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.
$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma or Texas who are majoring in engineering and plan to purse a career in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) profession. The applicant must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to be eligible.
Read More
View Scholarship
$15,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Dec 1
Deadline
This scholarship is offered to international and U.S. undergraduate students pursuing an education in an engineering technology program that is a preparatory curriculum for a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. The applicant must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Read More
View Scholarship
$3,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 15
Deadline
This award is available for New Hampshire students who are 17 to 23 years of age and demonstrate financial need. Students must have completed high school or earned a GED and plan to attend a two-year or other short-term training program.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,116
Award Amount
249
Awards
Jul 15
Deadline
This award is for North Dakota students who are enrolled in a federally recognized Indian tribe and attend a North Dakota institution of higher education to pursue an undergraduate or graduate program. Students who qualify for the merit-based award must be the valedictorian of their high school graduating class or have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher; students who qualify for the need-based award must demonstrate financial need and have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
Read More
View Scholarship
$6,400
Award Amount
181
Awards
May 20
Deadline
This award is for North Dakota high school students who are planning to attend a postsecondary institution in North Dakota. The student must score in the upper fifth percentile of all North Dakota ACT test takers prior to July 1 of the junior year.
Read More
View Scholarship
$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available to a high school senior, college freshman or college sophomore planning to major in or presently majoring in range science and/or a closely related field. The recipient of the scholarship must be planning to attend or be currently in attendance at a college or university with a range science program.
Read More
View Scholarship
$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international high school seniors and current undergraduate students who are of Greek heritage OR are members of, or the sons/daughters of members of, AHEPA, the Sons of Pericles, the Daughters of Penelope, or the Maids of Athena.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,750
Award Amount
560
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is available for minority undergraduate students with financial need who are residents of Minnesota and attending a college or university in Minnesota. Students who accept financial aid from the foundation are required to return to their communities and perform annual service-to-children projects with younger children of color.
Read More
View Scholarship
$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
This award is for a full-time undergraduate student who is a member of, or the son/daughter of a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles or Maids of Athena.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,250
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is for full-time graduate and undergraduate students involved in the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) or of Greek heritage. Applicants must major in engineering, medical studies, or nursing and must be a resident of Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Deleware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or Washington, D.C..
Read More
View Scholarship
$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is for high school seniors who are members of (or the sons/daughters of members of) AHEPA, the Daughters of Penelope, the Sons of Pericles, or the Maids of Athena, OR of Greek heritage. Students must plan to attend Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.
Read More
View Scholarship
$5,000
Award Amount
320
Awards
May 31
Deadline
This award is for Jewish students living in and studying in the New York metropolitan area. Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need. This program provides approximately $1 million to students in financial need each year. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Read More
View Scholarship
$14,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
Florida high school seniors or current undergraduate students who plan to enroll full time at a two- or four-year college or university in Florida are eligible for apply for this award. Students must be the dependent children of a UPS full-time or permanent part-time employee who has completed at least one year of employment as of the deadline date, or a UPS retiree who was employed by UPS up until the time of retirement, or a deceased UPS employee who was employed by UPS up to the time of death.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
Florida high school seniors and current undergraduate students with certain visual, learning, speech, and/or hearing disabilities who have been accepted to or are enrolled at an eligible Florida state institutions are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
Read More
View Scholarship
$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This award is available for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender high school seniors who will be attending an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and must be substantially involved in community service.
Read More
View Scholarship
$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 21
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international high school seniors who are pursuing a career in journalism. Students must have a sensitivity to Asian American and Pacific Islander issues.
Read More
View Scholarship
$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is for Maine undergradute students who plan to study for a career in outdoor recreation. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Read More
View Scholarship
$500
Award Amount
30
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors and undergraduate students who are residents of China, Maine and have lived there for the past seven years. Students must be 25 years of age or younger.
Read More
View Scholarship
$500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
Maine residents pursuing a major in the performing arts are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must participate in an audition (or interview if majoring in a technical field).
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
18
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
To apply for this scholarship, students must be 16 to 24 years of age and the dependent of a NASE (National Association for the Self-Employed) member. Applications are available through NASE members.
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Mar 10
Deadline
This award is available for self-identified gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and queer students attending or planning to attend San Francisco State University, Stanford University, or University of California at Berkeley. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, enroll full time, and demonstrate potential to become positive role models for LGBTQ people.
Read More
View Scholarship
$2,500
Award Amount
20
Awards
Mar 5
Deadline
This award is for current full-time college students who are majoring in a program related to total cost management, such as engineering, construction management, building construction, the computer sciences, business, quantity surveying, information technology, or other related field.
Read More
View Scholarship
$750
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 3
Deadline
This scholarship is available for residents of Clay County, Florida attending Florida State University, or children of members of the Seminole Club of Clay County, or students attending a high school in Clay County who plan to attend or are currently attending Florida State University. High school seniors must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher; currently enrolled college students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Read More
View Scholarship
$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 22
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school seniors and college freshmen who are employees of Subway or the dependents of Subway employees. The applicant must enroll full time and demonstrate academic merit.
Read More
View Scholarship
$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 23
Deadline
This award is available for California residents who are college junior or seniors attending a college/university in the state of California. Students must be majoring in nursing, and have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
Read More
View Scholarship
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
-
$1,500 – I Have a Dream
-
$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
-
$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
-
$2,500 – Superpower
-
$3,000 – All About Education
-
$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
-
$1,500 – Do-Over
-
$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
-
$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
-
$1,500 – Shout It Out
-
$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
-
$5,000 – Education Matters
-
$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff