Scholarships for Nursing Students—And How to Win Them
It’s no secret that postsecondary education can be expensive—and that costs are rising quickly. This includes costs for nursing school at all levels.
The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency List reports total tuition for practical nursing, vocational nursing, and nursing assistant programs—which last from one to 26 months—runs between $370 and $36,5000 as of 2019.
Registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research, and clinical nursing at vocational programs—lasting between eleven and thirty months—ranged from $12,040 to $85,000 at the schools they surveyed that same year.
And four-year bachelor’s programs? Inclusive of both public and private schools, they cost an average of $27,357 per year between tuition, fees, and room and board as of the 2017-2018 school year.
But you have options! You’ve probably heard all about financial aid—loans, grants, scholarships, and so forth. We’re here to tell you how to best increase your chances of winning scholarships so you can lower your overall school debt. We’ve also included a list of scholarships—both for those entering healthcare and for students of all majors—at the bottom.
What is a Scholarship?
Simply put, a scholarship is free money given to those who meet certain qualifications. Unless you violate any terms of your scholarship, you don’t have to pay that money back. Scholarships are granted by government entities, individual schools, charitable groups, membership organizations, and more.
There are four basic types of scholarships: need-based, merit-based, those based on your unique background, and ones granted based on hobbies, talents, and extracurricular activities.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based nursing scholarships support low-income students who cannot afford to pay for college without assistance.
When filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you’ll enter information about your family’s income. The government then uses this to calculate need based on expected family contribution (EFC).
Both the federal government and other scholarship and grant-awarding entities use this information to determine your need-based funding eligibility. While extracurriculars don’t matter for federal funding, many need-based scholarships also expect applicants to demonstrate academic, athletic, and/or artistic accomplishments.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Many merit-based scholarships focus on academic success, but some look at different types of accomplishments.
Most schools provide merit-based awards, but they can also be found through professional associations, foundations, and companies. Applications usually require you to submit up-to-date transcripts and standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, etc.).
When it comes to renewable scholarships, students who’ve received them typically need to keep up a minimum GPA.
Background-Based Scholarships
These scholarships award money based on unique factors of a student’s identity, such as their race or ethnicity, gender, religion, age, or involvement in extracurriculars or the military.
Many scholarships support students from historically underrepresented populations, including BIPOC learners and those who identity as LGBTQ+.
Some scholarships are exclusively for female-identifying people, such as one from the Society of Women Engineers, which encourages these students to undertake STEM degrees.
If you identify as BIPOC or a woman, check out our list of scholarships just for you.
Your faith may also open up possibilities for scholarships. For instance, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry at The United Methodist Church provides scholarship opportunities for learners who maintain Methodist church membership.
If you’re a nontraditional student—that is, someone who is undertaking your first degree at an older than average age—awards also exist for you. One example is from the Imagine America Foundation, which provides a $1,000 scholarship for college students aged 21 or older.
Lastly, don’t forget to look into scholarships for veterans if you are a former member of the armed forces.
Hobby, Skill, and Other Extracurricular Scholarships
Extracurricular scholarships award funding for special skills or hobbies you develop expertise in. These awards span from the expected, such as participation in the arts, sports, or volunteerism, to the unexpected, such as the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Scholarship.
Athletic scholarships are probably the best-known type of extracurricular scholarships. Nearly every college offers some type of funding to talented athletes, especially if the school offers four-year degrees. Every institution sets requirements for sports awards, so you should check with each to learn about specifics.
But don’t forget about the arts! While many feel pressured to participate in sports in order to win scholarships, there are many opportunities for students who excel in the performing or fine arts. While most athletic scholarships are given to a select few by their individual institutions, arts scholarships can be given by schools or a seemingly unending number of community or arts organizations. The Scholarship System provides a fairly comprehensive list of arts scholarships available to students like you.
Learners with a history of volunteerism can also find ample funding opportunities from regional and national awarding organizations. For example, Prudential provides the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, but plenty of other options exist.
Myths About Scholarships
Myths surround the type of scholarships available and what it takes to win one. We look at a few of the most common ones below—and dispel them.
