It’s your final year of high school, and you’re ready to take on a new adventure, college! As high school senior, you still have hundreds of college scholarships for high school seniors opportunities available to you. So, as you’re making plans on what college you want to attend and what major you want to study, be sure to add these scholarships for high school seniors 2022 to your college to do list.
What Types Of College Scholarships Can High School Seniors Apply For?
There are many different types of high school senior scholarships that you can apply for. Some scholarships are based on your academic achievement, while others consider your extracurricular activities, community service, or even your financial need. Here are some of the most popular college scholarships for high school seniors:
Academic Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships
Minority Scholarships
Community Service Scholarships
It’s worth looking into each program individually because not alone may be available at any given time but knowing what type they offer could help when it comes down deciding whether this opportunity suits YOUR needs best.
10 High School Senior Scholarships for 2024
We’ve created a short list of college scholarships for high school seniors. Apply by the application deadline and make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Golden Key International Honour Society Scholarship Program
The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
The National Merit Scholarship Program
The Posse Foundation Scholarship Program
The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Program
The Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships
How Do You Find High School Senior Scholarships?
In order to find scholarship opportunities for high school senior, you may want to look at local, state and national sources. Military, private organizations, and nonprofits may also provide scholarships for seniors.
Local
If you are starting with a local search, you may want to ask your high school counselor or see whether any student organization offer college scholarships for high school seniors. Your place of worship, community center or local businesses may extend scholarships to eligible residents.
Schools
During your senior year, you’re probably searching and applying to your perfect college. While you’re searching, you might contact the financial aid office of these prospective schools. Many may offer scholarships for college students once you are admitted. These tie to academic achievement and grade point average.
Military
Do you come from a military family or interested in pursuing a military career? There are a wide range of colleges that partner with ROTC programs. For example, ARMY ROTC scholarships are for high school students attending a four year college program. You may also serve on the Army full time. Some military awards could also be for children of active duty service member or Veterans.
Scholarship Organizations
Do you have specific interests or a minority student? There are many professional organizations like The Elks that offer scholarships to high school students. You typically need to be an exclusive member. Many minority organizations like UNCF also fund scholarships to make higher education more affordable.
Businesses and Nonprofits
Many businesses and non profits offer annual scholarships. These may be open to high school seniors who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree. You may also show qualities of leadership and advocate for a good cause. If your parent works for a big company, they may also offer scholarships as a benefit to employees’ dependents.
When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?
You should start your search for scholarship opportunities for high school senior as early as possible. Many high school seniors wait until the last semester to start the process. By this time, many deadlines have already passed. You want to give yourself enough time to gather materials and fill out applications completely.
Scholarship Application Tips for Seniors in High School
Applying for scholarships can be a daunting task. High school seniors often wonder how to stand out among the competition. Here are some tips:
Start early: You should start your search as early as possible. This way, you can ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines.
Get organized: Create a system to keep track of deadlines, requirements and materials. This way, you can ensure that you’re completing everything on time.
Follow directions: Many providers disqualify late and incomplete application. Follow the scholarship rules, word count, essay topic and don’t omit any required documents.
Gather references and letters of recommendation: Many scholarships providers ask for at least one recommender. It could be a teacher, mentor, employer, or coach. Cultivate a relationship and have one recommendation letter ready.
Ask for help: If you’re having trouble with any part of the application process, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can ask your guidance counselor, teachers or parents for assistance.
List of Scholarships for High School Seniors
Check out our list of scholarships worth .
Scholarships for High School Seniors for 2024-2025 2025 List
This scholarship is available for students who are enrolled at or planning to enroll at Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo or Alan Hancock Community College. Applicants must have been employed, or have a parent or legal guardian employed as a vineyard worker during the 2017 or 2018 agricultural season.
This scholarship is available for female U.S. high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher who have shown an interest in the sport of golf.
The Equal Pay Day Chicago Student Journalism Contest is available for high school students in Chicago who submit an essay on the topic of equal pay and existing pay disparities in the United States. Click here to learn more and to apply today!
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students with pre-lingual, bi-lateral hearing loss that is classified as moderate to severe. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher and plan to enroll full time in an accredited college or university.
The OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates Youth Leadership Award is available for Asian American and Pacific Islander high school seniors who reside in Missouri and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
This award is available for self-identified gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and queer students attending or planning to attend San Francisco State University, Stanford University, or University of California at Berkeley. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, enroll full time, and demonstrate potential to become positive role models for LGBTQ people.
This scholarship is available for Georgia high school seniors who have a father, mother or natural guardian who is a member of the police or fire department, or a full-time paid or volunteer member of the police department, located in Georgia AND is a full-time active employee, not on disability. Students must be 15 to 20 years old.
Native American or Native Alaskan students who are high school seniors or current undergraduates are eligible for this award. Students must be pursuing higher education in the field of natural resources.
This scholarship is available for current U.S. undergraduate students who work or have worked in an Asian restaurant (Asian-owned or Asian cuisine) OR have a parent who works or has worked in one.
