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.
$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are descendants of a member in good standing with the Hawai'i Carpenter's Union Local 745, with preference given to descendants of retired members. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$28,000
Award Amount
14
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
The Ben and Vicki Cayetano Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for Hawaii high school seniors who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Prefence is given to students majoring in engineering, medicine, political science, radio technology, law, or education.
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$3,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of a public housing unit. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$458,104
Award Amount
331
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of and attended high school in Hawaii. Students must be planning to attend college on the U.S. mainland, and have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher.
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$11,000
Award Amount
11
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are of African-American descent and studying at a college in Hawaii. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
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 pursuing studies in medicine, and additional preference will be given to students studying gerontology, Alzheimer's, and other aspects of elder care.
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$15,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are of Hawaiian ancestry and are long-time residents born and currently living on the island of Hawai'i. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$10,998
Award Amount
6
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing studies in gerontology and are of Chinese ancestry. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$5,500
Award Amount
42
Awards
Mar 24
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors and current undergraduate students who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Scholarships will be awarded based on a combination of financial need, academic achievement, and leadership.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in fine arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics or photography). Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii high school seniors who are attending one of the following high schools in Hawaii: Campbell, Nanakuli or Wai'anae. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is available for Filipino high school seniors who are a resident of California. Applicants must major in math, engineering, computer science, or the physical or biological sciences (excluding healthcare). Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$9,000
Award Amount
9
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in math, physics, or science and technology. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 27
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are 16 years of age or older at time of application. Students are NOT required to be of Pan-Asian American heritage for this award. Students must: have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher; be involved in community service; and demonstrate financial need.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This scholarship is available for current graduate and undergraduate students who are majoring in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics). Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight-ally with a demonstrated commitment to LGBT equality, and must reside in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This scholarship is available for LGBT students and straight allies who are studying art or humanities at an accredited college or university in the U.S. Preference is given to students residing in Kitsap County or Bainbridge Island in Washington State.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This scholarship is available for lesbians studying theater or visual arts at the undergraduate level. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to social justice and reside in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This scholarship is available for students from Washington State who have faced significant barriers to their educational pathways including learning disabilities or lack of familial or financial support to pursue an educational goal. Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally dedicated to LGBT equality and advocacy.
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$25,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
The Microsoft Scholarship Program is available for full-time undergraduate students at a college or university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico Applicants must be studying computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,923
Award Amount
52
Awards
May 1
Deadline
The American Angus Association is offering many scholarships to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduates that are active in the National Junior Angus Association. The applicant must be under the age of 25 during the year of application, and have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This scholarship is available for students pursuing an accredited social work degree (BSW or MSW) from the University of Washington. Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally who has demonstrated a commitment to equality and LGBT advocacy.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who serve as leaders and role models in the LGBT community. Applicants must reside in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are attending Boston University. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$8,000
Award Amount
30
Awards
Feb 5
Deadline
This scholarship program is intended to support promising high school seniors who plan to pursue a career in an approved engineering program and who live in communities where Electronic Systems is a major presence.
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$3,106
Award Amount
14
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students who are residents of Wilton, Lyndeborough, or Milford in New Hampshire. Students must be planning to enroll during the following school year as undergraduate or graduate students at a two- or four-year college.
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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