Scholarship Myth #1: Judges prefer quantity of activities over quality. When mapping out extracurriculars in high school, know that more isn’t necessarily better. Instead of joining 25 clubs, think about how you can be active and engaged in a few. Leadership roles also help—and it’s easier to be a leader if you’ve proven you’re dedicated to the group or activity.
Scholarship Myth #2: Only the best writers get awards. Scholarship applications are judged on different criteria, with writing often being part of that. However, panelists frequently recognize not every applicant is a great writer but may still bring many important qualities to the table. (That said, you should still write to the best of your ability when filling out any application, especially if they require an essay. More on that later.)
Scholarship Myth #3: Small scholarships aren’t worth your time. In most cases, scholarship granters don’t disallow you from getting scholarships from other places. It’s important to remember that small awards add up.
Scholarship Myth #4: Only high-need students get scholarships. While there are scholarships based on need, many don’t factor that in. Instead, they look at merit, background, and skills. This is great news for those whose expected family contribution exceeds what their families will actually contribute.
Scholarship Myth #5: There’s too much competition. Some awards have stiff competition, especially those offering large amounts of money. But someone has to win it—why not you? Do your best, and see what happens.
When Should I Start Looking for Scholarships?
Start looking for scholarships as early as possible. Even if most awards you find support high school seniors and you’re not there yet, simply save the link and come back when you’re eligible.
It’s also worth remembering that some awards exist for middle schoolers and those earlier in their high school journey. These funds may not be usable for college, but they can fund projects that will look great on a college application.
Your junior year of high school is key. Not only does that year give you a solid idea of what will be available to you the following year, but you’ll also find some scholarships are open to high school juniors.
Lastly, you should apply to scholarships every year you’re in college. A good number of scholarships are open to students at any point in their education, so long as they’re pursuing an eligible degree. Still other awards target students in specific years—especially seniors, as they know you may be running out of money by that time—or can only be applied for after you’ve completed a certain number of credits.
How Do I Pick Which Scholarships to Apply For?
One of the biggest mistakes made is wasting time applying for scholarships they’re not eligible for. It’s important to pay attention to eligibility requirements and ensure they match your background.
While you can apply to any scholarship you qualify for, a great way to winnow down the competition is by beginning with scholarships specific to your educational and career goals. For instance, if you’re a nursing student, many nursing associations offer awards, as do some hospitals and clinics.
Make a list of your activities and interests, unique qualities, and anything else you think makes you stand out in a crowd. You may be surprised by the awards you find. Scholarships exist for just about anything—and we do mean anything. For instance, whether you’re passionate about conducting research supporting the potato farming industry or are an exceptionally tall student, scholarships exist for you.
What Does a Scholarship Application Require?
Application requirements vary based on the awarding organization. That being said, many scholarships gather similar general information. Some requirements listed below may have no bearing on whether you receive an award, but you should have them ready.
Details About Your Academic Background
Most applications require transcripts from any schools previously attended, including colleges. Some awards set minimum GPA requirements, but not all.
Financial Information
Many awards require you to fill out the FAFSA as this provides a wealth of financial information. Some may also require additional documentation demonstrating need or verifying other awards you’ve received.
Extracurricular Activities Information
Extracurriculars help show off your interests outside the classroom. Most applications require a list of which clubs you joined, who advised you, how long you participated, and what leadership positions you held. You may need a letter of recommendation from the activity’s adult advisor, so ask them early—even if you don’t have an application in your hand yet—so they know a request may be coming.
Short Answer Questions
Many applications include several short questions to help differentiate you from other candidates. Questions may include:
- What are your career goals?
- When was a time you faced difficulties, and what did you do to overcome them?
- What has been the most formative experience in your life?
When answering these questions, the two most important things you can do are be honest and proofread. If the application exists as an online form, write your answers in a word processor so you can edit and check for mistakes before pasting them into the correct spot, checking for formatting issues in the application, and hitting “submit.” You don’t want a typo to be the reason you don’t get an award.
Essay
Scholarship applications often include an essay component to help you set yourself apart from other candidates and share your experiences. Later in this guide, we’ll discuss how to write a great essay.
