One of the biggest misconceptions about scholarships is that they are only for high school students. In fact, there are numerous lucrative scholarship opportunities that current college students can apply for. These scholarships for college students can help you pay for tuition, room, board, fees, and other expenses like books and laptops.
If you are able to win scholarships as a college student you can lessen the amount of student loans that you need to take out. This can literally pay off after you graduate as you will have a lower student loan burden.
In this guide we will be covering:
Whether you are a college freshman interested in chemistry or a student interested in criminal justice, there is a scholarship for you! Keep on reading to learn more!
Top scholarships for college students in 2022:
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Eligibility:Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June 30, 2023
$2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay
Eligibility: High school, college, community and graduate students
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: November 30, 2022
Niche $50,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students
Amount: $50,000
Deadline: December 14, 2022
$2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to all high school and college students
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: November 30, 2022
$2,000 Student-led Virtual Tour Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to all students
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: December 31, 2022
“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
Eligibility: High school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: November 30, 2022
$2,500 November ScholarshipPoints Scholarship
Eligibility: High school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: November 30, 2022
“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents currently attending four-year universities in the U.S.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors and college students
Amount: $26,000
Deadline: February 20, 2023
GoSkills Scholarship
Eligibility: Female high school and college students who have started, or wish to start, their own online business
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: September 15 and March 15
Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors and university students who write an essay on Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged.”
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: September 26, 2022
Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship
Eligibility: Incoming or current college students who submit a personal statement about the importance of not texting and driving
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2022
HostingAdvice.com Future Web Developers Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors, college, and graduate students currently or planning to earn a degree in a computer-science related field of study
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Jones T-Shirts “Love Your Career” Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students who submit an essay
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30 and January 30 of each year
Paliwal Club of 100 STEAM Scholarship
Eligibility: Females college and graduate students in S.T.E.A.M related majors
Amount: $750 to $1.500 (five scholarships are awarded!)
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Paliwal Club of 100 (Music) Scholarship
Eligibility: Women pursuing careers in the music industry – whether as artists, performers, songwriters, producers, or in business
Amount: $500 – $2,000
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students with an interest in Web Design
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 3 and February 19
Responsify Empowering Others Scholarship
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students in the U.S. who believe in the importance of empowerment
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 5, 2022
ExtremeTerrain’s Student Scholarships
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students interested in STEM
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: October 15, 2022
ACFEF Scholarships
Eligibility: High school seniors accepted to college, undergraduate and graduate majoring in culinary education
Amount: $1,500 to $2,500
Deadline: Biannual (October 31 and April 30 of each year)
Geraldine Polly Bednash Scholarships
Eligibility: High school seniors, college, and graduate students majoring in nursing
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Quarterly (July 31, October 31, January 31, April 30)
Future Designer Scholarship
Eligibility: Incoming (graduating high school seniors) or college students who design holiday greeting cards
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November 1, 2022
Beacon Scholarship for Rural America
Eligibility: Low income high school and college students from rural backgrounds
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November 15, 2022
Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
Eligibility: College students who have applied or been accepted to a study abroad program through their university
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November 15 and April 15 of each year
ACES Scholarships
Eligibility: Open to college and graduate students who answer questions related to editing and the written word
Amount: $3,500
Deadline: November 15, 2022
ServiceScape Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students who submit an essay about how writing impacts the world
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November 29, 2022
Worthy Women’s Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to women age 30 or older who have decided to enroll in school to pursue their passions
Amount: $2,500 (3 scholarships will be awarded)
Deadline: December 5, 2022
Medical Scrubs Collection Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students pursuing careers in the medical fields, including therapy, nursing, medicine, nutrition, laboratory science, dentistry, and more
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 15, 2022
North American Van Lines Logistics Scholarship Competition
Eligibility: College-bound high school seniors and current college students planning to pursue a degree in Logistics or an equivalent field
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 15, 2022
Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers
Eligibility: Undergraduate & high school students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula
Amount: Up to $3,000
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Eligibility: 9th-12th grade high school, college, or graduate students, including adult students
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 31, 2022
“A Helping Hand” Scholarship
Eligibility: Low-income, graduating high school seniors as well as current college and graduate students with financial need
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 31, 2023
“Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors accepted to community college and students planning/already attending community college.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 31, 2023
“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship
Eligibility: All postsecondary students, regardless of the type of training/education they are pursuing
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 31, 2023
“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship
Eligibility: Incoming or current graduate students, including those seeking master’s, doctorates, and graduate certificates
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 31, 2023
“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women
Eligibility: Women currently attending high school, college, technical/vocational, or graduate school are eligible to apply
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 31, 2023
$1,000 “Mom to Scholar” Scholarship for Mothers
Eligibility: Mothers over the age of 35 either accepted to or attending technical, community, or four-year colleges/universities
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 31, 2023
“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students
Eligibility: Black students in their senior year of high school to their last year of graduate school
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 31, 2023
“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students
Eligibility: High school seniors, college students, and graduate students interested in STEM
Amount: $500
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Union Plus Scholarships
Eligibility: College and graduate students who are current or former members of unions
Amount: $4,000 (multiple awards!)
