Are you a college undergrad? Sifting through scholarships can require strategic planning, diligent research, and effective communication. By taking a proactive approach and leveraging available resources, you can increase your likelihood of securing scholarships to support your educational journey in 2025 and beyond. Let's take a look at scholarship options for college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and transfer students!
Scholarships are merit-based, need-based, and non-need-based monetary awards. They may range from paying a portion of your tuition to fully funding all costs linked to your college education. SCHOLARSHIPS DO NOT NEED TO BE REPAID. Scholarships are a great way to access additional funds for college, and significantly reduce your student loans or need for work.
Scholarships are designed to reward, encourage, and assist students pursue academic excellence and leadership roles. Additional criteria, such as campus or community activities, volunteer work, work experience, and financial need are considered during the selection process. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Undergraduate Scholarships Application is open year-round. Priority consideration is given to students who submit their applications by JUNE 30 each year. You should log in to our Scholarship Portal and complete your profile to be considered for scholarship opportunities.
As a continuing student, it is important for you to look for scholarships that can help reduce the amount you need to work and borrow to fund your education. New opportunities arise as you enter your major, take up new activities, or join college organizations. We encourage students to search for scholarships throughout their time at UCLA. Make sure that your scholarship search is broad and includes outside scholarships in addition to UCLA scholarships.
Ponce Law is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has contributed to its success. The firm is honored to offer the 2025 Perspectives Scholarship to support students’ educational journey.
As humans, we are constantly learning, and students experience this on a larger scale as they interact with new peers and learn about various subjects and society. Balancing relationships, school, work, or internships introduces many new experiences that can influence their thoughts and beliefs.
As students expand their understanding of themselves and the world around them, external influences shape their perspectives and beliefs. This is why we are excited to offer a scholarship to the community and continue supporting those pursuing higher education.
$1,000 Perspectives Scholarship Essay Topic: What is a belief you once held but have since changed your mind about? What caused this change? This shift could be due to something you learned in school, an experience you had, a person you met, or more.
Describe this belief and your perspective shift in a 500-750 word essay. We look forward to hearing your story!
The deadline to apply for this scholarship is February 28, 2025.
The Scholarship will be awarded to a student currently living in Tennessee or a student who will be going to a college or university in Tennessee.
Niche prides itself on helping students discover the schools and neighborhoods right for them.This scholarship is available for U.S. and international high school and college students enrolled in U.S. academic institutions. Applicants must apply online by creating a free account or logging in on the provider site.
The Injured Individual Scholarship gives students a chance to examine the ripple effect of personal injuries and explain the importance of supporting injured victims. The scholarship winner will be awarded $1,000 for their education. For more information about this opportunity, please visit our scholarship page.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
The Charles L. Shor Epilepsy Opportunity Fund is here to help individuals diagnosed with epilepsy to empower their future through education.
The Charles L. Shor Epilepsy Opportunity Fund is all about giving you the support you need to manage your health while opening new doors for education and personal growth.
Whether you’re looking to further your education or gain new skills or a trade, this fund is designed to help you reach your goals!
This scholarship fund provides direct educational assistance and scholarships for universities, colleges, technical schools, technical training, and certification programs.
But that’s not all! This fund also offers expense assistance to cover everyday bills like rent, utilities, etc., so you can focus on what really matters for your education without the added stress.
It’s a complete package of assistance to help you grow and succeed!
In partnership with the American Association of Public Opinion Researcher (AAPOR), the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research is seeking a graduate student to assist with the development of educational materials. This fellowship is open to graduate students currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university and is focused on students who identify as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group that has been underrepresented in the field of polling research.
Fellowship efforts are primarily focused on the development of introductory-level instructional materials in public opinion survey research for use by educators. In exchange for roughly 10 hours of effort per week, W.E.B. Du Bois Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend for the summer and a complimentary AAPOR membership. Fellows will also participate in weekly conversations with leaders in the field of polling research. The entire Fellowship program is conducted remotely.
Interested in applying for the W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship? Applications are due via email to [email protected] by Friday, March 14th, 2025.
