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.
$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Oct 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students attending school full-time who can prove he/she has a disability defined as described under the ADA: "A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such an individual."
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate students who have a demonstrated or expressed interest in the plastics industry are eligible for this award. Students must be majoring or taking courses in an area that would benefit the plastics industry; this includes, but is not limited to, plastics engineering, polymer science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering.
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$8,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
Residents of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas who are attending a postsecondary institution in one of the eligible states are eligible for this award. Students must have a demonstrated or expressed interest in the plastics industry.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who have a demonstrated or expressed interest in the plastics industry are eligible for this award. Applicants must have experience in the injection molding industry, such as courses taken, research conducted, or jobs held.
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$2,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who have a demonstrated or expressed interest in the plastics industry are eligible for this award. Applicants must document their experience in the composites industry, such as courses taken, research conducted, or jobs held.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are performing research in the field of polymer extrusion are eligible for this award. Applicants must be a Ph.D. candidate, or be working on a senior or M.S. project.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who have a demonstrated or expressed interest in the plastics industry are eligible for this award. Applicants must have graduated from a high school in Pennsylvania.
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$1,250
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who have a demonstrated or expressed interest in the plastics industry are eligible for this award. Students must have experience in the thermoplastic elastomers industry (courses taken, research conducted, or internships/jobs held).
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate students who have a demonstrated or expressed interest in the plastics industry are eligible for this award. Students must have experience in the thermoplastic materials and foams industry, such as courses taken, research conducted, or internships/jobs held.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate students who have a demonstrated or expressed interest in the plastics industry are eligible for this award. Students must attend college in Arizona, California, Oregon, or Washington.
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$72,932
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 1
Deadline
This award is available to U.S high school students who are planning to attend Northeastern University, MA. Each applicant must be a first-generation college student who has overcome exceptional odds and who demonstrates the potential to excel academically.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who demonstrate an interest in cyber security and plan to pursue a degree in a computer technology-related field. Applicants must reside in Charleston, SC or plan to attend a college or university in Charleston, SC.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
Kentucky high school seniors attending a rural high school are eligible for this award. Students must be active members of their high schools' Student Technology Leadership Programs and plan to pursue a degree in a computer technology-related field.
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$7,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors who are community leaders and have been accepted to a four-year college are eligible for this award. The award recognizes students who exemplify the commitment, ideals and courage that Anne Frank represents today.
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$32,216
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
American Indian graduating high school seniors who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher OR an ACT/SAT score of 22/1020 or higher and rank in the top 50 percent of their graduating class are eligible for this award. Students must attend Oklahoma City University.
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must major in hospitality management or hotel/motel management and be part of a traditionally underrepresented group.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 18
Deadline
International and U.S. college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors enrolled in an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program are eligible for this award. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 18
Deadline
U.S. college students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors that demonstrate a special interest in the areas of fuels, combustion, or the power industry are eligible for this award. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABET-accredited or substantially equivalent mechanical engineering or related baccalaureate program.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 16
Deadline
International and U.S. women who are current undergraduate or graduate students are eligible for this award. Students must be enrolled in a mechanical engineering program.
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$13,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 18
Deadline
International and U.S. students who will be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students in the upcoming academic year and are enrolled in a mechanical engineering or related program are eligible for this award. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate an interest in advancing the field of power generation.
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$1,000
Award Amount
200
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are 16 years of age or older at time of application. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, be involved in community service, and demonstrate financial need.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 27
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are 16 years of age or older at time of application and are of Asian Pacific Island/Pan-Asian American heritage. Students must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher, be involved in community service, and demonstrate financial need.
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$50,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian undergraduate and graduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must major in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
Undergraduate women who are majoring in engineering are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and have an interest in railway engineering.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
Engineering students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Michigan Tech University who are Railroad Engineering and Activities Club (REAC) members or club officers are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and have an interest in railway engineering.
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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