How to Rock Your Scholarship Application
Creating a great scholarship application isn’t impossible, but it does require research and careful execution of requirements. Some things you can do to ensure your application stands out include:
Follow the instructions to the letter. Many applications get dismissed due to students failing to complete the required tasks. Read over instructions several times before starting to make sure you understand them. Most organizations offering scholarships provide an email address or phone number through which you can contact them with questions.
Ask for help. Ask a parent, friend, teacher, or roommate to look over your application. A fresh pair of eyes can catch costly mistakes. If you’re in college and your school has a writing or tutoring center, they may also be able to assist.
Be yourself. Scholarship panelists aren’t looking for the most unique application they’ve ever read, nor are they looking for the answers that applicants think they want to hear. They’re looking for authenticity. Sometimes just being yourself is the most interesting thing you can do.
Keep up with deadlines. The worst thing you can do is spend hours working on an application only to realize you missed the due date. Add each to a calendar and set notifications for a day or two before. This is also where talking to potential references ahead of time comes in handy—it’s best to give people at least two weeks to write a letter of recommendation for you.
Tailor each application. While many applications ask similar short answer and essay questions—and you can certainly create templates for these—be sure to alter each one to be unique to this organization’s mission. Also, questions may differ just enough that an answer you’ve previously written doesn’t quite fit.
How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay
A winning scholarship essay isn’t about having lived a life of jumping from airplanes or saving people from burning buildings; it’s about conveying your experiences, no matter how mundane they may seem to you. Readers want to know what excites you, which experiences shaped your life, and how you plan to make an impact after graduating. Several steps can be taken to help your essay stand out:
Understand your purpose. Before writing, review guidelines and requirements carefully. Think about the topics you want to address and make an outline. Review that outline against the question to make sure what you plan to talk about adequately answers the question.
Know your audience. How you write an essay for a teacher may look different from how you write one for a scholarship panel. Read some sample essays to get a feel for the tone and style you should use. Some organizations even post previous winner’s essays on their sites—just be authentic, even when using the winning examples as guides.
Proofread, then proofread again. Imagine this: you’re choosing between two candidates with equally awesome backgrounds, but one has a typo in their application, and the other doesn’t. Which one would you choose? When plotting out your application schedule, leave ample time to proofread repeatedly, and then ask someone else to read it. Reviewing our writing style guide can also help you avoid costly mistakes.
Some of the essay questions commonly used on scholarship applications include:
- How will this award help you achieve your goals?
- What impact have you made in your local community?
- Why should we give you this award?
Nailing a Scholarship Interview
If you made it to the interview stage, you’re in strong consideration for an award. Congrats! Nailing the interview is the last thing you need to do to impress the awarding body.
Interviews give panelists the chance to clarify anything in your application, ask questions, and get a sense of what you’re like off paper. Most interviews will include two to three panelists with a list of questions.
Unless you live near the awarding body, your interview will likely occur over a video conferencing app. This is especially true during the COVID-19 crisis. If the interview does take place in person, the organization/school will sometimes reimburse travel expenses.
In many ways, a scholarship interview is similar to a job interview, so preparing for one involves many of the same tasks. A few things you can do to get ready include:
Doing your research. Brush up on your knowledge of the group, making sure you feel confident about discussing why you applied, what you bring to the table, and how you plan to make them proud.
Checking the tech. If participating in a virtual interview, make sure your microphone and camera work properly before it starts.
Dressing appropriately. Professionalism can go a long way in showing interviewers you understand the seriousness of the moment and know how to conduct yourself.
Practicing answers. Whether practicing with your parents or a school counselor, these adults can help you hone answers to common questions, work out any nerves, and provide feedback on areas of improvement. Common questions include:
- Tell us about yourself.
- What’s something we didn’t learn about you in your application?
- What are your plans after college?
Where Can I Find Scholarships?
Finding scholarships can feel like a daunting task—but it doesn’t have to be. Below, you can find a few places to find scholarships right in your neighborhood, as well as a list of scholarships available nationwide.
