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
26
Awards
Feb 2
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students who are residents of one of the following Leeward O'ahu zip code areas: 96701, 96706, 96707, 96782, 96792, 96797. Students must major in a health-related profession and demonstrate academic achievement with a GPA of 2.5.
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$18,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher. Students must be enrolled in a school of dentistry, dental hygiene or dental assisting.
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$91,988
Award Amount
61
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$23,582
Award Amount
13
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who attend school at any University of Hawaii campus, excluding Manoa. Students must major in business and have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$6,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in music with an emphasis in classical music. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$2,332
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate students who are majoring in computer studies or international studies and attending Hawai'i Pacific University. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$8,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in the physical sciences or related fields (excluding biological and social sciences). Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$9,000
Award Amount
9
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate students who are majoring in political science, international relations, international business or public administration. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$164,058
Award Amount
222
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for female college freshmen and sophomores who are residents of Hawaii and are of Hawaiian ancestry. Past recipients who will be juniors or seniors are also eligible to apply. Students must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who graduated from a high school in Hawaii. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher. Preference given to individuals of Filipino ancestry.
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$10,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are of Filipino ancestry and are majoring in a health-related field. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are long-time residents of the Hamakua Coast on the island of Hawai'i and plan to attend a college or vocational school on the island of Hawai'i. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$4,200
Award Amount
7
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of the Ka'a'awa area on Windward O'ahu, HI. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$4,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of one of the following Kaua'i (HI) areas: Koloa (96756), including Oma'o & Po'ipu (96756), Lawai'i (96765), or Kalaheo (96741). Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who graduated from a public or private high school in the districts of North Kona, South Kona, North Kohala or Ka'u. Students must major in marine sciences, biotechnology, health sciences or early childhood education, and must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who graduated from Waipahu High School in Waipahu, Hawaii. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$12,498
Award Amount
6
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors who are attending Lahainaluna High School in Lahaina, HI. Students must demonstrate academic achievement with a high grade point average in the sciences.
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$10,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii high school seniors who are attending Leilehua High School, Mililani High School, or Waialua High School and have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher. Preference will be given to students who are planning to major in a high technology field such as science or engineering.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
The David L. Irons Memorial Scholarship Fund is available for Hawaii high school seniors who are attending Punahou School in Honolulu, HI. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$15,000
Award Amount
30
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are graduates of Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, HI. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$16,991
Award Amount
13
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher. Students must be an employee or the dependent of an employee of Kamehameha Schools food services department OR a graduate of Kamehameha Schools.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This schoalarship is available for high school seniors who are from the island of Kaua'i in Hawaii. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher and plan to attend a college in the University of Hawaii system.
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$20,992
Award Amount
16
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Hawai'i, Nevada, Guam, or Saipan, and are employees or the dependents of an employee of ABC Stores. Students must also demonstrate academic achievement by having a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$18,062
Award Amount
11
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must be dependents of an employee of Tesoro Hawai'i or its subsidiaries.
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$7,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for female high school seniors who are residents of Hawaii and have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher. Students must be active tennis players; preference may be given to USTA/Hawai'i Pacific Section members.
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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