There is no such thing as free money, but scholarships come very close. These financial aid awards may be need-based, merit-based, or academic-based. They can also help minimize the cost of a college education.
Before you begin applying for scholarships, thoroughly analyze your possibilities and select the best scholarships that match your talents, hobbies, and academic merit.
1. Elks National Foundation Scholarship Program
The Elks National Foundation offers 500 yearly Most Valuable Student scholarships to high school seniors, ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. To qualify, you must also be a United States citizen.
Students must also pursue a four-year college degree full-time to be eligible, and the foundation does not require that you be connected to an Elks member to apply.
When picking winners, the organization will take into account financial necessity, academic performance, and leadership abilities.
2. National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship
High school grads interested in government service can apply for the National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship.
Only United States citizens are eligible. The one-year scholarship might range between $500 and $5,000. Students must produce a one-page essay of 300 words or less that describes their passion for government employment and draws inspiration from George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River.
Students must also provide a letter of recommendation from their high school principal or guidance counselor, as well as a copy of their transcript.
3. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $3.55 million in scholarships to approximately 1,400 students annually. There are three separate scholarship schemes, one for community institutions and one for two-year colleges.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is given to people enrolled in a four-year program. This scholarship is open to both US citizens and permanent residents, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. The grant is given to 150 students, each earning a $20,000 scholarship.
4. Cooke College Scholarship Program
The Cooke College Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors who aim to pursue an undergraduate degree following graduation. To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need and have a family income of no more than $95,000. In addition, students must have a 3.5 GPA or better to participate in the program.
The program awards up to $55,000 each year, based on the cost of tuition and other scholarships the student has obtained. Only students wanting to attend college full-time are eligible.
5. QuestBridge National College Match
This scholarship program is intended for low-income high school seniors who demonstrate a financial need for college tuition. The QuestBride Match Scholarship provides a four-year scholarship valued over $200,000. The scholarship program may also include pairing students with other forms of financial aid, such as grants and work-study.
Students must attend one of the program’s partner schools, which include Brown University, Yale, Stanford, and others. Only US citizens and permanent residents may apply.
6. BigFuture Scholarship
The College Board offers a lottery-style scholarship rather than a standard one. There are two sorts of drawings: $500 and $40,000.
The program encourages kids to begin the college application process and complete the processes required to get admitted and obtain adequate financial help.
To apply, you must complete each step by the specified deadline. Completing the tasks will not only make you eligible for the scholarship drawing, but will also assist you in applying to college and qualifying for further financial aid.
There is no minimum GPA or test score requirement for eligibility, and there is no essay component.
7. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
The GE-Reagan Foundation award is a four-year, $10,000 annual award. The foundation also provides an all-expense-paid retreat to California. They can use the money to pay for tuition, living expenses, books, and other costs.
Students must have a 3.0 GPA, be US citizens, and intend to complete a four-year college degree. To apply, you must include a letter of recommendation from a community leader or school principle. Proof of financial necessity and a solid academic record are also necessary.
8. Engebretson Foundation
The Engebretson Foundation offers scholarships to high school students attending four-year colleges.
In addition to showing financial need, you must have an ACT or SAT score of 28 or 1240, a 3.75 GPA, or be in the top 5% of your graduating class. To be eligible, you must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students must include a letter of recommendation from their teacher with their application. You must submit or email the application form before the deadline.
9. Bryan Cameron Education Foundation
The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation provides four-year, full-tuition scholarships for students who excel in leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and academics. Every year, 10 to 15 deserving kids are picked.
Students must have a GPA of 3.7 and be US citizens. High school seniors who intend to attend a four-year college can apply for this award. You must provide two letters of recommendation and a transcript.
10. Unigo $10K Scholarship
The Unigo $10K Scholarship is a simpler application process compared to other scholarships with stricter prerequisites. Students must prepare a 250-word essay addressing the question, “Would you rather be smart, funny, or rich?”
Only legal US residents may apply, and there are no GPA requirements.