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.
$10,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Deadline
Tennessee resident/U.S. citizen/eligible non-citizen/students who graduate from an eligible high School, homeschool, or earn a GED/HISET (prior to 19th birthday) can receive an award at an eligible postsecondary institution toward tuition and mandatory fees after all other gift aid has been first applied. Students must attend mandatory meetings and participate in a mentoring program. College students must attend full-time, continue to participate in the mentoring program, and perform 8 hours of community service prior to each term the award is received. This scholarship program began in the 2015-16 academic year.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 21
Deadline
DREF awards scholarships and internships to student applicants entering college or continuing their academic programs. Students must meet both academic and community service requirements. Learn about application guidelines and submission date.
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$10,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Mar 21
Deadline
The scholarship was generously donated by the Fondation Hoffmann, it is available to all students studying towards an associate’s degree who can partially fund their studies. Recipients of this scholarship will have up to ten Assessment Fees funded, enabling motivated students from around the world the opportunity to earn an accredited academic degree.
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$15,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 28
Deadline
This Scholarship is to honor the life of Coach Mike “Papa” Brown, and is open to all Albuquerque Public School student athletes within the Albuquerque Metro Area with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Students must plan to attend college or vocational/trade school starting no later than fall 2022
On June 30th, 2021, Coach Mike Papa Brown passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home after a long, tough battle with MSA. This incredible man’s love for his family was ever present in his continued efforts to fight every single day.
As an English teacher, Mr. Brown commanded his student’s attention with his various antics in the classroom. He was passionate about all kinds of literature, Greek Mythology and the history of New Mexico. He took many of his classes on a field trip he affectionately called the “Turquoise Trail”. He challenged his own kids at the dinner table throwing around unusual vocabulary words and he continuously entertained the family with his own poetry. Mr. Brown was an inspiration as a teacher and influenced countless others to follow his lead and become educators.
After 8 years as the assistant basketball coach at the Academy, Mike was offered the head coaching position where he proceeded to lead the Chargers to 6 straight State Championship games and 14 District Championships (1984-2010). Upon retirement, Coach Papa continued coaching as son Danny Brown’s assistant at Highland High School for 6 years (2011-2016) before winding up his coaching career at Volcano Vista with son Greg Brown from 2017 to 2021. Aside from leading the Chargers to an astounding 442 victories over a 26-year period, Coach Brown’s many other accomplishments include city, state and national recognition, as well as several coaching awards. In 2018, Mike was inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame. Coach Mike Brown is a basketball legend in the state of New Mexico. His dedication to family, friends, students, players and the entire basketball community is only to be rivaled by his loyalty, honesty and hard work ethic.
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$550
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
When people start seeing dollar signs, they can become blind to the more important things in life.
We each get a precious, short time on earth, and there can be tremendous pressure to spend the majority of it focused on money. This scholarship exists to help a student or graduate worry a little bit less about money each month, and to help them get a bit of time back to focus on the important things.
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$1,750
Award Amount
3
Awards
Aug 31
Deadline
Sponsored by Admark Technologies Ltd./ CoinIQ.com. Carefully review the requirements to be sure you qualify for this source of financial aid and confirm information with the program before applying. Sponsoring organizations may have changed policies, awards, or requirements since supplying their information.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 15
Deadline
A Freshman, Sophmore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate student currently enrolled at an accredited college or university
?Minimum of a 3.0 weighted GPA
?Majoring in a Marine Sciences, Ocean Studies, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or a similar study
?Submit an essay of 500-700 words discussing your involvement with ocean science and/or why you are pursuing an education and career in the field.
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$10,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Mar 7
Deadline
This program was designed to give high school seniors financial assistance specifically to advance their educations and realize their dreams. In the past, the Inspire Scholarship was only available to high school seniors that were invited to enter by a Garden of Dreams partner organization. For this year only, we are pleased to announce that for the 2022 program, current college freshmen who are invited to enter by a Garden of Dreams partner organization can also apply.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
GAS Global is offering one (1) $3,000 scholarship in memory of Leo and Karen Glass scholarship. Scholarship funds will be awarded for tuition and/or room and board.
