Scholarships for High School Students (Grades 9–12)

Discover scholarships for high school students in grades 9–12. Explore verified awards, compare eligibility, and apply for scholarships that help pay for college tuition, books, and expenses.

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Scholarships for High School Students

Scholarships for high school students help reduce the cost of college before you even graduate. Many organizations offer awards to students in grades 9–12 based on academics, leadership, athletics, community service, creative talent, or financial need.

Students can start applying as early as freshman year, and thousands of scholarships are available each year ranging from small $500 awards to full-tuition programs. Applying early and often can significantly lower the amount you need to borrow for college.

Use the tools below to explore verified scholarships for high school students, compare award amounts, and apply in minutes.

Scholarships

ACF Visionary Scholarship

Amount

$175k

Deadline

72 days

Effort

30–60 min

The Paradigm Challenge

Amount

$100k

Deadline

406 days

Effort

60+ min

Brede-Wilkins Scholarship Endowment Fund

Amount

$94.5k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

<15 min

Cooke College Scholarship Program

Amount

$55k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

60+ min

Ford Scholars Program

Amount

$40k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

60+ min

Wallace Invitational Scholarships in Engineering (WISE)

Amount

$30.5k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

30–60 min

2026 Bank of the Sierra Scholarship Program

Amount

$28k

Deadline

30 days

Effort

30–60 min

American Legion National Oratorical Contest

Amount

$25k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

60+ min

American Legion Oratorical Contest

Amount

$25k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

60+ min

Baccalaureate Scholarship (BaS)

Amount

$22.5k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

60+ min
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Scholarships by High School Grade

Students can apply for scholarships throughout high school. Many awards are specifically designed for certain grade levels.


Scholarships for High School Freshmen

Freshman scholarships help students start building a scholarship portfolio early. Many programs reward academic performance, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.


Scholarships for High School Sophomores

Sophomore scholarships often focus on leadership development and academic achievement.


Scholarships for High School Juniors

Junior year is one of the most important times to apply for scholarships because many large national programs open before senior year.


Scholarships for High School Seniors

Most college-bound seniors apply to dozens of scholarships during their final year of high school to help cover tuition, housing, and books.


Additional Resources

We have an entire page dedicated to High School students.

You can also access our entire Scholarship search database to find niche scholarships for greater chances of winning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for high school scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship but often includes being a current high school student, meeting certain GPA criteria, and demonstrating involvement in extracurricular activities or community service.
How do I apply for high school scholarships?
To apply, gather your academic records, letters of recommendation, and any required essays. Complete the application forms and submit them before the deadlines, ensuring all materials are included.
How much money can I receive from high school scholarships?
Scholarship amounts can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to full tuition coverage, depending on the scholarship type and sponsoring organization.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
It's best to start applying for scholarships in your junior year of high school. This gives you ample time to find suitable scholarships and meet application deadlines.
Are high school scholarships only for academic achievement?
No, there are scholarships for various talents and backgrounds, including sports, arts, cultural backgrounds, and community service. Explore different options to find the best fit for you.