Scholarships for Computer Science to Apply for in 2024

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 by 23% between 2022 and 2032, a rate significantly above the average growth for all job roles.

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 29% 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.

Apply for Bold.org scholarships today. 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.

Bold.org Science Scholarships

Bold.org hosts 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.

Bold.org STEM Scholarships

For students pursuing studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Bold.org offers a range of scholarships designed to support their educational journey.

Bold.org Scholarships for Women in STEM

Bold.org provides scholarships specifically for female students who are excelling in STEM disciplines. These awards help to break down financial barriers and encourage more women to enter and thrive in these industries.

Bold.org Engineering Scholarships

Engineering and computer science often intersect, particularly in fields such as software engineering and systems engineering. Bold.org’s engineering scholarships support students in these areas, recognizing their potential to contribute to technological advancement and innovation.

Bold.org Tech Scholarships

Tech scholarships on Bold.org are designed for students who are specifically focused on technology fields. This includes areas like computer science, information technology, and other tech-driven disciplines. These scholarships support future tech leaders as they gain the skills and knowledge needed to drive the industry forward.\

Google Lime Scholarship

Aims to support and encourage students with disabilities in achieving their academic goals in the field of computer science.

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Awards

Recognizes young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests.

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

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. 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

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 will be available to you and the more you will be able to apply for 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!