Need-Based Scholarships

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What is a Need Based Scholarship?

Need based scholarships are given to students who show financial need. These awards determine eligibility based on family income. Financial need may come from filling out the FAFSA. About 58% of low income families used need based scholarships in 2019, according to a Sallie Mae study. A scholarship is a monetary gift. you typically do not to pay back the funds compared to a student loan. So receiving a scholarship may make college more affordable. 

10 Scholarships for Financial Need You Should Apply for

There are plenty of need based scholarships for college students. Start your scholarship search with these ten awards. Then look for more scholarship opportunities based on your goals, major and interests. 

  1. GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
  2. Dell Scholarship Program 
  3. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship 
  4. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship
  5. UNCF Koch Scholarships
  6. Smith College Need Based Financial Aid
  7. Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy Memorial Scholarship Award
  8. AKA Educational Advancement Foundation Graduate Financial Need 
  9. National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarships
  10. Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) – Graduate Student Grant (NJ)

How Do You Qualify for Need Based Scholarships?

To qualify for need based scholarships, the first step is to fill out the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a standard form to determine financial aid. The federal government, states and colleges use it. FAFSA forms are available on October 1st so make sure to apply by the deadline.

The FAFSA asks questions about family income, taxes, and other assets. This helps find what you are able to pay or your expected family contribution (EFC). You also list the colleges you applied to and the cost of attendance. Based on the math: COA minus EFC equals your unmet financial need. Keep in mind that tuition may vary over time but your EFC could stay the same. 

Here are some general eligibility requirements for need based scholarships: 

  • Full time enrollment status
  • U.S. citizen or legal resident 
  • Plans to attend an accredited two or four year college in the United States
  • Have a high school diploma or GED

With all these factors, there are need based scholarships for students majoring in certain subjects. UNCF STEM Scholars Program is one example. This award is for Black high school students. You must have at least 3.0 GPA and plans to pursue a STEM career.

What is the difference between need based and merit scholarships?

Need based scholarship is given to family assets and income while merit scholarships are based on academic success. The main goal of need based aid is to make college more affordable for low income families. Your GPA and test scores may not be a factor in receiving financial need awards. Assuming need is not a criteria, undergraduate students of all income levels may also qualify for merit scholarships.

Merit scholarships are for high achieving students. They look at academic achievements. You typically need a strong GPA and test scores in order to qualify. Other criteria such as community service, leadership, and other talents could help you earn a merit award. 

Where Do You Find Scholarships Based on Financial Need?

Many high schools, colleges, companies and nonprofits provide need based college scholarships. Federal and state governments also offer financial aid based on need. You should also look for local awards within your community. Your scholarship search should include awards based on your academic achievements, major, and personal interests.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is for high school seniors with financial need. Eligible students may receive up to $40,000. You must be attending a four year undergraduate school. Many Cooke scholars exhibit a 3.5 GPA or higher and participate in community service projects. If you are selected, you may work with an education adviser. You also may attend a Scholars Weekend event in Washington D.C. 

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund is for women over 35 years old who show unmet financial need. JRF Scholars may receive up to $8,000. The award empowers non traditional students to pursue undergraduate program or trade skills certification.

Federal and State Government 

The U.S. Department of Education offers need based aid as grants and work study. Once your school’s financial aid office has your FAFSA, it uses your EFC to make you an offer. It’s also called an award letter. It states the types of aid available, total amounts and outstanding cost. The letter may state a college scholarship especially if you’re a first year student.

Federal Pell Grants

This is the largest need based federal grant program. Amounts change but the maximum amount is $6,345 for the 2020 to 2021 academic year. According to Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2020 report, 48% of families relied on grants to pay for college. Although grants are renewable, you may have to keep up with the terms and reapply each year. 

Federal Work Study

This program allows eligible students to earn money to pay for school through a part time job. As a rule, you must apply and interview for these jobs. You may find on campus or off campus work. Some typical work study jobs include office assistant, lab research, cafe worker, and others. 

TEACH Grant

Some colleges offer TEACH Grant eligible programs. If you’re enrolled as an undergraduate, post bachelor’s or grad student at one of these schools you may qualify. Eligible applicants need a 3.25 GPA and must sign a service contract. This states that upon graduation, you agree to teach in a high need field, full time and at a school that serves low income students. In return, this federal grant provides up to $4,000 per year.

State Grants

Many states have a certain amount of need based grants. You may have to fill out a FAFSA as well as state form and be accepted to a public four year college in your state. Just make sure to meet all application deadlines since they may differ.

List of Scholarships for Financial Need

Check out our list of scholarships worth .

Need-Based Scholarships 2024 List

John S.W. Fargher Jr. Scholarship

This award is for current graduate or undergraduate students who are majoring in industrial engineering, have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher, and are members of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers. Students may attend a college in the U.S. or U.S. territories, Canada or Mexico.
Award Amount

Total:  $8000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

Nebraska Access College Early Scholarship Program

This award is available to Nebraska High School students who demonstrate financial need and are in dual-enrollment or early enrollment programs with eligible Nebraska Postsecondary institutions.
Award Amount

Total:  $450

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  June 15

ASHRAE General Undergraduate Engineering Scholarship Program

This is an award for an international or U.S. student who is majoring in engineering and plans to work in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) profession. The student must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher to be eligible.
Award Amount

Total:  $180000

Awards:  6

Deadline

Deadline:  December 01

Utah Higher Education Success Stipend Program

This award is available to Utah resident undergraduate students who are currently attending or planning to attend an eligible postsecondary institution in Utah. The student must demonstrate financial need and meet the need requirements for a federal Pell grant.
Award Amount

Total:  $3000000

Awards:  3000

Deadline

Deadline:  December 01

Depauw University Bonner Scholar Program

U.S. graduating high school seniors who are planning to enroll at Depauw University are eligible for this award. Students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to serving their community will be considered upon admission. Each year the application is due February 1.
Award Amount

Total:  $1000000

Awards:  20

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

OCU American Indian Scholarship Program

American Indian graduating high school seniors who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR an ACT/SAT score of 22/1020 or higher and rank in the top 50 percent of their graduating class are eligible for this award. Students must attend Oklahoma City University.
Award Amount

Total:  $32216

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

UW-Eau Claire Single Parent Scholarship Program

U.S. single custodial parents with dependent children who are enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are eligible for this award. Preference will be given to returning female students.
Award Amount

Total:  $36000

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

Richard R. Tufenkian Scholarship

U.S. undergraduate students who are of Armenian descent and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must demonstrate financial need and participate in Aremnian community service.
Award Amount

Total:  $27000

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  June 30

Deana’s Wish Memorial Scholarship

This award is available for students in California who have been diagnosed or personally affected by a family member’s diagnosis of cancer. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
Award Amount

Total:  $1058000

Awards:  23

Deadline

Deadline:  June 30

Calvin College Richard and Janice Van Deelen Scholarship

U.S. students entering their junior or senior year at Calvin College are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be adopted, have a special interest in adoption, or an interest in working in the field of adoption.
Award Amount

Total:  $2000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01