Scholarships for Computer Science to Apply for in 2024

If Silicon Valley isn't already one of the most important places in America, it will be soon. Computer science has ushered in a new age of modernity, and without programmers, IT workers, software engineers, and more, society as we know it would cease to exist.

Computer science scholarships can help undergraduate and graduate students thrive in this cutthroat field. With strong competition and limited resources, getting your hands on one of these scholarships can make a significant impact on your education.

With so many applications, computer science majors have hundreds of options in front of them. App development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more are all possible concentrations or careers.

In fact, it's advisable to add some specialized courses to your basic computer science degree— that makes you a more competitive and knowledgeable candidate. Just graduating with a computer science degree isn't so favorable anymore now that the field is so saturated.

As a result, many computer science students try to take summer workshops or attend graduate school for these specialized areas of computer science. Internships are also a great option for building experience and specialized knowledge.

Still, none of that is possible without money— workshops and graduate school can be pricey, while not all internships are paid. That's why scholarships are especially helpful to students in highly competitive fields. Scholarships provide valuable funding for pursuing higher education, and some can also be used as a stipend for those involved in unpaid internships or research.

Computer science students can apply for Bold.org scholarships today to get ahead of the game. All you have to do is create a free profile!

Best Computer Science Scholarships

Computer Science scholarships are important in fostering the next generation of technology innovators, programmers, and problem solvers. These financial awards are designed to alleviate the cost of tuition and other educational expenses for students pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields.

Science Scholarships

STEM Scholarships

Scholarships for Women in STEM

Tech Scholarships

On these pages, you'll find a variety of science scholarships aimed at supporting students who are passionate about scientific fields, including computer science. These scholarships are available to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students and often require essays, projects, or other forms of demonstration of a student’s commitment to their field.

Additive Computer Science Scholarships

Cybersecurity Scholarships

Math Scholarships for Computer Science

Information Technology Scholarships

Engineering Scholarships

Engineering, math, IT, and other fields often intersect with computer science, particularly in fields such as software engineering and systems engineering. These scholarships can support students who are double majors or just looking to round out their degrees. The award money in these opportunities is meant to recognize your potential to contribute to technological advancement and innovation.

Scholarships for Students with a Foundation in Computer Science

Though computer science offers a pathway to many coveted careers, not all computer science undergraduate students are planning to end up in the tech sector. Because of how prevalent coding and programming have become, these skills can easily be applied elsewhere.

Medical School Scholarships

Marketing Scholarships

Psychology Scholarships

Medical school might seem like a reach, but in reality, medical school applications are so saturated with the typical biology or chemistry undergraduate majors that choosing a different concentration can help differentiate you when you do decide to apply. Any occupation that involves research will value your undergraduate degree in computer science. A degree in computer engineering would be particularly useful if you ultimately intend to wind up doing medical research or lab work.

Similarly, marketing and psychology are fields that involve intensive research and statistical analysis. Understanding how analysis tools like R Code function can make you a better candidate when applying to jobs that involve data collection and interpretation.

Scholarships for Minority Computer Science Students

Scholarships for Black Computer Science Majors

Asian American Scholarships

First Generation Computer Science Student Scholarships

These scholarships are meant to assist students from minority backgrounds in breaking into the computer science field. Given the potentially society-altering effects of computer science, it's important to make sure this field has diverse voices and opinions.

For example, artificial intelligence is ultimately programmed by human hands. The issue of whether such programs could pick up unconscious prejudice is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how much of a problem that could be in this field. Promoting diversity can help prevent that and other issues from taking root in widely used programs and tools.

For more scholarships for computer science majors, check out our scholarship search feature to browse scholarships you won't find anywhere else!

Why Undergraduate and Graduate Students pursue Computer Science

The technology sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the demand for computer and information research scientists will increase overall from 2022 to 2032, with the exact rate of growth varying by concentration.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for information security analysts is predicted to increase by 32%, while software developers will see an occupation growth of 26%. Computer systems analysts and management analysts are both predicted to experience 10% growth.

Some of these concentrations are more popular than others. In 2021, 98% of general computer science majors chose to specialize in one of the following areas:

1. computer science
2. computer and information systems information sciences
3. computer administration management and security
4. computer networking and telecommunications

In 2021, New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, and San Diego, CA had the highest number of computer science graduates, while Fairfield, IA, Lacey, WA, and Hoboken, NJ, also saw a significant number of degree recipients in this field. The most frequently awarded degree in computer science was a bachelor's degree.

Many students are drawn to STEM fields due to their higher salaries, as the average STEM professional earns approximately 24-26% more than a non-STEM professional with a similar education. However, pursuing a college degree is expensive, which can discourage prospective students, especially those who are low-income.

Additionally, many STEM and computer engineering professionals complete even more education, as approximately 30% have a doctorate, master’s, or other higher education degree. For college students, earning a graduate computer science degree can make them more marketable in their field but makes attaining said degree even more expensive.

At Bold.org, we are committed to making higher education accessible for high school students, undergraduate students, and graduate students pursuing computer science programs through our unique scholarship opportunities. Computer science scholarships are vital in supporting students throughout their undergraduate or graduate degree so that they can go on and achieve their dreams. Let's look at some scholarship opportunities for computer science students.

How to Qualify for Computer Science & Engineering Scholarships

Be Pursuing a Major in Computer Science or Engineering

The main requirement for engineering or computer science scholarships is that applicants must be pursuing or looking to pursue a degree in computer science or engineering.

Check Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements may vary from scholarship to scholarship, depending on the donor's preference. This means that not all engineering and computer science scholarships are open to all students. Students majoring in these fields must remember that their degree isn't the only requirement. Look at the requirements before applying.

How to Apply for Computer Science & Engineering Scholarships

Initiate Your Scholarship Search

Start by researching scholarships tailored for computer science enthusiasts. Use scholarship search engines, university websites, and professional organizations like ACM, IEEE Computer Society, and tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for each scholarship, such as academic performance, field of study, or specific demographics (e.g., women in tech, minority students).

Compile Your Application Materials

Secure your transcripts from high school or college. Request letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or mentors who know your computer science prowess. Give them ample time and details about the scholarship.

Craft a personal statement that highlights your passion for computer science, notable achievements, and future aspirations. Include any relevant projects, hackathons, or research. Check out this guide on how to write a personal statement for a scholarship if you need help with this step!

Prepare a detailed resume featuring your academic milestones, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, internships, coding projects, and research experience.

Debug Your Application

Accurately fill out application forms, ensuring there are no errors or omissions. Adhere to all application instructions, including formatting requirements and deadlines. Most scholarships require online submissions, so make sure all documents are correctly formatted and uploaded as per guidelines.

Submit Multiple Applications

Submitting multiple applications can increase your chances of winning more scholarship money. The more you apply for, the more funds you can win to help you pay for your computer science program.

Monitor Your Application Status

Consider keeping a calendar of scholarship deadlines and submission dates. After submitting your applications, check their status and follow up if necessary. Some scholarships might require additional information or interviews.

If you have not yet created your free Bold.org profile, we encourage you to create an account to begin applying for scholarship opportunities you won't find anywhere else.

The scholarship search feature provided on Bold.org helps students pursuing a degree in computer science find the most relevant scholarships. Use the filters to choose criteria like education level, deadline, and category to help you narrow your search.

Tips for Winning Scholarships for Computer Science

Winning a scholarship is hard, especially if you're looking at a high-demand category like computer science scholarships. However, there are still some things you can do to optimize your application. For more detailed help on how to apply for and win scholarships, browse our scholarship blog for free guides and student life articles.

Put Effort into Your Essay Submissions

Never underestimate the power of a strong essay. Your essay submissions can help your application stand out if you put effort into what you are going to say. Many scholarships require an essay, so make sure you are taking the time to plan what you want to say. Once you've written your essay, review what you've written to check for any little errors.

Apply as Early as Possible

The sooner you look for scholarships, the more they will be available to you and the more you will be able to apply for them later. Applying early allows you to get the most out of scholarships, leaving time for you to space out your applications and apply for more scholarships.

Apply to as Many Scholarships as Possible

The more scholarships you apply to, the more likely you will be to win one. You won't win every scholarship you apply to, so applying to many will give you your best chance of earning financial aid through scholarships. This will also give you a chance to get used to how scholarships are set up so that you have more experience and can do even better in the future.

Pick Scholarships with More Eligibility Requirements

Scholarships with more specific eligibility requirements have fewer applicants. For example, if a scholarship is for high school seniors pursuing electrical engineering who also demonstrate financial need, in order to apply, the applicant would need to be a high school senior majoring in electrical engineering with financial need.

With fewer people applying to the more individualized scholarships, you have a better chance of securing one of these scholarships. The narrower pool of submissions will help your chances, so look to apply for more specific scholarships that you qualify for.

Additional Resources for Computer Science Students

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics

SIAM is a great resource if you're interested in applied mathematics and its connection to computer science. They offer journals, conferences, and a supportive community that can really boost your understanding and network. Whether you're tackling complex algorithms or exploring computational theories, SIAM has got you covered. 

Association for Computing Machinery

The Association for Computing Machinery is one of the largest and most prestigious organizations for computing professionals and students. ACM offers a wealth of resources, including publications, conferences, and special interest groups that cover a wide range of computing disciplines. Membership provides access to a digital library, networking opportunities, and various professional development programs.

Association for Information and Science Technology

ASIS&T is perfect for those who are passionate about the intersection of information, technology, and people. They focus on information science and technology and help members develop necessary skills through their publications, conferences, and webinars. It's a great place to stay updated on the latest research and trends in the field.

Find financial aid today for undergraduate or graduate students by applying for Bold.org scholarships and reducing your costs of college!