Scholarships for College Freshmen in 2025

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Unigo Author Dave Moniz Written by Dave Moniz
Unigo Editor Unigo Staff ✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

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.

List of Scholarships for College Freshmen in 2025

John & Elsa Gracik Scholarship

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Award Amount
$25,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
10 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 18 Deadline

This award is for U.S. citizens who will be undergraduates enrolled full time in an ABET-accredited or substantially equivalent mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology or related baccalaureate program in the United States in the upcoming academic year. Students must demonstrate scholastic ability and financial need.
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Frank & Dorothy Miller Scholarship

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Award Amount
$4,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 18 Deadline

Rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are enrolled full time in a mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, or related baccalaureate program in the United States are eligible for this award. Students must be U.S. citizens residing in North America.
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HSF General College Scholarships Program

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

Scholarships awarded through this program are available on a competitive basis to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, community college transfer students, and graduate students who are of Hispanic heritage. The applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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American Legion Oratorical Contest

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Award Amount
$188,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
4 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

American Legion is the nation’s largest Veterans agency. Central to its mission is to mentor youth, sponsor wholesome programs, advocate patriotism and promote national security. The American Legion Oratorical Contest is an academic speaking challenge. It teaches Many things. Like key leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. Over $188,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets a $20,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $17,000, and third gets $15,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.
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Eagle Scout of the Year Award

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Award Amount
$17,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
4 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

U.S. high school students who are 15 years or older and have been awarded the Eagle Scout Award are eligible for this award. Students must be a registered, active member of a Boy Scout Troop or related group.
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ALA Century Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

Current undergraduate U.S. or Canadian citizens who have disabilities are eligible for this award. Students must pursue a master's degree in library science at an ALA-accredited institution. The ALA provides more than $300,000 annually for study in a master's degree in library and information studies from an ALA accredited program.
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Vocational (Bettinger, Holden, & Perry) Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
May 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and Canadian students who are enrolled in a one- or two-year program with the intent to become a grower or greenhouse manager. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher; applicants with lower grade point averages may be considered if they have otherwise outstanding qualifications or extenuating circumstances.
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Women in Transition Scholarship

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Award Amount
$16,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is designated for a woman who is the primary source of support for her family and is enrolling as an incoming freshman to earn a Bachelors degree in Accounting. Up to $16,000 over four years is awarded and will be renewed annually upon completion of satisfactory course work as evidenced by a 3.0 GPA.
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ASM Minority Undergraduate Research Fellowship

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Award Amount
$4,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
37 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

This fellowship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who wish to pursue graduate careers (Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D) in microbiology. Students will have the opportunity to conduct full time research at their home institutions with an ASM member; both students and their faculty members must be ASM members to be eligible.
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E. C. Hallbeck Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$8,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
10 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
May 31 Deadline

U.S. citizens who are high school seniors planning to enroll full time as college freshmen are eligible for this award. Students must be the child or grandchild, including stepchild or legally adopted child, of an active member, APWU Retirees Department member, or deceased member of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO.
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APWU Vocational Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$3,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
May 31 Deadline

U.S. citizens who are high school seniors planning to pursue a postsecondary occupational education (vocational/technical) program are eligible for this award. Students must be the child or grandchild, including stepchild or legally adopted child, of an active member, Retirees Department member, or deceased member of the American Postal Workers Union.
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Florida Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG)

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Award Amount
$1,006 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
62,952 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
May 31 Deadline

This award is available to Florida high school seniors and undergraduate students who are attending a participating Florida public or private institution or career center. The applicant must demonstrate substantial financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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Rosewood Family Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$6,100 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are considered a minority and planning to attend an eligible college or university in Florida. Priority will be given to direct descendants of African-American Rosewood families affected by the events of January 1923.
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Ullery Charitable Trust Fund Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,250 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 1 Deadline

High school seniors or undergraduate college students who are enrolled full time in a Christian ministry program and have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must be members of the Presbyterian Church.
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Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP)

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 1 Deadline

This award is available to Florida undergraduate students who are planning to attend an eligible Florida college, university, career center, or educator preparation institute. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program - Florida Academic Scholars (FAS)

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Award Amount
$2,589 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
11,005 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Aug 31 Deadline

This award is available to Florida high school seniors who plan to attend a college or university in Florida. Students must have a weighted grade point average of 3.5 or higher and have a SAT score of 1290 or higher or an ACT score of 29 or higher (or meet other academic requirements). Students must have also completed at least 100 hours of community service.
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Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program - Florida Medallion Scholars Award (FMS)

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Award Amount
$1,740 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Aug 31 Deadline

This award is available to Florida high school seniors who plan to attend a college or university in Florida. Students must have a weighted grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and have a SAT score of 1170 or higher or an ACT score of 26 or higher (or meet other academic requirements). Students must have also completed at least 75 hours of community service.
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Samuel Fletcher Tapman Memorial ASCE Student Chapter Scholarship

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Award Amount
$36,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
12 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 10 Deadline

Current undergraduate students who are majoring in civil engineering and are members of their local American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter/Club are eligible for this award. Academic merit and financial need will be considered in award selection.
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William L. Boyd, IV, Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG)

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Award Amount
$2,541 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
18,951 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 10 Deadline

This award is available to Florida undergraduate students who are planning to attend a private, non-profit Florida college or university. Students must enroll full time.
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L. Phil and Alice J. Wicker Scholarship

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Award Amount
$500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Dec 31 Deadline

The L. Phil and Alice J. Wicker Scholarship is for a licensed radio amateur with a general class or higher license who is a resident of and attends college in the ARRL Roanoke Division (North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia). The student must be pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher in electronics, communications, or related fields.
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Charles Clarke Cordle Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 4 Deadline

This award is for a licensed radio amateur who is a resident of and attends college in Georgia or Alabama. The applicant must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher; preference will be given to those studying electronics, communications, or related fields.
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Henry Broughton, K2AE Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 4 Deadline

This award is offered to licensed radio amateurs (general class or higher) who have a home residence within 70 miles of Schenectady, New York. The applicant must be pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, sciences, or similar fields to be eligible.
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New England FEMARA Scholarship

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Award Amount
$6,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 4 Deadline

This scholarship is awarded to licensed radio amateurs who are residents of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island. Students must have a technical class license or higher.
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Edmond A. Metzger Scholarship

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Award Amount
$500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 4 Deadline

This scholarship is for a licensed radio amateur (any class license) who is a resident of and attends college in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin. The applicant must be majoring in electrical engineering and must be a member of the ARRL.
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Myrtle Beinhauer Scholarship Fund

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
8 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who are members of the Sons of Norway OR are children or grandchildren of current Sons of Norway members in Districts 1-6. The Sons of Norway membership must be in effect at least one calendar year prior to application.
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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

Diverse group of happy high school freshmen friends in a hallway.

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 

Group of cheerful diverse teens huddled in sunlight at park.

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: 

  1. 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. 

  2. 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. 

  3. 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

Teens engaged in robotics; a blend of focus and fun in STEM learning.

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! 

Trendy teens with skateboards posing by a brick wall.

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!