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

Part-Time Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) for County College Students

This grant is available for New Jersey residents who are attending a New Jersey county college on a part-time basis. Students must demonstrate financial need.
Award Amount

Total:  $8292159

Awards:  9907

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15

NJ Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (STARS) II

This scholarship is available for New Jersey STARS recipients who plan to transfer from a New Jersey county college to a New Jersey four-year public college or university. Students must have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher and a family income of $250,000 or less.
Award Amount

Total:  $2015360

Awards:  940

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15

Bucknell University Dean’s Scholarship

Bucknell University in Pennsylvania offers Dean’s Scholarships of $15,000 per year to prospective students with outstanding academic profiles that highlight a very rigorous curriculum, superior grades and standardized test scores with a commitment to school and civic engagement. Learn more and apply today!
Award Amount

Total:  $375000

Awards:  5

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15

CISE Undergraduate Scholarship

This award is for current undergraduate students who are majoring in industrial engineering, have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher, have a graduation date after May/June 2019, 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:  $2000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15

Harold and Inge Marcus Scholarship

This award is for U.S. 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.
Award Amount

Total:  $121000

Awards:  11

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15

IISE Presidents Scholarship

This award is for current U.S. 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 Engineers.
Award Amount

Total:  $25000

Awards:  5

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15

Daniels Scholarship Program

This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors who reside and attend high school in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming. Students must have an ACT score of 17 or higher in each section or an SAT score of 840 or higher, and must demonstrate financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Award Amount

Total:  $40000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  November 15

Paul Hagelbarger Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is open to U.S. college juniors and seniors and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in accounting at a four-year institution in Alaska. Scholastic achievement and financial need will be considered in the selection process.
Award Amount

Total:  $2000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  November 20

La Raza Foundation Scholarship

This award is available for minority law school students who live in or attend law school in the San Francisco Bay Area. A $20,000 scholarship and one $5,000 scholarship, with the potential for additional scholarships and awards based on funding. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Award Amount

Total:  $7500

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  November 25

Zada M. Cooper Scholarship

This award is available to members of Kappa Epsilon who have completed the equivalent of six semesters of undergraduate education with at least two of these semesters in an accredited college of pharmacy.
Award Amount

Total:  $18750

Awards:  5

Deadline

Deadline:  November 30