Deadline: January 31, 2023
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarships
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors who are vegetarians or vegans
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: February 23, 2023
Rover Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students who write an essay about the impact of technology on their lives
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May 1, 2023
Big Sun Scholarship
Eligibility: Student athletes who are high school seniors or in college
Amount: $500
Deadline: June 19, 2023
One Young Earth Filmmakers Contest
Eligibility: Open to both college and high school students who are no more than 25 years of age.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 25, 2023
Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarships
Eligibility: All high school and college students with at least a 2.5 GPA who share their ideas to fight childhood hunger
Amount: $1,000 to 3,000
Deadline: Varies
Innovation in Education Scholarship
Eligibility: Low-income junior and senior high school or undergraduate students planning to or currently attending art school
Amount: $500
Deadline: The 20th of each month
PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to graduating high school seniors and college students who submit an essay about STEM
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Biannual
Academy of Special Dreams Scholarship
Eligibility: Special needs applicants who applied to and/or have been accepted or are currently enrolled in a college or university, trade school, art school, or other recognized degree-awarding program. Student must express a desire to study or major in art
Amount: $250 to $1,000
Deadline: Rolling
SOULE Scholarship
Eligibility: Pell-grant eligible students who are either LGBTQ+ or of minority backgrounds
Amount: $5,000 (multiple awards!)
Deadline: Rolling
Other scholarships
Rotary Foundation & Club Scholarships
Eligibility: High school and college students
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Upcoming scholarships for college students
CardRates.com Financial Futures Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students who are planning on pursuing a major in business, finance, or a related field
Amount: $1,000
Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors, college students, community college students, or graduate students who write an essay about cyberbullying
Amount: $1,000
El Cafe Del Futuro Scholarship
Eligibility: Current undergraduate and graduate students of Latino descent
Amount: $5,000
First Responders Chidren’s Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility: Biological, adopted or 1strcf.org/scholarship-applicationstep-children of first responders (police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers) with a 2.7 GPA or above
Amount: $6,250 (renewable each year in college)
Frame my Future Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to enroll as a full-time students and current undergraduate/graduate students at U.S.colleges and universities
Amount: $6,000, $2,500, $1,000, and $500 scholarships are awarded, and every winner receives a custom frame!
Global Perspectives Scholarship
Eligibility: Incoming or current college students who submit an essay on a global impact project
Amount: $1,000
HelpTeaching.com Scholarship
Eligibility: High school and college students who submit a educational short story or informational article (400-800 words) for young students
Amount: $1,000
Little People of America Scholarship Program
Eligibility: Scholarships are open to prospective and current students attending college or vocational school in the United States who have a medically diagnosed form of dwarfism, or are immediate family members of someone with dwarfism.
Amount: $250 – $1,000
Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship
Eligibility: High seniors, college students, and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in health, wellness, or fitness
Amount: $1,500
Probo Medical Scholarship
Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students with a 3.0 or above GPA who submit an essay about medical technology and the future
Amount: $500
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students
Amount: $3,500 and $5,000
Selectblinds $1,000 Scholarship
Eligibility: High school, college, or university students with a minimum GPA of 2.5
Amount: $1,000
Spirit of Giving Scholarship
Eligibility: High school seniors and college/graduate students who write an essay on the spirit of giving
Amount: $1,000 (three scholarships are awarded!)
Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to students between the ages of 16 and 26 who submit a video entry about their life’s passion
Amount: $5,000 to $25,000 per year
College scholarships by grade level
Whether you are a college freshman or a transfer student, we have specific guides to help you find and apply for scholarships:
How to win scholarships as a college student
Here are a few tips for finding and winning scholarships and financial aid as a current college student.
