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.
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 31
Deadline
Attorneys at Godoy want to give back to first generation immigrants or the child of a first generation immigrant through this scholarship. Students must be enrolled in an accredited higher education institution and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. The winner must be enrolled for the spring semester.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
The Andrew Flusche Scholarship Contest requires students to raise awareness about different legal issues. Applicants must create a public service advertisement video (PSA) about how to drive courteously. The winner receives $500 to put towards higher education.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
OFAC Law Group focuses its practice on representing individuals who need assistance with sanctions compliance, export controls, OFAC licensing, and anti-money laundering regulations. The role of an OFAC sanctions attorney is as complex as it is necessary. This is due to a constantly-changing list of rules and regulations as foreign policies are created or revised.
OFAC Law Group understands the importance of complying with the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the effectiveness of cooperation. We also recognize the value of students improving their environment through collaboration. Dedicating personal time to the betterment of others and improving the environment is a quality OFAC Law Group would like to reward by providing financial support and academic recognition.
Whether those good deeds are performed with an organization, local community club, or even just among friends, OFAC Law Group appreciates citizens’ hard work towards the environment. To assist these high-achieving students, OFAC Law Group is proud to announce the OFAC Law Group Eco-Friendly Scholarship. This scholarship will award $500 to a deserving student who has coherently shared ideas for how to best volunteer time to improve the environment or has already completed effective examples for others to follow.
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$150,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
Applicants must be US Residents, over 18 years of age, and a current undergraduate or graduate student or alumni.
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$5,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
To be eligible to apply for this award, you must:
-be a graduating high school Senior, or be pursuing an Undergraduate or Graduate degree, or Professional Trade at a Vocational or Trade School.
-be considered legally blind as defined in the Supplemental Security Income program, under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, which currently states:
"(2) An individual shall be considered to be blind for the purposed of this title if he has central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens. An eye which has a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees should also be considered as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less."
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
The student must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college. Open to all majors, 2 or 4-year college degrees with a minimum of 3.0 GPA (or B average in high school).Recipient must be 18 years of age by the beginning of the spring semester and a resident of California or attending a school in California.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
Founded In 1949, the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund Is considered the Golf Charity Of Massachusetts™. Named in honor of the “father of amateur golf”, the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund awards millions in need-based college scholarships each year. Awards go to deserving young men and women who have worked at Massachusetts golf courses. The Scholarship is a four-year renewable scholarship. The Fund is an equal opportunity scholarship program and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion or ethnic origin. Scholar status is judged on academic achievement and potential leadership, including school and community activities, interviews, essays, motivation, character, integrity, golf service and various recommendations.
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$1,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Dec 1
Deadline
Clowns of America International is a member organization. The COAI Individual Educational Scholarship is coordinated with the World Clown Association, the International Shrine Clown Association, Mooseburger Camp, Advanced Clown Studies and recognized regional organizations to prevent duplication of the award. Scholarships will be awarded for family entertainment educational programs which run a minimum of 10 hours of educational activities for short programs (1-3 days). And 30 hours for long programs (4-6 days). Scholarship Award must be used for the requested program during the requested year or it will be forfeited. Scholarship awards may not be used for transportation, food, or merchandise.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Oct 1
Deadline
Forward Pathway encourages outstanding international students to either continue their education in the U.S. or develop their professions, and therefore set up a “Forward Pathway Scholarship” particularly for those students. Applicants should be International students from China, Undergraduate students, have 3.0 above GPA and must be enrolled full-time at accredited two or four-year colleges, Universities, vocational or technical schools in the United States.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
Applicants must be enrolled in either high school or college in the United States, maintain a GPA with at least a B average. The submission deadline August 31, 2020.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
The Khaki Law firm is dedicated to helping students overcome financial adversity while pursuing their education. One deserving student will receive a $1,000 towards their educational expenses.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are majoring in nursing at an accredited college or university in the U.S. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jun 21
Deadline
The Ark Law Fresh Start Scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who submit an essay in response to the topics of home ownership provided on the Ark Law website. Click here to learn more and to apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
The Greg Baumgartner Annual Scholarship is available for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in the U.S. who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and unmet financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must submit an original essay on one of the topics outlined at the provider website.
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors who plan to major in accounting, business, economics, engineering, history, philosophy, or political science at a UNCF member institution. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 2
Deadline
U.S. residents aged 14 or older who will be attending school in the fall are eligible to participate. Applicants must design a greeting card.
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$17,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 28
Deadline
The Maasai Haile Jones Memorial Scholarship is exclusively for residents of San Jose, CA. Eligible applicants must be African American students who are high school seniors or college freshmen.
Three finalists will be selected. Grand Prize: $10,000. First runner-up will receive $5,000. Second runner-up will receive $2,500.
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$20,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
Students from other 800 universities worldwide participate on USAC programs. These special awards are considered for students attending an USAC affiliated university. However, you do not need to attend an Affiliate University to participate in a USAC program.
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$7,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
These awards are for incoming full-time freshmen entering in the fall semester and spring semesters at Wilmington College main campus. Scholarships and awards are reviewed annually and renewed for the term of the award providing the student is in academic good standing and maintains eligibility requirements specific to the award.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Florida. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$10,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
The Dream Award recipients must have completed at least their first year of their college education, have a significant financial need, and have overcome obstacles through sheer determination. Dream Award Scholars follows their passions in industries such as science, language, social justice, entrepreneurship or public service.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
The College of Agriculture awards over $2.5 million in scholarships each year to the undergraduate students in the college, made possible by the generous support of our Alumni and Friends. The College of Agriculture recognizes scholastic capability, qualities of leadership, citizenship and character as well as FFA and 4-H participation.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
The CodeWizardsHQ team pairs real-world coding tools with their proprietary coding platform and experienced teachers to make it enjoyable for ages 8-18 to learn. High school seniors and incoming college freshman, with 3.5 GPAs or higher are eligible. Priority is given to STEM program applicants. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jun 30
Deadline
The National Society of High School Scholars offers $1,000-$5,000 scholarships to high school juniors and seniors hoping to make a positive impact on society. Applicants submit an essay, resume, transcripts, recommendation letter and headshot. Click to learn more and apply today!
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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