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.
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 30
Deadline
At Kopfler & Hermann, we are pleased to continue our annual scholarship for 2023! This $1,000 award will be given to a student who has overcome adversity and emerged stronger.
With over 40 years of legal experience, Kopfler & Hermann law firm has served the Gulf Coast since 1992. As personal injury attorneys, we are committed to serving justice and ensuring injured workers and accident victims receive full compensation for their injuries and damages. Following this mission, the attorneys at Kopfler & Hermann established the Overcoming Adversity Scholarship and are offering it for the fifth year in a row.
Kopfler & Hermann, a personal injury law firm based in Houma, Louisiana, is excited to bring back to announce our annual scholarship for 2024. This $1,000 award will be given to a student who has overcome adversity and emerged stronger. With over 40 years of legal experience, Kopfler & Hermann law firm has served the Gulf Coast since 1992. As personal injury attorneys, we are committed to serving justice and ensuring injured workers and accident victims receive full compensation for their injuries and damages. Following this mission, attorneys Kopfler & Hermann established the Overcoming Adversity Scholarship and offered it for the sixth year!
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Oct 17
Deadline
The College JumpStart Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition— financial need is not considered—that is open to 10th-12th graders, college students and non-traditional students. The main requirement is that you are committed to going to school and can express your goals for getting a higher education. The first place prize is a $1,000 scholarship to help cover educational expenses. This award can be used at any college or university in the United States.
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$1,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Dec 18
Deadline
Kevin Maez was a man whose life was a testament to dedication, care, and an unyielding drive. Despite facing early setbacks, including dropping out of high school, Kevin was unwavering in his determination to create a meaningful life for himself. He defied the odds by obtaining his GED and swiftly pursuing an associate's degree in computer science. His commitment didn't stop there; Kevin poured his energy into his work for the State of Colorado and RTD, excelling in computer services. Tragically, Kevin's promising journey was cut short when he fell victim to a careless driver on his way to work, passing away on May 13, 2022. To honor his memory and the indomitable spirit he embodied, The Gold Law Firm has established a scholarship aimed at empowering ambitious students who, like Kevin, possess the drive to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
The Gold Law Firm is honored to offer scholarship awards to freshmen who have spent their early education taking part in challenging skill-building activities such as Scouts, acting or theater, debate club, and speech. We believe that participation in and dedication to such activities greatly aid in a student’s development of integral leadership skills, confidence, and responsibility. Through The Gold Law Firm Challenge Yourself Scholarship, our team hopes to make educational opportunities more attainable for students who make an effort to improve as individuals both inside and outside the classroom.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
Patrick Woolley is passionate about the development of healthy communities. By using sustainable resources and food-access programs, cities and counties across the country can provide nutrition and activities to foster vibrant and growing communities. Uniquely motivated people are critical to local health initiatives like access to clean water or opportunities in community-level sports and outdoor events.
As a former collegiate baseball player who maintains an active passion for the game, he has personally devoted ample time and energy to these issues. He constantly strives to create pathways for others to do the same. That is why Attorney Woolley has created the Healthy Communities Scholarship. He hopes to help students pursue their educational goals and lighten their financial burden through this scholarship.
This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who encourages sustainable and local health initiatives in their community. We are looking for students to write a 500-word statement on how they are working to better their communities and homes. One student will be selected for this award. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.
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$40,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 15
Deadline
DePaul has proudly partnered with RaiseMe to offer micro-scholarships that recognize your everyday achievements and allow you to start earning money for college beginning in 9th grade. Freshmen can earn up to $10,000/year*, which will be part of your DePaul University financial aid package.
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$1,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
Loyola offers five scholarships for newly admitted transfer and freshman who have undocumented status. The Dreamer Scholarship covers tuition, on campus room and board, and mandatory student fees. These scholarships are highly selective and finalist will be required to attend an on-campus interview.
Scholarship application and deadline details are on the student’s application status page at (uao.luc.edu/status). If you have questions about these awards, please contact the Undergraduate Admission office at 800-262-2373.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
The David Malcolm Scholarship is for students who have overcome obstacles to educational achievement – personal, family, demographic or situational – and require help to continue on the path to success. Eligible applicants are high school seniors or college students who have already shown perseverance in pursuing a college degree. They will clearly show how this scholarship will make a difference in realizing success.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 30
Deadline
Calling all aspiring legal eagles!
Whether you’re a high school senior with law school dreams in your head or a current college student navigating the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of legal studies, the Lyons & Snyder Legal Excellence Scholarship could be the wind beneath your wings.
Why Apply for a Scholarship from Lyons & Snyder?
