The Top 40 College Scholarships

A curated list of the 40 best scholarships available this year to help students finance their undergraduate degrees, succeed in studies, and prepare for future careers, including merit-based, essay-based, and more.

Posted May 10, 2024

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Applying to college is an exciting time, but it also comes with the stress of knowing you’ll need to make a financially sound decision. Fortunately, there are an endless number of scholarships available to help with the cost of college so that you can focus on your education and attend the best school for you.

We’ve put together a list of 40 scholarships that cover a full range of award amounts, application types, eligibility requirements, and more.

Scholarships are available for each academic year. We recommend seeking out fresh scholarships each year and staying on top of deadlines to maximize your financial support.

Our Top Choice: The Voyager Scholarship

This scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, to help shape young leaders interested in public service. It includes financial assistance, travel experiences, and a network of mentors and leaders. The winners will receive $25,000/year for the junior and senior years of college, a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing for a summer work-travel experience, a $2,000 travel stipend each year for 10 years after graduation, and an invitation to each Fall summit where they will meet with incredible guest speakers, including former President Obama and Brian Chesky themselves.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $50,000 in financial aid for college, plus $30,000+ in additional benefits

Important Dates: Deadline is June 14, 2022 (Apply soon!)

Number of Recipients: 100 high school juniors (with the option to renew their senior year)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Those who are planning to enroll at an accredited four-year, American college/university during their junior year in the fall of 2022
  • Eligible students are:
    • Finishing sophomore year in the spring of 2022
    • Or transferring from a two-year to a four-year college for their 2022-2023 junior academic year
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to public service
  • Plan to pursue a career in public service upon graduation

Be a US citizen, permanent resident (holder of a Permanent Resident Card), or an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA)

Learn More →

High Award Scholarships

Breakthrough Junior Challenge

This scholarship asks applicants to create a short video explaining an important scientific theory, concept, or principle. Videos should explain a big idea in either physics, mathematics, or life sciences and can be in any style the creator chooses. Videos will be judged based on engagement, illumination, creativity, and difficulty.

Scholarship Amount: $250,000 to be used for tuition and fees

Important Dates: Applications are due by June 25, 2022

Number of Recipients: 1/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be between ages 13-18

Learn More →

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program

The Cooke College Scholarship Program is open to high-achieving high school students with financial needs. The award will cover a significant portion of the student’s education, including tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees. They also provide personalized advising to help you select a college and navigate financial aid.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $55,000 per year

Important Dates: Applications open September 1, 2022

Number of Recipients: 50+

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Plan to graduate from a U.S. high school in the spring of 2023
  • Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning fall of 2023
  • Earn a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above.
  • Demonstrate unmet financial need with family income up to $95,000

Learn More →

BigFuture Scholarship

BigFuture offers monthly scholarship opportunities for students who take active steps to prepare for college. Complete one or more steps such as building a college list, practicing for the SAT, exploring scholarships, making a college list, completing the FAFSA, and applying to colleges. They’ll choose two people to win the main scholarship, and hundreds of others will receive $500.

Scholarship Amount: $40,000

Number of Recipients: 2/month

Eligibility Requirements:

  • All class of 2023 students who have a College Board account
  • Attend high school or are enrolled in a home school in the United States, Puerto Rico, and any other U.S. territories as well as U.S. citizens and residents attending Department of Defense Education Activity schools
  • Students who complete one or more qualifying steps on BigFuture will be automatically entered into drawings for $500 or $40,000 between January 2022 and February 2023

Learn More →

Ron Brown Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholar Program has a scholarship open to talented and economically-challenged African American high school seniors who have an interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. Its mission is to uplift people of all races, cultures, and ethnicities with a focus on disadvantaged youth.

Scholarship Amount: $40,000 ($10,000/year for four years)

Number of Recipients: 45-50

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Black/African American
  • US citizens or permanent resident
  • High school senior at the time of application

Learn More →

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

QuestBridge funds a scholarship that helps low-income students of all backgrounds go to their dream school. While the application process is extensive, the winners will receive a full ride to one of their chosen schools. Part of the application process includes ranking your top 10-12 schools and winners will receive financial aid to attend that school.

