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.
$72,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.8 or higher, and an SAT/ACT score of 1270/24 are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend Concordia College in New York.
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$60,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and an SAT/ACT score of 1170/24 are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend Concordia College in New York.
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$100,000
Award Amount
50
Awards
Jun 1
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. and International high school students who are planning to attend North Central University. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, an ACT score of 30 or higher, and a SAT score of 1320.
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$44,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and an SAT/ACT score of 1070/21 are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend Concordia College in New York.
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$60,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who are active members of a Lutheran church are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend Concordia College of New York.
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$8,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa in good standing are eligible to apply for this award. Students must plan to transfer to Concordia College of New York.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 4
Deadline
U.S. and international students who have an active technician cass amateur radio license or higher are eligible for this award. Students must be living in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, and be majoring in computer science, TV/radio electronics, or electrical engineering.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who possess an active amateur radio license (any class) are eligible for this award. Students must attend a four-year college or university.
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$4,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jan 4
Deadline
U.S. and international undergraduate students who have an active amateur radio license of any class are eligible for this award. Students must attend a four-year college or university.
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$2,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 26
Deadline
This scholarship is open to high school seniors who attend a high school in the Dallas (TX) Independent School District. Students must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 7
Deadline
Current college students and recent graduates of Asian American and/or Pacific Islander descent are eligible for this award. Students must have an internship secured for the upcoming summer semester and pursue a career in television or radio.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 7
Deadline
Asian American and Pacific Islander male students who are current enrolled in college or recent graduates are eligible for this award. Students must have an internship secured for the upcoming summer semester and pursue a career in television broadcasting.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 21
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate college students who are pursuing a career in journalism. Students must have a sensitivity to Asian American and Pacific Islander issues.
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$1
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 7
Deadline
Current college students and recent graduates of Asian American and/or Pacific Islander descent are eligible for this award. Students must have an internship secured for the upcoming summer semester and pursue a career in print or online news.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
U.S. high school students planning to enroll in college in the next 12 months OR current undergraduate and/or graduate students are eligible for this award. Students must submit a video essay to apply.
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
May 10
Deadline
Indiana high school seniors or older who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must be minority students enrolled or planning to enroll in a four-year college or university and be residents of Lake, LaPorte, or Porter counties.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 6
Deadline
U.S. graudating high school seniors who are not residents of Michigan are eligible for this award. Students will be considered upon admission.
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
U.S. graudating high school seniors who are full-time dependent students and the children of Aquinas alumni or parents who have earned 60 or more credits at Aquinas College.
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$16,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.3 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend Aquinas College in Michigan.
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$2,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
New Hampshire high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need will be considered for this award. Students who meet any/all of the following criteria are given preference for funding: interest in pursuing a career in business, hospitality or food service industries; a grade point average of 3.25 or higher; substantial volunteer or community service.
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$3,106
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
Residents of Enfield, New Hampshire, who are pursuing postsecondary training/education of any kind are eligible for this award. Awards are based on an evaluation of the student's motivation, merit, and financial need; preference is given to those students with the fewest financial resources.
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$1,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
New Hampshire residents who are minorities will be considered for this award; preference is given to Hispanic students. Students must enroll in undergraduate or certificate programs of study.
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$12,424
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors from A. Crosby Kennett High School in Conway, New Hampshire are eligible for this award. Students must demonstrate financial need; only those students with the lowest family resources are considered.
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$3,106
Award Amount
32
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
Residents of specific cities in New Hampshire and Maine are eligible for this award. Students must demonstrate financial need and academic merit and plan to enroll full time in a postsecondary program of study.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 24
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue an aviation-related program at an accredited college or university are eligible for this award. Students must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in general aviation.
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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