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.
$30,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Mar 5
Deadline
This award is available for current high school seniors whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) worked as a vineyard employee of a winegrape grower during the 2017 or 2018 season. Applicants must plan to enroll full time in a University of California, California State University or California community college.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 11
Deadline
This award is available to high school seniors who are residents of Chittenden County, Vermont, and plan to seek a bachelor's degree. Students must demonstrate academic achievement and financial need.
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$10,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
U.S. high school seniors who are residents of Rhode Island and have been diagnosed with epilepsy are eligible to apply for this award.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jul 6
Deadline
The Edward Leon Duhamel Freemasons Scholarship provides tuition support to undergraduate descendants of members of the Franklin Lodge of Freemasons in Westerly, Rhode Island. Students must be residents of Rhode Island and demonstrate financial need.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 10
Deadline
The purpose of this scholarship is to assist low-income single parents who reside in Rhode Island in the pursuit of an education beyond high school. Preference will be given to parents currently or previously receiving state aid and those who have been previously incarcerated.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 5
Deadline
The AES Engineering Scholarship Program is available to any student looking to further his/her education. An essay is required to apply for this award.
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$2,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for women who are residents of Maryland who have been out of high school for at least 12 months. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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$5,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 7
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international high school seniors who self-identify as a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender person, or as a supporter of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and must reside in or attend college in Colorado.
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$600
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
Colorado high school seniors through graduate students who attend or plan to attend a Colorado college or university are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This award is available for single mothers who are residents of Forsyth County, NC, and are 25 years of age or older. The student must demonstrate financial need, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and are employed and work 20 or more hours per week.
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$1,000
Award Amount
21
Awards
May 30
Deadline
This award is available for Hispanic students who are residents of and planning to attend a college or university in the state of Connecticut. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors in Hillsborough County Florida who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and family income that qualifies for free or reduced school lunches.
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$750
Award Amount
20
Awards
Aug 28
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. and U.K. undergraduate and graduate students who submit an original, 800-word essay regarding his or her entrepreneurial goals and plans.
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$5,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 7
Deadline
The AABE William Grant Pinkard Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in the Kansas City metropolitan area who are pursuing a career in the energy, business or STEM industries. Students must be an underrepresented minority and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 29
Deadline
The Bob and Evie Florence Memorial Scholarship Fund is available for high school seniors and current undergraduate students in Ventura County or Los Angeles County who are majoring in or planning to major in music.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to American Indian/Alaska Native students who are pursuing degrees in mathematics, medical sciences, physical science, technology, science, engineering, or natural resources. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must be a current AISES member (or join AISES before applying).
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$10,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students who are enrolled in a hospitality management program and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Applicants must attend and be nominated by an American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA) member school.
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$1,250
Award Amount
8
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. or Norwegian citizens who are 18 years of age or older. Students must demonstrate interest in furthering their studies of Norwegian or American heritage through arts, crafts, literature, history, music, folklore, etc.
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$22,483
Award Amount
70
Awards
Jun 30
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. undergraduate students who are children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers*, and emergency medical service workers who have died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York. Students must be attending or planning to attend an eligible postsecondary institution in New York.
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$1,847
Award Amount
37
Awards
May 1
Deadline
High school seniors or current undergraduate students who are citizens of the United States or Canada and are planning to enroll full time in a plumbing-heating-cooling (p-h-c) certificate or degree program are eligible for this award. Students applying for the need-based scholarship must demonstrate financial need; all students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 13
Deadline
This scholarship is for U.S. students who are members of the Allied Florists of Houston; applicants who are also members in the Texas State Florists Association will be given priority. The scholarship may only be used to attend the PFCI Commentating Class. Should a qualified applicant not apply to pursue PFCI credentials, an applicant pursuing AIFD credentials or Texas Master Florists Credentials may be considered.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 13
Deadline
This scholarship will be awarded to the highest scoring applicant who is a member in good standing of the Allied Florists of Houston. This scholarship may be used at any accredited floral design school, state association credentialed class, community, junior college, university level, or attendance at a regional, state, or national floral industry convention.
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$1,500
Award Amount
352
Awards
Mar 25
Deadline
International and U.S. high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who are current federal civilian employees or the dependents (spouse or child) of such an employee are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,333
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
Current undergraduate or graduate students who are members of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) are eligible for this award. Please note: Students of any ethnicity are eligible to join JACL. Applicants must demonstrate severe financial need.
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$2,333
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
High school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students who are planning to major or are majoring in the performing arts are eligible for this award. Students must be national members of JACL.
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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
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Edited by Unigo Staff