This scholarship is open to Texas residents who are High School Seniors or College students (in state of Texas). Students must have a minimum 2.8 GPA and be a U.S. citizen.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jul 1
Deadline
Two scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded to two student teachers intending to teach in the Hawaii State Department of Education who are enrolled in a State Approved Teacher Education Program as a full-time undergraduate or post baccalaureate candidate in any state-approved or nationally accredited institution of higher learning or enrolled in a Hawaii SATE alternative licensure program
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
The SmarterCollege Scholarship Sweepstakes is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry, and who meet one (1) of the five (5) following eligibility requirements at the time of entry:
a parent who currently has a child enrolled in an accredited college or university located within the United States;
a student who is currently enrolled in an accredited college or university located within the United States;
a parent who currently has a child enrolled as a high school senior located within the United States;
a student who is currently enrolled as a high school senior located with the United States;
a student or a parent whose child has graduated from an accredited undergraduate school (a “School) and who is currently paying back a student or parent loan for his/her/child’s educational expenses for such School (“Entrant”).
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$80,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Jun 2
Deadline
Recipients must enroll as a full-time student in the fall of the year in which the scholarships are awarded and continue the entire academic year without interruption unless approved by CrowdStrike. At the conclusion of each semester during the scholarship period, recipients will be asked to submit to CrowdStrike a one- to two-page report with grades in cybersecurity, AI, or related classes taken during that semester and a summary of key learnings about cybersecurity or AI during the semester. At or near the conclusion of the scholarship period, recipients will be asked to conduct a phone or video interview with CrowdStrike on their experience with the NextGen scholarship program and key takeaways of studying cybersecurity or AI during the scholarship period.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
The Art/Music Talent Scholarship is available to incoming students committed to majoring or minoring in Art or Music. Students must apply for the award.
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$18,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is available to current high school seniors in California who have a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who is a proprietor of an establishment with a California liquor license, or who is employed full-time by an individual or corporation holding a California liquor license. To be eligible, the applicant must have participated in one or more of the following extracurricular activities during his/her junior and senior years of high school: community service, athletics, music or the performing arts.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 13
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. graduating high school seniors who have been residents of New Mexico for one year or more and attend a New Mexico high school. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, be Native American with a blood quantum of 25 percent or more, and participate in high school varsity-level sports.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Latino/Latina youth under age 25 with a preference for students involved in athletics and students committed to LGBT equality.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 19
Deadline
The BigSun Athletics Scholarship is offered to high school seniors and undergraduate & graduate students who are active athletes in any sport. A $500 award is being offered. There is no application for this award. Essays must be submitted by email no later than the deadline. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
This award is available to New York resident undergraduate students who are enrolled part-time at an eligible postsecondary institution in New York. Students must demonstrate financial need and must meet the income and asset limits set by the NY State commission.
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$25,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
Students who plan to attend North Carolina State University who were born with the surname 'Gatling' or 'Gatlin' and who also display need qualify for this grant. A FASFA must be completed no later than February 15. Applicants must be high school seniors on their way to college. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$2,500
Award Amount
12
Awards
May 1
Deadline
New Hampshire and Massachusetts graduating high school seniors are eligible for this award. Students must participate in athletics; applications will be judged on academic performance, athletic achievement, and citizenship.
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$750
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for current high school seniors in Dutchess County, New York. Applicants must have participated on a high school baseball team.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for current high school seniors who are graduating from John Jay High School or Roy C. Ketcham High School. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate participation in sports, leadership, or other community activities.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available to currently graduating high school seniors at Beacon High School, John Jay High School, or Roy C. Ketcham High School in the mid-Hudson Valley region of New York State. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service.
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$1,500
Award Amount
73
Awards
May 31
Deadline
The Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship Program is a national program with regional recognition events. This scholarship is open to U.S. high school juniors who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Students must participate in an individual or team sport sponsored by a school or local club.
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$8,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is available for graduating seniors at Arlington, Beacon, John Jay or Roy C. Ketcham High Schools in the Mid Hudson Valley region of New York state. Applicants must participate in school or community sports, and demonstrate a commitment to community service.
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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