[Page 3] The 240 Best Merit-Based Scholarships in October 2026

The Jamie Anderson Scholarship aims to support and encourage young individuals who, like Jamie, have a desire to pursue a career in social work despite facing difficult circumstances.

This scholarship seeks to honor students whose determination, resilience, and dedication inspire others.

This scholarship supports low-income high school juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

This scholarship will support college students looking to better the social-emotional wellbeing of gifted children.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Glenda I. Tanner, who believed that everyone should have the chance to attend college.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Kenneth G. Tanner by making college more affordable and accessible so aspiring students can fulfill their dreams.

In memory of Evan James Vaillancourt, an Army Combat Medic, this scholarship supports high school seniors with a 3.5+ GPA pursuing a nursing degree who have community service or volunteering experience.

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory and incredible legacy of Kalia D. Davis by supporting students who share her work ethic, kindness, and drive.

This scholarship honors Jack D. McWilliams, Sr. by supporting high school students in Cincinnati, Ohio who have a GPA of at least 3.0.

This scholarship supports North Carolina female high school juniors and seniors with a 3.5+ GPA and volunteer or non-profit experience who demonstrate perseverance and a passion for community involvement.

This scholarship honors Maureen C. Pace by supporting New York high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate nursing students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

This merit-based scholarship supports high school students and current undergraduates (ages 13-20) with a 3.5+ GPA and volunteering experience who plan to pursue a four-year degree and have demonstrated significant social impact in their communities.

The Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship will be awarded to two deserving inner-city high school students to help pay for tuition and books.

This scholarship aims to support underserved students who are paving a new path in their families by pursuing a college education.

This scholarship honors Rob Snyder by supporting high school junior/senior golfers in Massachusetts, Georgia, or Florida with a 3.0+ GPA and demonstrated financial need who play on their school golf team and intend to compete collegiately.

This scholarship supports Illinois bachelor's degree students with a 3.0+ GPA who have studied a foreign language in high school and are involved in multiple school activities.

This scholarship supports Michigan high school seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher who plan to pursue a writing-related field — such as creative writing, journalism, or communications — at a two- or four-year college.

This scholarship seeks to support bright and talented students so they can afford to pursue college and continue on the path towards their goals.

This scholarship will support an undergraduate student pursuing a career in healthcare or agriculture.

This scholarship aims to support LGBTQ+ individuals who are passionate about pursuing higher education and making a positive impact on their community through their education.

This grant aims to help one high school dancer continue to practice their art and follow their passion for dance.

The Marcus Stroman Scholarship seeks to support ambitious students from Pasadena and Altadena, CA who are preparing to graduate from high school and have been accepted to the college of their dreams.

This scholarship seeks to honor the lives of Ed and Aline Patane by supporting students who have consistently demonstrated kindness, generosity, and a genuine spirit of care and service throughout their young lives.

This scholarship will support underrepresented female minorities currently pursuing a higher education.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Jonathan "JJ" Day by supporting students who have lost a sibling and are learning to adjust to life in their absence.

This scholarship aims to support and inspire talented individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and skill in the drum corps international.

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

To honor the legacy of Musa Conteh, this scholarship will be awarded to one Black student who is dedicated to bettering the lives of other disadvantaged people of color by changing the very system that oppresses them.

This scholarship seeks to memorialize Stefanie Ann Cronin by supporting the educational endeavors of students who embody her dedication to success, community, environmental appreciation, and caring for others.

This scholarship aims to honor Carlos E. Reid’s legacy by supporting students with financial need who are studying the arts.