The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is an engaging, in-depth, five-day summer program for 51 high school journalists (one from each state and the District of Columbia) who “dream, dare and do.”
Be the one to represent your state and join students from around the country at an exclusive, free Washington, D.C., journalism experience like no other.
CeraVe is a proud sponsor of the American Nurses Foundation and the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ initiative, which works to support this selfless community and helps connect and engage nurses nationwide. To celebrate nurses everywhere, CeraVe is giving away $75,000 in Scholarships with their CeraVe Future Nurses Scholarship! Fifteen (15) winners will be selected and each will receive a scholarship for $5,000.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
This scholarship is open to any applicant who is 14 years of age or older and is a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Applicants must submit creative, original responses to the scholarship question, using the online application form.
As part of our commitment to supporting educational advancement and career development, we are excited to offer a $500 scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates a passion for their field of study and a clear vision for their future career. This scholarship provides financial support for your education and recognizes and rewards your dedication to your field of study and career goals.
The Career Fit Test™ Scholarship is an annual one-time award of $500, which can be used towards tuition, books, or other educational expenses.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
The Harvard MBA is one of the world’s leading business programmes, taught at one of the world’s most prestigious Universities.
The Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship is granted once every two years for a two year course at Harvard Business School.
The Scholarship offers the following:
• Financial aid amounting to 75% of the tuition fees
• Travel and accommodation expenses related to the internship.
The next Scholarship will be awarded for the class commencing Autumn 2025.
Doves offers scholarship opportunities for survivors of domestic violence. Through this program, survivors can submit essays that reflect on their journey, the impact of abuse, and the importance of healing and empowerment. Scholarships are awarded to essays that inspire hope, promote understanding, and foster positive change, providing recipients with the opportunity to continue their education while contributing to a vital cause. Together, we can support survivors in building brighter futures and create a safer, more compassionate world for all.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2025) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Coca-Cola Scholars are well-rounded, passionate, service-oriented, and demonstrate a sustained commitment to bettering their communities. U.S. High school seniors are eligible to apply. Children or grandchildren of employees, officers or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies or subsidiaries are ineligible.
The Make Me Laugh Scholarship, offered by UNIGO, is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2025) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
The economic impact of COVID-19 has been devastating to many, and we at Bumble want to do what we can to help student organizations having a tough time raising funds for their cause or community.
We’ll be donating $5,000 to 10 student groups that align with Bumble’s values of kindness, respect, equality, inclusivity, courage, accountability, and growth. To apply, head over to Instagram or TikTok and upload a post explaining how your organization embodies those values. Then tell us what you’d do with the $5,000 if your group is selected.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
This creative and fun scholarship program is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner with an imaginative and well-written response to the scholarship question about the Zombie Apocalypse will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Access to education is a big way to reduce the racial wealth gap and increase access to our industry and the world, with debt and tuition being a major hurdle. By providing need-based scholarships to a range of post-secondary education opportunities, adidas and the United Negro College Fund hope to continue our work removing barriers for underserved communities and youth. This year we're pledging $3 million through 2025, and here's how.
In 2020, Target formed our Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) committee to accelerate our work on advancing racial equity and creating lasting, systemic change for our Black guests, team members and communities.
Today we’re announcing a new chapter in that strategy — a scholarship program that will support students at more than a dozen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Target Scholars Program will provide 1,000 first-year students at more than a dozen HBCUs $5,000 scholarships, plus mentoring, internship opportunities, networking and more throughout their college career.
“Target has worked closely with HBCUs for years, and we’re excited to deepen our partnership as these scholarships and support will provide more possibilities for Black students,” says Damu McCoy, Target’s vice president of talent acquisition. “It gives me immense pride to see Target continue to invest to create equity and opportunity and help students succeed both during and after college.”
Our longtime partners at UNCF (United Negro College Fund) will identify recipients, with a focus on those going into the fields of technology, design and leadership.
This $1,000 Unigo College Review Scholarship is open to any applicant who is enrolled in college and is a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. The applicant must register for a free online account with Unigo.com and submit an online review about his/her college.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Undergraduate students should absolutely continue investing time to search for scholarships. The majority of scholarships are one-time awards and students need to consider how they will continue paying for school. Also, a college can change the cost of tuition and fees or the federal government and state legislatures can change their formulas for awarding grants and merit aid, leaving students with an unexpected deficit. Outside of looking for scholarships exclusively reserved for college students, undergraduates can also have advantages competing against high school students because they have proven they can persist as successful college students.
-Dave Moniz (BA)
As the cost of higher education rises, securing financial aid through scholarships remains essential for many undergraduates. In 2025, scholarship opportunities cater to students from various backgrounds, academic disciplines, and personal circumstances. From merit-based awards recognizing academic excellence to need-based scholarships, you’ve got plenty of opportunities available to you!
In recent years, scholarship providers have shown a growing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, reflected in the expansion of scholarships targeting underrepresented minorities. Additionally, there has been a surge in scholarships focused on specific academic levels. This article explores the current landscape of scholarships for undergraduates in 2025, highlighting scholarships for each year of college. Let’s dive in!
What Are Scholarships for Undergraduate Students?
Scholarships for undergraduate students are financial awards granted to individuals pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a college or university. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid, making them an attractive option for students seeking to offset the high costs associated with higher education.
Undergraduate scholarships serve as a vital resource for making higher education more accessible, equitable, and affordable. They can come from a variety of sources, including academic institutions, government agencies, private organizations, corporations, foundations, and individual donors.
Scholarships for undergraduates can be classified into various categories based on their eligibility criteria, such as:
Merit-based scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and other accomplishments.
Need-based scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating financial need, as determined by factors such as family income, assets, and household size.
Demographic-based scholarships target specific groups of students, such as minorities, women, veterans, first-generation college students, or individuals with disabilities, aiming to promote diversity and equity in higher education.
Field of study-based scholarships focus on particular academic disciplines, majors, or career paths, encouraging students to pursue education in areas of critical need or emerging fields.
Special circumstance-based scholarships address unique challenges or experiences, such as overcoming adversity, facing medical hardships, or being impacted by natural disasters.
Scholarships for College Freshman
Scholarships for college freshmen are specifically tailored financial awards designed to support students entering their first year of undergraduate studies at a college or university. These scholarships play a crucial role in easing the financial burden you may face during your first year of college so you can pursue your academic aspirations without the worry of excessive debt.
For college freshmen, scholarships can provide not only financial assistance but also opportunities for personal and professional growth. The proliferation of online education and digital platforms has facilitated the emergence of virtual scholarships, enabling you to access funding opportunities from anywhere in the world.
Additionally, scholarships for college freshmen may target specific demographics or academic interests, such as minority groups, first-generation college students, STEM majors, or students pursuing careers in high-demand fields. By offering tailored support and resources to incoming freshmen, these scholarships help promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within higher education and prepare students for success both during their college years and beyond.
Scholarships for College Sophomores
Entering the sophomore year of college marks a pivotal stage in your academic journey. At this time, you’ll begin acclimating to the rigors of higher education while still exploring your interests and aspirations. Scholarships for college sophomores recognize this stage as a crucial period of growth and development, offering support that goes beyond the initial transition into undergraduate studies.
Unlike scholarships for incoming freshmen, which often emphasize academic achievements and potential, scholarships for college sophomores may take a more holistic approach, focusing on demonstrated progress, leadership qualities, and a commitment to personal and intellectual exploration.
These scholarships aim to foster a sense of continuity and momentum in your educational paths, encouraging you to delve deeper into your chosen fields of study, engage in meaningful extracurricular activities, and pursue opportunities for self-discovery and growth.
Scholarships for college sophomores may emphasize experiential learning, internships, research projects, or study abroad opportunities, recognizing the value of hands-on experiences in shaping your academic and professional trajectories. By providing financial support for these transformative experiences, these scholarships empower you to broaden your horizons and expand your skills.
By investing in the development of sophomores, scholarship providers contribute to the cultivation of well-rounded, socially responsible individuals prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the wider world.
