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
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for international and U.S. students who are either residents of Arkansas attending an in-state or out-of-state postsecondary institution or are from out-of-state and attending a postsecondary education institution in Arkansas. Students must plan to be enrolled in a postsecondary institution for the following academic year.
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$800
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
The TOPS Honors Award pays the TOPS Award Amount set by the administering agency for a student at a particular institution during the academic year unless increased by Act of the Legislature plus an annual stipend of $800. If a student attends a college within the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the award amount will be the weighted average award amount that was set for public colleges and universities during the 2016-2017 academic year plus an annual stipend of $800.
To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, at high school guidance offices, and at college financial aid offices.
Please note: Students who can verify ineligibility for federal grants may complete the TOPS online application instead of the FAFSA. However, students should be aware that in the event of a budget shortfall, students who complete the online application will be the first to lose their TOPS award.
Students are strongly encouraged to submit their FAFSA by July 1 immediately following their high school graduation. The final deadline to submit the FAFSA without a reduction in award is July 1 following the one-year anniversary of the student's high school graduation
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is available for Tennessee resident undergraduate students who are attending a public or an eligible non-public postsecondary educational institution in Tennessee. Students must enroll on a half-time basis or greater and must demonstrate financial need of having and EFC of $2,100 or less.
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$12,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is available for Tennessee high school seniors who are planning to attend a Tennessee public or private college or university. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher and an ACT of 29 or higher or a SAT (CR and M) of 1280.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 15
Deadline
This award is available for Tennessee resident students who are planning to attend a Tennessee public or private college or university. Students must be the dependent child of a Tennessee law enforcement officer, fireman, or an emergency medical service technician who has been killed or totally and permanently disabled due to an incident that occurred in the line of duty while employed in Tennessee.
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$160,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international students who have a minimum of one parent or grandparent who has been an SME member in good standing for the last two years (includes step-mothers and step-fathers). The applicant must be a high school senior or current undergraduate student who has completed no more than 30 college credit hours and have a 3.0 grade point average or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international undergraduate students who are majoring in manufacturing engineering at a college in Arizona, New Mexico, or southern California. The applicant must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher to be eligible.
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$4,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international college freshmen and sophomores who are majoring in manufacturing engineering and technology. The applicant must have a 3.0 or higher and have completed less than 60 credit hours of college at time of application to be eligible.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international undergraduate students who are majoring in manufacturing engineering and technology. The applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher to be eligible.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
U.S. and international students currently enrolled in an associate or bachelor's degree program in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing technology, or a closely related field of study are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and preference will be given to Tennessee residents, then students who attend the University of Memphis, and finally students who plan to study in Tennessee.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for students who plan on attending or are currently attending a four-year, accredited, public or private college or university within the state of Wisconsin. The applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher, and be accepted or enrolled in a manufacturing, mechanical or industrial engineering program to be eligible.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is offered to undergraduate and graduate students who are attending an eligible institution. The applicant must be majoring in manufacturing engineering and have a 3.0 grade point average or higher to be eligible.
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$2,600
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This award is available to Indiana resident high school graduates planning to enroll full-time in an undergraduate program of study at an eligible Indiana college or university. Student must demonstrate financial need to qualify.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available to Indiana undergraduate students who are minority (black or Hispanic) and attending an Indiana college or university. The student must intend to pursue or be pursuing a course of study that would enable the student, upon graduation, to teach in an accredited school in Indiana.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international undergraduate and/or graduate students who plan to attend or are currently attending certain ABET-accredited institutions. A list of eligible institutions can be found at www.sme.org/cgi-bin/smeefhtml.pl?/foundation/scholarships/fsfroth.html&&&SEF&. The applicant must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to be eligible.
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$2,871
Award Amount
147,210
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
The Monetary Award Program (MAP) provides grants, which do not need to be repaid, to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges and demonstrate financial need.
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$1,309
Award Amount
8,701
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Illinois resident undergraduate and graduate students who have served at least one year of federal active duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received an honorable discharge for each period of federal active duty service.
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$6,161
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 15
Deadline
This award is for students who are residents of Illinois and plan to attend a postsecondary institution in Illinois. The student must be the child or spouse of an Illinois police, fire, or correctional officer who was killed or at least 90 percent permanently disabled in the line of duty.
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$5,000
Award Amount
558
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Illinois resident undergraduate and graduate students who are African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin and planning to become preschool, elementary or secondary school teachers. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$20,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for current undergraduate students who are majoring in industrial engineering, have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher, and are members of the Institute of Industrial Engineers.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for current undergraduate students who are majoring in industrial engineering, have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher, and are members of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers. Students may attend a college in the U.S. or U.S. territories, Canada, or Mexico.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 15
Deadline
Female members of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) who are pursuing a course of study in industrial engineering and have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher are eligible for this award. Students may attend a college in the U.S., its territories, Canada, or Mexico.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for minority undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher and are members of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE). The student must major in industrial engineering and may attend an institution in the U.S., its territories, Canada or Mexico.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for college sophomores or older who are majoring in industrial engineering, have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher, and are members of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers.
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$12,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are residents of Georgia and plan to attend a college/university in the state of Georgia. Students must also be majoring in journalism.
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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