Scholarships for College Freshmen in 2025

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Unigo Author Dave Moniz Written by Dave Moniz
Unigo Editor Unigo Staff ✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

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.

List of Scholarships for College Freshmen in 2025

Political Leadership Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students who are majoring in law, political science, public policy or public administration with the goal of improving rights for LGBT people. Applicant must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state.
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Rosenberg-Ibarra Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersex, and questioning (LGBTIQ) students who either graduated from a high school in Idaho or will be attending a college or university within the state of Idaho.
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Len Tritsch Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 8 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students who are pursuing a medical degree. The applicant must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state, and preference is given to students who are self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), members of LGBT families, or straight-allies who have been strongly supportive of the LGBT community.
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Kevin J. Mossier Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. high school seniors in Oregon who have a strong academic record and a passion for learning. Preference is given to students who are self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), members of LGBT families, or straight allies who have been strongly supportive of the LGBT community.
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Youth Activist Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 20 Deadline

Utah high school seniors who have demonstrated a strong commitment to civil liberties though some form of activism are eligible for this scholarship.
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Airgas - Terry Jarvis Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and Canadian undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older. Students, attending school or living in Alabama, Georgia or Florida, pursuing careers in welding engineering or welding engineering technology. An overall minimum GPA of 2.8 or a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all engineering courses is required.
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Arsham Amirikian Engineering Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursing a career in the application of the art of welding in civil and structural engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be able to prove financial need.
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Donald F. Hastings Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursing a career in welding engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and be able to prove financial need. Priority will be given to those individuals residing or attending school in the states of Ohio and California. (A resident is defined as having lived in the specific area for a minimum of one year.)
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Donald and Shirley Hastings Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursing a career in welding engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and be able to prove financial need. Priority will be given to those individuals residing or attending school in the states of Iowa, Ohio or California (a resident is defined as having lived in the specified area for a minimum of one year).
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Edward J. Brady Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing a career in welding engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and be able to prove financial need.
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James A. Turner, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$3,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing management career in welding store operations or a welding distributorship. Students must be employed (at least 10 hours a week) at a welding distributorship at the time of application.
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John C. Lincoln Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$3,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing a career in welding engineering. Students must also have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Priority will be given to those individuals residing or attending school in the states of Ohio or Arizona. (A resident is defined as having lived in the specific area for a minimum of one year.)
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Praxair International Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and Canadian undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing a career in welding engineering. Students must also have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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William A. & Ann M. Brothers Scholarship

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Award Amount
$6,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing a career in welding. Students must also have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Priority will be given to those individuals residing or attending school in the state of Ohio. (A resident is defined as having lived in the specific area for a minimum of one year.)
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William B. Howell Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing a career in welding. Students must also have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Priority will be given to those individuals residing or attending school in the states of Florida, Michigan and Ohio. (A resident is defined as having lived in the specific area for a minimum of one year.)
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Boeing Company Career Enhancement Scholarship for Professionals

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 12 Deadline

This award is available to female members of Women in Aviation International who wish to advance their careers in the aerospace industry in the fields of engineering, technology development, or management. Applicants may be full-time or part-time employees of the aerospace industry.
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Horatio Alger Washington Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
10 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of the state of Washington.
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Horatio Alger Oregon Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of Oregon.
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Horatio Alger New Jersey Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
13 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of New Jersey.
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Horatio Alger Illinois Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$10,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
17 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of Illinois.
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Horatio Alger Georgia Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
25 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Oct 25 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of Georgia.
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NAIAS High School Poster Contest

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Award Amount
$5,800 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
15 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 20 Deadline

High school students in grades 10 - 12 who are enrolled in a Michigan high school are eligible to enter this scholarship poster contest. Students must create and submit a poster with an automotive theme.
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Shui Kuen and Allen Chin Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 12 Deadline

This scholarship is available for current U.S. undergraduate students who work or have worked in an Asian restaurant (Asian-owned or Asian cuisine) OR have a parent who works or has worked in one.
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Margaret Howard Hamilton Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 31 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who have been accepted into the Ben D. Caudle Learning Program for learning-disabled students at the Harvey and Bernice Jones Learning Center, University of the Ozarks, in Clarksville, AR.
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Alpha Kappa #4401/Jean Varga Endowment Scholarship

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Award Amount
$600 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This award is for a female high school senior or current undergraduate/graduate student with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The applicant must be a resident of Michigan and attend or plan to attend a college or university in Michigan.
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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

Diverse group of happy high school freshmen friends in a hallway.

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 

Group of cheerful diverse teens huddled in sunlight at park.

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: 

  1. 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. 

  2. 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. 

  3. 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

Teens engaged in robotics; a blend of focus and fun in STEM learning.

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! 

Trendy teens with skateboards posing by a brick wall.

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!