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
Jan 4
Deadline
This scholarship is open to international and U.S. students who are licensed radio amateurs. Students must be studying horticulture or environmental science.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 4
Deadline
This scholarship is for U.S. students who are licensed radio amateurs (novice class or higher) pursuing a bachelor of science degree in any field of engineering. Students must reside in North Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia; students must demonstrate financial need.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 4
Deadline
This scholarship is open to international and U.S. students who are licensed radio amateurs studying science, technology, or engineering. Students must be residents of or attending college in Oklahoma (second preference goes to students residing in or attending college in Texas).
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 4
Deadline
This scholarship is open to international and U.S. students who are licensed radio amateurs. Students must be studying electrical or communications engineering.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 4
Deadline
The YASME Foundation Scholarship is open to U.S. and international students who are licensed radio amateurs (general class or higher) and studying the sciences or engineering. Preference will be given to students who are active in a local amateur radio club and in community service, as well as students who are ranked in the top 10 percent of their class (high school or college).
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are enrolled in an associate's, baccalaureate, or degree completion dental hygiene program, with a commitment to improving oral health in the geriatric population. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and be student or professional members of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA).
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students pursuing a certificate, associate's degree, or baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene. Students must be student or professional members of the ADHA.
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$3,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available to students at the University of North Florida who have a declared major in engineering or construction management. Students must: have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; be involved in extracurricular activities; and demonstrate leadership in their activities.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students at the University of North Florida who have been accepted into a program offered by the School of Engineering (civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering). Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who are or intend to be declared majors in construction management or civil engineering at the University of North Florida. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be active in student clubs or members of student competitions.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 4
Deadline
This scholarship is available for LGBT students residing in Charlotte, NC. Applicants must be accepted to or attending an accredited college or university and must be under the age of 21.
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$6,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. and international students who have graduated from a high school in Contra Costa, California. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the cause of LGBTQ students through activism and social participation.
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$1,650
Award Amount
11
Awards
Mar 16
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Colorado LGBT students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university in Colorado.
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$60,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to international students who plan to attend Augsburg College as freshmen. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
This scholarship is open to students who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in the spring semester in two-year, four-year, or graduate degree programs. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and have a plan to launch a small business (must include a heavy online element).
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$40,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Sep 22
Deadline
Acorn Equality Fund scholarships are designed to provide academic financial support for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered students, allies or the children of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered parents.
Each year, the Acorn scholarship is provided to a student who shows an exceptional commitment to community service and public advocacy on behalf of the LGBT population. Award selection will be based on academic merit in addition to a proven record of activism and participation.
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$3,333
Award Amount
4
Awards
Nov 20
Deadline
The McKeon Scholarship is available to LGBT students, allies, and the children of LGBT parents who have a permanent residence in the Acorn Equality Fund service area (all counties in Illinois except Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will). Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, as well as political involvement and advocacy for LGBT issues.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 10
Deadline
Undergraduate students who are enrolled in civil engineering programs and have demonstrated a commitment to either water supply and/or environmental engineering are eligible for this award. Students must be members of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 10
Deadline
Current undergraduate students who are enrolled in an ABET-accredited program in civil engineering and are members of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) are eligible for this award. Academic merit and financial need will be considered in award selection.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 10
Deadline
Current undergraduate students who are enrolled in an ABET-accredited civil engineering program with an interest in structural engineering are eligible for this award. Students must be student members of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
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$1,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students who reside in Illinois. Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 22 and must be enrolled as or accepted as an undergraduate student at the time of application.
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$1,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
May 17
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students in Indiana who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally who is dedicated to promoting equality and social inclusion.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This scholarship is available for LGBT students in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state who are majoring in a field related to social work at an accredited college or university. Applications open October 11. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$3,300
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
The Lenehan-Warn Technical Education Scholarship is provided annually for LGBT students and allies in Oregon or Washington state. Applicants must be attending an accredited technical school or program. Learn more and apply today!
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This scholarship is available for LGBT undergraduate students and straight allies who reside in Pacific, Grays Harbor, or Ferry counties in Washington. Selection preference will be given to students with a record of community service, as well as first-generation college-bound 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