Scholarship Amount: Full-ride tuition

Important Dates: Applications are due by September 27, 2022

Number of Recipients: 3/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship has extensive eligibility requirements, which you can find here

Learn More →

The Cameron Impact Scholarship

The Cameron Impact Scholarship seeks to award ten to fifteen exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, academics, and community service. This scholarship covers the full tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S.-based college or university.

Scholarship Amount: Full amount of tuition, fees, and books

Important Dates: Applications are due by September 9, 2022

Number of Recipients: 10-15/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Maintain a minimum, cumulative, unweighted GPA of a 3.7/4.0 or equivalent in their high school studies
  • Be a citizen of the United States of America
  • Be in the high school graduating class of 2023, planning to enroll in a full-time course of study towards a degree at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university for the full academic year following high school graduation
  • Show proven excellence in extracurricular activities, be motivated leaders with a strong work ethic, demonstrate active participation in community service and/or civic-minded arenas
  • Submit the following three components by the Application Deadline:
    • Online Application
    • Two required Letters of Recommendation
    • Transcript certifying high academic performance

Learn More →

Taco Bell Live Más

Taco Bell has opened a scholarship program for passionate students who are aiming to make a difference in their community and in the world. The application requires you to submit a short video answering questions about your passion and the impact you want to make, as well as how education will help you get there. They also offer a scholarship renewal program, so if you’ve previously won the scholarship you can still receive support in the future.

Scholarship Amount: $5,000 - $25,000

Number of Recipients: 300+ each year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia
  • 16-26 years old as of the last day of the program period
    • If an applicant is a minor in his/her/their state of residence, they must receive parental consent from his/her/their parent/legal guardian to apply
  • On track to apply for or enroll in an accredited post-high school/post-secondary educational program (including accredited two-and four-year colleges, universities, and vocational-technical and trade schools)
  • Must be willing to work with the Taco Bell Foundation’s Scholarship Management Company throughout the application and award process
  • Employees of Taco Bell Foundation, Inc., Taco Bell of America, LLC, Taco Bell Corp. and its parent, subsidiaries of its parent, franchisees, licensees, and the advertising and promotion agencies involved with this Program are not eligible to apply or receive a scholarship through this version of the program
  • Taco Bell restaurant employees can apply to the Live Más Scholarship for Restaurant Employees Program.
  • Has not previously received a Live Más Scholarship

Learn More →

Foot Locker Scholar Athletes

Foot Locker offers a scholarship for student-athletes who show strong academic performance in addition to sports leadership. The judges will be evaluating applicants based on good sportsmanship, strong moral character, academic excellence, a commitment to empower their community, enthusiasm for leadership, and diverse backgrounds.

Scholarship Amount: $20,000

Number of Recipients: 20

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be entering college in the Fall of 2022 as a freshman at a four-year school for an undergraduate degree
  • Be currently involved in high school sports, intramural sports, or community-based sports
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (you will be asked to prove citizenship/age if you win)
  • Not be an employee, officer, or director of Foot Locker, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries, or a member of the immediate family of such an employee, officer, or director

Learn More →

Dell Scholars

The Dell Scholars program supports students with more than just financial aid. The program includes a financial scholarship, textbook credits, a scholars resource network, access to teletherapy, a laptop, and personalized, multi-faceted support.

Scholarship Amount: $20,000

Number of Recipients: 500/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Participate in a program-approved college readiness program in grades 11 and 12 (view the list of approved CRPs here)
  • Be on track to graduate from an accredited high school in the current academic year
  • Demonstrate a need for financial assistance
  • Be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant in the first year of college
  • Plan to enroll full time at an accredited higher education institution in the pursuit of a bachelor's degree in the fall directly following high school graduation
  • Earn a minimum of a 2.4 GPA

Learn More →

The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is open to minority high school seniors from low-income households. This scholarship is highly competitive and includes funding for the full cost of attendance that is not covered by other financial aid and the family contribution as determined by the FAFSA.

Scholarship Amount: Full cost of tuition minus what is already provided by financial aid and family contribution

Number of Recipients: 10,000

Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school senior
  • From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
  • Pell Grant-eligible
  • US citizen, national, or permanent resident
  • In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent)
  • Student must plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program, at US-accredited, not-for-profit, or private/public college or university.

Learn More →

Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is achievement-based and awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are evaluated based on their capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making an impact on their school and community. The Foundation has provided over 6,450 scholars with over $75M in support.

Please note: There is a series of screen questions potential applicants must go through prior to receiving the actual application.

Scholarship Amount: $20,000

Important Dates: Application for the 2022-2023 scholarship opens in August 2022

Number of Recipients: 150/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current high school (or home-schooled) student attending a school in the U.S. (or select DoD schools) who will graduate during the 2021-2022 academic school year
  • U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees - based on the guidelines utilized by the U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
  • Expecting to receive high school diploma during the current academic year
  • Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
  • Able to verify a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework

Learn More →

Marginalized Groups’ Scholarships

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is open to students of Hispanic heritage and is decided based on merit. Scholars will also receive Scholar Support Services including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training. Scholars will also have access to select internship and job opportunities with HSF corporate partners.

Scholarship Amount: $500 - $5,000 based on need

Number of Recipients: 10,000

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be of Hispanic heritage
  • U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA
  • Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college and graduate students
  • Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school in the US for the 2022-2023 academic year
  • Submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable)

Learn More →

Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship

Hyundai is looking to help women in STEM who are aiming to positively impact our world and help evolve toward a future of more sustainable mobility and autonomy. This application asks applicants to write an essay on the journey they will take to promote a positive shift toward sustainability in their chosen STEM field.

Scholarship Amount: $10,000

Important Dates: Applications are due by June 30, 2022

Number of Recipients: 5

Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school seniors and college undergraduates
  • Identify as female
  • Reside in the United States and wish to pursue a STEM-related field of education.

Learn More →

MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship

MPOWER has a mission to empower high-potential students to realize their educational aspirations, and this scholarship focuses on awarding women who will use their STEM degrees to have a positive impact on society and the planet.

Scholarship Amount: $6,000 grand prize, $2,000 runner up, and $1,000 honorable mention

Important Dates: Applications are due by July 15, 2022

Number of Recipients: 3 per year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be accepted at, or enrolled in, a full-time degree program at an American or Canadian school that MPOWER supports
  • Be an international student legally allowed to study in the U.S. or Canada
    • For the US:
      • Has a valid visa that permits study in the U.S.
      • Is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
      • Is a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
    • For Canada:
      • Is a Canadian permanent resident
      • Has a valid Canadian study permit

Learn More →

Korean American Scholarship Foundation

The Korean American Scholarship Foundation hosts scholarships in seven different regions across the U.S. which are open to students with Korean heritage, regardless of citizenship status. Applicants will be evaluated on financial need, scholastic achievement, recommendations, essays, and community service/extracurricular activities.

Scholarship Amount: $500 - $5,000

Number of Recipients: Varies

Eligibility Requirements:

  • U.S. Students with Korean heritage, regardless of citizenship status (including Korean Nationals)
  • Undergraduate, graduate, and high school students enrolled full-time during the scholarship application year
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Learn More →

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

Created to enable Black and African American students to attend college and pursue a career in technology, this scholarship empowers future generations to do more and be more. In addition to the main scholarship, Microsoft also awards 41 other students with a one-time $2,500 scholarship.

Scholarship Amount: $20,000 distributed over 4 years

Number of Recipients: 4/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be a US-based high school senior of African descent (for example, African American, African, Ethiopian, etc.)
  • Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the US in the fall immediately following your high school graduation
  • Plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (such as finance, business administration, or marketing)
  • Demonstrate a passion for technology
  • Demonstrate leadership at school or in the community
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher
  • Require financial assistance to attend college

Learn More →

Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship

To support LGBTQIA+ students in their pursuit of higher education, The Point Flagship Scholarship awards financial support to students pursuing a four-year degree. They also provide access to leadership development programs, mentorship and coaching, and a supportive community of scholars and alumni.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $10,000/year for up to four years

Number of Recipients: Varies

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be enrolled or intending to enroll at an accredited college or university based in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, in the fall of 2022
    • Students enrolled or intending to enroll in a college or university in a United States territory are NOT eligible
  • Must be “out” as a person who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
  • Must be enrolled full-time for the entire academic year
  • Must be enrolled in a degree-granting undergraduate or graduate/ doctoral program; post-doctoral research programs are not eligible
  • Students studying at community colleges, online programs, or trade schools, are NOT eligible
  • Community college students must be transferring to a four-year college or university
  • Must be at least a senior in high school
  • If selected as a finalist, the finalist must be able to record a video for the Point Selections Committee

Learn More →

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship is a grant program focused on providing the financial means to enable low-income students to study or intern abroad. This scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen undergraduate student receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two or four-year institution.

Scholarship Amount: $100 - $5,000

Number of Recipients: 50+/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • A citizen or national of the United States
  • An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States
  • Receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or able to provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship
  • In the process of applying to or already accepted to a credit-bearing study abroad, internship program, or virtual international program. Virtual programs and internships will be eligible until April 30, 2023. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement.

Learn More →

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Easy Apply & No Essay Scholarships

No Essay Smart Owl Scholarship

ScholarshipOwl is a website that helps you find scholarships that you might be a good fit for. They also run their own scholarship, the No Essay Smart Owl Scholarship, which awards one winner each year. This scholarship is quite competitive but very easy to apply to.

Scholarship Amount: $7,000

Important Dates: Application deadline is June 29, 2022

Number of Recipients: 1

Eligibility Requirements:

  • A resident of any of the 50 United States, District of Columbia or US Territories except for Rhode Island and Michigan
  • 16 years of age or older
  • Either be enrolled now, or will be enrolled within three months of registration in a qualified high school, college, or university within the United States

Learn More →

Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

Access Scholarships has opened this scholarship opportunity to help high school, college, and graduate students pay for college. The application is easy to submit and winners are chosen quarterly.

Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Important Dates: Deadlines are the last day of March, June, September, and December

Number of Recipients: 1/quarter

Eligibility Requirements:

  • All current high school, college, and graduate students
  • US residents, DACA and undocumented students, and international students currently studying in the US.
  • Only one entry is allowed per person per quarter; a new winner will be chosen every quarter

Learn More →

SmarterCollege Scholarship

SmarterCollege provides information for students and parents to help guide them through college loans, loan APRs, options for deferment, loan payments, and rewards from different lenders. In addition to their service and resources, they also offer their own scholarship.

Scholarship Amount: $2,500

Important Dates: Applications are due on June 30, 2022

Number of Recipients: 1/month

Eligibility Requirements:

  • All residents of the 50 United States
  • At least 17 years old at the time of program entry

Learn More →

Around the Corner from College Scholarship

Access Scholarships has put this scholarship together to help high school students pay for college, so they can reduce stress about financial ability and focus on their education. There are two annual opportunities to apply for and win this scholarship.

Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Important Dates: Applications are due on June 30 and December 31

Number of Recipients: 2/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current high school students of all years
  • Those living in the US (as a US citizen, permanent resident, or with DACA status) or living internationally, but must be planning to attend a college or university in the US.

Learn More →

Nitro Scholarship

Nitro has put together a scholarship to help students or parents of students wanting to go to college. This is an easy, no-essay application and winners are chosen every month, giving applicants many opportunities to win.

Scholarship Amount: $2,000

Important Dates: Applications are due on the last day of each month

Number of Recipients: 1/month

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Parents who currently have a child enrolled in an accredited college or university located in the US or who is a high school senior
  • Students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university located within the US or who are high school seniors
  • A student who is currently enrolled as a high school senior located in the United States;
  • A student or a parent whose child has graduated from an accredited undergraduate school (a “School) and who is currently paying back a student or parent loan for his/her/child’s educational expenses for such School (“Entrant”).

Learn More →

Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship

Bold.org has put together a scholarship that favors the bold – people who are fighters, risk-takers, and earnest overachievers. To enter this scholarship, you’ll create a Bold.org student profile that highlights your “bold” qualities. Early applicants have a higher chance of winning, so don’t delay your application!

Scholarship Amount: $25,000

Important Dates: Applications are due on July 1, 2022

Number of Recipients: 1/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students at any education level and in any school or field of study
  • No minimum GPA

Learn More →

Niche No-Essay Scholarship

Niche offers this no-essay scholarship to any high school or college student. A new winner is chosen each month, and there is no limit to the number of times you can apply, so this is a great opportunity to apply regularly.

Scholarship Amount: $2,000

Important Dates: Applications are due on June 30, 2022

Number of Recipients: 1/month

Eligibility Requirements:

  • All high school, college, and graduate students and those planning to enroll within the next 12 months
  • At least 18 years old or 13 with parent’s or legal guardian’s consent and supervision
  • Currently attend–or within the next 12 months plan to enroll in–a high school or college listed on niche.com, or be the parent of a student who falls into one of those categories
  • One entry allowed per person/email address/household

Learn More →

Because College is Expensive Scholarship

This scholarship is straight to the point! To help you afford your college education, four winners will receive $500 each. The application process is quick and easy, and winners will be chosen each quarter.

Scholarship Amount: $500

Number of Recipients: 4/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as current college students and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school

Learn More →

Cappex Easy Money Scholarship

One of the easiest scholarships to apply for, the Cappex Easy Money Scholarship only requires you to create an account on their website. As long as you meet the basic eligibility criteria, you will automatically be entered to win.

Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Number of Recipients: 4/month

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Registered Cappex users
  • Resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia
  • 13 years of age or older whose registration for these Sweepstakes does not violate any applicable law or regulation (including the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
  • Currently planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning (college, university or trade school) located in the United States within four years of the Sweepstakes

Learn More →

Cirkled In No Sweat Scholarship

Another easy-to-apply scholarship, Cirkled In just asks that you create a free student account and complete your portfolio. The more points you earn on your profile, the better your chances of being selected. Points are easy to earn by completing your profile and inviting friends and teachers to the platform. Funds can be used for any educational purpose, including books and summer camps.

Scholarship Amount: $2,500

Number of Recipients: 4/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • At least 13-years-old
  • A legal resident of the United States or the District of Columbia
  • Applicant must be currently enrolled in 8th-12th grade in a school (homeschool qualifies as well)

Learn More →

School Survey Sweepstakes

Niche has opened up a scholarship sweepstake for any student, parent, or recent alumni who completes a short school survey. The survey will ask you to review your school, and responses are kept anonymous. The results will be used on Niche to help others find a school that is the best fit for them.

Scholarship Amount: $1,000

Important Dates: Deadline is June 30, 2022

Number of Recipients: 1 winner

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Parents and students currently enrolled in a K-12 school or who graduated within the last 4 years

Learn More →

ScholarshipPoints

ScholarshipPoints offers quarterly scholarship awards. All you need to do is create an account and submit a quick application. They also offer three monthly $1000 scholarships, offering a total of 36 scholarship opportunities each year.

Scholarship Amount: $10,000

Number of Recipients: 1/quarter

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be 13 years of age or older on the date of entry
  • A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia
  • Currently attending (or planning to attend) a college located in the United States

Learn More →

Where Can I Start?

To find even more scholarships that you qualify for, use sites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, Cappex, Niche, Chegg, Peterson’s, Unigo, Scholly, and ScholarshipOwl. To learn more about how to prepare yourselves for the financial and academic requirements of college life, read these articles:

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