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

D. Fred and Marian L. Bovie Scholarship

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Award Amount
$3,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

The D. Fred and Marian L. Bovie Scholarship is available for U.S. students who are majoring in welding sciences at Ohio State University. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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Matsuo Bridge Company, Ltd. of Japan Scholarship

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

This scholarship is available for U.S. and international students who are majoring in civil engineering, welding engineering, welding engineering technology, or a related field. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must be enrolled in the junior or senior year of an accredited undergraduate program.
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O. J. Templet Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$750 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students from Baton Rogue, LA who are majoring in welding or a welding-related field.
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Amos and Marilyn Winsand Scholarship

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

This award is available for Detroit-area undergraduate students who are majoring in welding or a related field.
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Houston Section Welding Society Scholarships

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Award Amount
$667 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
4 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and vocational students who reside in Houston. Applicants must be majoring in welding.
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Paul O'Leary Memorial Scholarship

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

This award is available for undergraduate students who reside in or attend college in Idaho or Montana. Applicants must be majoring in welding and must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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Professor Robert D. Stout Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,250 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. welding students who reside in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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Ronald C. and Joyce Pierce Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,666 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate students who reside in Mobile, Alabama. Applicants must be majoring in a welding-engineering program, and must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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Shelton L. Ritter Scholarship

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Award Amount
$8,750 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
7 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for undergraduate students who are residing in New Orleans and pursuing a career in welding or a related field.
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Puget Sound Welding Society Scholarships

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Award Amount
$500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who reside in the Puget Sound area of Washington. Applicants must be pursuing education to further a career in welding.
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Tri-Tool and Sacramento Welding Association Scholarship

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

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who reside in Sacramento California and plan to pursue a career in welding.
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Louis DeFreitas Scholarship

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Award Amount
$3,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are pursuing further education in welding or a closely-related field. Applicants must reside in Santa Clara, California.
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Donald and Jean Cleveland Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,250 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for undergraduate residents of Oregon who are pursuing higher education in preparation for a career in welding or a related metalworking field.
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Northwest Section Mike Albers/Production Engineering Scholarship

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

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are majoring in welding or a related metalworking field. Applicants must reside in Alaska or Washington.
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Tutor the People Pre-MBA Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Aug 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for undergraduate business students who submit a short essay describing how an MBA will help achieve their goals.
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Applied Hispanic Opportunity and Recognition Award (AHORA)

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Award Amount
$8,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

The Applied Hispanic Opportunity and Recognition Award (AHORA) is available for Hispanic undergraduate students who are majoring in engineering. Applicants must reside in and/or attend college in Texas.
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Alejandro Miguel Solis Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Hispanic students at the University of Texas at Austin who are majoring in a medical or premedical field. Preference will be given to students who are active in the Hispanic Physician's Association Preceptorship Program.
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Ben & Deliah Sifuentes Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Hispanic undergraduates enrolled at a Texas college or university. Selection is based on academic merit, financial need, and demonstrate commitment to community service.
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Fiesta de Independencia Foundation Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Hispanic undergraduates in Texas who are enrolled full time and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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Dr. Janis Guerrero-Thompson Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Hispanic undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in education at University of Texas, Austin.
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Episcopales Anonimos Scholarship

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

This scholarship is available for Episcopalian Hispanic students who are residents of Texas or attending a college/university in Texas.
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Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Hispanic students in Austin, TX who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Selection is based on academic achievement, a demonstrated record of community service, and unmet financial need.
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Manuel & Jane Zuniga Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

The Manuel & Jane Zuniga Scholarship is available for Hispanic undergraduate students in Texas who demonstrate a significant potential for leadership.
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Robert T. Chapa Sr. Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Hispanic undergraduate students who are residing in or attending a college/university in Texas. Preference will be given to students who are working while attending school.
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The Villa Esperanza Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

This scholarship is available for first-generation college students of Hispanic heritage. Applicants must be accpted to or enrolled at a college or university in the Austin, Texas area.
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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!