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
This award is available for legally blind students who are pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, postsecondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution.
This award is available for graduating high school seniors who are the son, daughter, grandchild, or financial dependent of a Teamster Union member. Applicants must rank in the top 15% of their graduating class, have excellent SAT/ACT scores, and have demonstrated financial need.
This award is available for international and U.S. undergraduate and/or graduate students who attend or plan to attend the University of Arizona. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and pursue a career in the environmental arena.
This scholarship is available for international and U.S. high school seniors who are cancer survivors or are currently diagnosed with cancer. Students must be attending a high school in a county served by The Ashley Foundation as of the beginning of the current academic year. The following counties in Maryland are eligible: Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington.
This award is for U.S. citizens who are legally blind. Applications are accepted at the beginning of the student’s senior year in high school. Award selection and payment is made one year following the deadline for use in college.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
First-generation U.S. citizens, refugees, or immigrants who are residents of Wake County in North Carolina and have completed one or more academic years at a Wake County high school are eligible for this award. The student must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and enroll full time at a postsecondary institution in North Carolina.
High school seniors graduating from Southern High School in Durham, North Carolina who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must demonstrate financial need and plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university.
This scholarship is available for current high school seniors and undergraduate students residing in southern Arizona. Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or must be a straight ally who demonstrates a commitment to LGBT equality and advocacy.
