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.
$36,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Dec 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school senior who are admitted to William Woods University as first-time freshmen. Student who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and an ACT of 28-29 or a SAT of 1250 to 1320 or higher are automatically considered for this award.
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$100,000
Award Amount
200
Awards
Jan 20
Deadline
This contest is available for U.S. students in middle school and high school. In order to enter, applicants must submit a short video documentary about an issue, event, or topic that helped him/her better understand the role of the federal government in their life or community.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. high school seniors who are planning to attend Grace College of Indiana. The student must demonstrate financial need to be considered for this award.
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$5,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are planning to transfer to Grace College of Indiana. Students must demonstrate participation in a Fellowship of Grace Brethren Church (FGBC).
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$16,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are planning to transfer to Grace College of Indiana. Students must demonstrate financial need to be considered for this award.
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$8,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students who plan to enroll at the University of Oregon as freshmen. The student must be a National Merit Finalist and list UO as his/her first-choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
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$1,750
Award Amount
4
Awards
Mar 18
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school seniors who plan on enrolling in a full-time course of study in a field related to the television industry. The applicant must attend a school within the ADI (area of dominant influence) of the television stations within the Chicago/Midwest chapter jurisdiction OR be a relative of a member in good standing of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the Television Academy.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
Complete the form to receive information from Christian colleges and enter the $5,000 Christian college scholarship drawing. The Christian Connector, as well as those schools that you request information from, will receive your information so they can respond and meet your information request. After completing this form and reviewing your schools of interest, you may also take advantage of the Christian College Scholarship Search. Students must be at least 13 years old to complete our forms.
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$4,664
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for Iowa undergraduate students who are enrolled at an eligible Iowa postsecondary institution. The student must have an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) of $8,550 or less and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This award is for graduating U.S. high school seniors who intend to major in a communications-related degree at a four-year college or university. Applicants must hold a 2.5 GPA or higher and be legal residents of the United States. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate, U.S. women. Students must also be able to verify full-time enrollment at an accredited automotive retail and/or automotive service program at the beginning of the 2012 fall term.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
U.S. students who have a history of a blood disorder or cancer are eligible to apply for this award by submitting a 500-word essay on a topic of their choice.
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$10,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
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 Alaska.
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$10,000
Award Amount
9
Awards
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 Arizona.
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$10,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
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 Arkansas.
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$10,000
Award Amount
9
Awards
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 Colorado.
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$10,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
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 Connecticut.
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$10,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
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 Hawaii.
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$6,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Nov 30
Deadline
The CouragetoGrow.com Scholarship is available for U.S. high school juniors, seniors or college students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher who submit an essay in 250 words or less about the topic located on the application form.
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$1,250
Award Amount
6
Awards
Mar 4
Deadline
High school juniors and seniors who reside or attend school in select North Dakota counties are eligible to apply for this award. The applicant must be nominated (either by another person or himself/herself) and submit an essay.
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$3,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Dec 15
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students are eligible to apply for this award with a valid student ID. Applicants must submit an essay as posted on the Foreclosure.com website.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 1
Deadline
U.S. women who have earned 15 or more credit hours toward a bachelor's degree with a 3.25 grade point average are eligible for this award. Students must be residents of Dauphin or Cumberland counties in Pennsylvania and must attend a Pennsylvania institution.
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$2,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 15
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students in the security field are eligible for this award.
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$1,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Jun 1
Deadline
U.S. students age 18 or older who will enroll in a two- or four-year program of study are eligible for this award. Students must have been impacted by crime, either through the incarceration of a parent or as a victim or family member of a victim.
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$3,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
May 1
Deadline
U.S. high school students may apply for this award. Students must first register online in order to receive an application packet. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 each with multiple winners to be selected. Financial need is NOT considered; all income levels are encouraged to apply. Apply today!
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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