The Lyons & Snyder dedicated team of personal injury lawyers in Plantation, Delray Beach, Key West, and Parkland has secured life-changing settlements for countless South Floridians. Now, the firm is proud to launch the inaugural year of the Legal Excellence Scholarship to nurture the next generation of legal champions.
This $500 scholarship isn’t just about financial aid, it’s about passion, potential, and a shared belief in the power of justice. We’re looking for students who embody the tenacity, critical thinking, and unwavering dedication that define a stellar legal career.
Think you have what it takes?
The Lyons & Snyder team will be impressed by your strong academic performance, demonstrated leadership qualities, commitment to community service, and a compelling essay showcasing your passion for the legal field and vision for the future.
The Lyons & Snyder Legal Excellence Scholarship is a recognition of your talent, an investment in your future, and a handshake from a team that believes in your ability to make a difference.
Ready to soar? Apply now and unleash your inner legal eagle!
Lyons & Snyder Legal Excellence Scholarship Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for the Lyons & Snyder Legal Excellence Scholarship are as follows:
Applicants must be currently enrolled in or about to attend an accredited community college, undergraduate, or graduate program within the United States of America.
Applicants must have teaching, leading, or counseling experience
Applicants should have a 2.5 or greater GPA
To apply for this scholarship, please include:
Your resume with current contact information
A current academic transcript (clearly showing your Cumulative GPA) from your high school and college (if applicable)
A 500-word essay discussing how a coach or leader has inspired you or how coaching can inspire you to become a leader.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Sep 30
Deadline
The Defensive Driving Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to a high school senior or college student based on meeting specific eligibility criteria.
The Defensive Driving Scholarship is one-time check-dispensed award to assist tomorrow’s leaders with their financial responsibilities with regards to furthering their education. Only one winner will be selected out of all applicants per scholarship year. Apply now!
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
The Nitro College Scholarship is available for U.S. high school students and college freshmen. This scholarship is offered every month. This $2,000 award is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are currently enrolled in a dental hygiene baccalaureate program and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must be student or professional members of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and be attending a school with an active chapter of the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society.
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$35,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Oct 30
Deadline
The U.S. Bank Scholarship program offers financial assistance to students attending college and taking financial education classes from U.S. Bank. The size of the scholarship varies with the number of classes that you attend.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 2
Deadline
This award is for U.S. college sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are majoring in food science at an IFT-approved university. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
May 31
Deadline
This award is for full-time U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are insured (either a base policy or a rider) on a Baptist Life Association permanent life insurance certificate, term life insurance certificate, or annuity for two years or more prior to May 31. A $1,000 award is being offered.
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$1,600
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 15
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are residents of Lancaster County, Nebraska and will graduate from Lincoln Northeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Students must demonstrate an interest in business through class choice, work experience or extracurricular activities; plan to attend a public or private Nebraska four-year college or university; and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students pursuing a certificate or associate's degree in dental hygiene who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must be student or professional members of the ADHA and be attending schools with an active chapter of the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society.
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$1,250
Award Amount
38
Awards
Mar 13
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors in Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Mendocino, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity counties of California. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to North Carolina who have been accepted for full-time enrollment in a degree program at one of the following schools: Campbell University, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, Mars Hill University, Meredith College or Wingate University. Students must be members of a church affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of NC
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$1,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Apr 8
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students who are attending or plan to attend a postsecondary institution in Arizona. The student or his/her parent/legal guardian must be a member of Vantage West Credit Union.
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$6,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
This scholarship contest is available to all high school, college and graduate students!
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
The TigerChef.com Culinary and Hospitality Scholarship Program is available for U.S. and Canadian students who are currently enrolled in a culinary or hospitality program. Applicants must submit an original essay of between 500 and 600 words describing what inspired them to pursue this career.
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$1,875
Award Amount
25
Awards
Apr 10
Deadline
Are you a high school senior, graduate, or current college student with an identified disability? This includes any long-term or recurring condition that impacts one or more major life activities. If so, consider applying for the Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities! Each year, the scholarship provides $2,500 to multiple full-time students and $1,250 to half-time students who apply. The scholarship is jointly offered by Wells Fargo and Scholarship America in order to “help?students pursue the education or training they need to succeed in their chosen career path.”
If you have an identified disability and are looking for some help in paying off college costs, we encourage you to apply!
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$50,000
Award Amount
14
Awards
Jun 30
Deadline
The Citizens Bank Undergraduate Scholarship is open only to those legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are seventeen (17) years of age or older at the time of application and who will be enrolled as an undergraduate in accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning for the current and upcoming school year. Click here to learn more and to apply today!
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$14,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for international students who are currently enrolled in an MPOWER partner college or university within the United States. To apply, students must complete an online application and submit an essay of up to 1,000 characters in length.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. and Canadian female high school seniors who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must be 20 years or age or under by the application deadline.
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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
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff