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
Jan 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are pursuing a science or engineering discipline related to the study of corrosion or corrosion control and have a serious interest in full-time professional employment in the corrosion industry after graduation. Students must reside and attend an institution located in the San Juan Basin (Colorado and New Mexico).
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students who reside within the boundaries of the NACE Western Area. Students must be pursuing a science or engineering discipline related to the study of corrosion or corrosion control.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Sep 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree related to criminal justice, law enforcement, government, political science, or sociology with a focus on criminal studies and law.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available to U.S. and international undergraduate students who attend a school within the geographic boundaries of ASHRAE's Region IV (NC, SC, GA), or students who have graduated from a high school in Region IV. Applicants must be majoring in mechanical or architectural engineering and plan to pursue a career in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) profession.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available to U.S. and international undergraduate students who have graduated from high school or are attending a school within the geographic boundaries of ASHRAE's Minnesota Region. Students must major in engineering or architecture and plan to pursue a career in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) profession.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available to U.S. and international undergraduate women who are majoring in engineering technology and planning to pursue a career in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) profession.
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$137,500
Award Amount
7
Awards
Nov 5
Deadline
This full-tuition scholarship to Taylor University (IN) is open to Chicago residents who graduated from high school in 2018 or 2019 or will graduate in 2020 and are not yet enrolled in a four-year college. Students should display strong academic potential and must be Christians or open to learning about the Christian faith.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and graduates who have been accepted to a college or university. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; special consideration will be given to students who plan to pursue a degree in entomology or a related field.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who have a physical, emotional, or learning disability. To apply, applicants must submit an original essay describing what he or she has learned from studying and creating a business plan.
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$789
Award Amount
1,900
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to students who plan to attend or are currently attending a participating North Carolina community college and reside in a qualifying North Carolina county. Students must demonstrate financial need.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 28
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are pursuing a degree in environmental sciences or environmental education at a community college in North Carolina during the upcoming academic year. Students must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
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$6,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 28
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in a curriculum that emphasizes the protection of public health by providing healthful drinking water and/or protecting the quality and integrity of the water environment at an institution of higher education located in North Carolina. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 28
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who have a desire to pursue a career in construction (specifically, water and wastewater construction) with a degree in a construction-related program such as: construction management, construction science, construction technology, construction safety, engineering, or architecture. Students must reside in North Carolina and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to high school students and college freshmen and sophomores who reside in the United States. Students must have an interest in teaching, art, or owning their own business.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 28
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who are studying engineering with a concentration in the water environment at a University of North Carolina campus. Students must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
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$4,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to Massachusetts undergraduate students who are matriculated in a degree program in early childhood education or a related field (i.e., elementary education, sociology, psychology). Students must be employed, for at least one year, as an educator or provider in an early education and care program or out of school time program that is licensed or authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and continue employment in this field while pursuing the approved course of study.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Sep 10
Deadline
This essay contest is open to students who will be enrolled in a college or university as of the application deadline date. The scholarship is limited to students attending school in the 50 United States.
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$2,000
Award Amount
22
Awards
Dec 27
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Students are selected on the basis of scholastic ability, character, leadership potential, service to the community, and need for financial assistance.
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$6,500
Award Amount
30
Awards
Jan 10
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Students are selected based on academic achievements and adherence to daily cystic fibrosis therapy.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 10
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Applicants must demonstrate scholastic ability, character, leadership, service to the community, need for financial assistance, and daily compliance to cystic fibrosis therapy.
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$750
Award Amount
3
Awards
May 17
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have cystic fibrosis and an interest in the arts. Click here to learn more and to apply today!
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$750
Award Amount
6
Awards
Jun 7
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have cystic fibrosis. Students must demonstrate exemplary service and commitment to the prevention and cure of cystic fibrosis.
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$1,250
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jun 7
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have cystic fibrosis. Students must have a clear sense of life goals and an exemplary commitment to living life to the fullest.
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$2,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This writing competition is open to graduate and undergraduate accounting and business majors. Students must attend Pennsylvania colleges/universities or maintain a permanent residence in Pennsylvania.
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$4,600
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who major in fire ecology or auto mechanics at a college or university in Idaho, or who are current Wildland firefighters majoring in any subject. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 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
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Edited by Unigo Staff