Top Scholarships for College Seniors to Apply for in 2024

College senior scholarships

About college senior scholarships

Many college students think that senior year of college is too late to get a scholarship, but this is not true. While there are indeed many scholarships geared toward high school seniors and high school students, there are actually plenty of scholarships available to college seniors as well. So if your days amongst high school seniors is long gone, do not be discouraged about applying to scholarships.

It is never too late to apply for scholarships, and there are many scholarship opportunities for current college students of any age, including college seniors. You can receive a scholarship as long as you are enrolled in college, so make that time count by securing as much financial assistance as you can!

High school students and college seniors seniors alike should research scholarship opportunities and take advantage of their school's financial aid office for more financial aid resources. It is also very important that college students apply for federal student aid via FAFSA to secure as much financial aid as they can.

Applying for federal aid is important, but it often doesn't cover students' total expenses; furthermore, it can be a complicated process that can leave students with loans. A great option to avoid this issue is scholarships.

Though senior year may feel like a race toward the finish line, there's still time to find scholarships for college.

Can you apply for scholarships as a senior in college?

Yes, you can apply for scholarships at any stage in your college career. In fact, students of all types, from high school seniors to graduate students are welcome to apply for scholarships. Students are eligible to receive scholarships for college in particular so long as they are enrolled in an institution of higher education.

This money can be used for your current tuition and fees or earned as a head start on financing further education. Just as graduating high school seniors apply for scholarships as they become college students, current undergraduate seniors can also secure financial aid for graduate school.

How to apply for college senior scholarships

The exact application and eligibility requirements vary across scholarships, so it's important to look over the scholarship description before applying.

Be sure to read the eligibility requirements and application process for each scholarship. Some scholarships are specific to college students who wish to enter a particular field, while others are open to all students and awarded based on various criteria. Some scholarships may require an essay, a transcript, and/or a minimum GPA, while other scholarships may require additional forms and references.

Always check the exact requirements of the scholarship for which you are applying to make sure you're eligible. For instance, if you are one of the many college students applying to scholarships, you do not want to accidentally apply to a scholarship for high school seniors.

Best college senior scholarships

There are many exclusive scholarship opportunities on Bold.org for college seniors seeking financial aid for their final year, as well as those seeking financial aid as they join the ranks of graduate students. These scholarships are great for students completing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Snap Finance “Funding the Future” Scholarship

This $15,000 scholarship will financially support 15 students from low-income backgrounds completing their 3rd or 4th year of study in areas that support the Financial Technology Industry, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Business, Finance, Law, and Marketing. Though not required, students who are first-generation college students, BIPOC, Veterans, Non-traditional students, Differently-abled, LGBTQ+, and/or from other marginalized groups are highly encouraged to apply. The application deadline is June 15, 2022.

Scholarships for college seniors

There are many scholarships for which college seniors are eligible. While it can feel like senior year is a late time to apply for scholarships, current college students should remember that it's never too late to apply for and gain financial aid!

Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship

This $25,000 scholarship will support 20 students in paying for their education and following their dreams. All high school seniors and current undergraduate students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible to apply. Interested students should apply by September 1, 2022, for consideration.

Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship

This $15,000 will support 3 students ($5,000 each) as part of I Weigh's mission to amplify new voices and promote individual and collective growth. Any interested students may apply by August 17, 2022, for consideration.

LiveYourDash Entrepreneurs Scholarship 

This $6,400 scholarship will support 3 students who are pursuing degrees in entrepreneurship and/or have already started their own businesses. Any college students majoring in entrepreneurship or a related field may apply for this scholarship. Eligible students should apply by August 2, 2022.

HRCap Next-Gen Leadership Scholarship 

This HRCap $5,000 scholarship seeks to empower the next generation of multicultural students and leaders who embody critical values such as integrity, diversity, and professionalism. Any student in college or graduate school who is an AAPI student and/or pursuing Asian American studies or Asian language courses may apply for this scholarship. This scholarship will have six winners. The first-place winner will receive $1,500, the two second-place winners will receive $1,000 each, and the three third-place winners will each get $500. Eligible students may apply by August 1, 2022.

Mary Schonfield PA School Scholarship

This $3,500 scholarship seeks to support women adult learners who are currently accepted to a Physician Assistant program. Any female student who is at least 27 years old and studying to become a PA may apply for this scholarship by August 17, 2022.

Tracey Johnson-Webb Adult Learners Scholarship

This $2,500 scholarship seeks to honor the efforts of Tracey Johnson-Webb by supporting adult learners who are handling the responsibilities of work or parenting while pursuing higher education. Any undergraduate or graduate student who is at least forty years old and is working full time, in or out of the home, in addition to being a student. The deadline for this scholarship is September 1, 2022.

Vicki Sartin's Purpose in Nursing Scholarship 

It isn't easy to balance being a mother, supporting a family, and pursuing an education. As a way to support single mothers earning their nursing degrees, this $2,000 scholarship will provide financial assistance to two passionate single mothers. Eligible applicants (single mothers pursuing a nursing degree) may apply by August 1, 2022.

Loretta Webb Green Scholarship

This $1,600 scholarship aims to honor Loretta Webb Green by supporting a Black and/or indigenous student who has been in the foster care system. Any BIPOC undergraduate student who has been in the foster care system may apply for this scholarship by August 1, 2022.

Bookman 5 Scholarship 

This $1,500 scholarship aims to support students who are underprivileged or living under difficult circumstances. Any African American undergraduate student who has a 2.0 GPA or higher, is involved in their community or church, and is interested in psychology, biology, education, engineering, or ministry may apply. The first-place winner will receive $1,000, and the runner-up will receive $500. The deadline is August 1, 2022.

Amelia Boynton and S.W. Boynton Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship aims to honor the lives of Amelia and Samuel William Boynton by supporting undergraduates studying Black history. Any African American undergraduate student who is attending an HBCU and majoring in African American studies or Black history may apply for this scholarship by July 15, 2022, for consideration.

Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship

The Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship is intended to help a college student in recovery from substance abuse or alcohol addiction. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded every 6 months to an undergraduate or graduate school student in recovery, clean of substances or alcohol for at least one year. Eligible students should apply by August 17, 2022.

CollegeXpress Graduate School No-Essay Scholarship

Bold.org has partnered with CollegeXpress to create this exclusive $1,000 scholarship for undergraduate students who are interested in graduate school resources. While the scholarship will be awarded on March 1, 2023, the scholarship will have rolling monthly application deadlines; the next deadline is June 1, 2022. Students applying within earlier application windows will have a greater chance of winning the award.

@ESPdaniella's Gap Year Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship seeks to support 2 students who took a gap year and came back stronger. Students in any stage of college who have previously taken a gap year may apply for this award by October 21, 2022. 

“Equal Opportunity” Scholarship

As a small way to help create a more equal playing field, the “$1,000 Equal Opportunity” Scholarship exists to support two motivated high school students, undergraduate students, or graduate students who want to improve their lives and the lives of the people around them. The scholarship is open to students from any field of study who have a 2.0 GPA or higher; eligible students should apply by September 1, 2022, for consideration.

Alan Perlow Scholarship

This $750 scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Alan Perlow by supporting Jewish students who are dealing with financial hardship. Low-income, Jewish high school seniors or undergraduate students may apply for this scholarship by August 2, 2022.

Catrina Celestine Aquilino Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor Catrina Celestine Aquilino’s legacy by supporting students pursuing a degree in law or healthcare. Any first-generation student in college or graduate school who is a US Citizen and is interested in law and/or healthcare may apply for this $500 scholarship by October 12, 2022.

Destinie’s Dollars for Degrees Scholarship

This $500 scholarship aims to support underrepresented students so they can overcome barriers and complete their education. Any BIPOC undergraduate student who is pursuing a two or four-year degree and is a first-generation college student may apply for this scholarship by June 1, 2022.

Hannah’s Community Foster Care Forward Scholarship

The Hannah’s Community Foster Care Forward Scholarship is designed to help even the playing field for foster kids moving into the workforce and send one determined individual into the healthcare field. To apply for this $500 scholarship, you must be 17-25 and have aged out (or will eventually age out) of the foster care system. You must also be planning to pursue a certification in the healthcare field. Eligible applicants should apply by September 1, 2022.

STEM scholarships for college seniors

Studying science, technology, engineering, and math (colloquially known as "STEM") can prepare students for a number of career paths. This course of study can be competitive and expensive, but there are many STEM scholarship opportunities for college seniors.

Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship

To honor his spirit and legacy, the Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship will support undergraduate students who are pursuing a computer science degree. This $5,000 scholarship will be awarded twice a year; the next deadline is October 1, 2022.

Women in Tech Scholarship

This $3,000 scholarship aims to support women pursuing STEM so they can find success in their careers and create a more diverse workforce. Any female-identifying undergraduate student who is pursuing a two or four-year degree and studying STEM may apply for this scholarship by May 29, 2022.

Pride in Diversity Scholarship

As an agency focused on promoting diversity and inclusion in the Silicon Valley tech space, the Pride in Diversity Scholarship will be awarded to one deserving member of the LGBTQ+ community pursuing a degree in STEM in order to promote further representation. Eligible applicants may apply for this $2,500 scholarship by October 12, 2022.

Future Leaders in Technology Scholarship - College Award

The Future Leaders in Technology scholarship supports students from underrepresented communities who are pursuing careers in tech. The $2,500 scholarship is open to college and university juniors and seniors pursuing a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or data science. Applicants must also be a member of an underrepresented group, including Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, American Indian or Native American, LGBTQA+, and Women. This scholarship is awarded every 6 months; the next deadline is July 4, 2022.

