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.
$2,403
Award Amount
2,409
Awards
Sep 15
Deadline
This award is available to Mississippi high school seniors/graduates who enroll as undergraduates at an eligible Mississippi college/university. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and an ACT score of 29 or higher or SAT score of 1280 or higher or be a National Merit/Achievement Finalist or Semi-Finalist.
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$591
Award Amount
24,329
Awards
Sep 15
Deadline
This award is available to Mississippi undergraduate students who are enrolled at or planning to enroll at an eligible Mississippi college or university. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and an ACT score of 15 or higher (or SAT score of 720 or higher), and must receive less than the full Federal Pell Grant as determined by the completion FAFSA.
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$8,416
Award Amount
21
Awards
Sep 15
Deadline
This award is available to Mississippi undergraduate students who are planning to enroll full time at a state-supported college or university in Mississippi. The student must be the spouse or dependent child of a fatally injured or totally disabled law officer or fireman.
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$5,535
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is available to Mississippi high school students who are going to graduate or who have graduated from high school within the past year and are planning to attend an eligible Mississippi postsecondary institution. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and an ACT score of 20 or higher, and must meet certain family income limitations.
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$60,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students of Asian or Pacific Islander descent who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and are involved in the GLBT community. Students must demonstrate financial need, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and graduate from a high school in one of the following counties in California: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, San Francisco, and San Mateo.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for residents of Louisiana age 17 or older who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Applicants must be enrolled in or in the process of applying to an accredited postsecondary institution.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. and Canadian students who are at least 5'10" tall if female and 6'2" tall if male. Students must be under 21 years of age, planning to enter college for the first time in the fall, and be sponsored by a local Tall Clubs International Member Club.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 28
Deadline
This award is available for California residents who are college freshmen or sophomores 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.
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$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled members of the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin. Students must be high school seniors or older at time of application.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for students who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender or are the children of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender persons who reside in Oregon or southwest Washington. Applicants must plan to enroll in an undergraduate program and demonstrate financial need.
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$1,500
Award Amount
6
Awards
Jul 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. dentistry, dental hygiene, dental assisting, and dental technician students. Applicants must be current members of the Hispanic Dental Association and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$16,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
May 31
Deadline
This writing contest is for currently enrolled North American undergraduate students who consider themselves to be atheist/agnostic/freethinkers/unbelievers. Students must be 24 years of age or younger.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
U.S. students who are residents of the Portland, Oregon Quad-County area (Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington or Columbia counties) or Clark County, Washington and plan to pursue or are pursuing studies beyond the secondary level are eligible for this scholarship. Students must self-identify as or be the child of a gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered person.
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$50,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Native American high school seniors and college students who are pursuing a career in radio, television, or print journalism. Students must be members of NAJA to apply.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students that are a dependent or spouse of someone killed or disabled in the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy. A dependent child must enroll in college by age 24.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who plan to study or are currently studying cosmetology. Students must be enrolled by August of the award year.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 3
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students at Michigan State University with demonstrated academic achievement and involvement with or contributions to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. Preference is given to incoming first-year or transfer students, though all undergraduate students are encouraged to apply.
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$5,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. college sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are enrolled in a course of study leading to a degree in nuclear science, nuclear engineering or a nuclear-related field.
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$8,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 23
Deadline
This award is available for California residents who are college freshmen or sophomores attending a college/university in the state of California. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and be enrolled in an allied healthcare program. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$6,875
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 19
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students and students enrolled in law school. Selection for the award will be based primarily on a written submission of no more than one page setting out the applicant's financial need, any interests in particular areas of the law, and any qualifications for the award considered relevant by the applicant.
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$4,750
Award Amount
4
Awards
Dec 1
Deadline
Alaska Natives who are original enrollees, the spouses of original enrollees, descendants or adopted children of an original enrollee of the Salamatof Native Association are eligible to apply for this award. Students must be high school seniors or current undergraduate students with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 12
Deadline
Undergraduate students residing in one of the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas panhandle OR those who are planning to attend an eligible Texas college are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and plan to enroll full time in an accounting program.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 12
Deadline
Current college juniors or seniors majoring in nursing full time at Amarillo College or Texas A&M University are eligible for this award. Students must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher in college and be residents of one of the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas panhandle.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 12
Deadline
High school seniors residing in one of the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas panhandle who plan to enroll full time in a college or university in Texas are eligible for this award. Students must have a learning disability and must exhibit integrity, ambition, good moral character and a strong desire to achieve a higher level of education.
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$500
Award Amount
8
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is for members of the Pony of the Americas Club. The applicant must be a graduating high school senior.
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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