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
Jun 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and Canadian students between the ages of 17 and 24. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 2
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and Canadian students who will be attending college full time by October 2016. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$2,150
Award Amount
5
Awards
May 24
Deadline
This award is available for Hispanic students who are attending a college in Florida, Georgia, or North Carolina. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must be majoring in engineering, mathematics, or computer technology.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jun 1
Deadline
This award is available for Hispanic students who are residents of the St. Louis area. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and plan to an attend an accredited educational institution in the fall following application.
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$2,500
Award Amount
42
Awards
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is for Hispanic high school seniors and undergraduates who are residents of Forsyth County, NC. Applicants must have previously enrolled in an English as a Second Language course.
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$32,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Dec 15
Deadline
This award is available for Cuban-American undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must also demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$6,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available to U.S. and international college sophomores, juniors, and seniors at UT-Austin. Students may major in any area, but must intend to pursue a career in electronic journalism or broadcast media.
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$1,800
Award Amount
17
Awards
Apr 4
Deadline
New Mexico residents from Quay County who are graduating high school seniors beginning their college education, currently enrolled college students or from nontradional students are eligible for this award.
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$1,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Aug 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors, college/university students, and graduate students. Applications will be judged on grade point average, economic hardship, and a demonstrated commitment to their heritage, community and society, among other factors.
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$80,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for first-time-in-college students who are eligible for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS (Temporary Protected Status). Students must demonstrate significant financial need, have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and attend one of TheDream.US's partner colleges.
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$50,000
Award Amount
50
Awards
Jul 10
Deadline
Undergraduate students attending college in the United States are eligible to enter this media planning case competition. Students must be at least 18 years of age as of Nov. 30, 2017.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors who are of Norwegian ancestry and reside in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Kendall, McHenry, or Will counties in Illinois. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$100
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This cash award is available for students in grades 9-11 who are of Norwegian ancestry and reside in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Kendall, McHenry, or Will counties in Illinois. Students must write an essay on any topic regarding Norway.
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$50
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This cash award is available for students in grades 5-8 who are of Norwegian ancestry and reside in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Kendall, McHenry, or Will counties in Illinois. Students must write an essay on any topic regarding Norway.
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$30,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are of Greek-American heritage. Students must be majoring in journalism and communications, and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,400
Award Amount
9
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
U.S. high school students are eligible to enter this poetry contest. Students must submit a poem of 20 lines or less on a topic of their choice. ALL WINNING POEMS WILL BE PUBLISHED. If you are dead set against having your poem published, we suggest you do not enter. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship program is open to high school seniors who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and plan to attend an accredited U.S. postsecondary institution. Students must write an essay of 1,200 words or less on a selected topic related to baseball history.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students in a tourism-related degree program.
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors who reside and attend school in Unitil's service territory in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. The student must major in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 29
Deadline
This scholarship is available to any high school student applying to college (two-year or four-year college or trade school) and any current part-time or full-time college student. Students must meet one of the following criteria: be an immediate family member of an NHASH member in good standing and pursuing any secondary education; be an immediate family of an industry-related organization or business that meets criteria for NHASH Associate membership and pursuing any industry-related secondary education; or pursuing a degree in any environmental science field.
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$3,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
High school seniors or older students who are residents of Sandwich, NH and graduates of Interlakes High School are eligible for this award.
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$4,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Jun 3
Deadline
This scholarship is available for currently enrolled undergraduate students who plan to pursue a career in the airline industry. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
Students who graduated from a Wisconsin high school and have earned less than 30 undergraduate credit hours are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; preference will be given to single parents.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
Students who graduated from a Wisconsin high school and have earned less than 30 undergraduate credit hours are eligible for this award at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Students must demonstrate significant financial need; preference is given to single parents and students who have experienced other non-traditional paths to university.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 11
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors who reside in selected Vermont cities and demonstrate academic achievement. Students must demonstrate community involvement/service that is specifically related to preserving and/or conserving the environment.
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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