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.
$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
The A.J. Julian Scholarship Fund is provided annually to male graduates of Webster City High School in Webster City, Iowa. Applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement, financial need, and leadership through community service & participation.
Read More
View Scholarship
$840
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 1
Deadline
The Notes for Life Scholarship Fund is available for undergraduate and graduate students in Boone County, Missouri, St. Louis County, Missouri or Klamath County, Oregon who are seeking to pursue additional education and development in instrumental music, singing, or dance.
Read More
View Scholarship
$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
The CBM Wildcat Education Scholarship Fund is available for graduating seniors and previous graduates of the Shawnee, Kansas school district. Applicants must attend or plan to attend Kansas State University and major in education.
Applications will be available starting February 15th
Read More
View Scholarship
$8,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Elizabeth Miller Watkins Memorial Scholarship Fund is provided annually to undergraduate students at the University of Kansas who have unmet financial need and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference will be given to women who are the first of their families to attend college.
Read More
View Scholarship
$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Hispanic Development Fund Scholarship Program is available for graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students in the Greater Kansas City metro area (defined as Clay, Jackson, Platte, Johnson and Wyandotte counties).
Read More
View Scholarship
$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 1
Deadline
The I-70 Community Hospital Education Foundation Scholarship Fund is available for undergraduate and graduate students in Saline, Lafayette, Johnson, or Pettis Counties in Missouri who are majoring in a medical field of study.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
May 1
Deadline
The Kansas City, Missouri Opportunities Scholarship is available for high school graduates in Kansas City, MO who are between the ages of 17 and 25.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 28
Deadline
The Kreider Scholarship Fund is available for graduating high school seniors at Bonner Springs High School. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and unmet financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Read More
View Scholarship
$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
The New Theatre Guild Scholarship Endowment Fund is available for students who are majoring in theater at University of Kansas, University of Central Missouri and University of Missouri at Kansas City. Click here to learn more about how to apply today!
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
The Raytown Class of 1956 Scholarship Fund is available for graduating seniors at Raytown High School. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Read More
View Scholarship
$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
The Reat Griffin Underwood Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating high school students in the Kansas City area who are planning to major in a performing art. Click here to learn more about how to apply today!
Read More
View Scholarship
$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
The Salifu Sesay Perseverance Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher and unmet financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Austin Amateur Radio Club Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students in the Austin, Texas area who have a FCC Amateur Radio License.
Read More
View Scholarship
$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Aimee Melissa Davis Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in Travis, Williamson or Hays Counties of Texas who have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Albert R. Ochoa Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in the Austin Independent School District who have an interest in tennis or art.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The El Paso in Austin Network High School Scholarship is available for residents of El Paso who are pursuing a higher education at a college or university in Austin, Texas. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and strength of character.
Read More
View Scholarship
$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Emma C. Browning Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who reside in one of the following Texas counties: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Hamilton, Shackleford and Stephens. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and unmet financial need.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowed Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in Austin, Texas. Applicants must have an interest in cars and must plan to major in a field related to transportation technology.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Eunice & Joe B. Friedel Graham High School Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Graham High School in Graham, Texas. To be eligible for this award, applicants must have overcome some form of adversity such as blindness or some other physical or mental impairment, a learning disability, some language or cultural disability or impediment, or poverty.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
The Farrar Ranch Family Scholarship is available for students from Nolan County, Texas who are majoring in land and natural resource management.
Read More
View Scholarship
$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Highland Lakes Legacy Fund: Carol and Harold Horne Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Marble Falls High School in Marble Falls, Texas. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must rank in the top 10% of his/her class.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Highland Lakes Legacy Fund: Casey Rice Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Marble Falls High School in Marble Falls Texas. Award selection will be based on community participation, service, and involvement in local organizations and other extra-curricular activities.
Read More
View Scholarship
$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Bess Whitehead Scott Journalism Scholarship is available for journalism majors at the following colleges and universities: Baylor University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and University of North Texas.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 8
Deadline
The Highland Lakes Legacy Fund: Clyde & Nance Griffin Scholarship is available for graduating seniors in Marble Falls Texas. Applicants must be planning to major in business.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
The Highland Lakes Legacy Fund: Ernest K. Cochran Memorial Scholarship is provided annually for graduating seniors and alumni of Marble Falls High School in Marble Falls, TX.
Read More
View Scholarship
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
-
$1,500 – I Have a Dream
-
$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
-
$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
-
$2,500 – Superpower
-
$3,000 – All About Education
-
$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
-
$1,500 – Do-Over
-
$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
-
$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
-
$1,500 – Shout It Out
-
$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
-
$5,000 – Education Matters
-
$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff