If you are about to be a college freshman, more than likely, you are looking for scholarships to help finance your education. Well, you're in luck – there are plenty of scholarships available specifically for freshmen on Unigo.com! This article will provide an overview of just some scholarships for college freshmen, including information on how to apply and how to meet eligibility requirements. So read on to learn more and start applying today!
It's never too early to get started. Scholarships for freshmen could assist with reducing student debts and reducing educational expenses such as tuition, living expenses, textbooks, laboratory fees, etc. The sooner you begin working toward it, the more you'll acquire benefits and the less money you'll have to pay off after your graduation.
$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
The CodeWizardsHQ team pairs real-world coding tools with their proprietary coding platform and experienced teachers to make it enjoyable for ages 8-18 to learn. High school seniors and incoming college freshman, with 3.5 GPAs or higher are eligible. Priority is given to STEM program applicants. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jun 30
Deadline
The National Society of High School Scholars offers $1,000-$5,000 scholarships to high school juniors and seniors hoping to make a positive impact on society. Applicants submit an essay, resume, transcripts, recommendation letter and headshot. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 15
Deadline
The NSHSS James W. Lewis Global Leader Scholarship awards 2 high school seniors and college freshmen with $5,000 each. Applicants need a minimum 3.5 GPA and demonstrate the values of James W. Lewis. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$100,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 1
Deadline
Southern Methodist University offers academic scholarships to first year students with outstanding academic credentials and personal achievement. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship requires students to discuss the importance of being a responsible driver and detail new tools and techniques that could be used to help educate young drivers and encourage them to be safe while behind the wheel. Visit our website for more information on how to apply.
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$21,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
The NAACP James Weldon Johnson scholarship was set up by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. to honor its namesake with up to seven awards ranging from $1,500 or $3,000 per student.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
Applicants need to be the first in their household family to attend post-secondary education at a certified institution, Matriculating freshman or sophomores as of Summer or Fall of 2021.
One scholarship will be awarded to a Connecticut resident, the other can be from any other state or the District of Columbia.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. As it is our goal to help out all types of postsecondary students who are actively looking for ways to fund their higher education journey, this $500 scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, college student, or graduate student who is currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States.
The scholarship is open to International Students studying at an accredited college or university in the United States.
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$5,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
Elevated Boston is awarding two $2,500 scholarships. This scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering college as a freshman, current students, transfer students, and graduate students attending a Massachusetts College or University in the fall of 2021.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 12
Deadline
This $2,000 scholarship is open to all high school and college students. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
This scholarship is designed to support those who identify as female, ages 17 and older, to enter into the field of strength and conditioning. Applicants must demonstrate they have been accepted into an accredited institution and are working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in the strength and conditioning field. Awards in the amount of $2,000 are granted and are to be applied toward tuition charges accrued by the student.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
Dennis Begos is a talented and trained doctor, who started this awesome scholarship program to help poor students to realize their educational goals and stand out from the rest.
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$880,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program provides full scholarships for a four year course of study toward a bachelor’s degree for up to eleven exceptionally able students annually from several Asian countries
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
If you're a student who has been financially affected by COVID-19, click to learn more and apply to this scholarship.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to those who have been employed for at least one year during which time they were a student (high school or college). Applicants must also write an essay (minimum 500 words) about a time in your life when you, your family, or a friend moved away, or about balancing school and work.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
Arizona State University awards a $1,000 Friends of History Scholarship to an undergraduate student who has a declared major in history.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
The John W. Council Scholarship is for university students majoring in computer science/CIS/MIS/IT major.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
The Kevin Jetton Service Scholarship is an annual award for college students seeking an education in an accredited degree program related to information technology.
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$25,000
Award Amount
9
Awards
Jun 14
Deadline
Howard Roark. John Galt. Dagny Taggart. Hank Rearden. The heroes of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged are famous because they’re unique. Rand’s stories, full of drama and intrigue, portray businessmen, inventors, architects, workers and scientists as noble, passionate figures. Where else will you find an inventor who must rediscover the word “I,” a young woman who defies a nation embracing communism, or an industrialist who must disguise himself as a playboy? A philosopher-pirate? An architect who is fiercely selfish yet enormously benevolent? A man who vows to stop the motor of the world — and does?
In creating her novels, Rand sought to make real her exalted view of man and of life — “like a beacon,” she wrote, “raised over the dark crossroads of the world, saying ‘This is possible.’” For millions of readers, the experience of entering Rand’s universe proves unforgettable.
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$80,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. high school seniors who are planning to attend American University, Washing D.C. The student must be a National Achievement or National Merit finalists or semi-finalists and designate American University as his/her first choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who have been recognized as National Merit Semifinalists or are high school valedictorians will receive this award. Students must attend Aquinas College in Michigan.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
At educations.com, the belief that students who study abroad become the next generation of globally-minded adventurers – so we want more of you to do it! That’s why educations.com is offering one undergraduate scholarship of up to $5,000 to help cover your tuition fees and get you one step closer to your next great adventure. The scholarship will be awarded for the Fall 2022 semester onwards and will be worth up to $5,000. It's open to students from any country who will be studying a bachelor’s degree abroad at a college or university in the USA.
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$18,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Dec 18
Deadline
Those awarded this scholarship may be awarded $18,000 to full tuition. Separate application is required and includes an essay, resume, letter of recommendation from high school counselor, principal or teacher, and campus interview. Full-time enrollment, participation in campus activities, on-campus residency and satisfactory academic progress are required to maintain the award through graduation.