Rho Brooks Women in STEM Scholarship

Women are largely underrepresented in STEM because they lack support from their peers, colleagues, and mentors. To combat this, the Rho Brooks Women in STEM Scholarship exists to support and incentivize young women to pursue a degree in STEM. This $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to female high school seniors or undergraduate students who will be attending a college or university in the fall of 2022. Any woman in STEM may apply by July 30, 2022.

Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship

To contribute to a better future for women in math, the Learner Women in Mathematics Scholarship will be awarded to one woman who is pursuing a career in a math-related field and is extremely ambitious about the feats she will accomplish in her career. Eligible applicants must be current high school seniors planning to study mathematics or related fields, or undergraduates currently studying these fields. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded every 6 months; the next deadline is August 1, 2022.

Indigenous Women In STEM Scholarship

STEM fields have historically underrepresented women and minorities, so the Indigenous Women in STEM Scholarship looks to encourage the future of indigenous female STEM students. High school seniors or undergraduate students may apply if their major is in the STEM field. This $500 scholarship is specifically for female students who have an affiliation with an indigenous tribe; eligible students may apply by May 30, 2022, for consideration.

Coding for Minorities Scholarship

To support the endeavors of minorities who code across the country, the Coding for Minorities Scholarship will be awarded to one determined minority student pursuing a degree/career in coding or computer science. Though not required, students who have large ambitions for their coding career on their profile will have a higher chance of winning this scholarship. This $500 scholarship is open to high school seniors and undergraduate minority students pursuing careers and/or education in a coding-intensive field. The deadline is July 1, 2022.

State-specific scholarships for college seniors

There are plenty of scholarship opportunities exclusively open to college students in certain states. These scholarships will have fewer eligible applicants, giving you a greater chance of winning!

Amber Lott’s Health Heroes Scholarship (TX)

This $6,000 scholarship seeks to support 3 minority students who are pursuing careers in the healthcare field. Any undergraduate BIPOC student in Texas who has a 2.5 GPA or higher and is pursuing a career in nursing or respiratory therapy may apply for this scholarship by August 10, 2022. 

Mark Neiswander "110" Memorial Scholarship (OH)

This $5,00 scholarship will support a student from a small town in Ohio so they can pursue a college education. High school seniors or undergraduate students in Ohio who demonstrate leadership in school, volunteering experience, and/or academic excellence may apply by May 29, 2022.

Gourmet Foods International Culinary Scholarship (GA)

This $5,000 scholarship seeks to support 2 current or future students pursuing careers in culinary arts or food science. High school seniors or undergraduate students accepted to or enrolled in an accredited culinary or hospitality school program in Georgia with a 2.75 GPA or higher may apply for this scholarship by September 15, 2022.

Dr. Norma P. McPherson Early Childhood Education Scholarship (NY)

This annual $4,000 scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Dr. Norma P. McPherson by supporting 2 students who embody the values and ideals she exemplified throughout her educational career. In order to apply, students must be of Caribbean descent, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, live in New York, and be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Early Childhood Education. The application deadline is August 15, 2022.

Dynamic Edge Women in STEM Scholarship (MI, TN)

Gender diversity in STEM will pay dividends down the road as many different types of people will be required to solve the most complex challenges. The Dynamic Edge Women in STEM Scholarship will award $2,000 each to two women (one in Michigan and one in Tennessee) who plan to pursue STEM degrees or certifications. Eligible students should apply by September 15, 2022.

Jacob Daniel Dumas Memorial Scholarship (NC)

The Jacob Daniel Dumas Memorial Scholarship will financially support 2 students in their STEM educational journey. North Carolina high school seniors and undergraduate students looking to pursue a career in STEM are encouraged to apply for this $3,000 scholarship by September 4, 2022.

Frequently asked questions about college senior scholarships

How to find college senior scholarships

While it may seem like scholarships are only for high school students and new college students, college seniors are actually still eligible for many scholarship opportunities, so don't feel limited by where you are in your college experience.

College students can find scholarships by searching the Bold.org scholarships page by education level and selecting "Undergraduate" or "Graduate." Next, make sure you are looking only at available scholarship opportunities by toggling the Status to "Open."

Bold.org also organizes scholarships by category, so students can look at specific scholarship groups geared to their strengths and identities.

There are also scholarships that are exclusively available to applicants who demonstrate financial need.

Some colleges and universities may offer scholarships exclusively for their students, so always check your university's financial aid office for more information. Fill out FAFSA to be considered for federal financial assistance.

Is senior year of college too late to get a scholarship?

No! It is never too late to earn scholarship aid. Students can apply for (and hopefully win) scholarships as long as they are enrolled in college.

Is it worth it to apply for scholarships as a college senior?

Yes! Enrolled students of any year can win scholarships for college, whether they are high school seniors or college seniors, and every dollar helps when it comes to financial aid.

Applying for scholarships in your senior year of college can be helpful for students who want to enter graduate programs as well. Securing a financial award early is especially for students enrolling in graduate school in the upcoming academic year.

There are so many scholarship opportunities for college students of any age and education level!