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.
$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hispanic undergraduate students who reside in the Austin, Texas area. Applicants must have a combined family income of $20,000 or less.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who submit a two to four minute video on current issues in American transportation.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in an aeronautics engineering program at a college, technical school, or aviation academy. Students must be recommended by a current Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Inc. member or be a current, active member of the EAA in order to receive this scholarship.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
The Beulah Brown R.N. Nursing Scholarship is available for current high school seniors who reside in Middletown, Ohio. Applicants must plan to major in nursing.
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$8,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 22
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who are majoring in the arts/sciences, human services, music, or ministry. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to applicants from Missouri, Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 22
Deadline
This scholarship is open to Georgia undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in medicine or social work. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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$6,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 22
Deadline
This scholarship is available to U.S. undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 2.0 to 3.0. Students must be enrolled full time and demonstrate financial need.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for African-American and Hispanic high school seniors residing in Hillsborough County, Florida. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and must enroll at Hillsborough Community College.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 22
Deadline
This scholarship is available to Georgia undergraduate and graduate students who are attending Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, or Spelman College. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors residing in Hillsborough County, Florida. Applicants must be a member of a varsity basketball team, and must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hispanic and African-American high school seniors residing in Hillsborough County, Florida. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and plan to enroll in an accredited college or university in the U.S.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors residing in Hillsborough County, Florida who demonstrate an ability to overcome bad decisions and/or troubled situations.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
The Pelican Players Scholarship Fund is available for Hillsborough County, Florida high school seniors who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Applicants must be planning to major in performing arts. Additional preference is given to students at East Bay, Lennard, Newsome and Riverview High Schools.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for female high school seniors residing in Hillsborough County, Florida. Applicants must come from a single-parent home or reside in a group home, must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students enrolled in the firefighting or emergency medical services program at the Florida State College of Jacksonville. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for college freshman and sophomore students at FSCJ who are enrolled in the theater and entertainment technology program. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
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$23,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 1
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors who plan to attend the University of Evansville in Indiana are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher AND an SAT/ACT score of 1510/22 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 1
Deadline
The Disability Scholarship was established in 2014 as part of the law firm’s commitment to helping students with disabilities or injuries who are in need of financial assistance for education purposes. The scholarship is available to students of any age, with any type of disability, including but not limited to physical disabilities, medical conditions, mental or psychiatric conditions, speech and language, learning disabilities, behavioral conditions, and all other conditions.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 5
Deadline
This scholarship is available for single mothers in the U.S. who are currently enrolled in a law school or undergraduate program. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and submit an essay on the advantages of parenting experience in school. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$6,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for adult re-entry students who are at least 25 years of age and residents of Butler County, OH. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and plan to major in nursing or a related healthcare field.
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$5,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 14
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Middletown Ohio area high school seniors who are in the top 25% of their class by grade point average and score above average on the SAT or ACT. Applicants must be accepted to or planning to enroll in a public college or university in Ohio.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in Middletown Ohio who 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
Feb 14
Deadline
The John A. McCluskey and Helen McCluskey Scholarship scholarship is available for graduating African American seniors at Middleton High School in Middletown, Ohio who display a passion for athletics. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to community service.
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$440
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This award is available for high school seniors in Monroe, Ohio who plan to major in music or performing arts at an accredited college or university in the U.S. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
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$2,100
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors in Monroe or Middletown, Ohio who plan to major in journalism or communications. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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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