Scholarships for College Juniors
As you approach the midpoint of your undergraduate journey, scholarships tailored for this stage take on a distinct focus, centering on professional preparation and career readiness. Unlike scholarships for freshmen and sophomores, which may prioritize academic potential and exploration, scholarships for college juniors aim to equip you with the skills, experiences, and resources needed to transition successfully into the workforce or pursue advanced studies upon graduation.
Scholarships for college juniors often emphasize internships, co-op programs, research opportunities, and other experiential learning experiences that provide practical exposure to their chosen fields of interest. By supporting hands-on learning outside the classroom, these scholarships enable juniors to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world settings, develop industry-specific skills, and build professional networks critical for future career success.
Scholarships for college juniors often target specific career pathways or industries, offering funding and mentorship to students pursuing careers in fields such as STEM, business, healthcare, education, or the arts. By aligning scholarship support with your professional aspirations, these programs empower you to make informed decisions about your career path, overcome barriers to entry, and position yourself competitively in the job market.
These scholarships may also provide financial assistance for graduate school preparation, including exam fees, application costs, and graduate school entrance exams. Recognizing that many juniors are considering further education to enhance their career prospects, these scholarships aim to alleviate the financial burden associated with graduate school applications and empower students to pursue advanced degrees without undue financial strain.
Scholarships for College Seniors
As you embark on the final leg of your undergraduate journey, scholarships tailored for this pivotal stage serve a distinct purpose: bridging the transition from academic life to post-college success. Unlike scholarships for earlier years, scholarships for college seniors address the unique challenges and opportunities associated with your transition to the next phase of life.
College senior scholarships often emphasize professional development, career advancement, and post-graduation planning, offering financial support for activities such as job interviews, graduate school applications, professional certifications, or relocation expenses. By easing the financial burden of these transitional steps, scholarships for college seniors enable you to focus on your academic and career goals without being hindered by financial constraints.
Scholarships for college seniors may prioritize initiatives that foster resilience, adaptability, and leadership skills essential for navigating the complexities of the post-graduation landscape. Whether through leadership programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, or community engagement projects, these scholarships aim to empower you to become proactive agents of change in your community and profession.
Scholarships for Transfer Students
Scholarships for transfer students offer a unique opportunity to support individuals who have transitioned from one institution to another during their undergraduate education. Unlike scholarships for traditional incoming freshmen, scholarships for transfer students aim to facilitate a seamless adjustment from one institution to the next.
These scholarships often prioritize factors such as academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement, acknowledging the achievements and contributions transfer students make within and outside the classroom. By providing financial assistance and recognition to transfer students, these scholarships help alleviate the financial burden of transferring and empower students to focus on their academic pursuits and goals.
Scholarships for transfer students may also address the specific challenges and barriers faced by individuals transitioning from one academic environment to another. Whether adjusting to new academic requirements, navigating campus resources, or building social connections, transfer students often encounter unique obstacles that can impact their academic success.
Scholarships may provide support services, mentorship programs, or networking opportunities to ensure students have the resources they need to thrive in their new academic setting.
Community College Scholarships
Are you considering attending community college before transferring to a college or university? Community college scholarships play a vital role in promoting access to higher education and helping students pursue associate degrees. Unlike scholarships targeting traditional four-year institutions, community college scholarships recognize the unique role and contributions of two-year colleges in providing affordable, accessible education to diverse student populations.
These scholarships often prioritize factors such as academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of community college students. By providing financial assistance and recognition to community college students, these scholarships help alleviate the financial barriers to higher education and empower you to pursue your academic goals.
Community college scholarships may also emphasize the value of career and technical education (CTE), workforce development, and skills training programs offered by community colleges. Recognizing the importance of these pathways in preparing students for careers in high-demand fields, scholarships may support initiatives such as apprenticeships, internships, or industry certifications, ensuring that you have the skills and qualifications you need to succeed in the workforce.
Scholarships for College Students
Scholarships for college students can go beyond covering tuition fees; they may also provide funding for textbooks, technology, housing, or transportation, alleviating the financial burden of college and allowing you to fully engage in your academic pursuits. Scholarships for college students may also offer mentorship programs, networking opportunities, or professional development workshops, empowering you with the skills, connections, and confidence you need in college and beyond.
