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.
$7,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are residents of the Triangle Area of North Carolina (Durham, Orange, and Wake counties) and attend a North Carolina postsecondary institutions. Students must be pursuing a career in the health professions or be a single working parent.
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$7,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to students who reside in the Triangle Area of North Carolina (Durham, Orange, and Wake counties) and plan to attend a North Carolina technical institution. Financial need will be considered in the selection process.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 14
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who reside within the North Carolina counties of Wake, Durham, Orange, or Johnston (may attend school outside the area). Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher; male and female students may apply.
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$1,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Dec 17
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate members of the Golden Key Honor Society who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to Oklahoma undergraduate and graduate students who are seeking degrees in the fields of early childhood education or child development/family studies at Oklahoma nonprofit institutions. Students must be employed in early childhood care/family services settings (to include family child care homes); preference will be given to individuals with five or more years work experience in the field of early care and education.
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$500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Aug 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students at the University of Southern California who do not currently belong to a sorority or fraternity. Selection is based on several factors, such as leadership, community service, and academic merit.
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$21,000
Award Amount
26
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. and international students who transfer to Union College (NE); transfer students must have 24 or more credit hours. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher.
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$15,000
Award Amount
26
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. and international students who plan to transfer to Union College in Nebraska (must have 24 or more credit hours). Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
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$10,500
Award Amount
26
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to entering transfer students at Union College (NE). Students must have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students in the Inland Empire area of California (San Bernardino and Riverside counties) who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jul 29
Deadline
Through our scholarship program, Platinum Educational Group’s goal is to provide students entering the EMS, Nursing, and Allied Health fields assistance in funding their education. In 2015, we launched our program for EMS students only. In 2016, we expanded our programs (to include Platinum Tests and Platinum Planner) and scholarships to include the Nursing and Allied Health fields.
Platinum Educational Group's goal is to provide students entering the emergency medical services (EMS) field, nursing, or allied health with assistance in funding his or her education.
Students who are selected to receive a scholarship will also be required to provide a personal photo upon request.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. and international entering transfer students at Union College (NE). Students must meet admission criteria with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher to qualify.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This essay contest is open to U.S. and international students who are in first grade through graduate school. Contest winners may be asked to attend the awards banquet in California at their own cost to receive their prize.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
This grant program is open to undergraduate students who reside in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students must have a family adjusted gross income up to 300 percent above the federal proverty guidelines.
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$1,767
Award Amount
4
Awards
Jul 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who are children of Vietnam veterans and reside in Davie, Davidson, Forsyth, Surry, Stokes, Yadkin and Wilkes counties in North Carolina. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher; financial need will be considered when awarding scholarships.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to residents of Forsyth County, NC, who will pursue a full-time undergraduate degree, certificate, or diploma from an accredited postsecondary institution. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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$1,767
Award Amount
4
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to dependent children of slain officers from the Winston-Salem Police Department, Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, or N.C. State Highway Patrol (located in Forsyth County). Students may be high school seniors or already enrolled in postsecondary education; students who have already left home and are self-supporting are not eligible.
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$543,580
Award Amount
9
Awards
Jun 30
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. and international students who enroll as first-time freshmen at Wesleyan College in Georgia (a women's college). Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and an SAT score of 1000 or higher or an ACT score of 21 or higher; students must also be active members of a United Methodist church.
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$120,840
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to first-time freshmen at Wesleyan College in Georgia (a women's college) that demonstrate commitment to faith and community service. Students must have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher and an SAT score of 1000 or higher or an ACT score of 21 or higher.
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$1,800
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to incoming and current undergraduate nursing students from Forsyth County, NC, who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must demonstrate some financial need, although merit is given greater consideration; preference is given to African-American students.
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$900
Award Amount
4
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to traditional and non-traditional undergraduate students who live in housing owned or managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Winston-Salem. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher (college students who have been out of school for two or more years with lower grades may be considered on a case-by-case basis).
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$5,000
Award Amount
121
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students who are returning students at Centenary University in New Jersey. Students must demonstrate financial need and live in campus housing.
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$5,000
Award Amount
121
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This grant is open to New Jersey residents who are returning undergraduate students at Centenary University in New Jersey. Students must demonstrate financial need.
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$39,000
Award Amount
40
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are transferring to Centenary University in New Jersey. Students must have a college grade point average of 3.75 or higher.
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$90,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who are transferring to Centenary University in New Jersey. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 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
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff