[Page 5] The 240 Best Merit-Based Scholarships in October 2026

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 aims to honor the memory of Sarah Weber by supporting students who refuse to give up and are using their education as a means of improving their life circumstances.

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 students with diabetes as they continue to persevere and strive for their dreams.

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 legacy of Coleen Elizabeth Lemon by supporting students with financial need as they pursue higher education.

This scholarship will support students attending or planning to attend an HBCU.

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 empower survivors of intimate partner violence so they can thrive and achieve their dreams.

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.

This scholarship seeks to support Black women who are passionate about breaking into the field of engineering so they can have the resources necessary to complete their education.

This scholarship seeks to support students and help them bring their dreams to life by creatively expressing what inspires them to keep moving forward in life.

This scholarship aims to support female undergraduate, graduate, trade school, or bootcamp students with at least a 2.5 GPA studying or pursuing a career in business or mental health

This scholarship is intended to honor the memory of Mark Caldwell by encouraging students with financial need to work toward STEM or STEAM careers.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Derk Golden by supporting athletes in their pursuit of higher education.

This scholarship seeks to help students who need financial assistance in order to pursue their dreams of higher education.

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

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Norman C. Nelson IV by supporting students who are pursuing medical careers.