- Award Amount: $2,000 – $15,000
- Eligibility: Asian American and Pacific Islander students
- Details: Supports recipients pursuing higher education.
- More Info: API Scholarship Fund
35. Chick-fil-A Scholarship
- Award Amount: $2,500
- Eligibility: Employees of Chick-fil-A
- Details: Financial assistance for college-bound employees.
- More Info: Chick-fil-A Scholarships
36. Teaching Fellows Program
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students pursuing a career in education
- Details: Encourages future teachers through financial support.
- More Info: Teaching Fellows
37. Women in Engineering Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Female students in STEM disciplines
- Details: Aims to encourage women to pursue engineering degrees.
- More Info: Women in Engineering
38. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: High school graduates who are active in their communities
- Details: Supports students pursuing higher education.
- More Info: Rainbow PUSH Coalition
39. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship
- Award Amount: Monthly stipend and full coverage for university fees
- Eligibility: International students in Germany
- Details: Supports students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- More Info: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
40. CAAHEP Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in health sciences
- Details: Provides scholarships for students in health-related programs.
- More Info: CAAHEP Scholarships
41. National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: High school members of NSHSS
- Details: Aims to recognize outstanding academic achievements.
- More Info: NSHSS Scholarships
42. The Princeton Prize in Race Relations
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: U.S. high school students working towards racial equity
- Details: Recognizes students who have made a positive impact on race relations.
- More Info: Princeton Prize
43. NSLI-Y Scholarship for Language Study Abroad
- Award Amount: Up to $1,000
- Eligibility: High school students interested in language immersion
- Details: Promotes language learning globally.
- More Info: NSLI-Y
44. Women Who Tech Scholarship
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Eligibility: Women majoring in technology
- Details: Supports women entering the tech field.
- More Info: Women Who Tech
45. Rotary Club Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Local students based on service and leadership
- Details: Encourages local community engagement.
- More Info: Rotary Scholarships
46. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: Up to $40,000 per year
- Eligibility: High-achieving high school seniors
- Details: Provides unmatched support for low- and middle-income students.
- More Info: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
47. The American Legion Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of veterans
- Details: Supports families of service members.
- More Info: American Legion Scholarships
48. AES Engineering Scholarship
- Award Amount: $500
- Eligibility: Students pursuing engineering, business, or related fields
- Details: Awarded based on an essay about available academic interests.
- More Info: AES Engineering
49. Samsung American Legion Scholarship
- Award Amount: $20,000
- Eligibility: High school students participating in American Legion programs
- Details: Supports youth involved in leadership and community service.
- More Info: Samsung American Legion Scholarship
50. The United Negro College Fund Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: African-American students attending HBCUs
- Details: Supports and enables students to attend college.
- More Info: UNCF Scholarships
51. Cynthia K. Smith Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $2,000
- Eligibility: Minority nursing students
- Details: Supports future nurses from diverse backgrounds.
- More Info: Cynthia K. Smith Scholarship
52. NetScholar Award
- Award Amount: Over $1,500
- Eligibility: Awarded based on essay submission
- Details: Supports students in online courses.
- More Info: NetScholar Award
53. Local Sorority Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Female students
- Details: Various scholarships awarded by local sororities.
- More Info: Local Sorority Scholarships
54. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Students with family affected by Alzheimer’s
- Details: Focuses on supporting students impacted by the disease.
- More Info: AFA Scholarship Program
55. Big Future Scholarship
- Award Amount: $40,000
- Eligibility: High school students
- Details: Supports college readiness through activities.
- More Info: Big Future Scholarships
56. Prospanica Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Hispanic students pursuing graduate degrees
- Details: Aims to promote advancement within the Hispanic community.
- More Info: Prospanica Scholarships
57. MALDEF Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Latina/o students
- Details: Focuses on empowering Latino students.
- More Info: MALDEF
58. BSA National Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Boy Scouts members
- Details: Awarded based on merit and academic performance.
- More Info: Boy Scouts of America Scholarships
59. Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees
- Details: Aims to encourage women in engineering fields.
- More Info: SWE Scholarships
60. AmeriCorps Education Award
- Award Amount: Up to $6,345
- Eligibility: Participants of AmeriCorps programs
- Details: Supports education costs for service members.
- More Info: AmeriCorps
61. Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Scholarship
- Award Amount: Covers tuition and fees
- Eligibility: Medical or nursing students
- Details: Supports future military healthcare professionals.
- More Info: Uniformed Services University
62. University of California Regents Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Distinguished students attending UC schools
- Details: Based on academic merit and potential.
- More Info: UC Regents
63. Red Cross Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Students who have volunteered for the Red Cross
- Details: Aimed at students demonstrating public service.
- More Info: American Red Cross Scholarships
64. Texas A&M University Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Incoming Texas A&M students
- Details: Numerous scholarships available for in-state and out-of-state students.
- More Info: Texas A&M Scholarships
65. National FFA Organization Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Members of the FFA organization
- Details: Supports students in agricultural education.
- More Info: FFA Scholarships
66. Montgomery County Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $1,500
- Eligibility: African American students
- Details: For high-achieving students.
- More Info: Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarships
67. Bethesda-Maryland-Support Black Educators Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Black students majoring in education
- Details: Promotes diversity in education.
- More Info: Support Black Educators
68. Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Applicants affiliated with the church
- Details: Supports religious studies and education.
- More Info: PAW Scholarships
69. Young Farmers and Ranchers Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,500
- Eligibility: Students pursuing agriculture and farming careers
- Details: Encourages young leaders in agriculture.
