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.
$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors and current undergraduate students who are majoring in or planning to major in computer science.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 17
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school and undergraduate students in Georgia who submit an original video and essay about someone who he or she looks up to as a superhero.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya Denver Dreams Scholarship is available for high school seniors and undergraduate students in Colorado. Applicants must submit an original essay OR video in response to the topic prompts listed on the scholarship application.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Aug 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students in the U.S. who submit an original essay on one of the topics listed at RentHop scholarship website. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 31
Deadline
The Chaffin Luhana Anti-Distracted Driving Scholarship is an essay contest open to currently enrolled U.S. students who are 25 years of age or younger. Applicants must submit an original essay offering a unique and practical perspectives on the dangers posed by distracted drivers.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
This scholarship contest is available for U.S. students who submit a statement through Twitter.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who have been accepted into a degree program at any institution of higher education. Students must be North Carolina residents and members of a North Carolina Baptist church, unless they are blood relatives of Mrs. Fawn Watson.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to female re-entry/non-traditional students who are majoring in engineering or computer science and are members of SWE. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and attend an institution within the SWE Region J boundaries.
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 18
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Students must be studying mechnical engineering or a related field and have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who reside in New Milford, Connecticut. Students must intend to pursue or be pursuing a postsecondary degree in an agriculture-related field.
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$2,216
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who reside in Roxbury, Connecticut, and are pursuing a postsecondary education at a two or four year junior college, college, university, technical school, or other institution offering post-graduate study/training. Students must have a grade point average of B- or higher; preference is given to current/former members (or junior corps members) of the Roxbury Fire Department (or direct descendants).
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a career in the plastics industry. Students must be in good academic standing with their schools.
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$1,833
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 19
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who are involved in a community service effort/volunteer opportunity where they work with the elderly or who participate in caregiving duties for an elderly relative living in their home. Students must submit an essay to apply.
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$800
Award Amount
6
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. incoming and current college students who will be pursuing an education in one of the following medical fields: EMT, paramedics, phlebotomy, or nursing. Students must be residents of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,361
Award Amount
6
Awards
Jun 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to students who have resided in Berks County, Pennsylvania, for two or more consecutive years and are enrolled at Gettysburg College in a pre-law related course of study. Students must have completed at least one semester of college at time of application; entering freshmen are not eligible to apply.
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$2,500
Award Amount
6
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This award is open to residents of Berks County, Pennsylvania, who are pursuing postsecondary education for vocational or technical training, i.e., developing a skill/expertise in a specific field of study. Students must be 18 to 30 years of age at time of application and have a financial need.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. incoming and current undergraduate and graduate students. Students must submit a 2-3 minute essay on the current year's topic to apply.
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship competition is open to current undergraduate and graduate students who are or become members of Michigan First Credit Union and are 17 to 25 years of age. Students must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher and submit a video.
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$28,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 24
Deadline
This scholarship program is open to U.S. and international students who are incoming freshmen or transfers at Pacific University. Students must plan to participate in theatre or applied theatre at Pacific University, and must audition to be considered for a scholarship.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This award is for students seeking a law-related degree with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to Stark County (OH) high school seniors and current college/university students who demonstrate strong academic achievement. Students must submit an essay on the current year's business-related topic to apply.
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$4,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and currently enrolled college students who plan to pursue or are pursuing a course of study related to agriculture or agribusiness on a full-time basis. Selection will be based on academic qualifications, community and school involvement, and leadership potential.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and Canadian high school seniors or current college & university students who write a 800 to 1,000 word essay.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to residents of Forsyth County, NC, who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in music. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and some financial need; preference is given to applicants who are Moravian and/or are studying to enter a church-related vocation.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to women who are 23 years of age or older and attend or plan to attend select NC institutions. Students must have a grade point average of 2.6 or higher, pursue a liberal arts degree, and demonstrate financial need.
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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