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 2024 List
U.S. students who are residents of the Portland, Oregon Quad-County area (Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington or Columbia counties) or Clark County, Washington and plan to pursue or are pursuing studies beyond the secondary level are eligible for this scholarship. Students must self-identify as or be the child of a gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered person.
This scholarship is available for Native American high school seniors and college students who are pursuing a career in radio, television, or print journalism. Students must be members of NAJA to apply.
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who plan to study or are currently studying cosmetology. Students must be enrolled by August of the award year.
This award is available for California residents who are college freshmen or sophomores attending a college/university in the state of California. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and be enrolled in an allied healthcare program. Click here to learn more and apply today!
High school seniors with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher who are residents of Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, or Limpscomb counties are eligible for this award. Students must enroll full time in an agriculture degree at Clarendon College, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, West Texas A&M University, or Texas Tech University. Human Science students must enroll full time at Texas Tech University. Students attending Amarillo College or Frank Phillips College must enroll full time.
High school seniors with a ‘C’ average residing in one of the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas panhandle are eligible for this award. Students must be engaged in or sincerely interested in a shooting sport or activity. Click here to learn how to apply.
Alaska Natives who are original enrollees, the spouses of original enrollees, descendants or adopted children of an original enrollee of the Salamatof Native Association are eligible to apply for this award. Students must be high school seniors or current undergraduate students with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Undergraduate students residing in one of the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas panhandle OR those who are planning to attend an eligible Texas college are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and plan to enroll full time in an accounting program.
High school seniors residing and graduating from a high school in Castro County, Texas are eligible for this award. Students must enroll full time at Texas Tech University or Texas A&M University and maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher while in college.
High school seniors residing in one of the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas panhandle who have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher. Students must enroll full time at Amarillo College, Texas Tech University or Texas A&M University and maintain a grade point average of 2.8 or higher.