Scholarships for college students may prioritize initiatives that foster personal growth, well-being, and community engagement. Whether through wellness programs, leadership development initiatives, or service-learning opportunities, these scholarships aim to nurture your overall well-being and sense of belonging within the campus community.
10 Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in 2025
There are hundreds of scholarship opportunities waiting for you. But if you’re looking for some help getting started, here are 10 specific scholarships for college students that you should apply for today!
Davidson Fellows Award
Coca-Cola Scholarship
Nitro College Student Scholarship
Dell Scholars Program
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program
Collegiate Inventors Competition
Saint Mary’s College of California Transfer Honors at Entrance Scholarship
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
Columbia College of Missouri Presidential Scholarship
Vocational and Trade School Scholarships
How to Apply for Undergrad Scholarships
The process of applying for college scholarships might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking the time to understand the basics and following a few simple steps, you could put yourself in a stronger position to earn financial aid for your education. Here are some tips:
First, it’s important to start early. Many scholarships have deadlines that fall well before the start of the school year, so it’s important to get a head start on your applications.
Second, be sure to read all of the instructions carefully. Each scholarship may have different eligibility requirements, so it’s important to make sure you meet all of the requirements before applying.
Third, be sure to proofread your application thoroughly before submitting it. Typos and grammatical errors might give the impression that you’re not taking the process seriously, which could hurt your chances of being awarded a scholarship.
Following these simple steps may help you navigate the scholarship process and increase your chances of being awarded money for your education.
To Be Eligible for Undergrad Scholarships, What GPA Is Required?
To be eligible for a college scholarship, the required GPA will vary depending on the scholarship. However, many scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0. There are some scholarships that have a higher GPA requirement, such as the National Merit Scholarship, which requires a minimum GPA of 3.5.
There are also some scholarships and grants that have a lower GPA requirement, such as the Pell Grant, which only requires a minimum GPA of 2.0. When you apply for the Pell Grant and other grants, be sure to fill out your FAFSA. In general, the higher the GPA requirement, the more competitive the scholarship or grant may be. Always check the requirements for each scholarship you are interested in before applying.
When Should I Apply for Scholarships?
There’s no time like now to apply for scholarships! The earlier you start, the better your chances often are of securing funding for your education. And with Unigo, it’s easy to find scholarships that match your unique talents and interests.
Just create a profile and take our Scholarship Match quiz, and we’ll provide you with a list of scholarships that are perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Start your scholarship search today!
List of Best Undergraduate Scholarships for 2025
Check out our list of 2,914,544 Best Undergraduate Scholarships for 2025 worth $9B.
Community colleges are a great way to start school near home and with the lowest possible costs. There are also a variety of institutional and outside scholarship awards that can help to reduce tuition even further. Click here to learn more about scholarships available for students at community colleges across the country!
Third-year college students should know that there are still scholarships available! By applying before graduation, you can help bring down your student debt and put that first job's paycheck into the bank instead of paying off loans. Check out our list of scholarships for college juniors and apply today.
You’re just one year, or less, away from finally earning that bachelor’s degree and starting a career! It’s probably also that time you see your final expenses starting to add up, so why not help pay for college with free money? Apply to these scholarships for college seniors before it’s too late!
You’ve made it through your first year of college and are beginning to get the hang of things. You may be focusing on what core classes to take and your future career, but don’t let applying for scholarships slip off your sophomore to-do list! Check out these scholarships for college sophomores and apply today!
Once you're accepted to and enrolled in to a college or university, it's not too late to keep looking for scholarships! Financial aid opportunities are available for students of all types and all levels of study, and we've got a thorough list of those scholarships right here! Click here to browse our collection of scholarships for college students and learn more about how you can apply.
More than a third of college students will transfer to a new school at some point during their undergraduate studies, and the good news is that there are a variety of scholarships available just for them. Click here to learn more about the transfer scholarships currently being offered by universities, community foundations, and other charitable organizations!
Written by McKenna Deen
✔️
Edited by Dave Moniz
