Exclusive Scholarships for College Freshmen in 2024
Apply below to College Freshmen scholarships with upcoming deadlines. Exclusive Scholarships found only in Bold.org!
100% Free.
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
Funded byDr.Terence O. Hayes Sr.The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship will support the academic endeavors of one student who has struggled with or has been impacted by someone who struggles with mental health.All students are eligibleAmount:$2,000Deadline:Jun 13, 2025One Click Apply1William A. Lewis Scholarship
Funded byEdwards_Lewis FamilyThis scholarship aims to honor the legacy of William A. Lewis by supporting underrepresented students interested in pursuing careers in mathematics or other STEM fields.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
- School Type: Historically Black College or University (HBCU)
- Race: BIPOC
- Field of Study: STEM
Amount:$4,000Deadline is Approaching! 10 days leftOne Click Apply2Greg London Memorial Scholarship
Funded byLondon FamilyThis scholarship seeks to honor the life of Greg London by supporting students who have been affected by mental illness and is pursuing a career related to mental health.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
- School Name: University of New Mexico
- Background: Has been affected by mental illness and is pursuing a career related to mental health
Amount:$5,150Deadline:Dec 31, 2024One Click Apply3Stephanie Staggers Curtis Memorial Scholarship
Funded byStephanie's Perfect GiftThis scholarship aims to support single mothers fron North Carolina or South Carolina who are balancing their education with their parental duties.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate student
- Identity: Single mother
- State: South Carolina or North Carolina
Amount:$1,130Deadline:Jan 03, 2025One Click Apply4Jackanow Suicide Awareness Scholarship
Funded byMax JackanowThis scholarship aims to support students who have lost someone to ease the burden of continuing college after the loss.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
- Background: Has lost a loved one to suicide
- School: University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or Grand Canyon University
Amount:$3,465Deadline:May 30, 2025One Click Apply5Mohamed Magdi Taha Memorial Scholarship
Funded byTaha FamilyThis scholarship seeks to honor the life of Mohamed Magdi Taha by supporting students who possess similar qualities and are also ‘up-standers’ in their communities.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate student
- Race: Black/African
- Major of Interest: STEM or the arts
Amount:$3,000Deadline is Approaching! 2 days leftOne Click Apply6Matt Preziose Creative Scholarship
Funded byGisela DelgadoThis scholarship aims to honor the life of Matt Preziose by supporting students studying art.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate student
- Field of Study: Arts
- State: NY
Amount:$1,000Deadline is Approaching! 2 days leftOne Click Apply7Cybersecurity & The Latinx Community Scholarship
Funded byCastellanosThis scholarship aims to support Latinx students who are pursuing higher education in cybersecurity.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate student
- Ethnicity: Latinx
- Financial Background: Low-income
- Field of Study: Cybersecurity
Amount:$5,000Deadline is Approaching! 5 days leftOne Click Apply8CollegeXpress No-Essay Scholarship
Funded byBold.orgThis scholarship is perfect for students interested in college tips and resources.All students are eligibleAmount:$500Deadline is Approaching! 11 days leftOne Click Apply9Bushnell Bioinformatic Scholarship
Funded byJordan BrungardtThis scholarship aims to help future scientists build the bioinformatic skills required to evaluate large sets of biological data.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate student
- Major: Bioinformatics, computer science, biology, or agriculture and plant sciences
Amount:$500Deadline is Approaching! 11 days leftOne Click Apply10John Traxler Theatre Scholarship
Funded byTraxler FamilyThis scholarship aims to honor the memory of John Traxler by supporting students pursuing the fine arts so they have the financial resources necessary to complete their degrees.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
- Field of Study: Fine arts (theatre preferred)
Amount:$755Deadline is Approaching! 12 days leftOne Click Apply11Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship
Funded byMasters FamilyThis scholarship aims to continue Terry Masters’ legacy of giving by inspiring others to paint outdoors and to honor his memory through excellence in the arts for years to come.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
- Field of Interest: Fine arts (plein air painting preferred)
Amount:$1,500Deadline is Approaching! 15 days leftOne Click Apply12Ray W Bausick Green Industry Memorial Scholarship
Funded byKevin KossThis scholarship seeks to honor the life of Ray W Bausick by supporting high-achieving students who are pursuing careers in the green industry.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school senior or two or four-year undergraduate student
- Majors of Interest: Landscape architecture, agronomics, turf management, etc.
