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.
$3,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
May 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to female undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in accounting at a Washington institution. Students must have an overall grade point average of 2.05 or higher and 3.0 or higher in accounting.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 21
Deadline
This scholarship is open to full-time students at any of the New Hampshire community colleges. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher or be ranked in the top 20 percent of their class if an incoming freshman.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 21
Deadline
This scholarship is open to residents of Belmont, NH, who are entering their second year of college at any of the seven Community College System of New Hampshire institutions. Students must have financial need and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; preference will be given to students who have participated in volunteer community service.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 21
Deadline
This scholarship is open to students in Manchester Community College's building construction program who have completed at least one semester of full-time study. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and have financial need.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 17
Deadline
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are from or studying in the San Francisco (CA) Bay Area. Students must be pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism.
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$2,216
Award Amount
5
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year of college who reside in the Connecticut Community Foundation's 21-town service area. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in the Connecticut Community Foundation's 21-town service area. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher, and have participated in formal tennis activities within the service area.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to female U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in the Connecticut Community Foundation's 21-town service area. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher, and pursue a career in the field of law.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who are residents of and graduated from a public high school in Waterbury, CT. Students must have a grade point average of 85 or better.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in Waterbury, Connecticut. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher, and must be Episcopal.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who have resided in Waterbury, Connecticut, for five or more years. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher, and must attend or plan to attend a non-sectarian college or university.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in one of the following Connecticut cities: Waterbury, Watertown, Bethlehem, Woodbury, Southbury, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Prospect, Wolcott, or Thomaston. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in the Connecticut Community Foundation's 21-town service area. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher and must plan to pursue a bachelor of arts degree (i.e., liberal arts).
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in Prospect, Connecticut. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in the Greater Waterbury (CT) area. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher and must demonstrate financial need.
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$18,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for African American students who are majoring in nursing or health sciences at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Selection is based primarily on academic achievement and unmet financial need.
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$24,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for African American students who are majoring in engineering at the University of Colorado at Colorado springs. Applications will be primarily evaluated on academic achievement and unmet financial need.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in the Connecticut Community Foundation's 21-town service area. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher, and must major in music (preferably piano or voice).
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in Warren, Connecticut. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in Waterbury, Connecticut and will be attending the University of Connecticut. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in the Connecticut Community Foundation's 21-town service area. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher, and must study music, art, dance, or theatre.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and adult students entering their freshman year who reside in the Connecticut Community Foundation's 21-town service area. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher and must major in the humanities.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to entering first-year or transfer students pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree offered through the School of Business at Post University's main campus in Waterbury, CT. Students must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
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$2,361
Award Amount
6
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Berks County, Pennsylvania. Students must be pursuing a degree in the field of healthcare, with a career goal of fulfilling a local community need.
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$2,361
Award Amount
6
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is for high school seniors and college students who are not eligible for federal/state financial aid; it is preferred that applicants have DACA status. Students must graduate from Berks County, PA, high schools and reside in Berks County; students must also have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and a family income that is 187 percent of the federal poverty level or less.
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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