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
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available to a migrant farmworker student who has a recent migration to Illinois. Applications are available by contacting the Geneseo Migrant Center.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
This award is available for a migrant farmworker senior high school student from New York State needing post-secondary scholarship assistance who has demonstrated a caring and giving attitude toward another individual or community.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available to a migrant farmworker or child of a migrant farmworker from Mexico with a history of migration to Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, or Westchester Counties in New York State. Though not required, but because of Jean’s personal interests, preference will be given to a student with a demonstrated interest in traditional Mexican art and culture.
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$1,432
Award Amount
11
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school students. Students must create a short video that warns about the dangers of underage drinking.
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$750
Award Amount
3
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This essay contest is for U.S. and international high school seniors and undergraduate students. Click here to learn more and to apply today!
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$26,000
Award Amount
26
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school students who have participated in volunteer activities to help improve race relations in their schools or communities.
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$1,500
Award Amount
15
Awards
Feb 26
Deadline
This award is for U.S. legal residents in grades 9 through 12. Students must create a short video inspiring teens to be safe drivers.
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$990
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 4
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students in grades 6 through 12. Students must submit a storyboard or script to help prevent distracted walking.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and international high school seniors or current undergraduate students. Students must be majoring in business and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
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$20,000
Award Amount
400
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
These undergraduate scholarships range from $2,500-$5,000 based on a combination of need and merit. $1,500 provides books and supplies for one student for one year.
$2,500 helps a community college student attend classes for one year. $5,000 helps a university student attend classes for one year.
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$200,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Oct 14
Deadline
We recognize the value and advantages of diverse ideas within our communities. We are committed to providing a platform to support the next generation of leaders and champions in our industry, and we are focused on growing diversity within the science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields.
The Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship will contribute to the creation of a critical mass of talented students that will fully represent our industry—it will provide an environment in which all can thrive academically and professionally. Through this scholarship, Stantec will award $200,000 annually. We believe everyone has a right to education, and we are committed to providing people in historically underrepresented and Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) groups with financial aid.
Here at Stantec, we value an inclusive and diverse workplace culture where we seek a broad range of perspectives and contributions to our industry—and the communities where we live and work.
The number of scholarships awarded will be based on the specific needs articulated by applicants, and the award values will be a variable range between $1,500 and $10,000. Additionally, there will be 10 paid internships (locations to be confirmed annually) available to applicants.
The Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship is part of a broader commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our organization. We know that we must increase our focus on building the future talent pipeline and find more ways to support underrepresented populations in our industry. This scholarship program is just one example of our commitment to break through barriers to have an impact.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 12
Deadline
This award is for a Chicago Latino high school senior or college student who has a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 20
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who plan to pursue a career in the water supply industry. Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university within the state of Pennsylvania.
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$500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jan 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school students (grades 9 through 12). Students must submit a proposal for a new idea in science, technology, or engineering.
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$1,000
Award Amount
100
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and Canadian high school seniors who will be pursuing an agricultural-related major at a college or university. Students pursuing a STEM field with an interest in agriculture- or energy-related careers are also eligible. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $1,000.
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$175,000
Award Amount
35
Awards
Jan 28
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students who have at least one parent that is a teacher in a California school. Applicant must be the dependent child of an active member of CTA, CTA/NEA-Retired or deceased CTA member and be claimed as a dependent on the member’s current year’s IRS form. The CTA Scholarship for Dependent Children offers a maximum of 35 scholarships of up to $5,000 each. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
Jan 18
Deadline
This award is available for graduating high school seniors from the state of Colorado who plan to enroll in an accredited college or university in Colorado. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher, and must be a member of a minority group or a first-generation college student.
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$5,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Mar 2
Deadline
This award is available for undocumented high school seniors of Hispanic descent. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic promise.
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$3,500
Award Amount
109
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
The Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation Scholarship Program is available for current high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning or non-traditional students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage and plan to pursue a major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
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$16,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is available for female U.S. and international incoming and current college freshmen who plan to major in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
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$4,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This award is for Muslim students who are majoring in political science or journalism and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.
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$3,000
Award Amount
50
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. students of Hispanic descent who are currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in an undergraduate program. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must be a resident of Oregon or Clark County, Washington.
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$1,500
Award Amount
111
Awards
Nov 24
Deadline
This award is available for Colorado students of Hispanic heritage who are currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and Canadian high school and college students who are between the ages of 16 and 25 as of the application deadline date. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and Canadian high school seniors, as well as college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.
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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