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.
$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
The Scholarship for the Future Entrepreneur is available for current college freshman, sophomores, and juniors who have an interest in starting their own business. Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 24.
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$6,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school seniors, who have been accepted to St. Mary's College of MD and have also applied for the CollegeBound Foundation Last Dollar Grant and/or competitive awards.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minorities students who are currently enrolled as high school seniors in Hillsborough County, Florida. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and must qualify for free or reduced school lunches.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
The Rose C. Diaz Memorial Scholarship is available for high school seniors in Hillsborough county who are of Hispanic descent. Applicants must qualify for free or reduced school lunches and must attend one of the following technical colleges in Hillsborough County: Aparicio-Levy, Brewster, Erwin, or Leary.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
The attorneys at Connecticut Domestic Violence Information Center are dedicated to assisting those in need. They understand the importance of giving back to the community and supporting people after experiencing something traumatic like domestic violence.
To show their appreciation for everyday heroes in our community, the Connecticut Domestic Violence Information Center is proud to once again offer the Good Samaritan Scholarship for 2023. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who exemplifies the characteristics that are embodied by a good samaritan. We are looking for a student who is helpful and giving towards others. Good samaritans are sympathetic and kind; usually showing up to lend a hand at times when most others will not. We are excited to have the opportunity to acknowledge a student who goes above and beyond in showing generosity to others.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
The KF&B Academic Scholarship is available for high school seniors who have already been accepted into a college or university, as well as current undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants are not required to be studying law.
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$21,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
Applicant must be a joint holder or individual account holder of Chartway Federal Credit Union in good standing. Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Oct 10
Deadline
Applicants must be at least 16-years-old student, a resident of the United States, enrolled at a tuition based secondary college or university.
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$10,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
May 12
Deadline
This contest is open to all public and private high school seniors and college students residing in the following counties in BBB’s service area in Chicago & Northern Illinois. Students must have residence in one of the following counties to be eligible: (Boone, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, JoDavies, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago).
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Sep 30
Deadline
To be considered eligible for the Achieving Your Goals Scholarship, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or law program within the United States. High school seniors who will be enrolled in college before the application deadline of September 30th, 2021 are also encouraged to apply. Candidates for this scholarship must have a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
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$10,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
May 31
Deadline
Click to learn more and apply today!
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
Applications will be judged and weighted as follows: Response to the question about the outdoors (5 points), financial need (3 points), and GPA (2 points). Idaho applicants will receive a 1 point bonus to encourage more local participation. It is recommended that applicants write their responses on a separate Word document and then copy-paste them into the entry fields. A preliminary selection committee will include 1-2 Elk Mountain Tents employees, and a final selection committee will include the owner of Elk Mountain Tents and at least one other non-employee.
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$1,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
The Guaranteed Removals Scholarship is available for incoming and current undergraduate students who are majoring in computer science, criminology, or law. The five winners will be announced by October 1.
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$100,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 29
Deadline
The Freshman Scholarship is available for freshman students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student in 2019/2020 academic year at an accredited US, Canadian or Australian post-secondary institution.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
The DamagedCars.com Summer Scholarship is available for high school, college, university students currently enrolled at an accredited college or university in the United States.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. students seeking to enroll in undergraduate, graduate, or law school programs in the United States. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
STARFLEET is fan club for Star Trek fans. Divided into hundreds of local Chapters, each is named as a different starship or space station. Scholarships are awarded to student members, in amounts of up to $1,000 based on number of applicants and availability of funds. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$2,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Feb 3
Deadline
Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. Applicants must be enrolled full-time as a sophomore, junior or senior at a TMCF (Thursgood Marshall College Fund) member-school during the academic school year.
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$11,000
Award Amount
500
Awards
Feb 3
Deadline
The TELACU Education Foundation combines important financial assistance with highly effective programs that aim to ensure students’ academic success. It was originally set up to revitalize urban, underserved areas throughout the US. The College Success Program is funded by TELACU and their partner businesses, colleges, universities, nonprofits and private donors. Historically, about 75% of TELACU Scholars earn degrees in a STEM-related or Business discipline. They have also awarded scholarships to nearly 400 first-generation Latinx college students from underserved communities in California, Illinois, Texas, and New York. Applicants entering college as first-year students are eligible to apply for an Award that can be renewed for up to four years.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 17
Deadline
Applicants must be a United States resident, and currently enrolled in a college program.
You must provide a valid .edu email address with your application.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 17
Deadline
The DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Heritage Scholarship was founded in 2011 as a way to give back to the community by offering education assistance to two outstanding students. This scholarship recognizes undergraduate students who draw upon their cultural heritage to shape their vocational aspirations, add creative value to their future employers, and serve their communities.
For the 2020-2021 school year, DutchCrafters Amish Furniture will be awarding two outstanding students $500 each to further their educational goals. Whether you are in nursing, education, business or engineering, the DutchCrafters Amish Furniture Heritage Scholarship recognizes that the potential for creative value often lies within that which has been passed along to you from previous generations.
How will you draw upon your cultural heritage to shape your vocational aspirations, offer creative value to your future employer, and serve your community?
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 16
Deadline
This scholarship was established to honor the life of Craig D. Butler and to continue his legacy of integrity, generosity and service. Applicants must be of African-American descent, with a GPA of at east 3.0, pursuing higher education whether at a college, university or vocational-technical school.
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$1,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Oct 1
Deadline
Current undergraduate students who live or go to school in Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, or Iowa are eligible to apply for these awards.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 31
Deadline
In order to apply for The Domnick Cunningham & Whalen Water Safety Scholarship, students must meet the following eligibility requirements. Students must be presently pursuing studies at an accredited community college, junior college, undergraduate or graduate school situated within the United States. The award is also open to those who hold GEDs and high school graduates whose college programs are set to commence before the scholarship deadline.
All applicants must provide proof of good standing from their current educational institution. For the purposes of our scholarship award, this will consist of no less than a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 30
Deadline
For nearly three decades, defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman has worked tirelessly to provide quality legal services to those in his community and beyond. Throughout his time working in the criminal justice system, it has become increasingly clear that there are many ills that our society faces, ranging anywhere from economic hardship to substance abuse epidemics. Yet within each community, there exists a group of individuals who go above and beyond in their efforts to combat such ills and eradicate them through initiatives that ignite progress and hope for a better tomorrow.
In an effort to recognize these individuals, we are offering the Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman Community Service Scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to honor a student who has made a significant effort to better their community in some specific way, meaning they saw a problem, and took the initiative to try to mend it. The Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman is proud to work with community members passionate about laying the groundwork for a brighter future. We look forward to awarding a deserving student for their meaningful work.
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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
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff