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
104
Awards
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. high school juniors and seniors serving as elected student body participants in a selected student government, civic, or educational organization. Selection will be based on outstanding ability and demonstrated qualities of leadership.
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$500
Award Amount
6
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
Current undergraduate single parents who reside in Clay County, Arkansas are eligible for this award. Students must be the head of household and be living at or near the poverty level.
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$500
Award Amount
10
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students who are residents of Cleburne County, Arkansas are eligible for this award. Students must be single parents with one or more children who are under the age of 18, be the head of household, and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$375
Award Amount
30
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
Current undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and are residents of Craighead County, Arkansas are eligible for this award. Students must be single and have custody over one or more children under the age of 18, be the head of household and live at or near poverty level.
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$563
Award Amount
36
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
High school graduates who are Faulkner County, AR residents living at or near the poverty level and are single parents with sole custody of one or more children under 18 are eligible for this award. Students must be the head of the household and be pursuing a career-oriented course of study in order to ensure a better standard of living with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
Single undergraduate parents who are the head of the household and live in Jefferson County, Arkansas are eligible for this award. Students must have one or more children under the age of 18 and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$625
Award Amount
11
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
Undergraduate single students who are residing in Johnson County, Arkansas are eligible for this award. Students must be classified as low-income according to federal guidelines (150 percent of poverty level) and have one or more children under the age of 18.
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$1,875
Award Amount
18
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is offered to U.S. students who are attending an Ohio college and are in their second year of study at a two-year school or their last (fourth or fifth) year of study at a four-year school. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and a career interest in environmental science or environmental engineering.
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$9,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 5
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S high school seniors who plan to attend Louisiana Tech University. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and have an SAT score of 1400 or higher or an ACT score of 32 or higher.
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$1,580,000
Award Amount
79
Awards
Feb 22
Deadline
High school seniors who are in the top one-third of their graduating class, have an SAT/ACT score of 950/19 or higher and are residents of Texas planning to attend a Texas college or university are eligible for this award. Students must reside in a participating Area Go Texan county.
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$4,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
HBCUConnect.com encourages minority students from all around the nation to pursue bachelors degrees at U.S. historically black colleges and universities. Applicants must be minority graduating high school seniors, transfer, or full time undergraduate students attending historically black college or university.
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$2,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
May 1
Deadline
Undergraduate students enrolled in six or more credit hours with a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours still to be completed are eligible for this award. Students must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited college or university and plan to obtain a bachelor's degree in an aviation-related field.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 1
Deadline
Undergraduate students working full time in an aviation-related field are eligible for this award. Students must enroll in course work designed to enhance their skill in an air traffic control or other aviation-related discipline, and have a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours still to be completed.
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$75,000
Award Amount
25
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is available for Idaho high school seniors who are graduating from a high school in Idaho and planning to enroll in an eligible postsecondary educational institution in Idaho. Students must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher. High consideration for selection is given to students with a demonstrated commitment to public service.
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$500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 28
Deadline
This scholarship is available for currently enrolled U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in mystery writing (fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and/or screenwriting).
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$8,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 15
Deadline
This award is for students planning to attend the University of Oklahoma at its Norman campus, Tulsa campus, or Health Sciences Center. Preference is given to students whose household income is between $30,000 and $75,000.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
U.S. students currently enrolled in a public relations undergraduate or graduate degree program are eligible for this award. Students must be members of the Public Relations Student Society of America, and preference will be given to undergraduate students.
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$50,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 17
Deadline
This award is available to openly gay men from the five-county metropolitan Philadelphia region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia counties) studying anywhere in the U.S., or openly gay men from anywhere in the U.S. who are studying in the five-county metropolitan Philadelphia region.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 21
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students who are high school seniors or older at time of application. Applicants must be Hispanic and demonstrate a sincere desire to pursue a career as a journalist in Spanish language television or radio (includes students who are planning careers in Spanish-language print, photo, broadcast or online media).
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$2,000
Award Amount
25
Awards
Apr 19
Deadline
This scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in a marine-related field.
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$5,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Apr 19
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are both members and non-members of the Marine Technology Society. Students must have an interest in ROVs or underwater work which furthers the use of ROVs.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for young adult survivors of cancer who were 15 years or older during treatment, or 15 years or older during the treatment of their parent or sibling.
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$4,500
Award Amount
10
Awards
Feb 18
Deadline
This award is available for a students with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or a related inherited bleeding disorder.
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$2,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 11
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are diagnosed with or are the partner, spouse, parent, child, sibling or other significant family member of someone diagnosed with hemophilia, von Willebrands, or another related bleeding disorder.
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$12,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Oct 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are majoring in or planning to major in engineering, metallurgy, or materials science with plans to have a career in the iron and steel industry. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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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