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.
$1,250
Award Amount
100
Awards
Deadline
This award is for graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students who will be attending McKendree University. Students must plan to participate in the school's show choir.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This writing contest is open to amatuer writers in the United States who submit a previously unpublished work of short fiction. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of submission.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
Nebraska graduating high school seniors who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and demosntrate financial need are eligible for this award. Students must attend a Nebraska state university or two-year college.
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$42,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Jul 1
Deadline
U.S. students who have completed 12 or more college credit hours and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must plan to transfer to Western New England College in Massachusetts.
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$750
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 15
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students at the University of Maine. Applicants must be residents of Franklin, Maine, and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for current undergraduate students at the University of Maine. Applicants must reside in Buxton or Hollis, Maine and pursue a major in nursing or pre-medicine.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for residents of Kent, Allegan, Ionia, Ottawa, Montcalm, or Muskegon Counties in Michigan. Applicants must be returning to college as undergraduate students after at least two years of absence from education.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for residents of Kent County, Michigan who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in education or a foreign language. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for African American students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$21,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Jul 1
Deadline
Great News for Transfer Students with an Associate’s Degree! You already qualify for our Transfer Distinction Award.
Transfer Distinction Award for Fall semesters
Your associate’s degree and a 2.5 GPA now guarantee you our highest transfer scholarship of $25,000 a year through our Transfer Distinction Award.
Phi Theta Kappa recipients can receive an additional $2,000 per year, guaranteeing your total award of $27,000 per year.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must be currently enrolled at a local-area college, and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher and must demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$40,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Oct 31
Deadline
U.S. and international nursing students in baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral programs with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher are eligible for this award. Eligible applicants must be admitted or enrolled in a nursing school affiliated with CertifiedBackground.com or have submitted their application through NursingCAS.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for high school seniors in Kent County, Michigan who demonstrate unmet financial need. Applicants must plan to major in construction or a related field.
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$25,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who demosntrate high academic achievement will be considered upon admission to Concordia College in Minnesota. Students must attend an on-campus event.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County in Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, must demonstrate unmet financial need, and must attend one of the listed local area universities.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for residents of Kent County, Michigan who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in medical studies. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students residing in Kent, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo counties in Michigan, or Athens County, Ohio. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students residing in Kent or Ottawa County, Michigan. Applicants must be majoring in business, must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for residents of Kent County, Michigan who are attending Aquinas, Calvin, Cornerstone, Davenport, GRCC, GVSU, or Kendall. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must be enrolled at one of the eligible, local colleges and universities.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students who are residents of Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must be majoring in music at the undergraduate or graduate level and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 and demonstrate unmet financial need. Preference will be given to women of color.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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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