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.
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate students who feel passionately about the career and educational path they are pursuing. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and submit an essay about his/her chosen profession.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 24
Deadline
This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors as well as students currently enrolled in postsecondary institutions. Students must write an essay of less than 1,000 words on the current year's topic.
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$6,667
Award Amount
6
Awards
May 2
Deadline
This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who have a declared major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related life science field. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. This award is for U.S students and students with appropriate visa status.
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$6,700
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
The Ruby A. Brown Memorial Scholarship is available for current nursing students residing in eastern Tennessee. Applicants must demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$16,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is provided annually to low-income high school seniors who are members of the Boy Scouts of America, Great Smoky Mountain Council. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll in an accredited undergraduate program.
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$40,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
The Gordon W. and Agnes P. Cobb Scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who reside in Blount, Loudon, or Knox counties in Tennessee. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and pursue a major in a medical field.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for Jewish undergraduate and graduate students residing in Oregon. Applicants must demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
U.S. students who are the dependents of full-time ministers are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend Pacific Lutheran University in Washington.
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$2,400
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to students at the University of North Florida who are enrolled in the College of Computing, Engineering & Construction. Students must be members of the UNF chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$3,345
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who are attending Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.25 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
This scholarship is provided annually to support the financial needs of LGBT students who reside in Indianapolis, Indiana. Applicants must demonstrate academic potential and a history of service & advocacy within the LGBT community.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 16
Deadline
This scholarship is available for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, as well as straight allies. Applicants must reside in Maryland or attend an institution of higher education in Maryland.
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$5,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students, as well as straight allies. Applicants must be current high school seniors graduating from a school in the Greater Boston Area, and must demonstrate a history of activism in favor of LGBT causes.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. and international students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally. Applicants must reside in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties in Michigan, and must enroll in an accredited institution of higher education in the semester following application.
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$1,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Apr 22
Deadline
This scholarship is available for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or a straight ally dedicated to LGBT causes. Applicants must reside in New Mexico and must enroll in an accredited institution of higher education during the semester following scholarship application.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 19
Deadline
This scholarship is available for residents of Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph or Alamance County, North Carolina who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally. Applicants must plan to enroll in a college or university during the semester following application.
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$7,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 13
Deadline
This scholarship is available for residents of the Miami Valley region of Ohio who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to and advocacy for LGBT causes, and must enroll in an accredited institution of higher education during the semester following application.
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$100,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 28
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Houston-area residents who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 24
Deadline
This research competition is open to undergraduate students studying music therapy at an institution approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Students must be members in good standing of the AMTA both at the time of application and the time of award.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 7
Deadline
This scholarship is for students who are currently doing a music therapy internship. Students must be members of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) in both the year in which application is made and the year in which the award is granted, and must attend an AMTA-approved institution.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 7
Deadline
This scholarship is open to music therapy interns pursuing training in chemical dependency or in adolescent programs. Students must be members of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) in both the year in which application is made and the year in which the award is granted, and must attend an AMTA-approved institution.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors residing in Boulder, Colorado. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to advancing equality for LGBT members of the community.
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$20,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 5
Deadline
This competition for original musical compositions is open to citizens of countries in the Western Hemisphere that are 27 years of age or under as of the application deadline. Entrants must be studying music either in an educational institution or with a private teacher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for residents of Lubbock Texas who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) or as a straight ally dedicated to LGBT equality. Selection is based on academic merit, financial need, and demonstrated commitment to community service and advocacy within the LGBT community.
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$750
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors residing in Placer County, California. Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or must demonstrate a history as a straight ally dedicated to equality and advancing LGBT rights.
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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