Last updated on March 25, 2024

Top Undergraduate Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

The Best Undergraduate Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines
Unlock All ScholarshipsNo Spam.
100% Free.
4.8/5
Rated by over 43,000 students
Access thousands of exclusive, fully funded scholarships
4.8/5
Rated by over 43,000 students
SCHOLARSHIPS FEATURED BY:
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
300 SCHOLARSHIPS
Sort by:
  1. Cover image for Alexander Hipple Recovery Scholarship

    Alexander Hipple Recovery Scholarship

    Funded by
    Hipple Family & Friends
    This scholarship aims to honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hipple by helping people who are struggling with addiction, or personally impacted by it, to achieve their educational goals.
    Funded by
    Hipple Family & Friends
    This scholarship aims to honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hipple by helping people who are struggling with addiction, or personally impacted by it, to achieve their educational goals.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Direct or indirect experience with substance abuse, addiction and/or recovery
    • State: North Carolina
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 3 days left
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. Cover image for Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship

    Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship

    Funded by
    Sloane Stephens
    In honor of her beloved grandparents, Doc and Glo, Sloane created the Doc & Glo Scholarship to help 20 students across the country to achieve their dreams.
    Funded by
    Sloane Stephens
    In honor of her beloved grandparents, Doc and Glo, Sloane created the Doc & Glo Scholarship to help 20 students across the country to achieve their dreams.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Must be a current high school senior or undergraduate student
    • Schooling: Either studying healthcare or attending an HBCU
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    Amount:$31,138
    Deadline:Aug 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. Cover image for Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship

    Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Herich Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Ryan T. Herich by supporting students who are seeking to better understand the role of culture in shaping the world.
    Funded by
    Herich Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Ryan T. Herich by supporting students who are seeking to better understand the role of culture in shaping the world.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Political science, cultural anthropology, geography, or history
    • Education Level: High school senior or 2 or 4-year undergraduate
    Amount:$15,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Cover image for Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

    Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

    Funded by
    Dr.Terence O. Hayes Sr.
    The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship will support the academic endeavors of one student who has struggled with or has been impacted by someone who struggles with mental health.
    Funded by
    Dr.Terence O. Hayes Sr.
    The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship will support the academic endeavors of one student who has struggled with or has been impacted by someone who struggles with mental health.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$5,500
    Deadline:Jun 13, 2024
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Cover image for Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship

    Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Maxwell / Grace
    This scholarship seeks to support financially underprivileged students of faith who are pursuing higher education at a college or university.
    Funded by
    Maxwell / Grace
    This scholarship seeks to support financially underprivileged students of faith who are pursuing higher education at a college or university.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Financial Status: Financially underprivileged
    • Identity: Religious
    • Education Level: 2 or 4-year undergraduate
    Amount:$10,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 4 days left
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Cover image for Trees for Tuition Scholarship Fund

    Trees for Tuition Scholarship Fund

    Funded by
    Trees for Tuition
    This scholarship aims to help make higher education financially accessible to Georgia students so they can pursue the careers of their dreams.
    Funded by
    Trees for Tuition
    This scholarship aims to help make higher education financially accessible to Georgia students so they can pursue the careers of their dreams.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate
    • State: Georgia (Atlanta preferred)
    Amount:$20,000
    Deadline:Jun 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Cover image for Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

    Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

    Funded by
    The Concrete Rose Foundation
    This scholarship's mission is to help women of color reach their potential to achieve their dreams, making a significant contribution to a more inclusive and prosperous world for all.
    Funded by
    The Concrete Rose Foundation
    This scholarship's mission is to help women of color reach their potential to achieve their dreams, making a significant contribution to a more inclusive and prosperous world for all.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Gender: Women
    • GPA: 2.0
    • Race/Ethnicity: BIPOC
    • Education Level: High school senior or Undergraduate
    Amount:$2,300
    Deadline:May 24, 2024
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Cover image for Powering The Future - Whiddon Memorial Scholarship

    Powering The Future - Whiddon Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Sarah Vitone
    This scholarship aims to honor Richard and Rebecca Whiddon's memories by supporting students who will carry on their light.
    Funded by
    Sarah Vitone
    This scholarship aims to honor Richard and Rebecca Whiddon's memories by supporting students who will carry on their light.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: STEM
    • Education Level: High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Background: Financial need
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Jul 20, 2024
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Cover image for Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship

    Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship

    Funded by
    Koci Family
    This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about pursuing education in the trades.
    Funded by
    Koci Family
    This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about pursuing education in the trades.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Trade school student or high school seniors interested in trade schools
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Cover image for TEAM ROX Scholarship

    TEAM ROX Scholarship

    Funded by
    Stapleton
    This scholarship aims to support students who have exhibited the skills and values of helping others become their best selves.
    Funded by
    Stapleton
    This scholarship aims to support students who have exhibited the skills and values of helping others become their best selves.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Background: Volunteering experience
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline:May 22, 2024
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Cover image for Rebecca Hunter Memorial Scholarship

    Rebecca Hunter Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ryan Lester
    This scholarship will support a single parent pursuing education in memory of Rebecca Hunter.
    Funded by
    Ryan Lester
    This scholarship will support a single parent pursuing education in memory of Rebecca Hunter.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Any
    • Parental Status: Single parent
    Amount:$1,200
    Deadline:Aug 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Cover image for Women in Healthcare Scholarship

    Women in Healthcare Scholarship

    Funded by
    Live it Up
    This scholarship aims to support and empower female students pursuing degrees in healthcare so they can afford to complete their education and shape the future of healthcare.
    Funded by
    Live it Up
    This scholarship aims to support and empower female students pursuing degrees in healthcare so they can afford to complete their education and shape the future of healthcare.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Citizenship Status: U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Field of Study: Healthcare
    Amount:$1,020
    Deadline:May 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. Cover image for Frank and Patty Skerl Educational Scholarship for the Physically Disabled

    Frank and Patty Skerl Educational Scholarship for the Physically Disabled

    Funded by
    Skerl Family
    This scholarship seeks to support students with physical disabilities who are dedicated to pursuing higher education.
    Funded by
    Skerl Family
    This scholarship seeks to support students with physical disabilities who are dedicated to pursuing higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Background: Has a physical disability
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 23 days left
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. Cover image for Ventana Ocean Conservation Scholarship

    Ventana Ocean Conservation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ventana Surfboards & Supplies
    This scholarship will support a student passionate about protecting our oceans.
    Funded by
    Ventana Surfboards & Supplies
    This scholarship will support a student passionate about protecting our oceans.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate
    • Major: Ocean conservation, marine science, environmental science, marine biology, etc.
    Amount:$3,800
    Deadline:Jul 15, 2024
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. Cover image for Tam and Betsy Vannoy Memorial Scholarship

    Tam and Betsy Vannoy Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Nancy Totten
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memories of Tam and Betsy Vannoy by supporting students in their home state of West Virginia.
    Funded by
    Nancy Totten
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memories of Tam and Betsy Vannoy by supporting students in their home state of West Virginia.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: West Virginia
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, post- secondary trade school
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:May 30, 2024
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. Cover image for Lemon-Aid Scholarship

    Lemon-Aid Scholarship

    Funded by
    Christine Andruzzi
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Coleen Elizabeth Lemon by supporting students with financial need as they pursue higher education.
    Funded by
    Christine Andruzzi
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Coleen Elizabeth Lemon by supporting students with financial need as they pursue higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    Amount:$1,650
    Deadline:May 02, 2024
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. Cover image for Patriots Path Scholarship

    Patriots Path Scholarship

    Funded by
    Navy Yacht Club Long Beach
    This scholarship aims to support JROTC and ROTC participants by making college more affordable and accessible.
    Funded by
    Navy Yacht Club Long Beach
    This scholarship aims to support JROTC and ROTC participants by making college more affordable and accessible.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Involvement: ROTC or JROTC
    • GPA: 3
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline:May 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. Cover image for Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship

    Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship

    Funded by
    Walking in Authority International Ministry
    This scholarship will support a student who is passionate about making a difference in their community.
    Funded by
    Walking in Authority International Ministry
    This scholarship will support a student who is passionate about making a difference in their community.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate
    • Experience: Volunteering
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    Amount:$550
    Deadline:Nov 08, 2024
    One Click Apply
    18
  19. Cover image for Dimon A. Williams Memorial Scholarship

    Dimon A. Williams Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Arlecia Threbits
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Dimon A. Williams by supporting students from single-parent families who are pursuing higher education.
    Funded by
    Arlecia Threbits
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Dimon A. Williams by supporting students from single-parent families who are pursuing higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Family: Single-parent household
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Background: Volunteering experience
    Amount:$590
    Deadline:Jul 26, 2024
    One Click Apply
    19
  20. Cover image for Skylar's Hope Scholarship

