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.
$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31, 2025
Deadline
The Top Ten List Scholarship is open to US students who are 14 years of age and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 30, 2025
Deadline
The Education Matters Scholarship is open to US students who are 14 years of age and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2025) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31, 2025
Deadline
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.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 31, 2025
Deadline
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.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31, 2025
Deadline
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.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31, 2026
Deadline
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.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 31, 2025
Deadline
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.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students who are planning to enroll in, or are currently enrolled in a wound, ostonomy, or continence nursing program accredited by WOCN.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. As it is our goal to help out all types of postsecondary students who are actively looking for ways to fund their higher education journey, this $500 scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30, 2025
Deadline
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.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 28, 2026
Deadline
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.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30, 2025
Deadline
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.
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$75,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Mar 23
Deadline
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.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students who plan to pursue a career in broadcasting. Preference will be given to students who are enrolled at, or have graduated from, two-year colleges that have a departmental membership with the Broadcast Education Association.
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$6,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 11
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate minority students in California who plan to pursue a career in education.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jun 26
Deadline
This undergraduate award is avaliable to all international and U.S. students who will be enrolled in college during the upcoming fall semester. Students who apply must be U.S. residents at the time of application.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 4
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who possess any active amateur radio license are eligible for this award. Students must reside in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming.
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$195,000
Award Amount
64
Awards
Aug 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have been employed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. as an associate for at least six consecutive months. The student must have financial need and be able to prove such need via required documentation.
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$7,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Dec 11
Deadline
This scholarship is available to incoming freshman students who are attending Clemson University.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jul 30
Deadline
The attorneys of Bachus & Schanker, LLC have dedicated their practice to helping the injured and their families receive justice through the civil justice system. Bachus & Schanker, LLC and their staff of more than 70 advocate for the rights of individuals and families who suffer injury or death caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of others. They also help those injured on the job or by dangerous products. The practice also includes Social Security Disability and Plaintiff Employment Law practice groups.
Understanding the importance of a quality education, Bachus & Schanker, LLC created a scholarship meant to enable students to better focus on their intellectual development and career goals.
Students have the opportunity to apply for one of the $2000 semiannual scholarships to be paid toward tuition for the upcoming semester. Each student must write an essay about his or her opinion(s) on the importance and efficacy of the 7th Amendment. Students are encouraged to think critically about the right to trial by a jury, and other elements of the Amendment, and it how affects their lives.
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$2,500
Award Amount
4
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
First-generation U.S. citizens, refugees, or immigrants who are residents of Wake County in North Carolina and have completed one or more academic years at a Wake County high school are eligible for this award. The student must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and enroll full time at a postsecondary institution in North Carolina.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
Complete the form to receive information from Christian colleges and enter the $5,000 Christian college scholarship drawing. The Christian Connector, as well as those schools that you request information from, will receive your information so they can respond and meet your information request. After completing this form and reviewing your schools of interest, you may also take advantage of the Christian College Scholarship Search. Students must be at least 13 years old to complete our forms.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
The William Bennett, W7PHO, Memorial Scholarship is open to international and U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are licensed radio amateurs (general class or higher) and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must reside in the areas covered by the ARRL Northwest, Pacific, or Southwest divisions.
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$5,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 18
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students who have completed at least one semester of undergraduate coursework and have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Applicants must demonstrate that they go "above and beyond" in everything they do, displaying outstanding character, leadership, and service to the community.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 30
Deadline
The Howell & Christmas, LLC Visionary Scholarship is available for law and pre-law students in the U.S. who submit an original essay of between 500 and 1,000 words in length.
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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