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.
$10,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 4
Deadline
Graduating seniors from Albuquerque, New Mexico high schools who have a grade point average of 3.8 or higher, ACT/SAT scores of 30/680 (minimum in math) or higher are eligible for this award. Students must demonstrate strong math or science credentials.
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$5,400
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
U.S. high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement and leadership and plan to attend UW-Eau Claire are eligible for this award. Students must graduate in the top 25% of their high school class and have an ACT/SAT score of 25/1150 or higher.
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors who are minorities or economically disadvantage are eligible for this award. Students must rank in the top 25% of their graduating class and have an ACT/SAT of 25/1150 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors whose parents are permanently separated or divorced. Students must be Florida residents and attend a Florida high school.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are graduating from a high school in Wappinger, NY. Applicants must plan to major in education or environmental science.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available high school seniors residing in Dutchess County, New York. Applicants must plan to major in a field related to financial services.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for female high school seniors in Dutchess, Orange, or Ulster Counties in New York. Applicants must plan to major in physical therapy.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for current high school seniors who are graduating from Poughkeepsie high school. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit and plan to pursue an education in physical science.
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$8,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for high school seniors and current undergraduate students who are graduating or have recently graduated from a high school in Dutchess County, New York.
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$650
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for graduating high school seniors who reside in Beacon, New York. Students who are working to overcome financial, emotional, family, or other personal hardships will be given priority.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for a high school senior residing in Dutchess county who plans to major in engineering or science.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available to graduating high school seniors in Poughkeepsie and Wappinger New York. Applicants be active in the school or local theater.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students of Native American descent. Applicants must be residents of Dutchess County, New York.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in fashion at Marist College.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for high school seniors graduating from Roy C. Ketcham High Schoool in Wappinger Falls, New York. Applicants mus demonstrate academic merit, financial need, and achievement in overcoming personal obstacles.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for high school seniors who have been active for at least two years in the choral program for at least two years at Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, New York.
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$18,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence and plan to attend DePaul University are considered for this award upon admission.
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$17,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence and plan to attend DePaul University in Illinois are considered for this award upon admission.
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$16,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who have strong academic credentials and have performed above average are considered for this award upon admission to DePaul University in Illinois.
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$40,551
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniros who demonstrate an exceptional record of community or leadership will be invited to apply for this award upon Early Action admission to DePaul University.
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$36,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
May 1
Deadline
U.S. college students who have completed 15 or more credit hours of college course work with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher will be automatically considered for this transfer award upon admission to DePaul Universtiy in Illinois.
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$40,000
Award Amount
70
Awards
Apr 5
Deadline
Our nation was founded upon the principles of leadership, equality and opportunity. I created the Four Star Leadership program to underscore the importance of character in today's fast-paced, global environment.
The students sitting in classrooms around the world today will be civilization's next governors, prime ministers, representatives, delegates and presidents. Ethical leadership crafted on a strong foundation of character, common vision, communication and caring is paramount for the future success of our social, political and economic systems. Four Star Leadership is free for selected students.
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$4,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
May 1
Deadline
U.S. college students who have completed 15 or more credit hours of college course work with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and are members of Phi Theta Kappa will be automatically considered for this transfer award upon admission to DePaul Universtiy in Illinois.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available to seniors graduating from Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, New York. Applicants must plan to major in, and pursue a career in nursing.
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$20,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who plan to attend DePaul University and major in acting are considered for this award upon completing an audition after admission.
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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