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.
$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. and Canadian undergraduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must be enrolled in a travel and tourism or hospitality program.
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
ASAP is a need-based, state/federal grant ranging from $300 to $5,000 per academic year. Eligible students are undergraduate students who are Alabama residents attending eligible Alabama institutions. Nearly 80 Alabama institutions participate in the program. To apply please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal government. This form should be filed beginning October 1 each year and is available on the FAFSA website or the financial aid office at the institution you plan to attend.
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$7,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available to Alabama resident students who are dependents or spouses of police officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty in Alabama. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a public postsecondary educational institution in Alabama.
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$3,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available to Alabama resident undergraduate and graduate students who are dependents of a veteran who was disabled or killed as the result of a service-connected disability or death while on active military service in the line of duty (this also includes veterans who were declared MIA or are former POWs). The student must attend an Alabama state supported postsecondary institution.
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$850
Award Amount
150
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Alabama high school seniors who have a parent or grandparent who is a veteran that served during times of war. Students must plan to attend selected colleges in Alabama.
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$25,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate women who are members of the Society of Women Engineers and majoring in one of the specified engineering disciplines. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and plan to enroll full time.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. minority undergraduate students who are enrolled in an entry-level radiography, sonography, magnetic resonance, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine program. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; the student's program director must verify the grade point average based on one or more semesters of study.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are enrolled in an entry-level radiography, sonography, magnetic resonance, or nuclear medicine program. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; the student's program director must verify the grade point average based on one or more semesters of study.
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$9,000
Award Amount
75
Awards
Mar 11
Deadline
This award is for undergraduate students under the age of 25 who are dependent childen of full-time or part-time Humana Inc. associates. The applicant must be a resident of the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available to women from Massachusetts who are returning to college as a non-traditional student.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are legal residents of Massachusetts. Students must be studying public health. Applicants must submit a completed application form postmarked no later than March 1 and other needed documentation listed on the provider site.
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$6,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 15
Deadline
This award is for international students who meet two of the following four criteria: a 3.0 grade point average or higher; a combined SAT score of 1100 or higher; a TOEFL score of 195 or higher; a member of Phi Theta Kappa in good standing. The student must plan to attend Alfred State College in New York.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate college students who have a parent who was killed or permanently disabled in a work zone, including mobile operations and the installation of roadway safety features.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who have completed one semester or more of postsecondary education and are majoring in interior design or a related field.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
The International Furnishings and Design Association Educational Foundation offers this $2,000 award to a full-time, current student member of IFDA who has completed at least 4 post secondary design courses in interior design or a field related.
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$2,500
Award Amount
650
Awards
May 2
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Kentucky undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing an initital teacher certification. Priority is given to Juniors, seniors, and graduate level students.
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$1,800
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This award is available to Kentucky resident students who are pursuing a degree or certificate in early childhood education at an eligible postsecondary institution in Kentucky. The student must be employed in an eligible capacity in the early childhood education field.
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$10,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Feb 17
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are majoring in nuclear medicine technology and are enrolled in or have been accepted to an institution accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT). Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) or a 'B' average in a nuclear medicine technology core curriculum.
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$60,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who are active in working for social change. Recent grantees have been active in the struggle against racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression; building the movement for economic justice; and creating peace through international, anti-imperialist solidarity.
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$2,188
Award Amount
16
Awards
May 15
Deadline
This award is available for Delaware female undergraduate students who have had a break in education of two or more years either after completing high school or during postsecondary studies. Students must be 20 years of age or older, have a grade point average of 'C' or higher (if currently enrolled in college), and be admitted to or currently enrolled in an accredited Delaware college in a two- or four-year degree program at the undergraduate level.
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$2,500
Award Amount
40
Awards
Apr 20
Deadline
This scholarship is available to current and upcoming college students with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who are pursuing a degree in the fine or commercial arts, design or architecture. Basic scholarships are awarded in the amounts of $2,000–$3,000. An amount up to $5,000 may be given at the jury’s discretion.
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$15,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Jan 30
Deadline
This award is available to currently enrolled U.S. students who are Colorado residents with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, demonstrated financial need, and a history of community involvement and service.
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$4,250
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This award is available for international and U.S. undergraduate and/or graduate students who are pursing a career in metallurgical and/or materials science and engineering with an emphasis on all aspects of the high-temperature, high-performance materials used in the gas turbine industry and all other applications. Preference will be given to students pursuing a curriculum or career in superalloys. Students must also have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for Australian undergraduate and graduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$12,000
Award Amount
11
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is available for female high school seniors and current freshmen who plan to major in engineering full time at Bucknell University or Rensselaer Polytechnic University.
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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