Your Institution
Countless schools offer scholarships based on need, merit, type of degree, and several other factors. Some colleges provide a searchable scholarship database of awards you can apply for, while others automatically consider you for awards once you’ve submitted your FAFSA. Talk to their financial aid office for full details.
Local Scholarship Sources
Many local options can exist from local organizations, local/state governments, regional nursing association chapters, and community hospitals and clinics. Check their websites to learn more and start your search early.
Nursing Scholarships
This scholarship is for nursing students in bachelor’s or higher programs.
This is available to students enrolled in bachelor’s or higher nursing programs at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) member institutions affiliated with CastleBranch, though they also consider those who’ve applied to a nursing program via NursingCAS.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by AACN and CastleBranch
Working Towards: Bachelor’s or higher degree
Awards Available: 2
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: 3.2
This scholarship may or may not be renewable.
This scholarship is for graduate nursing students at AACN member schools.
This scholarship is open to graduate nursing students attending AACN member schools. Applicants must also be AACN members (membership is free for students) and U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents. The application requires a professional or academic reference and an essay about how you’ve contributed to nursing. Winners are required to summarize their essays for publication.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by GNSA/AACN and CastleBranch
Working Towards: Graduate degree
Awards Available: 2
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 3.5
This scholarship may or may not be renewable.
This scholarship is for master’s and doctoral nursing students at NursingCAS schools.
This interesting scholarship is for up to $3,500, $2,000 of which is sent directly to the student to cover educational costs. The other $1,500 max is for students to travel to Washington D.C. to participate in a three-day, one-on-one leadership program with Dr. Deborah E. Trautman, President and CEO of AACN, at AACN’s headquarters. That program will occur sometime between June and August. Students must be enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs associated with NursingCAS. They must also be AACN’s Graduate Nursing Student Academy members—it’s free to become a member. Applications require a faculty advisor’s contact information, a resume or CV, two letters of recommendation (one of which must be from your nursing school’s director), a list of goals about what you hope to gain from Dr. Trautman’s mentorship, and an agreement to participate in said leadership program.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Liason International/AACN
Working Towards: Master’s and doctoral degrees
Awards Available: 2
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: Not Available
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for bachelor’s or higher nursing students.
This scholarship is for those pursuing nursing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Those who plan to become nurse educators, are enrolled in RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN programs, or are engaged in accelerated programs are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must be enrolled—not just accepted—at AACN member institutions and registered members of AfterCollege.com. They pay particular attention to grammar and spelling on your application and AfterCollege profile—which you won’t be able to edit after applying. Awards are based on experience, honors and awards, skills, and other categories on your profile. You may also be asked for relevant tax forms. The $10,000 scholarship will be awarded in $2,500 increments each quarter. They choose at least one winner per cycle, with no maximum number specified.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by AfterCollege and AACN
Working Towards: Bachelor’s or higher degree
Awards Available: 1+
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship may or may not be renewable.
This scholarship is for current nurses pursuing professional development.
These scholarships are for AACN members currently working in nursing who want to take continuing education courses.
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Provided by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Working Towards: Professional development
Awards Available: Not Available
Essay Required: Not Available
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
These scholarships are for undergraduate and graduate students and current health professionals depending on the individual award.
This set of eight scholarships and grants are available to occupational health and environmental nurses, health students, and professionals who are members of the American Associational of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN). Some are for undergraduate or graduate students, some for continuing education, and one is to offset costs associated with the Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI) program. For detailed information on each, download their scholarship application.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by AAOHN and various partners
Working Towards: Bachelor’s, master’s, professional development
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for bachelor’s or higher nephrology nursing students.
This set of scholarships is open to American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) members who have been part of the association for at least two years. They must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or higher program focusing on nephrology nursing. You must submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a professional photograph, as well as your CDN/CNN card, if applying for the NNCC scholarships.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by ANNA and various partners
Working Towards: Bachelor’s or higher degree
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: Not Available
This scholarship may or may not be renewable.
This scholarship is for GNSA members in master’s or doctoral programs.
