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.
$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 12
Deadline
The The Dreier Family Scholarship is available for students in Sacramento, California who have unmet financial need. Applicants must enroll full time at a trade or vocational school within the county and must plan to work full time. Click here to learn more about how to apply.
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$6,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 12
Deadline
The Eugene and Thora Chin Scholarship Fund is available for students of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage. Applicants must reside in Sacramento, California and must demonstrate a record of excellent academic achievement.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 12
Deadline
The The Paulsen Family Scholarship is provided to a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student in Sutter County or Colusa County, California. Applicants must be majoring in or planning to major in agriculture.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 6
Deadline
The Raymond Nelson Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to undergraduate business majors in California. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must enroll full time.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 12
Deadline
The Roy and Cynthia Kroener Family Scholarship is provided annually to high school seniors in Davis, CA who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 12
Deadline
The Sarah A. Bonnifield Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund is provided annually to a student from Sacramento, CA who is a Vietnam War Veteran or the dependent or other relative of a Vietnam War Veteran.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 12
Deadline
The Stolba/Sukkary Family Scholarship is provided to Sacramento area students who demonstrate unmet financial need. Additional preference will be given to first-generationl college students and enrollees at two-year colleges.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 12
Deadline
The Nadine Dimick Nursing Scholarship is available for undergraduate nursing students in the following California counties: Sacramento, Eldorado, Yolo, or Placer.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 12
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors from a high school in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, Shasta, Yuba, Sutter, Colusa, or Butte Counties. Applicants must plan to major in public affairs, public administration, political science, or another field related to government.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 12
Deadline
The Yolo Youth Service Awards are provided to high school seniors in Yolo County, CA who demonstrate a commitment to community service and volunteer work.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 6
Deadline
The Carroylin and Robert Threlkel Scholarship Fund is provided annually to undergraduate women in Sacramento, California who are majoring in a business related field. Click her to learn more and to apply today!
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
The Monica Abbott Scholarship is available for female students in California who demonstrate athletic achievement, leadership, and academic merit. Click here to learn more and to apply today!
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 13
Deadline
The Pancholi Scholarship for Nevada Educators is available for high school seniors and undergraduate students in Nevada who are planning to major in and pursue a career in education. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1,000
Awards
May 15
Deadline
Education is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced global economy. Technology connects us to places and people we could never have imagined, and more information is available now than in all of human history. But that doesn’t mean you can learn everything you need online. We didn’t become lawyers without going to college first. Now, we want to extend our help to the next generation of future architects, engineers, doctors, lawyers, educators, and more!
Grant Law Office is offering a $1,500 scholarship to one deserving high school or college student in the state of Georgia.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 16
Deadline
The Dr. Ghozland Scholarship is available for U.S. students who are majoring in biology, chemistry, anatomy, or another degree related to medicine and physiology.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 15
Deadline
The Duffy Law Scholarship is available for students who will be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program during the upcoming fall semester. To apply, applicants must submit an essay of 500 words or more on the topic of student athletes. Click here to learn more and apply!
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Nov 1
Deadline
The Thomas J. Henry Leadership Scholarship is available for U.S. students who demonstrate evidence of leadership. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jul 19
Deadline
The Novus Biologicals Scholarship Program is available for students worldwide who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in the sciences.
Research is a critical component for the development and advancement in the life science community. We want to further scientific achievement by helping students who are interested in developing a career in science.
The Novus Biologicals Scholarship is for students pursuing education in a science related field (Life Science, Medical Science, Health Science)
Awarded twice each year in the Fall & Spring semesters
A $1500 (or international currency equivalent) scholarship will be awarded to one student for the fall and spring semesters.
Schools/Colleges/Institutes within US, Canada, and European Countries only
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$3,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jul 19
Deadline
The R&D Systems Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in science. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 3
Deadline
The Weisblatt Law Firm Scholarship Program is available for U.S. high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 31
Deadline
The Cantor Injury Lawyers College Scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application. Click here to learn more and to apply today!
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 1
Deadline
The Healthy America Award is available for U.S. students who are enrolled in or planning to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program related to medicine. Students who are majoring in nursing, psychology, counselling, and social work are encouraged to apply.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jul 28
Deadline
The Sutliff & Stout Annual Scholarship Contest is available for graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate or graduate students who submit an essay on the topic of distracted driving.
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$3,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
The Youth Forward Scholarship Program is provided annually for high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and current college freshman who submit an essay on their volunteer and community service experiences. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Aug 15
Deadline
The Working Parent College Scholarship Award is available for undergraduate and graduate students who work and have one or more dependents. Click here to learn more about how to apply today!
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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