The Best Scholarships for High School Seniors with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024

Getting a college degree is a dream for many high school seniors. However, the cost of college can be a major barrier for students and their families. That's where scholarships come in - they provide financial support and make the dream of attending college a reality. High school senior scholarships reward successful students, aiding their transition to higher education with financial support and recognition.

Some scholarships are very broad and are open to all students who attend an accredited college, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, while others are exclusively open to seniors in high school.

As a scholarship platform, we understand the challenges students face when planning their higher education goals. That's why we will explore the best scholarships for high school seniors, discuss how to get scholarships in high school and share tips for a successful application.

Make your college dreams a reality! Apply for high school senior scholarships to get a head start on scholarship applications and maximize your financial assistance.

About Scholarships for High School Seniors

For the average high school senior, the college admissions process is an exciting yet daunting experience. There are a lot of things to consider, with rising tuition costs and student loans at the top of the list.

Since 1977, college tuition rates have increased 150% for both private and public four-year universities. Back then, it cost the modern equivalent of $17,680 per year to attend a private college and $8,250 per year to attend a public college, figures that graduating high school seniors could keep up with. Today, tuition costs are a whopping $48,510 for private colleges and $21,370 for public colleges. 

Despite soaring tuition rates, going to college is still a worthy investment. In 2018, college graduates earned weekly wages that were 80% higher than those of high school graduates. However, wages cannot keep up with rapidly increasing tuition costs.

To afford the cost of attendance, 34% of college students borrow money each year. On average, a student will borrow more than $30,000 to obtain their undergraduate degree. As a result, students collectively across the country owe more than $1.7 trillion in student loan debt.

That's where scholarships come into play. Scholarships are a form of financial aid that does not require repayment from the student. Approximately 25% of college costs are funded by college scholarships, grants, and fellowships.

To get started, click on one of the scholarships listed above and submit your application today! Or sign up now and apply for your first scholarship!

Also, view our full list of scholarships for high school students.

Best Scholarships for High School Seniors

When it comes to scholarships, there are a plethora of options available for high school seniors. Here are some of the best scholarships worth considering:

Scholarships for High School Students

There are numerous scholarships specifically tailored to assist high school seniors as they prepare to transition to college. This collection provides a variety of opportunities suited to diverse interests and backgrounds aimed at supporting your educational journey.

Easy Scholarships for High School Seniors

For high school seniors looking for a simpler route to financial aid, there are plenty of easy scholarship opportunities worth exploring. These scholarships are designed with straightforward applications to make the process less daunting.

Scholarships by Major

High school seniors focusing on their future majors should explore scholarships specifically aligned with their field of study. These major-specific scholarships offer tailored support, catering to students with clear academic and career pathways in various disciplines.

The Gates Scholarship

Created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers the full cost of attendance for minority students who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and financial need. According to data, the Gates Scholarship has provided support to thousands of students.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Recognizing students for their leadership skills, dedication to community service, and academic achievements, this scholarship grants funding to 150 high school seniors every year. The program has been instrumental in enabling students to pursue their higher education goals.

These scholarships are just a few examples of the amazing opportunities available for high school seniors. Researching and applying for scholarships like these can significantly reduce the financial burden of college.

Why are Scholarships Important for High School Seniors?

While many universities offer some type of financial aid, and students can use the FAFSA to apply for governmental aid, college can still be difficult to afford. A shocking 65% of 2019 college graduates took out loans to pay for college. Furthermore, the cost of college has been rapidly increasing, more than doubling at public universities since the 1980s.

The increasing amount of loans that graduates are left with puts pressure on them to immediately find jobs, especially when student loans are compounded with the increase in housing costs. For current high school seniors, this means that scholarships can be critical for limiting student debt throughout college.

At Bold.org, we're here to help meet the financial need of students. You can check the scholarships by year here.

How to Find Scholarships for High School Seniors

To find scholarships for high school seniors, filter the list on Bold.org by education level in order to reduce the list to only scholarships open to high school students. Then, read through the descriptions and eligibility requirements to determine which scholarships you're interested in.

Pay close attention to deadlines and submission requirements for each scholarship. Some may require essays, letters of recommendation, or specific documentation, such as transcripts or proof of extracurricular involvement.

Additionally, consider focusing on scholarships that align with your skills, interests, or career goals. Many scholarships are designed for students pursuing specific fields of study or for those with unique talents and achievements.

When to Start Applying for Scholarships

It's never too early or too late to start applying! It's great to begin your applications in high school in order to maximize the number of scholarships you can apply for and win.

Starting early gives you more time to research and apply for a wider range of scholarships. High school juniors and seniors can often apply for scholarships well before graduation, giving them a head start on funding their education. Early planning also allows you to refine your application materials, such as essays and resumes, to stand out to selection committees.

If you're already in college or returning to school later in life, don’t hesitate to apply for scholarships. Many college students are just beginning their search, so don't worry if you're just starting! By staying persistent and proactive, you can still access valuable funding to support your educational goals.

What to Consider When Applying for Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, keep in mind that you want to make yourself stand out from other applicants. To do so, make sure your profile is detailed and unique so donors can get a sense of your personality, interests, and goals. Additionally, do everything in your power to increase your chances of winning, such as by following the tips below.

Read the instructions carefully: Before starting to fill out any scholarship application, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Follow them precisely and provide all the required information. Highlight your achievements: Make sure to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any volunteer or community service work you have done.

Finally, don't get discouraged if you don't win every scholarship you apply for. Many students are looking for financial aid to fund their higher education, so not winning doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

How to Apply for Scholarships for High School Seniors

Applying for scholarships may seem like a daunting task, but with proper preparation and guidance, it can be an achievable feat. Here are some steps to help you navigate the scholarship application process:

Research Extensively

Start by researching scholarships that align with your academic goals, extracurricular activities, and personal background. This will help you narrow down the scholarships that are the best fit for you.

Meet the Requirements

Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and ensure you meet all the requirements. Keep in mind that some scholarships may have specific GPA requirements, community service hours, or essays to be submitted.

Gather Necessary Documents

Organize all the required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial aid information. Make sure to meet the deadlines and submit your application well in advance.

Write a Compelling Essay

Many scholarship applications require an essay that showcases your achievements, aspirations, and why you deserve the scholarship. Spend time crafting a well-written and genuine essay that highlights your unique qualities.

Proofread and Submit

Before submitting your application, proofread everything thoroughly to ensure there are no errors or typos. Submit your application within the specified deadline and keep track of your submissions.

Following these steps will increase your chances of securing scholarships and funding your college education.

The first step in applying for Bold.org scholarships is to create an account on Bold.org. To do so, click on any of the scholarships above. Then, decide which types of scholarships you want to search for and use the filter to find good matches. Doing so will allow you to find scholarship opportunities based on your unique characteristics and interests, such as public service grants, merit scholarships, scholarships for college students, etc.

Once you find the scholarships you want to apply for, read the description to make sure you're eligible and to find scholarship instructions, such as an essay or video prompt. Once you're done with your application materials, just click apply, and you're all set!

Click here to read our complete guide on how to apply for scholarships.

Scholarship Application Tips for High School Seniors

Applying for scholarships can feel like a lottery that you have no control over. With so many students in need of scholarships, it can feel impossible to make yourself stand out from other applicants. Luckily, there are many things you can do to improve your scholarship applications. Keep reading for our tips on how to win scholarships for high school seniors.

Find Your Best-Fitting Scholarships

Bold.org has scholarships for all types of students, regardless of academic performance, level of education, extracurricular activities, etc. Finding scholarships that fit your interests and experience will not only make you a better candidate but will also make your scholarship essays more personal.

Apply for a Variety of Scholarships

During your scholarship search, you will find different types of scholarships. While you may be tempted to apply only for easy, no-essay scholarships, it's a good idea to also apply to some essay-based scholarships to increase your chances of winning one. No-essay scholarships are great options for busy students, but the high number of applicants and the lack of an essay to distinguish yourself from the competition can make it difficult to win.

Apply Early and Often to Scholarships for High School Students

Begin your scholarship search and application process as early as possible. Some scholarships have early deadlines, so it's essential to stay organized and plan ahead.

There will be a scholarship deadline in the description of every scholarship, but don't wait until the last minute to apply! Being among the first to apply for a scholarship can boost your chances of winning and ensure that you won't miss the deadline if you experience difficulties with your application. To find scholarships that just launched, you can filter the scholarship list to show scholarships in descending order from newest to oldest.

Additionally, applying for more scholarships increases your chances of winning some, so apply for as many as you can. There are hundreds of open scholarships on Bold.org, and more are added each week, so there's no shortage of scholarships to apply for.

Put Time and Effort into Your Essays

Tailor your application materials to each scholarship you apply for. Highlight your unique experiences, talents, and goals that align with the scholarship requirements. Be sure that you're putting your best foot forward with the essays you submit. Be sure to take the time to proofread so that your essay has proper spelling and grammar. Additionally, make sure you stay on topic and respond to the essay prompt.

Other essay tips include having a strong opening that grabs the attention of the reader, making the essay feel personal, and having a short conclusion at the end to sum up your essay. Many essays have low word limits, so be sure to stay on topic so you can fit all of the necessary information in your essay.

Seek Recommendations

Ask teachers, mentors, or community leaders who know you well to write recommendation letters for you. Their insights can greatly enhance your application and provide a holistic view of your abilities.

Stay Organized

Maintain a spreadsheet, a folder, or a calendar to track your scholarship applications, deadlines, and required documents. Being organized will help you submit everything on time and avoid any last-minute rush.

By following these tips, you can present yourself in the best possible light and increase your chances of receiving scholarships.

Additionally, when applying for scholarships, it's crucial to research the organizations offering the scholarships. Understanding their mission, values, and goals can help you tailor your application to align with their specific criteria. Take the time to explore their websites, read about their past scholarship recipients, and familiarize yourself with their selection process.

Additional Resources for High School Seniors

Financial Aid Offices

Contact the financial aid offices of the colleges you are applying to for information on grants, loans, and work-study programs. They can guide you through the process of applying for financial aid.

Furthermore, high school seniors can also benefit from reaching out to their school counselors for guidance on financial aid options. School counselors are well-versed in the college application process and can provide valuable insights into available scholarships and grants that cater to specific academic achievements or extracurricular involvements.

Local Organizations

Check with local community organizations, foundations, and businesses to see if they offer scholarships to high school seniors in your area. These scholarships may have less competition and can provide valuable support.

Alumni Associations

Another avenue to explore is contacting alumni associations of the colleges you are interested in attending. Alumni associations often have scholarship programs specifically designed to support incoming students from their alma mater's community. These scholarships can not only provide financial assistance but also help foster a sense of belonging and connection within the college community.

Utilizing these resources can help you navigate the college funding process and access additional financial assistance.

You can find plenty of undergraduate scholarships on Bold.org.