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.
$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 2
Deadline
This scholarship is open to California students who are or will be enrolled in a culinary cooking, hospitality management, or event planning major/program at an accredited California four-year university or college, culinary specialty school, or community college. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 2
Deadline
This scholarship is open to California undergraduate and graduate students who have completed 12 or more credit hours of agricultural classes. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Friends of the California State Fair offers 12 categories of scholarships with varying eligibility requirements. Applicants may apply for only ONE scholarship category of their choice per year. Applicants must meet all of the criteria for a specific scholarship to be an eligible candidate. The eligibility requirements differ based on the specific scholarship so please double check your eligibility status before selecting a scholarship. Scholarships and eligibility requirements are listed on the Categories tab of this application. All scholarships have the 3 requirements listed below in addition to scholarship-specific requirements. To be eligible for any of the awards you must:
have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 although some scholarships require a higher GPA
plan to attend college in the Fall of 2022 and Spring of 2023
be a California resident with a valid ID
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 2
Deadline
This scholarship is open to California high school seniors and undergraduate students who have an interest in international agricultural trade and intend to pursue studies in areas such as agriculture, economics, business, international studies, language studies, etc. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 2
Deadline
This scholarship is open to California residents enrolled in a California community college or four-year college or university. Students must major in business or agricultural business and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are enrolled in an entry-level radiation therapy program and are members of ASRT. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; the student's program director must verify the grade point average based on one or more semesters of study.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to established radiologic technologists who are working to earn their first college degree (associate's or bachelor's). Students must study in the United States and be members of ASRT.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is open to current radiologic technologists who plan to complete additional certifications or college degrees. Students must study in the United States and be members of ASRT.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who are enrolled in an entry-level radiography, sonography, magnetic resonance, or nuclear medicine program. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; the student's program director must verify the grade point average based on one or more semesters of study.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 2
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. female students attending a Colorado postsecondary institution with a focus in a food-related industry (such as culinary, food science, dietetics, nutrition, beverage and fermentation, hospitality and restaurant management, animal science, agriculture, or family and consumer sciences). Students must have one to two years experience in their chosen industry.
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$13,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students in Michigan who are attending or planning to attend an accredited, public university in Michigan. Selection of awards is based on academic merit, financial harship, and involvement with community service.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to international and U.S. female undergraduate students who are enrolled in a plastics-related curriculum. Students must be in good academic standing.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to high school seniors and first-year undergraduate students who attend a U.S. or Canadian college/university and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must be focusing on polymers or plastics engineering and pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, or manufacturing engineering and pursuing a career in plastic or rubber extrusion processing.
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$12,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to international and U.S. incoming, transfer, and current undergraduate students who are enrolled in a food service-related major. Students must enroll full time.
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$2,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to Delaware undergraduate students who reside in the Caesar Rodney School District and graduate from Caesar Rodney High School. Students must be active in community service and have a low to moderate income.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to Delaware undergraduate students who plan to attend or currently attend University of Delaware, Delaware Technical & Community College, Goldey-Beacom College, Wesley College, Delaware State University, or Lincoln University. Students must pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in a business- or construction-related field.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to Delaware residents who are accepted at an accredited college or university's nursing program to initiate or further nursing training. All recipients will seek to improve the quality of health care in society through nursing practices that ensure that patients are a priority.
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$1,250
Award Amount
8
Awards
Mar 24
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate ethnic minority students who are pursuing an undergraduate accounting, finance, or related business degree or master's-level business degree at a Georgia college/university or are Georgia residents. Applicants must be student members of NABA and have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
58
Awards
Feb 28
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who obtain the endorsement of an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.); the A.A.E. must be a member at the national and regional levels. Awards are based on financial need.
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$2,500
Award Amount
6
Awards
Mar 25
Deadline
This scholarship is available for current undergraduate students in North Carolina who are employed in retail or have a parent/guardian who is employed in retail. Selection will be based on academic merit, employment history, and other contributions to the community through service and volunteer work.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are currently enrolled in a two-year college pursuing a major in accounting and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must have completed at least 20 college semester credit hours, at least 6 of which must be in accounting as of the end of the current spring semester, and plan to continue enrollment at their two-year college in the upcoming academic year.
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$10,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This essay contest is open to individuals who are 13 years of age or older and reside, work, or attend school in Seattle, Washington. Applicants must have a Seattle Public Library card and must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate student.
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$2,500
Award Amount
20
Awards
Mar 25
Deadline
This scholarship is available for current undergraduate students in North Carolina who are employed by a grocery store or who have a parent/guardian who is employed by a grocer.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in hospitality management at select AH&LEF-affiliated schools and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Preference is given to students of Asian-Indian descent and other minority groups, as well as JHM Hotel employees.
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$16,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are enrolled or have been accepted into a two-year or four-year postsecondary degree or advanced certificate institution. Students must reside in Coos County, New Hampshire, or surrounding border communities in northeast Essex County, Vermont.
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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