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
Amount:$3,000Deadline is Approaching! 20 days leftOne Click Apply13John J Costonis Scholarship
Funded byCostonisThis scholarship seeks to honor the life accomplishments of John J. Costonis and help support a student seeking higher education.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school or undergraduate
- Background: Low-income
Amount:$500Deadline is Approaching! 26 days leftOne Click Apply14Maggie's Way- International Woman’s Scholarship
Funded byDavid GaskillThis scholarship aims to honor Maggie’s life by supporting female students who have moved to the U.S. for their education.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
- Gender: Female
- Background: International student in the U.S.
Amount:$5,000Deadline:Dec 31, 2024One Click Apply15Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship
Funded byBenjamin BozworthThis scholarship aims to support a college student in recovery from substance abuse or alcohol.Eligibility Criteria:
- Background: In recovery, clean for at least one year
- Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate school student
Amount:$1,000Deadline:Dec 31, 2024One Click Apply16Sean Carroll's Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship
Funded bySean Carroll's MindscapeThis scholarship seeks to support students who are interested in knowledge and understanding how the world works.All students are eligibleAmount:$20,000Deadline:Dec 31, 2024One Click Apply17Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship
Funded byBrian SchalkThis scholarship will support a student who has been affected by mental illness.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate
- Background: Affected by mental illness, either personally or in the family
Amount:$2,500Deadline:Jan 01, 2025One Click Apply18Dr. Samuel Attoh Legacy Scholarship
Funded byAnnabelle Attoh ThompsonThis scholarship exists to support one student studying geography, urban planning, or STEM.Eligibility Criteria:
- Major: Geography, Urban Planning, & STEM
Amount:$500Deadline:Jan 06, 2025One Click Apply19Appalachian Region Vocational Scholarship
Funded byDaelyn ChaneyThis scholarship will support a student in the Appalachian region who is pursuing a career in STEM.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school or undergraduate
- Type of Education: Trade or vocational
- State: Kentucky, West Virginia, or Virginia
- Major/Career of Interest: STEM
- Background: First generation college student
Amount:$1,000Deadline:Jan 12, 2025One Click Apply20Boyd J. Cameron Memorial Scholarship
Funded byCameronThis scholarship will support first generation college students pursuing a career in business.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Background: First generation college student
- Major: Business
Amount:$1,000Deadline:Feb 01, 2025One Click Apply21Larry Darnell Green Scholarship
Funded byGloria GreenThis scholarship aims to honor Larry’s legacy by helping single parents or the children of single parents afford their college education.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- Family: Single parent or the child of a single parent
Amount:$500Deadline:Feb 01, 2025One Click Apply22Lotus Scholarship
Funded byFiona ChenThis scholarship will support BIPOC students who are from low-income backgrounds or have been raised in single-parent households.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate
- Race/Ethnicity: BIPOC
- Background: Low-income or raised by a single parent
Amount:$500Deadline:Feb 04, 2025One Click Apply23Patricia Ann Whelan Memorial Scholarship
Funded byWhelan FamilyThis scholarship will support an education major in honor of Patricia Ann Whelan.Eligibility Criteria:
- Current School: Marywood College or Michigan State University
- Major: Education
- Education Level: Undergraduate
Amount:$500Deadline:Feb 12, 2025One Click Apply24Manuela Calles Scholarship for Women
Funded byDr. Sandra CallesThis scholarship seeks to support young women in college who are pursuing careers in mental health or business.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
- Gender: Female
- Field of Study: Pursuing mental health or business
- GPA: 2.5 or greater
Amount:$500Deadline:Feb 13, 2025One Click Apply25Jerry Garrett and Starlinne Sullivan Memorial EMS Scholarship
Funded byLillian LeeThis scholarship aims to support students in Alabama who are pursuing careers as first responders or as nurses.Eligibility Criteria:
- State: Alabama
- Field of Interest: Nursing or EMS
- Education Level: Undergraduate student
Amount:$500Deadline:Feb 14, 2025One Click Apply26Allison Thomas Swanberg Memorial Scholarship
