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
4
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in music. Students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a permanent residence in one of the eligible central Pennsylvania counties.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 3
Deadline
This award is for Utah high school seniors who are planning to enroll at four-year public Utah institutions, BYU-Provo, LDS Business College, or Westminster College. Students must complete a required high school curriculum, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and have at least one ACT score.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school seniors who are planning to major in or pursue the study of history in a full-time accredited college or university in the United States. The applicant must have a GPA of 3.25.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in piano or voice. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average.
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$4,250
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students currently enrolled in a foodservice-related program at a participating college are eligible for this award. Students must enroll in nine or more credit hours and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$8,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is for college freshman and sophomores who will be attending school full time at a U.S. institution. Applicants must be African American, dedicated to the legal profession, demonstrate academic achievement and outstanding character. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
This award is for undergraduate students enrolled full time in a degree program in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field. Students must be members of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher. Students of Hispanic descent will be given priority.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
This award is for students who are employed in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)-related field and are enrolled in a first undergraduate or graduate degree program in a STEM field. Students must be members of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Students of Hispanic descent will be given priority.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is available to North Carolina students who are members (or have parents who are members) of a church affiliated with the North Carolina Baptist State Convention. Students must be committed to preparing for full-time Christian ministry.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students 16 years of age or older in his/her senior year of high school or recently graduated from high school enrolled in or planning to enroll in a eligible educational institution.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students 18 years of age or older who have graduated from high school and are enrolled in an eligible educational institution. Students must be enrolled in a course of instruction leading to a career related to the generation, distribution or application of electrical energy.
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$24,250
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students who are children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed as a direct result of the crash of Continental Airlines Flight 3407 in Clarence, New York on February 12, 2009. Students must be attending or planning to attend an eligible postsecondary institution in New York.
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$300,000
Award Amount
150
Awards
Apr 4
Deadline
This Fund was set up to support educational opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students. Scholarships of up to $2,000 per year are paid directly to a recipient’s college/university. Grantees must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 and submit grades to AIEF each semester.
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$16,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
The scholarship is designed for high school seniors who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and have not finalized their college selection decision for the Fall 2016 class.
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$6,200
Award Amount
500
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This award is available to Virginia resident undergraduate students who are planning to attend an eligible Virginia community college. The student must be a certified foster child at the time of receiving a high school diploma or GED, or was formerly in foster care when turning 18 and subsequently earned a high school diploma or GED.
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$1,276
Award Amount
2,537
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This award is for Virginia senior citizens who are taking courses at a state-supported postsecondary institution in Virginia. The student must be 60 years of age or older and must not have a taxable income of over $15,000.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and International students who are planning to attend Louisiana Tech University as an out-of-state transfer student. Students must have complete at least 12 semester hours of college credit and have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for current graduate or undergraduate students who are majoring in industrial engineering, have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher, and are members of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers. Students may attend a college in the U.S. or U.S. territories, Canada or Mexico.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for current undergraduate students who are majoring in industrial engineering, have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher, have a graduation date after May/June 2019, and are members of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers. Students may attend a college in the U.S. or U.S. territories, Canada or Mexico.
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$11,000
Award Amount
11
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are majoring in industrial engineering, have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher and are members of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers.
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for current U.S. undergraduate students who are majoring in industrial engineering, have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher, and are members of the Institute of Industrial Engineers.
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$15,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Jun 1
Deadline
This award is for International undergraduate students who are planning to transfer to North Park University in Illinois. The student must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours from colleges or universities in the United States and have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
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$400
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, at high school guidance offices, and at college financial aid offices.
Please note: Students who can verify ineligibility for federal grants may complete the TOPS online application instead of the FAFSA. However, students should be aware that in the event of a budget shortfall, students who complete the online application will be the first to lose their TOPS award.
Students are strongly encouraged to submit their FAFSA by July 1 immediately following their high school graduation. The final deadline to submit the FAFSA without a reduction in award is July 1 following the one-year anniversary of the student's high school graduation.
This award is available to Louisiana high school students who are planning to attend a postsecondary institution in Louisiana. Students must have completed a required high school core curriculum with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and have an ACT score of 23 or higher (or the SAT equivalent).
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
This award is available to Louisiana students who are planning to attend an approved postsecondary institution in Louisiana. Students must have completed a required high school core curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and have an ACT score of 20 or higher (or the SAT equivalent); students must file the FAFSA to qualify.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, at high school guidance offices, and at college financial aid offices.
Please note: Students who can verify ineligibility for federal grants may complete the TOPS online application instead of the FAFSA. However, students should be aware that in the event of a budget shortfall, students who complete the online application will be the first to lose their TOPS award.
Students are strongly encouraged to submit their FAFSA by July 1 immediately following their high school graduation. The final deadline to submit the FAFSA without a reduction in award is July 1 following the one-year anniversary of the student's high school graduation.
This award is for Louisiana high school students who are planning to enroll in skill or occupational training at an approved two-year postsecondary institution in Louisiana. Students must have completed a required high school core curriculum with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and have an ACT score of 17 or higher (or the equivalent SAT score).
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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