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.
$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for a high school senior or currently enrolled postsecondary student with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The student must be a resident of Arizona and must attend or plan to attend a college or university in Arizona.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students with a grade point average of 3.0. The student must be a resident of South Carolina and graduate from a South Carolina high school. Click here to learn more about how to apply!
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international high school seniors and undergraduate/graduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The student must be majoring in architecture or interior design. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$30,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for international and U.S. undergraduate and graduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Sep 23
Deadline
This award is available to students who are studying in a medical, dental, nursing, public health, or policy program, and are of Hispanic descent or display strong commitment to the health of the Hispanic community.
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$43,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
May 6
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students in the New York area who are members of an underserved or underrepresented population and enrolled in or planning to enroll in an associate's degree program with the intention of transferring to a bachelor's program immediately upon completion of associate's degree. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, enroll full time, and receive federal or state financial aid.
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$40,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 14
Deadline
This scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors and community college students in Silicon Valley. Applicants must be the first in their families to attend college.
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$19,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 15
Deadline
U.S. high school seniors who plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher, and an ACT score of 21 or higher (or the SAT equivalent).
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$35,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are residents of the Pacific Southwest region and are majoring in a television-related discipline.
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$1,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 10
Deadline
This award is available for international and U.S. high school seniors who are residents of Georgia and attend a high school in Georgia.
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$25,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 10
Deadline
U.S. students who are enrolled in an accredited educational institution (kindergarten through graduate school) in the United States are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students must have demonstrated commitment to their community by performing volunteer services impacting hunger within the last 12 months.
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$1,084
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 8
Deadline
This essay contest is open to all U.S. high school students who are members of the classes of 2015 and 2016. Students must submit an 800- to 1,200-word essay on a topic related to religious liberty.
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$180,000
Award Amount
33
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on creating value for people living with severe diseases including epilepsy. This award is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have been diagnosed with epilepsy or are a family member/caregiver of a person with epilepsy.
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$1,500
Award Amount
25
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
High school seniors or currently enrolled students may apply for this undergraduate award. Students must be residents of Colorado planning to attend the University of Nebraska.
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$4,600
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available to Missouri resident undergraduate students who are enrolled full-time at a Missouri college or university. Students must demonstrate financial need and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $12,000 or less.
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$105,575
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school seniors who have been confirmed as National Merit Finalists or Semi-Finalists. Students must designate Faulkner University as their first-choice university with the National Merit Corporation.
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$30,000
Award Amount
200
Awards
Dec 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors who are planning to attend any campus of Northwood University. Students must demonstrate good academic achievements.
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$2,500
Award Amount
12
Awards
Dec 15
Deadline
This undergraduate award is for U.S. students planning to transfer to Samford University in Alabama. The student must ba a Phi Theta Kappa member, must not have preciously earned a bachelor's degree, and must attend Samford University full time.
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$66,000
Award Amount
500
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school students who plan to attend Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU). The student must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, as determined by high school GPA and results from the SAT or ACT.
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$20,000
Award Amount
39
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. high school seniors who have designated Macalester College, MN as their first choice college. The student must be a National Merit Scholarship finalist.
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$25,163
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. students who are planning to attend Centenary University as first-time freshmen. The student must have a grade point average of 3.6 or higher, and an SAT score of 1100 or higher or an ACT score of 24 or higher.
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$68,000
Award Amount
150
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. high school seniors who plan to attend Niagara University in New York. Recipients of this award must generally have an average GPA above 3.6, a SAT score (critical reading & math) of 1280 or higher, and ACT composites above 27.
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$68,000
Award Amount
150
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. high school seniors who plan to attend Niagara University in New York. Students must have an average GPA between 3.0 - 3.5 and a SAT score (critical reading & math) of 1130 or higher or an ACT score of 23 or higher.
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$60,000
Award Amount
200
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. high school seniors who plan to attend Niagara University in New York. Recipients of this award must generally have an average GPA of 3.0 or higher and, SAT score (critical reading & math) ranging between 1030 and 1130 or ACT composites between 20 and 22.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is for students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT), or students who are children of GLBT parents. The student must be a resident of Oregon or Clark County, Washington and must be accepted to a postsecondary program in the arts.
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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
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff