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
5
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for current high school seniors and undergraduate students residing in southern Arizona. Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or must be a straight ally who demonstrates a commitment to LGBT equality and advocacy.
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$2,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available to residents of South Orange County between the ages of 17-24 who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or queer, and to straight allies who have directly supported LGBTQI youth and/or the LGBTQI community.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 22
Deadline
This scholarship is open to students attending a college or university in the U.S. or Puerto Rico who submit an original musical composition in the Latin genre. Each applicant must be between the ages of 17 and 24 as of the application deadline date.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for female students majoring in public relations and related fields. Applicants must demonstrate achievement and leadership in women's issues and women's studies.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students majoring in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field. Preference will be given to students who promote diversity in the profession, as well as students with residency ties to Florida, Georgia or Missouri.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who are members of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for the profession and potential for leadership.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Pittsburgh-area undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career within the concrete industry.
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$37,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors from Nebraska who have received National awards are eligible for this award. Students must attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students in Missouri who are majoring in and/or planning to pursue a career in construction, architecture, or another field related to concrete.
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$10,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors who are residents of Nebraska and plan to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are eligible for this award.
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$16,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who are residents of Nebraska and plan to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are eligible for this award.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for students at Florida State College of Jacksonville who are residents of Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, or St. Johns counties. Preference will be given to students who have participated in the Honor Rows Program, students who have volunteered with the Jaguars Foundation, and students who have graduated from Andrew Jackson High School.
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$2,500
Award Amount
23
Awards
Apr 20
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate students who are current residents of public housing are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate community leadership.
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$2,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 20
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who live in public housing are eligible for this award.
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$2,000
Award Amount
23
Awards
Apr 20
Deadline
U.S. non-traditional students who are enrolled in a program of higher education or a training program are eligible for this award. Students must live in public housing.
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$1,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for students with disabilities who reside in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. Applicants must be currently enrolled at least part time, and must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 11
Deadline
Ohio GFOA members who have been employed in a government position for two or more years and are working toward a bachelors degree or higher in accounting, finance, budgeting, or related field at an Ohio college or university are eligible for this award.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Applicants must submit a short essay on his/her interest in labor organization and public service.
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$3,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school senior females who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must have an interest in pursuing a public finance related career in finance, government, nonprofits, or law.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 12
Deadline
This scholarship is open to students pursuing higher education toward a STEM career or continuing education STEM classes (including, but not limited to, science, engineering, air traffic controller, avionics technician, dispatch certification, aircraft mechanic, meteorologist, or educator for STEM). Students must be members of Women in Aviation, International (WAI); both men and women are eligible to join WAI.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 12
Deadline
The Bunny M. Connors Memorial Scholarship is open to members of Women in Aviation, International (WAI) who plan to pursue a private pilot certificate or instrument rating. Please note: Both men and women are eligible to join WAI.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31, 2025
Deadline
This $10,000 Unigo Scholarship is open to any applicant who is 14 years of age or older and is a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. The applicant must register for a free online account with Unigo.com and submit a short response to this year's topic as posted on the website.
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$6,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for international students who apply for admission to Sessions College. Applicants must be planning to major in web design or graphic design.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship, provided in honor of James S. Page is provided annually to Nassau County high school graduates who are majoring in political science, public administration, or business administration at Florida State College of Jacksonville (FSCJ).
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$9,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jun 25
Deadline
This scholarship is open to women-identified students who are LGBTQ and demonstrate academic excellence, community service, and commitment to impacting LGBTQ issues. Students may be high school seniors or currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students.
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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