Scholarships for College Freshmen

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If you are a college freshman, most 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! This blog post will provide an overview of 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. 

Now is the time to go through the Scholarship Directory for first-year college students and create a good foundation for success. Take our Scholarship Match Quiz to see what kind of scholarships you could be eligible for. 

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: 

  1. 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. 
  1. 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. 
  1. 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 Ask 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. 

What are the 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 2024 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! 

Scholarships for College Freshmen 2025 List

Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant

Program information is available from the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (ICSAC) website. To apply, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, at high school guidance offices, and in college financial aid offices. The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after October 1 but before July 1 for award consideration for the upcoming award year. This award is available to Iowa students who are enrolled in vocational-technical or career option programs at Iowa community colleges. The student must demonstrate financial need.
Award Amount

Total:  $1800

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  July 01

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship – High School Seniors

This award is available for Arkansas high school seniors who are planning to attend a two-year or four-year postsecondary institution in Arkansas. Students must successfully complete the Smart Core curriculum established by the Arkansas Department of Education and have an ACT (or ACT equivalent) score of 19 or higher.
Award Amount

Total:  $5000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  July 01

Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

This essay contest is open to all high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
Award Amount

Total:  $5250

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  June 01

Tennessee Student Assistance Award Program

This award is available for Tennessee resident undergraduate students who are attending a public or an eligible non-public postsecondary educational institution in Tennessee. Students must enroll on a half-time basis or greater and must demonstrate financial need of having and EFC of $2,100 or less.
Award Amount

Total:  $4000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

TN Ned McWherter Scholars Program

This award is available for Tennessee high school seniors who are planning to attend a Tennessee public or private college or university. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher and an ACT of 29 or higher or a SAT (CR and M) of 1280.
Award Amount

Total:  $24000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  February 15

Tennessee Dependent Children Scholarship Program

This award is available for Tennessee resident students who are planning to attend a Tennessee public or private college or university. Students must be the dependent child of a Tennessee law enforcement officer, fireman, or an emergency medical service technician who has been killed or totally and permanently disabled due to an incident that occurred in the line of duty while employed in Tennessee.
Award Amount

Total:  $1000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  July 15

SME Education Foundation Family Scholarship

This award is for U.S. and international students who have a minimum of one parent or grandparent who has been an SME member in good standing for the last two years (includes step-mothers and step-fathers). The applicant must be a high school senior or current undergraduate student who has completed no more than 30 college credit hours and have a 3.0 grade point average or higher.
Award Amount

Total:  $640000

Awards:  4

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

Walt Bartram Memorial Education Award (Region 12 & Chapter 119)

This award is for U.S. and international undergraduate students who are majoring in manufacturing engineering at a college in Arizona, New Mexico, or southern California. The applicant must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher to be eligible.
Award Amount

Total:  $4000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

E. Wayne Kay Community College Scholarship

This award is for U.S. and international college freshmen and sophomores who are majoring in manufacturing engineering and technology. The applicant must have a 3.0 or higher and have completed less than 60 credit hours of college at time of application to be eligible.
Award Amount

Total:  $16000

Awards:  4

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

E. Wayne Kay Scholarship

This award is for U.S. and international undergraduate students who are majoring in manufacturing engineering and technology. The applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher to be eligible.
Award Amount

Total:  $9000

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01