This scholarship is for GNSA members—membership is free for students—who are graduate nursing students. You must submit a reference and an essay about how healthcare is evolving. Finalists may need to submit three letters of recommendation, a list of awards and honors, and published articles. Winners’ essays and headshots will be posted online.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by AACN
Working Towards: Master’s and doctoral degrees
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 3.5
This scholarship may or may not be renewable.
This scholarship is for ARN members who, varying by scholarship, are pursuing a BSN, MSN or higher, or want to attend ARN’s conference or NIWI.
The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) offers four scholarships for ARN members. One is for those working toward BSNs, one for MSN or doctoral candidates, another covers attendance at their annual conference, and a final one pays costs associated with the Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI). Those working toward degrees must have at least two years of experience working in rehabilitation nursing, and those applying for the conference or NIWI scholarships must be practicing rehabilitation nurses. Student applicants must have successfully completed at least one course in their programs.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Association of Rehabilitation Nurses
Working Towards: BSN, MSN, doctorate, conference attendance, NIWI internship
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: Not Available
GPA Required: Not Available
This scholarship is not renewable for NIWI and conference. Renewability is unknown for degree candidates.
This scholarship is for nontraditional associate or bachelor’s nursing students.
This scholarship is for nontraditional students with a minimum gap of three years between high school and postsecondary education. They must be enrolled full time in a nursing associate or bachelor’s program and submit two letters of recommendation and an essay.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by B4 Brands
Working Towards: Associate or bachelor’s degree
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students focusing on emergency or rescue nursing.
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) offers four types of academic scholarships, with many in each category: doctoral, graduate/master’s, non-RN, and undergraduate. Excepting non-RN scholarships and Elizabeth B. Moore Memorial Scholarships, these awards are available only to ENA members. All applicants must attend ACEN or CCNE accredited schools, provide two letters of recommendation, and focus on rescue or emergency nursing. Strong applicants show a history of leadership, community involvement, and professional excellence. All funds are paid to institutions directly and must be used for tuition and fees.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Emergency Nurses Association Foundation
Working Towards: RN to BSN, master’s, doctoral degrees
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: 3
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for undergraduate nursing students or graduate students going for their first nursing degrees.
These scholarships are for undergraduate nursing students or graduate students pursuing their first nursing degrees. Some scholarships are only available to National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) members. Applicants must be attending no fewer than six credits each semester and can’t be current high school students, even if planning to attend nursing school. Decisions are based on need, merit, and involvement in nursing and healthcare activities and organizations. The application requires a $10 fee, financial aid and clinical instructor/faculty advisor certification forms, unofficial transcripts, and, if applicable, an RN resume and license and NSNA member number. Money can only be used for tuition, fees, and books, and any remaining amount must be forfeited at the end of the funding period.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc.
Working Towards: Diploma, associate, bachelor’s, direct-entry master’s, RN to BSN/MSN, LPN/LVN to RN, accelerated program degree
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is renewable.
This scholarship is for people entering a variety of medical fields.
This is a collection of scholarships for people hoping to be nurses, occupational and physical therapists, or medical doctors. While requirements vary by scholarship, some require DAR membership (either of oneself or a mother or grandmother) and acceptance to or enrollment in a relevant program. All mandate U.S. citizenship, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Though this is from the DAR, you needn’t be female to apply.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Daughters of the American Revolution
Working Towards: Various degrees
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 3.25 for most
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for those enrolled in or accepted to undergraduate nursing programs.
This scholarship is for students enrolled in or accepted to undergraduate nursing programs who are legal residents of the U.S. or hold student visas. Winners must submit a photo and biography for the Cascade Healthcare Solutions website. The money is given directly to the winner’s school.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Cascade Healthcare Solutions
Working Towards: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 3
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for nursing students focusing on long term care, post-acute care, or geriatrics.
This is for nursing students who plan to enter long-term care, post-acute care, or geriatrics for at least two years after finishing their programs. Applicants need to submit a list of expenses (cost of living, books/supplies, transportation, and tuition) with a total amount, a headshot, and an essay about their career goals. Applications can be submitted electronically or via the mail, with two copies of all materials required for mail-in applications. Applicants must be members of NADONA.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Nadona LTC
Working Towards: Undergraduate and graduate degrees
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for nursing students.