Funded bySwanbergThis scholarship aims to continue Allison Thomas Swanberg’s legacy of helping students achieve their educational goals.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- State: Colorado
- Background: Community service and/or volunteering experience
Amount:$1,500Deadline:Feb 14, 2025One Click Apply27Moriah Janae Dance Scholarship
Funded byKendra RoysterThis scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance in order to make college more accessible and help dancers follow their passion.Eligibility Criteria:
- Field of Study: Dance
- Education Level: Undergraduate student
Amount:$1,280Deadline:Feb 14, 2025One Click Apply28Jessie Koci Future Entrepreneurs Scholarship
Funded byKoci FamilyThis scholarship celebrates Jessie Koci’s achievements by seeking out others cut from a similar cloth who seek to carve their own path by starting their own business.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school senior or freshman in college
- Career Goal: Future entrepreneur
Amount:$1,000Deadline:Mar 01, 2025One Click Apply29Kerry Kennedy Life Is Good Scholarship
Funded byAmy WiseThis scholarship will honor the accomplishments of Kerry Kennedy and help support a female student pursuing a degree in education, public service, or social work.Eligibility Criteria:
- Education Level: High school junior or senior or undergraduate
- Gender: Female
- Major: Education, public service, or social work
Amount:$1,000Deadline:Mar 01, 2025One Click Apply30
About scholarships for college freshmen
For students who are just starting their college journey, it can be difficult to navigate academics and extracurriculars, but the most difficult part for many students is the cost of education.
While the costs of an education depend on the kind of school you go to, the average college tuition cost in 2021 was $35,331 for undergraduate and graduate students per year. From 1985 to 2017, the average cost of a four-year college or university rose by a whopping 497%.
Attending college in this day and age means spending almost five times more on your college education than you would have 30 years ago. This change in the cost of higher education often leads students to take out large amounts of student loan debt. In 2020, 55% of bachelor’s degree recipients took out student loans. On average, undergraduate students took out $28,400 in federal and private debt.
For students who don't want to rely on student loans to fund their education, scholarships can be a great option. There are approximately 7.1 million private scholarships awarded each year, with the total value of those scholarships in the $7.5 billion range. While pursuing higher education, scholarships offer additional financial support to those who may be struggling.
Scholarships are often funded by private organizations, individuals, or companies to help current college students, recent graduates, or even high school students with the financial burdens of higher education. Unlike student loans, scholarships for college freshmen are a form of gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid. With tuition costs continuing to rise, scholarships are becoming more critical than ever.
On Bold.org, we have plenty of scholarships offered for college freshmen, including those listed above.
Scholarships for college freshmen to apply for
College freshmen and other college students are able to apply for plenty of scholarships on Bold.org. Whether you demonstrate amazing academic achievement or are part of a specific demographic group, there are plenty of scholarships that college freshmen can apply for. You can get started by clicking on any of the opportunities below!
- Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship
- Anne DiSerafino Memorial Arts Scholarship
- Artists and Writers in the Community Scholarship
- Mary P. Perlea Scholarship Fund
- Stride Funding Affordable Tuition Scholarship
- WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship
- Juno Better Rates No-Essay Scholarship
- Toluna Influencers No-Essay Scholarship
- ¡A Buena Amistad! No-Essay Scholarship
- William M. DeSantis Sr. Scholarship
- @ESPDaniella Debt Grant
- Freddie L Brown Sr. Scholarship
- #FinancialFreedom No-Essay Scholarship
Frequently asked questions about scholarships for college freshmen
How can I find scholarships for college freshmen?
To find scholarships for college freshmen on Bold.org, you can use the search function on the website. In order to find scholarships specifically for college freshmen, you can filter the scholarships by education level. By choosing the "undergraduate" category, you can see scholarships for students who attend college.