    Skylar's Hope Scholarship

    Funded by
    Skylar's Hope
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Skylar Holly by supporting students who share his passion for helping others and making the world safer.
    Funded by
    Skylar's Hope
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Skylar Holly by supporting students who share his passion for helping others and making the world safer.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or trade school student
    • Desired Career: First responder (firefighter, police, EMT, etc.)
    Amount:$1,525
    Deadline:Jul 21, 2024
    One Click Apply
    20
  21. Cover image for Jean Ramirez Scholarship

    Jean Ramirez Scholarship

    Funded by
    JR98 Inc
    This scholarship will support students who are immediate family members of a suicide victim.
    Funded by
    JR98 Inc
    This scholarship will support students who are immediate family members of a suicide victim.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education: High school, undergraduate, or graduate
    • Background: Immediate family of suicide victim
    Amount:$4,700
    Deadline:Jun 03, 2024
    One Click Apply
    21
  22. Cover image for Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

    Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

    Funded by
    Lance Lawson
    This scholarship seeks to support high school and undergraduate students who intend to spend their careers helping other people.
    Funded by
    Lance Lawson
    This scholarship seeks to support high school and undergraduate students who intend to spend their careers helping other people.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Field of Interest: Healthcare, social work, government, education or a related field
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    22
  23. Cover image for Hamiltonville Farm Scholarship

    Hamiltonville Farm Scholarship

    Funded by
    Henry Hamilton
    This scholarship will support students pursuing careers in the automotive and diesel repair fields.
    Funded by
    Henry Hamilton
    This scholarship will support students pursuing careers in the automotive and diesel repair fields.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education level: High school senior or trade school
    • Field of Interest: Automotive or Diesel repair
    Amount:$5,160
    Deadline:May 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
    23
  24. Cover image for Laurette Scholarship

    Laurette Scholarship

    Funded by
    Advocates for Autism
    This scholarship aims to support students with autism so they have the resources and community they need to thrive in college.
    Funded by
    Advocates for Autism
    This scholarship aims to support students with autism so they have the resources and community they need to thrive in college.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school, undergraduate, or trade school student
    • Background: ASD
    Amount:$1,600
    Deadline:May 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
    24
  25. Cover image for Dr. Christine Lawther First in the Family Scholarship

    Dr. Christine Lawther First in the Family Scholarship

    Funded by
    Christine Lawther
    This scholarship aims to support students who are forging new paths for their families by obtaining college degrees.
    Funded by
    Christine Lawther
    This scholarship aims to support students who are forging new paths for their families by obtaining college degrees.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: First-generation college student
    • Education Level: Four-year undergraduate student
    Amount:$2,500
    Deadline:May 20, 2024
    One Click Apply
    25
  26. Cover image for Minority Cosmetic Science Scholarship

    Minority Cosmetic Science Scholarship

    Funded by
    Curly Hair Crisis
    This scholarship will support a BIPOC student pursuing a career in cosmetic science.
    Funded by
    Curly Hair Crisis
    This scholarship will support a BIPOC student pursuing a career in cosmetic science.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate
    • Race/Ethnicity: BIPOC
    • Career Field: Cosmetic science or natural cosmetology
    Amount:$5,150
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    26
  27. Cover image for Future Planner Scholarship

    Future Planner Scholarship

    Funded by
    Gian Events
    This scholarship seeks to support women of color who are working to pursue higher education in order to become the leaders of tomorrow.
    Funded by
    Gian Events
    This scholarship seeks to support women of color who are working to pursue higher education in order to become the leaders of tomorrow.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school student or two or four-year undergraduate student
    • Background: Leadership or event planning experience
    • Race: BIPOC
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    Amount:$1,170
    Deadline:Jun 03, 2024
    One Click Apply
    27
  28. Cover image for Phil Murphy Technical Theater Scholarship

    Phil Murphy Technical Theater Scholarship

    Funded by
    Duke Core
    This scholarship aims to support students who are interested in professions in theater so they can complete their studies and go on to successful careers.
    Funded by
    Duke Core
    This scholarship aims to support students who are interested in professions in theater so they can complete their studies and go on to successful careers.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or trade school student
    • Field of Study: Theater
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Aug 10, 2024
    One Click Apply
    28
  29. Cover image for Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship

    Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lee Family
    This scholarship will support one low-income student attending or planning to attend art school.
    Funded by
    Lee Family
    This scholarship will support one low-income student attending or planning to attend art school.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school junior or senior, undergraduate
    • Background: Low-income
    • Major: Arts
    Amount:$25,650
    Deadline is Approaching! 12 days left
    One Click Apply
    29
  30. Cover image for Loreen K. Odemu Memorial Nursing Scholarship

    Loreen K. Odemu Memorial Nursing Scholarship

    Funded by
    Shawn Da Silva
    This scholarship honors the life of Loreen K. Odemu by supporting the next generation of nurses.
    Funded by
    Shawn Da Silva
    This scholarship honors the life of Loreen K. Odemu by supporting the next generation of nurses.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Nursing
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Education Level: High school senior, Undergraduate or Trade school
    • State: California
    Amount:$700
    Deadline is Approaching! 13 days left
    One Click Apply
    30
Next Page
30 / 300 scholarships shown

About undergraduate scholarships

Undergraduate scholarships are a form of financial aid offered to students pursuing a bachelor's degree, associate degree, and sometimes even trade certificates.

Here at Bold.org you can apply to exclusive scholarships just for you. Sign up here and check which scholarships you are eligible to apply for right now.

Why apply for scholarships?

Unlike student loans, scholarship awards are a form of gift aid, meaning they don't have to be paid back and are free money, that can offset the costs of your education. Undergraduates often lack the necessary funds to cover their college costs, including full tuition, books, room, and board.

Undergraduate scholarships seek to offset these financial burdens so that all students can afford to pursue higher education, regardless of financial status. Scholarship funds can make up the difference, helping students reduce or eliminate the need to take out student loans.

You can find more opportunities for college freshmen on this list!

The costs of a college education

College expenses have risen at a rapid pace in recent decades, making college degrees much harder to afford than they used to be. Since 2001 alone, tuition at private national universities has grown by 144%. Even more significant, out-of-state costs at public national universities have grown 171% in the same timeframe.

In-state tuition used to be a solution for lower-income students due to the lower rates. While in-state tuition is still cheaper than out-of-state costs, in-state tuition at public national universities has grown by a staggering 211% just since 2001.

These tuition hikes are vastly outpacing inflation. From 2001 to 2021, consumer price index inflation rose by only 54%, showing that college is truly becoming more expensive as time goes on.

Private tuition now costs an average of $43,775 per year. While public options are cheaper, costing $28,238 for out-of-state students and $11,631 for in-state students, they're still difficult for lower and middle-class families to afford.

The student debt crisis

Due to rising tuition and comparatively stagnant wages, the average student cannot afford college without taking on student debt. An increasing amount of students are turning to loans to finance their degrees.

As a result, the student debt crisis has surpassed a record amount of $1.7 trillion. This debt affects people of all ages and can take decades to pay off. Only 17.7% of borrowers are under the age of 25 while 68.6% are between 25 and 50 years old.

Borrowers who attended public colleges owe an average of $30,030 while non-profit private college borrowers owe $33,900 on average. For-profit college students have the highest average debt at $43,900. Altogether, there are 45 million borrowers in the US alone.

College is becoming increasingly necessary in order to pursue many career fields and can be a great investment as a result. However, student debt follows many borrowers for decades, especially due to high interest rates, which can make it difficult for borrowers to become homeowners or to save for retirement.

What's the solution?

Financial aid through grants and scholarships can help cover the costs of your education. You can apply for government aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which can provide you with Pell Grants or federal loans. Scholarships can make up the gap to cover the rest of your tuition.

Many organizations, families, and companies choose to give back by funding scholarships to help students access higher education. $100 million of this scholarship money goes unclaimed every year due to a lack of applicants. Applying for scholarships can significantly reduce your expenses and can make higher education much more accessible.

Discover undergraduate scholarships by grade

Many undergraduate scholarships are open to students regardless of grade level, but some are only open to undergraduate students of certain years. Your progress towards your degree may also make different types of scholarships more relevant for you, so keep reading for our recommendations on which scholarships to apply for based on your education level.

Scholarships for college freshmen

As a college freshman, you're just beginning your college journey, which comes with many opportunities but also many expenses. Applying for scholarships and other financial assistance is a great way to start taking charge of your education. Most undergraduate scholarships are open to all undergraduates, regardless of grade level.

College freshmen should consider browsing scholarships by category to find the best available scholarships for them. Depending on your background and experience, you can look into options like athletic scholarships and scholarships for women.

You can find more opportunities for college freshmen on this list!

Scholarships for college sophomores

By sophomore year of college, you may be settling into the responsibilities of college and flourishing in your classes and extracurriculars. It may be a good time to look for merit scholarships. Contrary to what you may think, merit scholarships are not just open to students with outstanding academic achievement.

Some merit scholarships are geared towards students who demonstrate achievement in academics, such as by having a minimum GPA requirement. However, whether you're thriving musically, athletically, or in another way, you can check out merit-based scholarships to find options for talented students.

College sophomores can also apply for exclusive opportunities like the ___ and can find more options on category pages such as scholarships for minorities and scholarships for nurses.

To find more scholarships for college sophomores, check out this guide!

Scholarships for college juniors

By junior year, most college students have finalized their program of study. As a result, junior year is a great time to begin looking for scholarships based on your major or desired career field. You can check out scholarship categories to find options based on your field of study, such as scholarships for future teachers.

You can also look into local scholarships to find options available exclusively to students in your state or city, such as scholarships for Ohio students and scholarships for North Carolina students.

Scholarships for college seniors

As a college senior, it's possible that you've accumulated student debt over the years. If you have, you should look into scholarships to pay off student loans. Recent graduates with debt can also look into student debt scholarships. Unlike regular scholarships that go directly to your tuition and education costs, student debt scholarships can be applied directly towards your student debt.

Frequently asked questions about undergraduate scholarships

Which group of undergraduate students is typically offered scholarships?

Most undergraduate scholarships are available for college students of any grade level, though some may target college seniors or incoming freshmen. Undergraduate scholarships are usually also open to all types of undergraduate degree-seeking students, including those pursuing a bachelor's degree and an associate degree. Some undergraduate scholarships are also open to those pursuing trade school, such as the Uniball's Skilled Trades Scholarship.

In addition to searching by degree type and education level, undergraduate scholarships may also be limited to students of certain majors or groups. For example, there are undergraduate scholarships specifically for women, BIPOC students, and first-generation students as well as scholarships for students pursuing specific majors or career fields.

Seeking out these scholarships gives you a better chance of winning due to the smaller applicant pool, but there are also plenty of opportunities that all undergraduate students qualify for.

Can college students get scholarships?

College students are the target group for many scholarship awards. While you can begin applying for financial aid and scholarships while in high school, many students begin or continue their scholarship search while in college. There are undergraduate scholarships available for each type of degree and for each grade level.

Can graduate students also get scholarships?

There are scholarships available for all different kinds of students, including graduate students, high school seniors, high school underclassmen, and even recent graduates who have student debt. Starting your search as early as possible gives you more time to find and accumulate scholarship funds, but you can continue applying while pursuing a graduate degree.

How can I find scholarships for undergraduates?

You can find scholarships for college students in many different places. To begin, consider applying for federal student aid through the FAFSA. You can also apply for scholarship funds through your college, as they may have merit-based scholarship opportunities, such as for students who demonstrate academic excellence. Your school may also offer financial assistance for students with demonstrated financial need.

The government and your college may be able to help reduce your expenses, but private scholarship programs like Bold.org can help make up the gap. You can find available scholarship awards by checking out the list above or browsing the hundreds of other available scholarships on Bold.org.

You can also seek out scholarship funds from local businesses, organizations, or even your employer, as many companies offer scholarships to employees or community residents. By searching for opportunities in all of these different places, you can maximize your financial aid so you can afford the costs of higher education.

What scholarships are the best for college students to apply for?

Each type of scholarship has its own strengths, so the best option for you depends on your responsibilities and priorities. If you have limited time to spend on applications, consider applying for no-essay scholarships. These scholarships often take just seconds or minutes to apply for, which is great for busy students.

You can find no-essay scholarships by selecting the "no-essay only" option while browsing. You can also use this guide to find more no-essay options and tips for improving your odds of winning.

While no-essay scholarships are good options, they're often the most competitive. Since no-essay scholarships are so easy and tend to be open to all or most students, they also receive the most applications, which reduces your chance of winning. If you're able to, consider applying for essay-based or artistic scholarships.

The more narrow and niche a scholarship is, the higher your chances of winning will be. You can browse by category to find scholarships related to your field of study, such as education, and your demographic, such as scholarships for women. While these scholarships may be more time-consuming, they can be more rewarding due to the lower number of eligible applicants.

How do I use a college scholarship?

Navigating financial aid may feel overwhelming, but using a scholarship is easy. If you're offered a scholarship directly through your school, they will likely be able to automatically apply the money to your account. Using private scholarships is also simple. If you win a scholarship through Bold.org, the award money will be sent by check to your school's financial office.

If you've taken out loans, you can also apply for scholarships like the Forget Your Student Debt. No-Essay Grant, which will give you the option of using the money towards your student debt. In these cases, you'll be able to receive the money directly so you can pay your lenders.

How many scholarships can I win?

With the high costs of college, you'll likely need a few scholarships to cover all of your expenses. Luckily, there's no limit to how many scholarships you can win. Start applying today to maximize your earning potential!