Last updated on May 5, 2025

Scholarships for Low-Income Students with 2025 Deadlines

Scholarships for Low-Income Students with 2025 Deadlines

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  1. Sewing Seeds: Lena B. Davis Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Nekia Davis
    This scholarship aims to support underrepresented students.
    • Education Level: High school or four-year undergraduate student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Identity: Underrepresented minority
    $1,050
    Deadline:Jul 11, 2025
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. Dounya Irrgang Scholarship for College Reading Materials

    Funded by
    Dounya Irrgang
    This scholarship seeks to support young women pursuing higher education by helping to cover the cost of essential reading materials and other necessities.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Background: First-generation college student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    $500
    Only 12 days left!
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. New Beginnings Immigrant Scholarship

    Funded by
    Christopher Franks
    This scholarship seeks to support immigrant students so they can continue working toward their educational goals.
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, trade school, or graduate student
    • Identity: Immigrant
    • Background: First-generation student
    $500
    Only 27 days left!
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship

    Funded by
    Donald Huschle
    This scholarship will support BIPOC women in STEM at the specific universities in Texas.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate
    • Race/Ethnicity: BIPOC
    • Gender: Female
    • Major: STEM
    • School: University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at Austin, University of North Texas, The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Woman's University, Texas A&M University- College Station
    $10,000
    Deadline:Jun 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Dr. Rajesh Aggarwal Scholarship for Scientific Studies

    Funded by
    The Aggarwal Family
    This scholarship seeks to support the next great minds of science by helping low-income high school students in Massachusetts and New Jersey afford their college education.
    • Education Level: High school junior or senior
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Field of Interest: Science
    • Location: Massachusetts, New Jersey
    $3,000
    Deadline:Jul 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Wieland Healthcare
    This scholarship will support current or future nursing students.
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Major: Nursing
    $2,500
    Deadline:Jul 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. TTOG Scholarship

    Funded by
    Giles Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor Terryn, Teagan, and Olivia Giles by supporting students who need financial assistance in order to achieve their educational goals.
    • State: South Carolina
    • GPA: 3.5 or higher
    • Financial Status: Low or middle-income
    • Education Level: High school senior or current undergraduate
    $36,000
    Deadline:Jul 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Miguel Mendez Social Justice Scholarship

    Funded by
    Nancy Roberts
    This scholarship will support students who are passionate about social justice and seek to enact change in their communities.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate
    • Background: Low-income and first-generation college student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Career Path: Social Justice
    $2,000
    Deadline:Jul 20, 2025
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Robin G. Thomas Sizemore Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Megan Sizemore
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Robin G. Thomas Sizemore by supporting students who are pursuing careers in healthcare.
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • State: Kentucky, Ohio, or Indiana
    • Field of Interest: Healthcare
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Background: Child of a single parent
    $1,000
    Deadline:Jul 25, 2025
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. OMC Graduate Scholarships

    Funded by
    Online Masters Colleges
    This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of professionals by supporting students who are dedicated to making a difference through their graduate studies.
    • Education Level: Graduate student pursuing a master's degree
    • GPA: 3.0 GPA or higher
    $500
    Deadline:Jul 25, 2025
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. B.R.I.G.H.T (Be.Radiant.Ignite.Growth.Heroic.Teaching) Scholarship

    Funded by
    Argumedo Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor Sierra's kindness and passion by uplifting students who share her calling to teaching.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student (enrolled at least half-time)
    • Background: From a low-income and/or single-parent household
    • Field of Study: Education (teacher, school counselor, school psychologist, school leadership, etc.)
    $5,000
    Deadline:Aug 03, 2025
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Dr. William Evans Lycoming College Scholarship

    Funded by
    Nick Evans
    This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of William Evans by supporting students at Lycoming College who are passionate about their fields of study.
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • School Name: Lycoming College
    $1,500
    Deadline:Aug 08, 2025
    One Click Apply
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  13. Reaudi Mills Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    CITex
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Reaudi Mills by supporting students who need financial assistance in order to fulfill their collegiate ambitions.
    • Background: Financial need
    • Education Level: High school student
    • State: Arkansas
    $1,000
    Deadline:Aug 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. Rosa A. Wilson Scholarship

    Funded by
    Counseling 360
    This scholarship aims to support young women who seek to address injustice and systemic challenges through their careers.
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Race: African American student
    • Field of Study: Helping profession (social work, nursing, pre-med, education, etc.)
    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • State: Alabama or Georgia
    $1,000
    Deadline:Aug 19, 2025
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. John Walker and Christine Horton Education Scholarship

    Funded by
    Douglas Horton
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memories of John Walker and Christine Horton by supporting students in NC.
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • State: North Carolina
    • Identity: Underrepresented minority and/or first-generation student
    • Background: Experience working with children and non-profit/volunteering experience
    $1,400
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. Dr. Tien Vo Healthcare Hope Scholarship

    Funded by
    Tien Vo
    This scholarship seeks to offer encouragement and tangible support to students facing financial hardship while pursuing careers in healthcare.
    • Background: Financial need
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Field of Study: Healthcare
    $500
    Deadline:Oct 10, 2025
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. Catrina Celestine Aquilino Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Jeanne Aquilino
    This scholarship seeks to honor Catrina’s legacy by supporting students pursuing law and/or healthcare so that they can complete their education and help those who are oppressed.
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Background: First-generation student
    • Citizenship Status: US Citizen
    • Field of Interest: Law and/or medicine or healthcare
    $500
    Deadline:Oct 11, 2025
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. Lotus Scholarship

    Funded by
    Fiona Chen
    This scholarship will support BIPOC students who are from low-income backgrounds or have been raised in single-parent households.
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate
    • Race/Ethnicity: BIPOC
    • Background: Low-income or raised by a single parent
    $500
    Deadline:Nov 07, 2025
    One Click Apply
    18
  19. Charles Bowlus Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Melissa Fontanella
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Charles Bowlus by supporting students who share his passion for business and entrepreneurship.
    • Education Level: High school senior
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Planned Field of Study: Business
    • Background: From a low-income or single-parent household, or has been impacted by cancer
    $1,445
    Deadline:Dec 18, 2025
    One Click Apply
    19
  20. A Heroes Family Scholarship

    Funded by
    First Responders Family Foundation
    As one small way to help the families of first responders, the A Heroes Family Scholarship exists to provide financial support for a student who has lost a parent/guardian or spouse to an on-duty tragedy of a first responder.
    • Education Level: High school senior or above
    • Background: Lost a parent/guardian or spouse in the line of duty including those in law-enforcement, fire, or military
    $1,000
    Deadline:Mar 30, 2026
    One Click Apply
    20
  21. Abran Arreola-Hernandez Latino Scholarship

    Funded by
    Abran Arreola
    This scholarship will be awarded to a Latinx student who is pursuing higher education and who believes in the power of community!
    • Enrollment: Applying for/currently enrolled in 2-4 year degree program
    $500
    Deadline:Jul 31, 2025
    One Click Apply
    21
  22. Lady Gaga Fan No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support fans of Lady Gaga who have been impacted by her music, empowerment, and advocacy!
    All students are eligible
    $500
    Only 24 days left!
    One Click Apply
    22
  23. Bear Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support fans of "The Bear" who have a vision for the characters' futures!
    All students are eligible
    $500
    Only 24 days left!
    One Click Apply
    23
  24. NYT Connections Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support avid players of The New York Times' "Connections" puzzle who have an idea for their own puzzle!
    All students are eligible
    $500
    Only 24 days left!
    One Click Apply
    24
  25. Tammy Needham Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Follum Hydrologic Solutions, LLC
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Tammy Needham by supporting students who are studying STEM or education.
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • State: Wyoming
    • Field of Study: STEM or education
    $5,100
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    Deadline:Apr 05, 2025
    One Click Apply
    25

Top Scholarships for Low-Income Students

College can feel like an impossible dream when finances are tight, but the good news is that plenty of scholarships are designed specifically to help low-income students succeed. If you're wondering how to find and win the right scholarships, you're in the right place.

In this guide, we'll list the best scholarships for low-income students and tips on how to pay for college. With the right strategy, you can turn financial obstacles into stepping stones toward your education, without drowning in debt.

When you're short on time and money, a few things can help you prepare for school:

  1. Curated list of pre-vetted scholarships
  2. Step-by-step guide on how to apply
  3. Tips to improve your scholarship application
  4. Extra resources like the $20K Dell Scholarship

At Bold.org, we're dedicated to providing financial aid opportunities for students in easy and accessible ways. These exclusive scholarships and lists offer you the best chances for securing the financial aid you need for the college education you deserve!

Create a free Bold.org profile today and gain access to hundreds of scholarships, along with other resources to help you afford college!

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Best Scholarships for Low-Income Students

1. Need-Based Scholarships

The number one, absolute best scholarships for low-income students are need-based scholarships. These scholarships focus on your financial need so you can win the amount you need to cover your tuition. Students with greater financial need have the greatest chances at winning a need-based scholarship, so apply now and secure tuition funds!

2. Full-Tuition Scholarships

Low-income students often have the most financial need. These large full-tuition scholarships cover all tuition costs and even some other fees like textbooks or living expenses. If you're from a low-income family, these full-tuition scholarships are your new best friend for student success!

3. Free Scholarships

In general, most scholarships are free, but this list guarantees scholarships you won't have to pay back or commit hours to, unlike loans or grants. It can sometimes sound too good to be true, but our exclusive Bold.org free scholarships ensure you can apply with confidence.

High school students, you're in luck! We've got an exclusive list of scholarships for high school students looking to attend college in the near future!

Scholarships for Minorities

1. Scholarships for Hispanic Students

If you're Hispanic and a low-income student, you may have faced financial barriers to arrive at the point of considering college. These scholarships give you the extra support you need to fully commit to the higher education you deserve!

2. Scholarships for Black Students

These scholarships for Black students promise to bridge that financial gap to ensure you have the same opportunities as your counterparts in college. There are actually quite a few resources for Black students pursuing higher education. For example, our list of HBCU scholarships can help support your academic achievement.

3. Scholarships for Immigrants

Some immigrants may not have citizenship yet, adding yet another barrier to their road to higher education. These scholarships for immigrants will help you take care of the finances so you can focus on overcoming the cultural and legal barriers.

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Easy Scholarships

1. Easy Scholarships

As a low-income student, you probably have a million other things to worry about besides college. These easy scholarships ensure you can submit scholarship applications in the time it takes you to brew a cup of tea. The awards can vary from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

2. No-Essay Scholarships

In the same vein as easy scholarships, these no-essay scholarships are a great option for those with little time on their hands. Many of these scholarships are randomized competitions, so your grades and extracurriculars don't have any impact on your chances.

3. Weird Scholarships

Weird scholarships award students education funds for unique characteristics or experiences they've had, such as having red hair or loving Taylor Swift's music. They may be a quick and easy option for low-income students to earn some scholarship money in a stress-free way.

If you're a low-income graduate student, you should check out our top scholarships for grad students!

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Scholarships for Low-Income Students

Step 1: Identify Your Financial Need and Eligibility

Determine your eligibility by reviewing the income requirements of different scholarships. Many scholarships for low-income students require proof of financial need, such as tax returns or FAFSA results. Consider other factors like your GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service, as some scholarships have additional criteria beyond financial need.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial for accessing federal, state, and institutional aid. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible, as many scholarships and grants operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Ensure all financial information is accurate to avoid processing delays.

Step 3: Search for Scholarships

Use scholarship search engines to find opportunities specific to low-income students. Check with your school’s financial aid office, local community organizations, and state education agencies for additional scholarships. Look into need-based scholarships offered by private organizations, nonprofits, and businesses.

Step 4: Organize and Prioritize Applications

Create a spreadsheet to track deadlines, application requirements, and award amounts. Prioritize scholarships based on their eligibility requirements, award size, and application effort. Set personal deadlines at least a few days before the official due dates to avoid last-minute stress.

Step 5: Gather Necessary Documents

Prepare documents such as:

  1. proof of income
  2. tax returns
  3. FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
  4. transcripts
  5. letters of recommendation
  6. personal statements

Some scholarships may require additional materials, such as proof of community service or essays on specific topics. Be sure to have these ready in advance.

Step 6: Write a Strong Personal Statement or Essay

Many scholarships require an essay about your background, financial challenges, and career aspirations. Focus on your personal story, including how financial hardships have shaped your educational journey. Emphasize your resilience, determination, and future goals. Have a teacher, mentor, or counselor review your essay for feedback before submission.

Step 7: Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Increase your chances of receiving funding by applying to as many scholarships as possible. Start with scholarships specifically for low-income students, then expand your search to merit-based and demographic-based awards. Tailor each application to meet the specific requirements of the scholarship.

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Tips for Applying to Scholarships for Low-Income Students

Tip #1 Target Scholarships with Low Competition

Many large, well-known scholarships attract thousands of applicants, making them highly competitive. Instead, look for local scholarships from community foundations, small businesses, and local nonprofit organizations that specifically support low-income students. These scholarships often receive fewer applications, increasing your chances of winning. Check with local libraries, churches, and high school counselors for hidden opportunities.

Tip #2 Leverage Your Personal Story Strategically

Many scholarship essays ask about challenges you've faced. Instead of simply stating financial struggles, show how they’ve shaped your resilience, work ethic, and aspirations. Provide specific examples, such as how you balanced school while working part-time or contributed to your family’s income. Scholarship committees want to see how overcoming obstacles has prepared you for success.

Tip #3 Apply for Renewable Scholarships First

Some scholarships provide funding for only one year, but renewable scholarships offer financial aid for multiple years if you maintain eligibility. Prioritize scholarships that renew annually, as they can significantly reduce long-term college costs. Always check the renewal requirements, such as maintaining a certain GPA or participating in specific activities, to ensure you remain eligible throughout college.

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Additional Resources for Low-Income College Students

1. Federal Financial Aid

By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can automatically qualify for lots of federal loans, grants, and scholarships. Filling out the FAFSA also qualifies you for many private opportunities, especially if you have a low student aid index (how much you're expected to pay for college). Here are a couple of the government's best student financial aid opportunities:

  1. Pell Grant: A $7,395 award that doesn't have to be paid back. Students automatically qualify by filling out the FAFSA.
  2. TEACH Grant: A $4,000 award in exchange for four years of teaching in a low-income public school.
  3. Work-Study Jobs: The government will pay you for unpaid community service involvement.

2. Dell Scholars Program

High school students with demonstrated financial need can apply for the Dell Scholarship, a significant award that can change your life. Winners will receive up to $20,000 for tuition, as well as a laptop and mentorship support for networking.

3. Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is one of the U.S.'s biggest scholarship programs, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Students will have their entire attendance cost covered, including tuition, housing, meals, textbooks, transportation, and other educational expenses. To qualify, students must be minority high school seniors eligible for a Pell Grant.

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Want more advice and resources to help you fund your college education? Access our blog for free guides!

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