In order to find more specific scholarships, you can also filter the scholarships by specific categories. Some scholarships require a certain minimum GPA and others are for first-generation students, international students, or other underrepresented identities. In order to find the right scholarship opportunities for you, college students can easily search on Bold.org
How can I apply for scholarships for college freshmen?
Once you've found a specific scholarship that applies to college freshmen, you can begin to apply. To apply for scholarships, create your free Bold.org profile. Then, click on any of the scholarships above and apply. Some scholarships may require you to write an essay before you apply, in which case you may need to spend more time on your application.
By applying for scholarships earlier, you can guarantee that you are able to apply for a wide range of scholarships. Additionally, applying for more than one scholarship often helps your chances of winning. Apply to any scholarships you are eligible for to give yourself the greatest chances of winning financial aid. No-essay scholarships are some of the easiest college scholarships to apply for due to the quick application process.
When applying for scholarships, make sure that you check the eligibility requirements. Some scholarships may require students to live in a certain location in order to apply. Additionally, some scholarships may be for specific demographics and identities while other scholarships seek out applicants who display academic merit or financial need.
You should also consider whether the scholarship you're applying to has an essay or not. If you are a strong writer or have a unique story, the essay can be a great way to make your application stand out.
When should a college freshman start applying for scholarships?
While there are many scholarships for high school and college students alike, you should apply for scholarships as early as you can. Many students start their scholarship search early on in high school or as high school seniors, but there are also many opportunities for college students.
The earlier you begin applying, the better! You can start in the summer after your senior year of high school to get a head start. Certain scholarships only apply to high school students, but don't worry if you haven't started yet! Many college students are just starting their search, and there are plenty of scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Can high school seniors get scholarships for their freshman year of college?
Absolutely! Most scholarships for college freshmen are awarded between your senior year in high school and freshman year in college, so be sure to start the scholarship search and apply early.
Senior year is a popular time to begin applying for scholarships as many students are making their college decisions and receiving their financial aid packages. As a result, many donors fund scholarships specifically for high school seniors. If you haven't graduated high school yet, check out this list of scholarships for high school seniors!
Should undergraduate and graduate students apply for federal aid?
One of the easiest forms of financial aid a student may receive is a grant from the federal student aid program. You can apply by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which provides more than $120 billion in financial aid to help college students pay for college or career school each year. Many students with financial need receive Pell Grants from the US government, but with a maximum award amount of $6,495 per year, scholarships are often needed to cover the remaining costs.
What are the easiest scholarships for college freshmen to win?
Using a scholarship program like Bold.org can help bridge this financial gap between federal aid and your actual educational costs. The scholarships with the least competition will be the easiest to win, so seek out niche scholarship awards with fewer eligible applicants to have the greatest chance of winning.
For example, a scholarship for Hispanic students who demonstrate academic excellence and are pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science would have a smaller eligible applicant pool than a scholarship open to all students.
What other scholarships should college students consider?
Busy college students should apply for scholarships that do not require an essay response, which can be beneficial if you are in a time crunch. While these no-essay scholarships generally have more competition and are more difficult to win as a result, they're typically the easiest to apply for.
While you should also consider essay scholarships to increase your chances of winning, no-essay scholarships can be a great way to boost the number of scholarships you're a contender for without burdening yourself with more essays to write. Bold.org offers a plethora of no-essay scholarships, which can be found here.
Have additional questions? Send us an email at contact@bold.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
To find scholarships for college freshmen on Bold.org, you can use the search function on the website. In order to find scholarships specifically for college freshmen, you can filter the scholarships by education level. By choosing the "undergraduate" category, you can see scholarships for students who attend college.
Once you've found a specific scholarship that applies to college freshmen, you can begin to apply. To apply for scholarships, create your free Bold.org profile. Then, click on any of the scholarships above and apply. Some scholarships may require you to write an essay before you apply, in which case you may need to spend more time on your application.
While there are many scholarships for high school and college students alike, you should apply for scholarships as early as you can. Many students start their scholarship search early on in high school or as high school seniors, but there are also many opportunities for college students.