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.
$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students in West Virginia who are pursuing a field of study in nursing or gerontology. The applicant must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and an ACT score of 20 or higher. A $500 award is offered. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is for a U.S. undergraduate student who is a resident of West Virginia. The applicant must have a 2.5 grade point average or higher and an ACT score of 20 or higher. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,500
Award Amount
53
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
Students who are in grade 12 and below in the United States, in CEGEP or below in Quebec, Canada, or in grade 13 or below in the Caribbean are eligible to enter this speech/sign language contest. Students must have a hearing loss of 40 decibels or more to qualify.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
Residents of St. Lucie County in Florida who are high school seniors or current undergraduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must enroll full time in a health science program.
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$2,886
Award Amount
83
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This forgivable loan program is available to Maine graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students who are pursuing initial certification as a teacher, including speech pathology or child care provider qualifications. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$750
Award Amount
250
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for international and U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are graduates of Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Maine or Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, Maine OR are residents of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, the Harpswells, or Topsham.
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$1,275
Award Amount
20
Awards
Apr 3
Deadline
Students who are majoring in a healthcare field and live within the service area of MaineGeneral Medical Center may apply for this scholarship.
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$12,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Dec 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors who will graduate from a state-approved Maine high school and plan to attend the University of Maine at Orono.
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$2,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
U.S high school seniors who are African American and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must pursue a degree full time in any of the social sciences, including technology, forensic investigations, and other criminal investigative studies, to further a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.
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$4,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
May 23
Deadline
This award is for U.S. college sophomores, juniors, and seniors majoring in aviation at a National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)/University Aviation Association (UAA) institution. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher to be eligible.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 22
Deadline
This award is available to North and South Dakota high school seniors who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe whose reservation is located in North or South Dakota. Students must major in agriculture, natural resources, or a related field.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students who are members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Students must plan to have a career in public relations.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 28
Deadline
This award is available to current nurses who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The applicant must be a member of the Emergency Nurses Association.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. or international undergraduate and/or graduate students who attend a college or university within the designated market area of stations serving the Ohio Valley Chapter region (this includes some schools in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia). Students must major in broadcasting.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 15
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in nursing and are currently enrolled in a program leading to eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse.
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$2,625
Award Amount
8
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This contest is available to all high school students. The applicant must be attending school in the same state as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary that sponsors him/her.
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$2,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Dec 4
Deadline
This award is available for students living in Northern California who work for or are otherwise affiliated with a member company of the Perishable Foods Council of Northern California (PFCNC) or be sponsored by an immediate family member who is a member/employee of a company that is a current member of the PFCNC.
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$2,500
Award Amount
21
Awards
Aug 14
Deadline
This award is available for current undergraduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher who are majoring in human resources. Applicant must have completed at least two semesters of course work in an HR major or HR emphasis area, including at least one human resources management course. The student must also be a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
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$750
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 22
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are enrolled full time at a four-year institution and pursuing a degree in photojournalism.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 2
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in photojournalism. Students must be enrolled full time at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States or Canada.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 2
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and Canadian undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in photojournalism. Students must be enrolled full time at an accredited four-year college or university, and demonstrate academic ability and financial need.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 2
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students who are studying photojournalism and concentrating on still and multimedia. Students must be enrolled full time at a four-year college or university in the U.S. or Canada and have one or more semesters remaining in school.
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$300
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is given to a 4-H member or former member who is a first-year student at North Dakota State University. Students must be residents of North Dakota and be 21 years of age or less.
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$350
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors and accepted or currently enrolled undergraduate students who are 21 years of age or younger. Students must be North Dakota residents and current or former 4-H members.
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$3,000
Award Amount
14
Awards
Mar 22
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors, college freshmen, college sophomores, or college juniors who are currently enrolled in a FFTA Flexo in Education Program or are currently enrolled in a postsecondary institution offering a course of study in flexography. Students must also have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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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