- More Info: Young Farmers and Ranchers
70. International Studies Abroad Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students studying abroad
- Details: Supports global education experiences.
- More Info: International Studies Abroad
71. Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: STEM students from minority backgrounds
- Details: Encourages diversity in scientific fields.
- More Info: SACNAS Scholarships
72. Voice of Democracy Scholarship
- Award Amount: $30,000
- Eligibility: High school students
- Details: For students participating in audio-essay competitions.
- More Info: VFW Scholarships
73. Courage to Grow Scholarship
- Award Amount: $500
- Eligibility: U.S. high school students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Details: Encourages students to share their academic goals.
- More Info: Courage to Grow Scholarship
74. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Pell Grant recipients studying abroad
- Details: Encourages more diversity and access to study abroad programs.
- More Info: Gilman Scholarship
75. North American Van Lines Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Applicants interested in transportation logistics
- Details: Supports students in logistics and supply chain degrees.
- More Info: North American Van Lines
76. Illinois Armed Forces Scholarship
- Award Amount: Covers tuition and fees
- Eligibility: Illinois residents serving in armed forces
- Details: For students serving in military branches of each service.
- More Info: Illinois Armed Forces
77. Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Scholarships
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students in creative fields
- Details: Supports students from low-income families.
- More Info: Driehaus Foundation Scholarships
78. Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $40,000
- Eligibility: Students transferring from community colleges
- Details: Aims to support exceptional community college students.
- More Info: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
79. Ariana Grande Tribute Scholarship
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility: Students pursuing performing arts degrees
- Details: Supports aspiring artists and musicians.
- More Info: Ariana Grande Scholarships
80. International Mexican Business Association Scholarships
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility: Mexican students studying business
- Details: Provides financial assistance for business education.
- More Info: IMBA Scholarships
81. USTA Foundation Scholarships
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Students pursuing tennis and education
- Details: Supports youth engaged in tennis and education.
- More Info: USTA Foundation
82. National Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility: Engineering students
- Details: Supports students pursuing engineering careers.
- More Info: NSPE Scholarships
83. The Ronal McDonald House Charities Scholarships
- Award Amount: Up to $100,000
- Eligibility: Students affected by illness within their families
- Details: Supports students whose families have received services from RMHC.
- More Info: RMHC
84. AT&T Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Students in technical and telecommunications fields
- Details: Helps students striving for technical degrees.
- More Info: AT&T Scholarships
85. Carmen Ochoa Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Hispanic community members
- Details: Supports students with Hispanic heritage.
- More Info: Carmen Ochoa Scholarship
86. American Indian College Fund Indigenous Education Scholarships
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Native American students
- Details: Supports higher education for Indigenous students.
- More Info: American Indian College Fund
87. Gateway to College Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students facing obstacles to earning a degree
- Details: Provides additional support for non-traditional college students.
- More Info: Gateway to College
88. The BCAA Legacy Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: High school seniors in Broward County
- Details: Supports local graduating seniors.
- More Info: BCAA Legacy Scholarship
89. Let’s Move! Health and Nutrition Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Students focusing on health and nutrition
- Details: Encourages scholarship applicants for healthy living.
- More Info: Lets Move!
90. Diversity Scholars Program
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students representing diverse backgrounds
- Details: Supports minority students pursuing higher education.
- More Info: Diversity Scholars Program
91. Katharine M. Dodd Nursing Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Nursing students
- Details: Awards students pursuing nursing careers.
- More Info: Katharine M. Dodd Nursing Scholarships
92. Los Angeles County Medical Association Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students in medical fields
- Details: Aimed at ensuring diverse medical professionals.
- More Info: LACMA Scholarships
93. Jacqueline H. Wright Scholarship
- Award Amount: $2,500
- Eligibility: Students balancing academics and work
- Details: Supports students committed to their education and responsibilities.
- More Info: Jacqueline H. Wright Scholarship
94. Women in Technology International Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility: Female students majoring in technology
- Details: Encourages women entering the tech industry.
- More Info: WITI Scholarships
95. Greenock Scholarship for Sustainable Development
- Award Amount: Up to $3,000
- Eligibility: Students with interests in sustainability
- Details: Supports projects focusing on sustainability and green living.
- More Info: Greenock Scholarship
96. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellowship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Individuals advancing public interest for social change
- Details: Recognizes potential in varied fields through financial support.
- More Info: MacArthur Foundation
97. Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Eligibility: Women pursuing aerospace-related subjects
- Details: Awards female students in aviation and space sciences.
- More Info: Zonta International
98. Canon Collins Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: African students completing post-graduate education
- Details: Encourages education and social change in the African community.
- More Info: Canon Collins Trust
99. Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation Scholarship
- Award Amount: $3,000
- Eligibility: Survivors of ovarian cancer
- Details: Supports survivors pursuing higher education.
- More Info: Sandy Rollman Foundation
100. The Steve and Lynda Anderson Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students pursuing degrees in agriculture
- Details: Focuses on supporting future agricultural professionals.
- More Info: Anderson Scholarship
In conclusion, navigating the world of scholarships can be overwhelming, but understanding your options and pursuing those that align with your qualifications and interests can significantly ease the financial burdens of higher education. Each scholarship mentioned above offers unique opportunities, and many thousands of dollars in funding are available. Use the provided links to explore the details, application processes, and eligibility requirements for each scholarship. Start unlocking your future today!