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
2
Awards
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to service through community volunteer work, and must submit an essay about their experiences.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
The "Eddie" Eyyad Almargi Pedestrian Awareness Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate students, and law school students in the United States. To apply, applicants must submit an original essay on the dangers pedestrians face when crossing streets, and how drivers can help to minimize those dangers.
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$25,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 14
Deadline
The Cynthia H. Kuo Scholarship is available for Chinese students in California who are active within the Christian faith. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
The Idaho Nursing and Health Professionals Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for nursing and medical students who are attending a college or university in Idaho.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 17
Deadline
The Jason Kulpa Special Needs Scholarship was created to assist parents or siblings of special needs children or adults. Parents and siblings of special needs children or adults are encouraged to apply.
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$20,000
Award Amount
16
Awards
Jul 15
Deadline
Population Media Center (PMC), an international nonprofit organization, is rewarding students who submit a winning short video (60 seconds or less) that explores how a growing human population may cause problems for humanity and our planet.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
The Kody Hodge Scholarship is available for theater majors at Amarillo College. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher and must demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$38,800
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
The Toby Merril Scholarship is available for U.S. students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university. Applicants must have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher, and additional consideration will be given to students who are active in sports, leadership, and other community activities.
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$500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 1
Deadline
The Number 1 Auto Transport Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. To apply, students must submit an original essay of at least 500 words on the topic of automotive transportation.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 29
Deadline
This extraordinary scholarship opportunity has a deadline of February 29, 2024, and offers an impressive award of $1,000. But what truly sets it apart is our innovative approach to the application process. We’re not interested in the same old traditional essays. Instead, we invite you to unleash your creativity and showcase your vision by creating a captivating video.
Your mission? Craft a video that takes us on a journey into your future. Show us how you plan to rock the business world with your unique education and skills. We’ve set a minimum time requirement of two minutes, but there’s no upper limit. We want to give you the freedom to express your ideas, passions, and ambitions without boundaries.
We believe that the business world thrives on innovative thinking, and this scholarship prompt is designed to fuel your imagination. It’s your chance to break the mold, think outside the box, and create something truly extraordinary. We want to see your entrepreneurial spirit shine through as you unveil your revolutionary strategies, game-changing ideas, and plan to reshape the business landscape.
By choosing a video application format, we offer you a platform to showcase your passion and commitment to significantly impacting the business industry. We can’t wait to witness the diverse perspectives and groundbreaking concepts that will shape the future of this field. So, prepare to captivate, inspire, and show us how you will rock the business world. This is your moment to step up and embrace the opportunity to be a catalyst for change.
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$400
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
The Papilior Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who submit an original essay or sketch relating to trends and popular designs in jewelry making.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
The Advocates Law Scholarship is provided biannually for undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. To apply, applicants must submit an original essay of between 300 and 500 words in length.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 30
Deadline
The ServiceScape Scholarship is available for students in the U.S. who are at least 18 years of age and enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university during the current calendar year.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
The Intoxalock Drunk Driving Prevention Scholarship is available for undergraduate students who submit an original public service announcement on preventing intoxicated driving.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 28
Deadline
The Wilshire Law Student Scholar Award is available for graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who have at least two semesters of study remaining prior to graduation. To apply, students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and a history of involvement in community activities.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
Michael McCready is a family man by default. He and his wife reside in Chicago along with their six children. Being a family man, Michael stays very involved in his children’s lives and as they have grown he has seen the massive impact cyberbullying can have on individuals, their friends, and especially amongst their peers.
Cyberbullying is much more comprehensive than what we consider “traditional” bullying. With the copious amount of technology at our fingertips, children are gaining access to devices and social forums at a much younger age. This enables cyberbullying to affect children and teenagers 24/7 on a variety of media platforms, not just in your immediate community but in online communities where participants are from all over the world.
Everyone can help prevent cyberbullying by raising awareness about how to prevent it. The personal injury attorneys at McCready Law have established a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 for a student who is passionate about this issue. Cyberbullying is prevalent and at times can seem unstoppable, so how can we effectively raise awareness to promote prevention?
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 15
Deadline
The Office Chairs Unlimited Scholarship Program is available for undergraduate students who submit an essay or video about how their education will help them achieve their goals in life.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
The Savvy Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduate freshman, and undergraduate sophomore students who are majoring in or planning to major in computer science.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 1
Deadline
The DO Supply Academic Scholarship is available for undergraduate students who submit an essay of between 800 to 1,200 words on their experiences with small businesses or their dreams of one day owning and operating their own business.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
The Power of Resilience Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in and planning to pursue a career in law. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must submit an essay about overcoming adversity.
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$8,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Jun 21
Deadline
The Women in Aerospace Foundation Scholarship is available for women who are majoring in an aerospace related field and entering their final year of undergraduate studies. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 15
Deadline
The Benson Law Firm Scholarship Contest is available for accepted and enrolled college students who submit an original essay or video on the topic of bankruptcy law and small business.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 15
Deadline
The Mila Boyd Law Offices Scholarship Contest is available for current college students who submit an original essay or video describing why they wish to pursue a career in law.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 15
Deadline
The Brylak Law Safety Scholarship Contest is available for accepted and enrolled college students who submit an essay or video on the current year's topic.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 15
Deadline
The UE.co Community Scholarship is available for students have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have worked to improve their communities through service, volunteering, and/or other efforts.
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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