It’s your final year of high school, and you’re ready to take on a new adventure, college! As high school senior, you still have hundreds of college scholarships for high school seniors opportunities available to you. So, as you’re making plans on what college you want to attend and what major you want to study, be sure to add these scholarships for high school seniors 2022 to your college to do list.
What Types Of College Scholarships Can High School Seniors Apply For?
There are many different types of high school senior scholarships that you can apply for. Some scholarships are based on your academic achievement, while others consider your extracurricular activities, community service, or even your financial need. Here are some of the most popular college scholarships for high school seniors:
Academic Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships
Minority Scholarships
Community Service Scholarships
It’s worth looking into each program individually because not alone may be available at any given time but knowing what type they offer could help when it comes down deciding whether this opportunity suits YOUR needs best.
10 High School Senior Scholarships for 2024
We’ve created a short list of college scholarships for high school seniors. Apply by the application deadline and make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Golden Key International Honour Society Scholarship Program
The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
The National Merit Scholarship Program
The Posse Foundation Scholarship Program
The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Program
The Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships
How Do You Find High School Senior Scholarships?
In order to find scholarship opportunities for high school senior, you may want to look at local, state and national sources. Military, private organizations, and nonprofits may also provide scholarships for seniors.
Local
If you are starting with a local search, you may want to ask your high school counselor or see whether any student organization offer college scholarships for high school seniors. Your place of worship, community center or local businesses may extend scholarships to eligible residents.
Schools
During your senior year, you’re probably searching and applying to your perfect college. While you’re searching, you might contact the financial aid office of these prospective schools. Many may offer scholarships for college students once you are admitted. These tie to academic achievement and grade point average.
Military
Do you come from a military family or interested in pursuing a military career? There are a wide range of colleges that partner with ROTC programs. For example, ARMY ROTC scholarships are for high school students attending a four year college program. You may also serve on the Army full time. Some military awards could also be for children of active duty service member or Veterans.
Scholarship Organizations
Do you have specific interests or a minority student? There are many professional organizations like The Elks that offer scholarships to high school students. You typically need to be an exclusive member. Many minority organizations like UNCF also fund scholarships to make higher education more affordable.
Businesses and Nonprofits
Many businesses and non profits offer annual scholarships. These may be open to high school seniors who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree. You may also show qualities of leadership and advocate for a good cause. If your parent works for a big company, they may also offer scholarships as a benefit to employees’ dependents.
When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?
You should start your search for scholarship opportunities for high school senior as early as possible. Many high school seniors wait until the last semester to start the process. By this time, many deadlines have already passed. You want to give yourself enough time to gather materials and fill out applications completely.
Scholarship Application Tips for Seniors in High School
Applying for scholarships can be a daunting task. High school seniors often wonder how to stand out among the competition. Here are some tips:
Start early: You should start your search as early as possible. This way, you can ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines.
Get organized: Create a system to keep track of deadlines, requirements and materials. This way, you can ensure that you’re completing everything on time.
Follow directions: Many providers disqualify late and incomplete application. Follow the scholarship rules, word count, essay topic and don’t omit any required documents.
Gather references and letters of recommendation: Many scholarships providers ask for at least one recommender. It could be a teacher, mentor, employer, or coach. Cultivate a relationship and have one recommendation letter ready.
Ask for help: If you’re having trouble with any part of the application process, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can ask your guidance counselor, teachers or parents for assistance.
List of Scholarships for High School Seniors
Check out our list of scholarships worth .
Scholarships for High School Seniors for 2024-2025 2025 List
This award is available to Massachusetts undergraduate students who are 24 years of age or younger and plan to enroll or are currently enrolled at a Massachusetts public college or university in a degree, certificate, or non-credit program. Students must have been in the custody of the Department of Children and Families and have been adopted by a Massachusetts resident or employee.
This program is open to Minnesota undergraduate and graduate students who are planning to attend a public college or university in South Dakota. The program allows students to pay a reduced tuition rate.
This program is open to Minnesota undergraduate and graduate students who are planning to attend a public college or university in North Dakota. The program allows students to pay a reduced tuition cost.
Students who are 18 years of age or older and have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university with an aviation related curriculum (aerospace, aerodynamics, engineering, airport management, etc.) in pursuit of a degree leading to a career as a professional pilot are eligible for this award.
Created in 1963 by the Iowa General Assembly, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) has served as the State of Iowa’s student financial aid agency for over 50 years. Originally established to implement federal assistance for construction of academic facilities, the agency has evolved in its responsibilities and has broadened its scope to help make college possible for all Iowans.
We advocate for and support Iowans as they explore, finance, and complete educational opportunities beyond high school to increase family and community success.
Program information is available from the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (ICSAC) website.
To apply, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, at high school guidance offices, and in college financial aid offices. The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after October 1 but before July 1 for award consideration for the upcoming award year.
This award is available to Iowa students who are enrolled in vocational-technical or career option programs at Iowa community colleges. The student must demonstrate financial need.
This award is for U.S. high school students who are legal residents of Sacramento County, California for at least one year OR the relatives of an SAR or affiliate member and have a valid California Driver’s License or California State Identification Card are eligible for this award. Students must enroll full time and have a grade point average of 3.7 or higher.
This award is available to Arkansas residents who are attending an Arkansas state-supported college or university. The student must be the dependent or the spouse of an Arkansas resident who was killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty while working in a law enforcement or public service position.
Undergraduate students enrolled in six or more credit hours with a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours still to be completed are eligible for this award. Students must be enrolled or accepted in a two-year or greater air traffic control program at an institution appproved and/or listed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