WiseGeek created this scholarship to address the current nursing shortage. This scholarship is for current and aspiring nurses who are U.S. citizens or legal residents. It only takes two minutes to apply, and funds are paid directly to their schools unless the institutions don’t have financial aid offices.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by WiseGeek
Working Towards: Any degree
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for people entering a variety of medical fields.
This scholarship is open to anyone entering a medical field. First place winners receive $3,000, and second and third place winners get a free pass to CPR certification programs. This is an essay-based scholarship, and submissions are via email.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by National CPR Association
Working Towards: Undergraduate and graduate degrees
Awards Available: 3
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for RNs who are in graduate programs focusing on maternal-child nursing.
Applicants must be RNs in master’s or doctoral programs focusing on maternal-child nursing. They must be members of one or more of the following organizations: American College of Nurse-Midwives; Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; or National Association of Neonatal Nurses. They must submit proof of published works (if any), a personal essay, and a faculty recommendation in addition to typical application information.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by March of Dimes
Working Towards: Master’s and doctoral degrees
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for most nursing students who want to certify in wound care.
Eligible applicants include those planning on becoming CNAs, LPNs, LVNs, NPs, RNs, or PAs and want to earn their wound care certifications. This scholarship only requires your name, contact information, area of study, and your highest level of education to be submitted, so it takes less than a minute to apply. Winners will receive $1,000 cash and a tuition waiver for Vohra’s Wound Care Certification program.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Vohra Wound Physicians
Working Towards: Any nursing degree
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
General Scholarships
This scholarship is for high school seniors demonstrating academic success and financial need.
This scholarship is for high school seniors who will enroll in a four-year program the following fall. They must demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership and service experience, and financial need. They don’t accept standardized test scores, so you don’t need to be great at tests to qualify—you just need a 3.5 GPA or higher. This scholarship is worth up to $40,000 per year and is available to people in any field of study. They also provide advice about financial aid, college selection and transition, and the overall college experience to winners.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Working Towards: Bachelor’s degree
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 3.5
This scholarship is renewable.
This scholarship is for academically successful 7th graders who demonstrate financial need.
This unique scholarship is for seventh-grade students and renews for five years. The Cooke Foundation helps winners find a high school that will prepare them for college, plan for their futures, and network with other high-achievers. They also have annual summer programs. The scholarship can help cover the costs of private or boarding school. However, you needn’t attend one to win—it can also be used for extracurricular activities, needed technology, and enrichment programs. Applicants must have earned mostly A’s since the beginning of sixth grade, with no C’s or below in core classes, and demonstrate financial need.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Working Towards: High school degree
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: Mostly A’s
This scholarship is renewable.
This scholarship is for high school juniors through graduate students.
This scholarship is for students who are enrolled in or plan to enroll in college in the next 24 months—meaning you can apply as early as your junior year of high school or as late as graduate school. This easy scholarship application doesn’t require anything special—just some contact information. Applicants must be legal residents of the U.S. or international students with valid visas. The award is given out four times a year to one winner each time.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by Cedar Education Lending
Working Towards: Undergraduate and graduate degrees
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for those ages 13+ who are attending or plan to attend college.
If you’re 13 or older, you can apply for this scholarship by simply providing contact information. You must be enrolled in or plan to enroll in any level of college. One winner will be chosen quarterly.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by ScholarshipPoints
Working Towards: Any degree
Awards Available: 1 per quarter
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for college-bound students ages 13+ who have been accepted to a college or university.
This scholarship only requires contact information, and applying signs you up for a CollegeXpress membership. This membership allows you to find colleges, search their scholarship database, and read relevant blog posts.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by CollegeXpress
Working Towards: Undergraduate and graduate degrees
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for “bold” students of any level.
This scholarship gives preference to early applicants and is based on the quality of their profile. Profiles must prove that you’re “bold,” which they take to mean earnest, determined, and moving. This is open to students at any level, school, and area of study. GPA is considered.
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Provided by Bold.org
Working Towards: Any degree
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None, but they do factor this in
This scholarship is not renewable.
