Best Engineering Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

About Engineering Scholarships

One of the most notable benefits of engineering scholarships is the recognition they provide. Earning a scholarship in this competitive field highlights your academic performance, achievements, and potential, making you a more appealing candidate for future academic and professional opportunities. It also alleviates some of the financial burden associated with pursuing an engineering degree, allowing you to focus more on your studies and extracurricular activities.

There are many different fields of engineering, from electrical engineering to aerospace engineering, and the career prospects vary. To have a career as an engineer, you generally must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in an engineering or technology-related field.

Unlike in fields like law or nursing, there is no specific engineering school students have to attend to pursue careers in engineering. For students passionate about innovation and who wish to shape the future of society, engineering is a great field to pursue.

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Trends in Engineering

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for architecture and engineering fields is expected to expand quicker than the average across all job sectors from 2022 to 2032. It's estimated that there will be around 188,000 job openings annually within these professions, attributed to both new employment opportunities and the necessity to fill positions vacated by individuals exiting these careers for good.

The Department of Institutional Research and Analytics found that undergraduate engineering program enrollment saw an increase in 2018, continuing a decade-long growth trend, with 622,502 full-time students and 131,937 degrees awarded by reporting institutions (136,233 including non-reporting ones). The top three fields were mechanical engineering (31,936 degrees), computer science within engineering (19,082 degrees), and electrical engineering (13,767 degrees).

Master's programs in engineering also experienced growth in 2018, with 93,559 students enrolled, marking a 6,687 student increase from the previous year. A total of 66,340 master's degrees were awarded, with computer science within engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering making up 39% of all master’s degrees.

Doctoral programs enrolled 78,715 full-time students and awarded 12,156 doctorates in 2018. The top five doctoral fields, accounting for 60% of all doctorates, were mechanical engineering, electrical/computer engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science within engineering.

Why Pursue Engineering Scholarships?

1. Financial Relief: Engineering programs often require significant investment. Scholarships can reduce or eliminate the need for student loans.

2. Recognition: Winning a scholarship demonstrates your academic and extracurricular achievements, boosting your resume.

3. Networking Opportunities: Many scholarships come with access to professional networks, internships, and mentorship programs.

Best Engineering Scholarships

Scholarships are one of the best forms of outside financial aid for students with financial needs that are not covered by their institution of higher education. Engineering students don't have to worry about taking on crushing debt just to afford their engineering degrees.

It does not matter if you are a high school senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student. You can find plenty of scholarship awards to help fund your higher education. Even if you don't demonstrate financial need, you are still able to qualify for engineering scholarships. 

Undergraduate students and graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering can find numerous scholarships specifically designed to support them. A great place to find engineering scholarships is Bold.org.

Engineering Scholarships for High School Students

Students enrolled in high school might find it beneficial to begin applying for scholarships before they are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college life. Even before you are a high school senior, you can still secure financing for your college education.

STEM Scholarships

These scholarships are designed to support high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, providing financial aid to foster their growth and encourage further exploration in STEM fields.

Scholarships for High School Freshmen

Early financial support for high school freshmen, these scholarships aim to motivate students at the start of their high school journey, recognizing potential and encouraging academic and extracurricular engagement from the outset.

Scholarships for High School Sophomores

Targeted at 10th graders, these scholarships offer financial resources to high school sophomores, helping them to pursue academic excellence and prepare for future educational opportunities.

Scholarships for High School Juniors

Designed for 11th graders, these scholarships provide crucial support to high school juniors, aiding them in their preparation for college applications and post-secondary education plans.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Focusing on students in their final year of high school, these scholarships assist high school seniors in transitioning to college or university, offering financial support for upcoming tuition and other educational expenses.

Scholarships for High School Students

Offering a broad range of financial aid opportunities, these scholarships are available to high school students at any grade level, supporting their academic journey and future educational aspirations.

Engineering Scholarships for High School Seniors

Engineering scholarships only open to high school seniors can be less competitive as there are fewer eligible applicants. If you're a high school senior, consider applying for the scholarships below!

There are many scholarships for which high school seniors are eligible. High school students can get a head start on gaining financial aid by applying for scholarships during their senior year.

Check out these exclusive high school senior scholarships!

Engineering Scholarships for College Students

Students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs can still find scholarships while in school. Whether you're an incoming freshman, a college sophomore, or even an upperclassman, there are plenty of opportunities available.

Graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering are also not excluded. No matter your current education level, there is sure to be a scholarship open to you. Listed below are great engineering scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled or planning to enroll in an engineering program.

STEM Scholarships

Supporting students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, these scholarships aim to foster innovation and expertise in STEM fields, which are crucial for future technological advancements.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Designed for students pursuing bachelor's degrees, these scholarships offer financial assistance to cover tuition and other college expenses, enabling students to focus on their studies.

Scholarships for College Freshmen

Targeting students in their first year of college, these scholarships help ease the transition to higher education by providing financial support for tuition, books, living expenses, and more.

Scholarships for College Sophomores

Aimed at second-year college students, these scholarships continue to support academic pursuits, recognizing achievements and potential as students move deeper into their chosen fields.

Scholarships for College Juniors

For students in their third year of college, these scholarships are tailored to support those demonstrating commitment and excellence in their academic journey, aiding in preparation for final-year challenges.

Scholarships for College Seniors

Focused on final-year students, these scholarships assist in completing undergraduate studies, often supporting those with clear academic achievements and post-graduation plans.

Scholarships for College Students

Catering to students at any stage of their college education, these scholarships provide support, helping to alleviate financial burdens associated with higher education costs.

Engineering Scholarships for Graduate Students

Focused on advancing the field of engineering, these scholarships offer financial aid to graduate students dedicated to pursuing innovative research and development within various engineering disciplines.

Scholarships for Graduate Students

These scholarships provide essential financial support to graduate students, helping to cover tuition and research expenses as they work toward advanced degrees.

Master's Degree Scholarships

Aimed at students pursuing specialized expertise through a master's program, these scholarships offer financial assistance to support advanced studies and professional development.

PhD Scholarships

Tailored for doctoral candidates, these scholarships are designed to support the in-depth research and academic commitment required to attain a PhD, facilitating contributions to academic and professional fields.

Scholarships for Women Pursuing an Engineering Degree

Becoming an engineer can be especially challenging for women who demonstrate financial need. Engineering scholarships encourage and support women who wish to become engineering majors in college.

Scholarships for Women in STEM

These scholarships support women entering STEM fields, aiming to diversify and enrich these areas with more female representation and innovation.

Scholarships for Women

Offering financial aid to female students, these scholarships help overcome educational barriers, enabling women to pursue and achieve their academic and career aspirations.

Scholarships for Single Moms

Designed for single mothers in academia, these scholarships provide financial support to ease the dual challenges of parenting and pursuing higher education.

Green Energy Scholarships

For students passionate about renewable energy and environmental engineering, several scholarships support academic pursuits in these vital fields:

Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Foundation Scholarships: AEE offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in energy engineering, energy management, environmental engineering, and sustainability. These scholarships aim to foster the next generation of energy professionals.

American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Scholarships: ASES provides scholarships to students and young professionals committed to renewable energy. The Don Aitken Memorial Scholarship, for instance, supports ASES student members pursuing careers in renewable energy, with a preference for active student chapter members and interns.

Are Computer Science Degrees the Same as Computer Engineering Degrees?

No, computer engineering and computer science differ. To put it simply, computer engineers focus on firmware and hardware, whereas computer scientists develop software systems and algorithms based on machine learning and beyond.

How to Apply for Engineering Scholarships

The first step when applying for engineering scholarships is to create a free Bold.org profile. Once your profile is complete, you can click on any of the links below or search for all of the available scholarships on Bold.org. 

The application process will be different for each scholarship. Some scholarships might require eligible applicants to submit short essays, while others might be easy no-essay scholarships that allow students to apply without having to upload any secondary materials.

Before you begin to apply for a scholarship, make sure you've fully read the description and meet all of the eligibility requirements. Certain scholarships will only be available to students from a specific area or will require students to demonstrate certain characteristics, such as academic achievement.

Tips for Applying for Engineering Scholarships

Start Applications Sooner Rather than Later

Begin your scholarship search as early as possible, ideally during your high school years. Many scholarships have specific deadlines and application processes, so having a head start will give you ample time to gather the required documents and prepare your applications.

When starting early, you can also take advantage of pre-college programs or summer camps focused on engineering. These experiences not only enhance your knowledge and skills but also make your scholarship applications stand out by showcasing your proactive approach to learning and career development.

Customizing Your Application

Each scholarship application should be customized to align with the scholarship's requirements and focus. Highlight relevant achievements, experiences, and goals in your essays and supporting documents. Show your passion for engineering and how you plan to contribute to the field in the future.

Moreover, consider reaching out to professionals in the engineering industry for mentorship and guidance. Their insights can help you tailor your application to reflect the current trends and demands of the field, increasing your chances of securing the scholarship.

Leverage Support Networks

Do not hesitate to reach out to your school's guidance counselor, teachers, or professors for assistance with your scholarship applications. They can provide valuable insights, proofread your essays, and offer guidance to improve your chances of success.

Additionally, joining engineering clubs or societies at your school can provide you with a supportive community of peers who are also applying for scholarships. Collaborating with fellow students can help you exchange ideas, review each other's applications, and provide constructive feedback for improvement.

Research the Scholarship Organization

Research the organization or university offering the scholarship program to gain an understanding of their values and objectives. Incorporate this knowledge into your application, demonstrating how you align with their mission and vision.

Furthermore, consider attending networking events or informational sessions hosted by the scholarship providers. Building connections with representatives from these organizations can give you valuable insights into what they look for in scholarship applicants and how you can tailor your application to meet their criteria effectively.

Additional Resources for Engineering Students

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is a respected organization in the United States dedicated to promoting the engineering profession's interests and integrity. It stands out for its commitment to the ethical practice of engineering, emphasizing the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. NSPE provides a platform for professional engineers across various disciplines to address critical industry issues, advocate for professional licensure, and uphold high professional standards.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE is the world's largest association of technical professionals, focusing on advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. It's an essential resource for electrical engineering students, offering access to the latest research, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

ASME sets the global engineering standards and is pivotal for mechanical engineering students. It provides educational resources, industry news, and certification programs that help students enhance their knowledge and connect with professionals in the field.

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