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.
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 1
Deadline
To apply, students must complete the New Mexico Medical Student Loan-for-Service application and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, at high school guidance offices, and at college financial aid offices.
In addition to a complete application, students must also submit the following materials: school certification; a written essay; two letters of recommendations; a letter of acceptance; and official academic transcripts.
This award is for New Mexico residents who are enrolled at a public college or university in New Mexico. The student must be accepted into a into a Nursing program leading to a degree or certification and must declare intent to practice as a health professional in a designated shortage area in New Mexico.
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$20,000
Award Amount
33
Awards
Jul 1
Deadline
The purpose of the Teacher Loan-For-Service program is to proactively address New Mexico’s teacher shortage by providing students with the financial resources to complete or enhance their post-secondary teacher preparation education.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Massachusetts undergraduates who are majoring in voice. Applicants must be willing to perform at a personal audition.
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$1,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for Massachusetts women of Italian heritage.
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$30,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available to Washington undergraduate and graduate students who are currently attending or planning to attend a postsecondary institution in Washington. The student must have close cultural and social ties to an American Indian community in Washington.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
The Jack Burnham Scholarship is available for U.S. students who plan to pursue a career in aviation. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and preference will be given to students who live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
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$1
Award Amount
5,000
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is for high school seniors and current undergraduate students planning to attend a course of study in a professional aviation training program.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical college pursuing a degree in aerospace or aeronautical engineering. The student must be recommended by a current Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Inc. member or be a current, active member of the EAA in order to receive this scholarship.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are majoring in and declare an intention to pursue a professional career in engineering, mathematics, or the physical or biological sciences, with an emphasis on technical information. Students must be recommended by a current Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Inc. member or be a current, active member of the EAA in order to receive this scholarship.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in an aviation program at a college, technical school, or aviation academy. Students must be recommended by a current Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Inc. member or be a current, active member of the EAA in order to receive this scholarship.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Maine undergraduate students who are former or current 4-H members. Students must attend a Maine institution and major in a field related to commercial farming, fishing, or forest products or in another field with the intent to work in businesses related to these industries.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 20
Deadline
This award is available for Florida high school seniors who are planning to attend a state university, community college or any division of higher learning supported by the state of Florida. Students must be willing to write a 1,000-word essay on 'Why Education is Important.'
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Georgetown, Maine.
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$1,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
These awards are for U.S. high school seniors who are residents of Clay County, Florida.
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$5,625
Award Amount
50
Awards
May 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are Hispanic or of Hispanic descent. Students must be pursuing a degree in accounting, finance, business administration, information technology, or a related field; and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$25,000
Award Amount
106
Awards
Oct 25
Deadline
This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need. Each applicant who applies for a Horatio Alger scholarship program, whether it be a specific state program or the finalist program, will automatically be considered for the National Scholarship Program.
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$10,000
Award Amount
40
Awards
Oct 25
Deadline
This award is for California high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and critical, unmet financial need.
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$10,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Oct 25
Deadline
Iowa high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need are eligible for this award.
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$10,500
Award Amount
25
Awards
Oct 25
Deadline
This award is for Louisiana high school seniors planning to attend an eligible Louisiana institution. Students must demonstrate critical financial need and possess a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
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$60,000
Award Amount
50
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of Nebraska or certain counties of western Iowa.
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$1,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Apr 12
Deadline
The applicant must be a U.S. undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an accredited university, college, community college, vocational or trade school and pursuing a curriculum leading to a career in the construction industry; or a high school senior provisionally accepted as a student at such an educational institution and expressing an intent to pursue such a curriculum.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association is offering a scholarship to a high school senior that plans on majoring in aviation. The award will be judged on the basis of grade point average, community and school activities, and an aviation essay.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Connecticut high school seniors and currently enrolled undergraduate students who are pursuing a course of study in science or engineering leading to a career in the environmental field, especially air pollution control or waste management.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who attend or are planning to attend Tennessee Technological University. The applicant must plan to work in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) profession, and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available to U.S. undergraduate students who attend a school within the geographic boundaries of ASHRAE's Region IV (Georgia, North Carolina or South Carolina). Students must major in engineering or architecture and plan to pursue a career in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) profession.
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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