These scholarships’ degree levels vary.
DoSomething.org offers several scholarships focusing on the importance of voting and community involvement. They’re open to students ages 25 or younger who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada, even if living abroad. Winners must complete the campaign related to the scholarship for which they applied and take photos of themselves doing so. Scholarships rotate, so check back often for new possibilities.
Apply for this scholarship
Provided by DoSomething.org
Working Towards: Degree levels vary by scholarship
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school juniors through graduate students.
This scholarship only requires contact information and for applicants to be enrolled in college or planning to enroll in the next 24 months, making this open to high school juniors through graduate students. You can earn an extra entry by following them on Instagram after applying.
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Provided by Access Scholarships
Working Towards: Undergraduate and graduate degrees
Awards Available: 1 per quarter
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school juniors through graduate students.
This scholarship doesn’t require an essay or minimum GPA, just some contact information and for you to be a current high school who will enroll in college in the next 24 months or a college student. You also need to include colleges you’re attending or considering—you can add up to 10 options. One winner is selected each month.
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Provided by Cappex
Working Towards: Undergraduate and graduate degrees
Awards Available: 1 per month
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for those ages 14+ who plan to attend or are currently attending college.
Legal residents of the U.S. who are ages 14 and over can apply for this scholarship. They must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in college in the next five years. You must write a short essay on “If you could get one ‘do-over in life, what would it be and why?” Winners are chosen based on the creativity, originality, writing ability, and overall excellence of their essays.
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Provided by Unigo
Working Towards: Unpublished
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school juniors and seniors and college students.
This scholarship is for high school juniors and seniors and college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. You need to explain in 250 words or fewer the reasons why you deserve this scholarship.
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Provided by Courage To Grow Scholarship
Working Towards: Unpublished
Awards Available: 1 per month
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 2.5
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for anyone.
This scholarship requires you to create an account for their Scholarships Search and College Planning Calculator. One winner is chosen from the previous month’s applicants each month.
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Provided by Sallie Mae
Working Towards: Unpublished
Awards Available: 1 per month
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school seniors who plan to enroll in a four-year college in the fall.
Applicants need to be student-athletes who have made positive impressions at their schools and plan to enroll in a four-year institution the following fall. You don’t need to plan to play sports in college. Foot Locker employees are not eligible.
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Provided by Foot Locker Scholar Athletes
Working Towards: Bachelor’s degree
Awards Available: 20
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 3
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school seniors.
Current high school seniors in the U.S. who plan to go to college in the fall are eligible to apply. You must show a history of leadership and community service. Financial need is not considered. On this page, you can also find other scholarship opportunities. Coca-Cola employees and their families are not eligible.
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Provided by Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Working Towards: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: 150
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: Unpublished
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for those ages 18-24 who are enrolled in or plan to enroll in a two- or four-year college.
This scholarship is for students ages 18-24 and offers three levels of prizes: three $125,000 scholarships, three $75,000 scholarships, and over $1,000,000 total in varying amounts. The two larger awards also include a round-trip flight or $200 gas gift card for travel to Dallas. They determine which level you get based on the number of footballs you can successfully throw into a can at a competition there. You must be planning to attend a two- or four-year college, but you needn’t yet be enrolled. Instead of an essay, you need to submit a 60-second video about your goals and how you plan to achieve them. Current collegiate athletes in any sport or those who have played professional, semi-professional, or Division I college football are not eligible, nor are Dr. Pepper employees or their families.
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Provided by Dr. Pepper Tuition
Working Towards: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: Varies
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for ages 14+ who attend prom in duct tape clothing.
This unique scholarship is for those who make their prom outfits from duct tape. You submit up to five color photos of yourself in your prom gear. Winners are determined by originality, workmanship, use of colors, accessories, and Duck Brand Duct Tape use. Five finalists are chosen in both the dress and tux categories, and then winners are chosen by public votes. A winner and runner-up are chosen in each category, getting $10,000 and $500, respectively. In the event of a tie, an essay about how you will use Duck Brand Duct Tape in college will determine the winners. Those in Arizona, Maryland, Tennessee, Vermont, and Colorado are ineligible, as are those who work for or are related to those who work for Duck Brand.
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Provided by Duck Brand
Working Towards: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: 4
Essay Required: Only in the event of a tie
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school seniors with financial need who plan to enroll in bachelor’s programs.
This scholarship, awarded to 500 students per year, is worth $20,000 and supplies laptops, Chegg credits, teletherapy, and resources for dealing with life’s challenges. This is for low-income students who are motivated to succeed. You must participate in an approved college readiness program in 11th and 12th grade, have a minimum 2.4 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and plan to enroll in a bachelor’s program in the fall after finishing high school.
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Provided by Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Working Towards: Bachelor’s degree
Awards Available: 500
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 2.4
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school seniors planning to attend associate, bachelor’s, or graduate programs in the fall.
To enter, you must be a high school senior who plans to enroll at least half-time in a bachelor’s or associate program in the fall. If you happen to be a high school senior in the rare position that you’ll enter a graduate school program after finishing 12th grade, you can also enter. 12 winners are chosen per year, one per month.
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Provided by College Covered/Discover Student Loans
Working Towards: Undergraduate or graduate degree
Awards Available: 1 per month
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school seniors.
This scholarship is for high school seniors planning to attend trade, certification, associate, or bachelor’s programs in the fall. You must have a history of community service. Wine Country Gift Baskets and Houdini, Inc., employees and their family members aren’t eligible.
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Provided by Wine Country Gift Baskets
Working Towards: Certification, trade, associate, bachelor’s degree
Awards Available: 3
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for those between eight and 18 who are involved in community service.
This scholarship is open to those between the ages of eight and 18 who are currently working on a community service project or have done so in the last year. Winnings can be applied to a college education or to a service project.
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Provided by Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Working Towards: Professional development
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school seniors planning to attend college in the fall.
This scholarship is for high school seniors who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduation. Those who plan to attend a two-year program before transferring to a four-year one are eligible. They must demonstrate financial need—their families can’t have more than a $55,000 gross income. Co-curricular and community service activities and a history of overcoming adversity are also required.
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Provided by Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.
Working Towards: Bachelor’s degree
Awards Available: 106
Essay Required: Not Available
GPA Required: 2
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school seniors who’ve helped rescue animals.
This scholarship is for students who love rescue animals and have impacted the life of one or volunteered with animal welfare associations. First place is a $1,500 scholarship; second is $300 and 10 beds donated to an animal shelter; third is $200 and five toys donated to an animal shelter. To apply, you need to submit an essay about how you’ve made a difference for animals and photos of you in your animal welfare volunteer activities. Spelling and grammar, both in the essay and throughout the application, very much count. Only high school seniors who’ve been accepted to a college/university are eligible.
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Provided by P.L.A.Y.
Working Towards: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: 3
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for college juniors and seniors.
Full-time college juniors and seniors are eligible for this scholarship. You need to submit an essay and a photo of yourself holding an empty diploma frame. The essay consists of two prompts, one regarding your goals and one about the important lessons you’ve learned. Winners are determined by the quality of their essays, including grammar and structure.
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Provided by University Frames
Working Towards: Bachelor’s degree
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: Yes
GPA Required: 3
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for high school seniors proficient in duck calling.
This unusual scholarship is based on your duck calling abilities. You must be able to travel to Stuttgart, Arkansas, to participate, but winners can be from anywhere in the U.S. To enter, you must provide a high school transcript and ID at registration.
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Provided by Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce
Working Towards: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: 4
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.
This scholarship is for those 14+ who are enrolled in school.
This art-based contest is for those ages 14+ who are enrolled in high school or postsecondary education. You must submit an original piece for the front of a greeting card, and winners are chosen by public votes. It’s best to get your work in early—monthly voting begins in July, but the due date isn’t until March. If you don’t win, but they choose to use your artwork on a greeting card, you would also be compensated. Homeschooled students are eligible, but their programs must be overseen by accredited high schools.
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Provided by The Gallery Collection
Working Towards: Undergraduate degree
Awards Available: 1
Essay Required: No
GPA Required: None
This scholarship is not renewable.