Apply for need-based financial aid
Don’t forget about need-based financial aid, which includes Pell Grants, Federal SEOG Grants, and work study. To apply for need-based financial aid from the government or from your college, you will need to apply for financial aid.
The two major financial aid applications that students will come across are the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. Both of these applications have specific deadlines, so make sure that you get everything in on time!
Additionally, financial aid is only offered on an annual basis, so you will need to reapply for financial aid in subsequent college years.
Apply to many scholarships to increase your odds of winning
A key part of any scholarship strategy should be applying to a broad array of scholarship opportunities. The more you apply to, the more you can win! Remember, this can take the form of video scholarships, local opportunities, and scholarships based on your major or your background.
Check your college’s financial aid office for scholarships
Your college’s financial aid office should be your first stop for college scholarships since they may be able to offer other forms of aid as well (like grants or work study programs). If you are not currently on campus, you can consult their website and reach out to a representative via email.
Look for departmental scholarships
Many colleges, such as the University of South Carolina, offer scholarships to current students on a departmental basis. Students who show particular promise in one field of study may be eligible to receive funding from their department for their additional years of schooling. You can try consulting your professors, your advisor, or the chair of the department you’re majoring in to see what opportunities are out there.
Study abroad scholarships
If you plan on studying abroad, you may be eligible for scholarships! There are many places to look for study abroad scholarships. These include your school’s study abroad department, the organization running the program you’re enrolling in, and our very own list of scholarships for students who are studying abroad! As studying abroad can often end up being expensive for students, it’s a good idea to pursue these options to reduce your costs.
If you win a scholarship, check to see if you must re-apply each year
Certain scholarships may require students to maintain a certain GPA, or provide proof of enrollment each year. Check the details of any scholarship you win to see if these rules apply.
Additional financial tips for college students
As a college student, one great way to lessen the financial burden is to apply for scholarships. But remember, there are other ways to cut down on your costs! Whether you are looking for affordable housing, wondering how to make some money on the side, or just looking to reduce your spending, we’ve got you covered.
You can check out our guide on how to find online tutoring jobs, our guide to work-study, and our guide on how to make money in general as a college student.
It’s also important to begin building a good financial history when you are in school. One great way to do this is to apply for your first credit card. We can help you choose the best option for students who are just beginning to open credit.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to get a scholarship while in college?
Yes! In fact, there are scholarships exclusively meant for college students. These scholarships can help with the cost of undergraduate tuition or help with the costs of graduate school. It is never too early or too late to apply for scholarships. To stay up-to-date with current scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarship search tool. It offers custom-matched vetted scholarship opportunities for students of any age. You’ll be able to find scholarships to pay for your next years of college, and even for graduate school.
How do you find scholarships for college?
To find scholarships while in college, begin with a search of your school’s financial aid office website. Here you may find scholarships specifically meant for students of the college that you’re attending. It’s also a good idea to reach out to your financial aid office for help. Their financial aid officers may know of opportunities that are not posted on the site.Other good places to start are local organizations related to your field of interest, ethnicity-based organizations, and your employer or your parents’ employers. And of course, don’t forget to check out the list above or our scholarship database!
Which college scholarships are easy to get?
There are two opposing qualities that make a scholarship “easy” to win:
There are few application requirements, so you can apply to a ton of them. To begin with this strategy, apply to all of the scholarships on our easy scholarships list.
There are a lot of application requirements, so not that many people can apply. If your college offers a scholarship specifically meant for first-generation college students, the applicant pool is limited to both students attending your college and, out of that group, first-generation students. If you qualify, your chances of winning are way higher than a contest with broad application requirements. While these are a bit harder to find, you can start with our list of best merit scholarships.
Local scholarships. Student should always ask their high school guidance counselor for resources about local scholarships. They can also check out community organizations and ask recent graduates from their high school. Local scholarships typically have much less competition than other scholarships.
Do college transfer students get scholarships?
Yes, transfer students qualify for scholarships! Check out our list of the top scholarships for college transfer students for scholarships still accepting applications.And remember, you don’t have to constrain yourself to transfer scholarships. There are many scholarships out there for current college students. So, you can apply to scholarships specifically for transfer students, or anything that college students are eligible for.
Can I get a full ride scholarship while in college?
Full ride scholarships are relatively rare, and they are even more rarely offered to students who are already in college. If you are a current college student, your best bet is probably to look for scholarships that cover part of your educational expenses and apply to a great many of them. Our list above is a great place to start looking for scholarships to reduce your financial burden!