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$100,000
Award Amount
16
Awards
Dec 18
Deadline
The Arkansas Academic Challenge Program provides educational assistance to Arkansas residents in pursuit of a higher education. For information on requirements and to apply, please visit the Arkansas Department of Higher Education’s website, scholarships.adhe.edu, or contact the Arkansas Department of Higher Education’s Financial Aid department: finaid@adhe.edu | (800) 54-STUDY | (501) 371-2050 – Greater Little Rock
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When you are starting your college journey, figuring out how to pay for it can feel daunting. Between scholarships, loans, and work-study programs, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One of the best ways to fund your education—especially in your first year—is through grants. Unlike student loans, grants typically don’t need to be repaid, making them a valuable form of financial aid. In this guide, we’ll break down what grants are, where they come from, and how you can secure them to help cover your freshman-year expenses.
Types of Grants Available to College Freshmen
Federal Grants
Federal grants are often the first place freshmen turn for financial aid. The Pell Grant, one of the most common grants, is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need. Because the maximum Pell Grant amount changes annually, it’s important to check the Federal Student Aid website for the most up-to-date information. To apply, students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it becomes available. Another federal grant is the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), which provides additional grant funds to low-income students who qualify for the Pell Grant. Since SEOG funding is limited and distributed by individual institutions, submitting the FAFSA early is crucial.
State-Sponsored Grants
Many states offer grants specifically for residents who plan to attend in-state colleges or universities. For example, California’s Cal Grant program supports students attending both public and private institutions who meet certain GPA and financial need criteria. New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps residents attending approved colleges and universities in the state. Eligibility, deadlines, and award amounts vary by state, so it is essential to review your state’s higher education agency website. In most cases, these state grants take into account both financial need and academic performance.
Institutional Grants for Freshmen
In addition to federal and state sources, colleges and universities themselves often award grants to attract and support promising freshmen. These grants may be awarded based on need, merit, or a combination of both. To find out what your prospective institution offers, start by reviewing the school’s financial aid webpage. It may also be helpful to contact a school’s financial aid office directly to inquire about freshman-specific grants. Some colleges automatically consider admitted students for their internal grant programs, while others may require separate applications. By exploring these institutional opportunities, you can discover valuable sources of funding tailored to your individual circumstances and academic profile.
Scholarships Applications Tips for College Freshmen
Scholarship applications can be daunting, and it can be difficult to know where to start. The following tips can help you navigate the scholarship application process:
- Start by doing your research. There are many different types of scholarships available, so it’s important to identify the ones that are most likely to be a good fit for you. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take the time to read through the eligibility requirements and application instructions carefully.
- Create a timeline for yourself. Applying for scholarships takes time and effort, so it’s important to create a timeline that will help you stay on track. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to gather all of the required materials and write a strong essay.
- Proofread your application thoroughly before submitting it. This may be one of the most important steps in the process, as even a small mistake could disqualify you from consideration. Be sure to ask someone else to read over your application as well, just to be sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Start Applying for Scholarships as a Freshman?
The answer is yes! Many scholarships may be available to students who are just beginning their college journey. However, it is important to note that the competition for scholarships might be fierce. To give yourself the best chance of success, you should start researching and applying for scholarships as early as possible. Many scholarships may require students to submit essays or personal statements, so it may also be important to begin working on your writing skills. If you start early and put in the effort, you could increase your chances of attaining a scholarship and help to relieve some of the financial burdens of paying for college.
Why It’s Important to Apply for Scholarships as a Freshman
Applying for scholarships as a freshman is important because it may give you the opportunity to receive financial aid. The earlier you start applying for scholarships, the better your chances often are of receiving one. Freshmen are usually unaware of the vast number of scholarships available to them, which is why it is so important to begin your search early. By starting your search early, you may increase your chances of finding scholarships that are a good fit for you and your academic interests. In short, applying for scholarships as a freshman is often an important step in ensuring that you can afford the college of your choice.
Benefits of Scholarships for College Freshmen
Scholarships often provide many benefits for college freshmen, including financial assistance, recognition, and opportunities. One of the most obvious benefits of scholarships is that they can help you pay for your education. With the rising cost of tuition, room, board, and other expenses, scholarships may be a much-needed source of financial assistance.
In addition to providing financial assistance, scholarships could also help you stand out from your peers. Scholarships are often awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence or have unique talents or abilities. Receiving a scholarship might give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or graduate school.
Finally, scholarships may provide you with opportunities to get involved in your field of interest. Many scholarships may be awarded by organizations or companies that are related to the student’s field of study. For example, a student interested in engineering might receive a scholarship from an engineering firm. These types of scholarships often come with benefits like paid internships or the opportunity to shadow a professional in your field.
The sooner you begin looking for scholarships, the more likely you are to find ones that fit both your academic interests and preferences. Applying for scholarships during freshman year gives you the best chance of being able to finance your college education. By beginning your search early, you may have more time to put together a strong application with all the required materials.
Start applying for 2025 scholarships for college freshmen today!
There’s no time like the present to start looking for scholarships! The sooner you start the process, the more money you could potentially have for college. And don’t think that you have to be a straight-A student to qualify – there are usually scholarships available for all types of students, from those who excel in academics to those who are involved in extracurricular activities. So what are you waiting for? Take a few minutes each day to search for scholarships, and before you know it, you’ll have a stack of applications waiting to be filled out. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start applying for scholarships today!
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff