[Page 2] Top Need-Based Scholarships to Apply for in 2025

Need-based scholarships aim to provide students who have demonstrated financial need with the resources they need to continue pursuing higher education. You can browse through opportunities on Bold.org to find financial assistance for lower-income students. The scholarships above are a great place to get started when searching for need-based college scholarships. You can also seek out need-based grants through federal programs or other organizations. Depending on your financial status, you may be eligible for a Pell Grant of up to $6,895.

While there are many scholarships that specifically seek to support low-income students, plenty of financial aid opportunities are available to students regardless of financial status. Even if you don't have financial need, you'll still be eligible for many scholarship opportunities. If you do qualify for need-based financial aid based on your family income, you'll unlock even more avenues for financial support, such as need-based scholarship opportunities and federal financial aid, including Pell grants.

Even though scholarship essays often only have to be a few hundred words, it's critical that you put time and effort into your essays. Scholarships often receive many applications, so you want to be sure your submission stands out to the donor. In addition to following the prompt's instructions and checking your grammar, you always should make sure your essay is personal and detailed. The most memorable applications are often those that share fresh perspectives or unique memories. This doesn't mean that you have to share anything you're uncomfortable with - a simple memory or experience relevant to the topic can help the donor make a connection with you.