Top Scholarships for College Students

Find scholarships for college students with deadlines, eligibility, and apply links. Explore funding opportunities to help pay tuition, room & board, and other education costs.

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What Are Scholarships for College Students?

Scholarships for college students are forms of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. Unlike loans, scholarships provide direct funding to help pay for tuition, books, living expenses, and other costs associated with higher education. They can come from schools, nonprofits, corporations, professional associations, or community organizations.

Who Qualifies for College Scholarships?

Eligibility varies by award. Common qualifiers include:

Academic achievement (GPA, honors)
Financial need (FAFSA/SAI status)
Major or field of study
Underrepresented identities (race, gender, first-gen)
Community service or leadership
Specific talents or career aspirations

Some scholarships require essays, portfolios, or extracurricular documentation.

Scholarships

$5,000 Annual Christian College Scholarship Drawing

Featured

Amount

$5k

Deadline

97 days

Apply Now

ACF Visionary Scholarship

Amount

$175k

Deadline

98 days

Effort

30–60 min

Apply Now View full details

Cooke College Scholarship Program

Amount

$55k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

60+ min

Apply Now View full details

11th-Grade College Scholarship

Amount

$50k

Deadline

4 days

Effort

30–60 min

Apply Now View full details

Cape Cod Foundation Scholarships

Amount

$40k

Deadline

6 days

Effort

60+ min

Apply Now View full details

Ford Scholars Program

Amount

$40k

Deadline

7 days

Effort

60+ min

Apply Now View full details

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest

Amount

$37k

Deadline

36 days

Effort

30–60 min

Apply Now View full details

AWS Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships

Amount

$35k

Deadline

51 days

Effort

60+ min

Apply Now View full details

Oregon Scottish Rite Educational Scholarships

Amount

$30k

Deadline

35 days

Effort

30–60 min

Apply Now View full details

2026 Bank of the Sierra Scholarship Program

Amount

$28k

Deadline

56 days

Effort

30–60 min

Apply Now View full details

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Types of Scholarships for College Students

🎓 Merit-Based Scholarships

Awards based on academic performance, leadership, or talent.

💸 Need-Based Scholarships

Awards focused on financial need and income levels.

🎯 Major-Specific Scholarships

Funding tied to particular fields (STEM, nursing, business, arts).

💡 Career & Professional Focused Awards

Scholarships for future teachers, engineers, healthcare professionals, and public servants.

🏆 Competitive & Portfolio Awards

Scholarships requiring creative portfolios, research proposals, or competition entries.

How to Apply for College Scholarships

Complete the FAFSA: Determines federal/state financial eligibility
Organize materials: Transcripts, test scores, recommendations
Draft essays early: Personal statements and award narratives
Track deadlines: Use a calendar or scholarship tracker tool
Submit early: Many awards fill before deadlines

Common Scholarship Mistakes College Students Make

Avoid these pitfalls:

Applying last minute
Ignoring smaller awards
Missing FAFSA deadlines
Using generic essays
Failing to follow instructions

Scholarships by Student Situation

First-Generation College Students
Low-Income & Need-Based Awards
Minority & Diversity Scholarships
Adult Learners & Part-Time Students
Transfer Students

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a scholarship award?

A scholarship is financial aid that does not need to be repaid and is awarded based on merit, need, or specific criteria.

How can I find scholarships for college students?

You can find scholarships through your college's financial aid office, online scholarship databases, and local community foundations. Consider asking professors or academic advisors for leads.

What is the average scholarship amount available?

Scholarship amounts can vary widely, ranging from a few hundred dollars to full tuition coverage. Many scholarships provide several thousand dollars to help offset education costs.

What documents will I need to apply for scholarships?

Typical documents include your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and proof of enrollment. Always check the specific requirements for each scholarship.

When should I start applying for scholarships?

It's best to start looking for scholarships early—ideally during your junior year of high school or as soon as you enroll in college. Many scholarships have early deadlines.