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.
$48,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
Smith College provides need-based scholarships totalling each student's unmet financial need.
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$46,339
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 2
Deadline
Cornell University provides need-based grants to all accepted undergraduate students. Grants are designed to meet the entirety of a student's demonstrated financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Sep 30
Deadline
Aulsbrook Law Car & Truck Wreck Law Firm is passionate about supporting individuals who dedicate their time and efforts to protecting, supporting, and saving animals in need. Matthew Aulsbrook enjoys spending his time fostering dogs in hopes that they find a permanent, loving home. Whether adopting a rescue animal or volunteering with a foundation that supports compassion towards animals, we appreciate individuals who serve animal welfare initiatives.
Animals are selfless and friendly creatures who don’t often have the utilities or means to defend themselves against the outside world. We are grateful for the individuals who stand up to defend these creatures and protect their well-being. This is why Aulsbrook Law Firm is excited to announce the Animal Rescue Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship opportunity will be awarded to a caring individual who demonstrates their love for animals and a commitment to increasing animal welfare.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
The Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert is steadfastly committed to giving back to the community. We continue to stand by this commitment through different artistic, civic, academic, and philanthropic causes.
One of the fundamental ways we give back is by helping young people achieve their full academic potential so they can then have a positive impact within their community and those around them. To promote this idea we have created the Leifert & Leifert Right to Privacy Scholarship.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 15
Deadline
The Chelsy Tomashoff Memorial Scholarship for Print Design Excellence is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in design, art, or visual communications. A $1,500 award is offered for the winner. Essay, application and completed print design is required. Click here and apply today!
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 31
Deadline
The Whitley Law Firm Opioid Crisis Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who submit an essay on the topic of opioid addiction. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$40,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
The Trinity Scholars Program is available for Christian students who are attending a Christian college or university in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Montana.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
The A.P. and Christine Clark Memorial Scholarship is available for students in Wichita Falls, TX. Applicants must be previous participants of the Road to College Program and must attend or plan to attend Midwestern State University or Vernon College.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
The Cafe con Leche Scholarship is available for current or former Wichita Falls High School students who are attending or planning to attend Midwestern State University or Vernon College.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
The City View Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. who attended high school in the City View Independent School District in City View, Texas.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
To be eligible for The Random Acts of Kindness Scholarship, you must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or law program within the United States. This scholarship is also open to high school seniors who are graduating and enrolled in college before the December 31, 2020 deadline. All candidates must be in good academic standing and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for this scholarship.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 10
Deadline
The Texting and Driving Prevention Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who submit an original essay on driving safety.
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$1,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Aug 1
Deadline
The Isaacs & Isaacs Student Scholarship Awards is available for high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
The Learning Disabilities Won’t Stop Me Scholarship Program is available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students who have been diagonsed with a learning disability.
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$500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Aug 1
Deadline
The Rise Marketing STEM Scholarship is provided to current undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 28
Deadline
The Mental Health System Reform Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 12
Deadline
Mesothelioma cancer claims the lives of thousands of people every year in the United States and its impact is felt for a lifetime by tens of thousands more people who are dear to them. Baron & Budd mesothelioma attorneys have been dedicated to fighting for the rights of mesothelioma cancer victims and their loved ones for more than four decades and have established these scholarships to honor their legacy.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
The Tobi Cares Scholarship is available for undergraduate women who submit an essay on the topic of fashion as a tool for self-discovery.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 15
Deadline
The My Perfect Workplace Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher and an interest in commercial real estate.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
The 2021 Justice For All Scholarship will reward one individual with $1,000 who best explains a situation where they persevered through hardship and served justice in one way or another. Check or their scholarship page to apply!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
The Spiggle Law Firm's Young Women's Empowerment Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who submit an essay about their experiences empowering young women in their community.
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$4,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
The Andrew Raymond Duncan Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who reside in Wichita Falls, Texas. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must be majoring in a field other than art (dual major students may apply if at least one major is not art-related).
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Aug 31
Deadline
The Pedestrian Education Video Scholarship Competition is available for high school juniors and seniors, as well as college freshmen and sophomores, who reside on Long Island, New York. To apply, students must create and submit an original video on the topic of pedestrian safety.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 31
Deadline
The Acts 1:8 Ministry Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students who have spread kindness and love in their communities.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in college, graduate school, or be a GED holder who are about to attend college; they also must show good academic standing by holding a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The recipient of this scholarship will have demonstrated their interest in serving the less privileged in our community.
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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