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.
$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who submit an original essay of between 800 and 1,000 words in length.
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$4,500
Award Amount
4
Awards
Nov 7
Deadline
The PAVE International Design Competition is open to undergraduate students around the world who submit a design proposal based on the current year's project guidelines.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 29
Deadline
Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. are offering two scholarships, one for Washington State students, and one for any college-bound student in the United States. Two winners will each receive $500 for secondary educational expenses.
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$1,750
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 10
Deadline
The A-1 Auto Transport Scholarship is available for U.S. and international undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
The #ArriveAliveTX Distracted Driving Scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Nov 22
Deadline
The Young Innovators to Watch contest is open to U.S. students between the ages of 13 - 19 who submit a project or innovation that shows technical or scientific creativity. Applicants may work individually or in small teams.
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$3,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Nov 22
Deadline
The Journalism Institute for Media Diversity Scholarship is available for minority students at Wayne State University who are majoring in journalism or communications.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
The Slumber Search Scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 24
Deadline
The Black Wynn PLLC Autism Scholarship is available for U.S. citizens who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited vocational school, college, or university within one year. A $1,000 award is being offered.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 14
Deadline
The RJT Criminal Defense Autism Scholarship is available for U.S. citizens who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Applicants must submit a personal statement of up to 125 words in length that sets forth his or her educational goals and also have the option to discuss the impact of autism on their education.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
The Neal Davis Law Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who submit an original essay of between 500 and 750 words in length.
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$1,750
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 31
Deadline
The Russel A. Pointer and Barney Harkins Scholarships are available for college juniors, seniors, and graduate students in Michigan who are majoring in or enrolled in classes related to real estate.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
The Alaska Curiosity Scholarship is available for high school seniors and college students in Alaska who submit an original video on of the topics posted at the Kelley & Canterbury, LLC website.
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$1,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergradaute and graduate students who have been diagnosed with low vision or blindness.
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$3,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Jul 26
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. women who are currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior. To apply, students must submit an original essay on a constitutional topic and must provide two letters of recommendation.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 3
Deadline
The AlohaCare Scholarship is available for high school seniors and undergraduate students in Hawaii who are enrolled in an AlohaCare member.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 31
Deadline
The HIE Help Center will award one annual scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to an undergraduate or graduate student who plans to pursue a career in physical, occupational, or speech therapy. . Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
The The Adoption Network Law Center Scholarship Program is available for birth parents and adoptees who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in college or university.
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$2,500
Award Amount
8
Awards
Apr 19
Deadline
The Texas Energy Council scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in an energy-related field. Appliants must have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher, and must be a resident of Texas or attending a college/university in Texas.
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$5,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Oct 1
Deadline
The Advancing Women in Technology Scholarship Program is available for women in California who are majoring in a STEM or technology field such as science, math, engineering, or computer science. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 15
Deadline
The Stevens & McMillan Law Scholarship is available for U.S. students who submit an original essay of at least 1,000 words in length. Applicants must be currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited institution of higher education no later than Fall.
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$1,500
Award Amount
4
Awards
Sep 1
Deadline
The Autolist Used Car to Dream Car Scholarship is available for legal U.S. residents who are age 18 or older at the time of application. Entrants must submit two short written statements to be considered for the award.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
The Road to Recovery Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. who submit an original essay of at least 750 words in length. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$4,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
The NextStepU STEM Scholarship is available for students between the ages of 16 and 22 who are majoring in or planning to major in a field related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 6
Deadline
The Capital Area Promise Scholarship is provided annually for high school seniors in Sacramento who demonstrate significant financial need. Click here to learn more about how to apply.
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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