Top Scholarships for High School Seniors with Upcoming Deadlines

College is a major financial investment that high school seniors should consider carefully. On one hand, your earning potential increases dramatically: on average, workers with a bachelor's degree earn 59% more than those with a high school diploma. On the other hand, college gets more expensive every year.

If you choose to attend college—a choice that almost always pays off—scholarships for high school seniors can help lower the costs of attendance. Finances shouldn't prevent you from enrolling in the best degree program for your goals.

In this guide, we'll include:

1. Top scholarships for graduating seniors
2. Tips on how to apply for scholarships and win money
3. More organizations that provide significant awards, like the $20K Dell Scholarship

The continuous rise in tuition fees means college becomes less financially attainable for the average student every year. Applying for high school senior scholarships can help you save up for college and capitalize on the higher base salaries that college graduates often receive.

Here's how college prices have changed over time, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and Education Data Initiative:

1. Total average cost of a 4-year institution in 2019-2020: $28,774
2. Total average cost of a 4-year institution in 2024-2025: $38,270
3. College costs at a 4-year institution have increased by 32.99% from 2020 to 2025.
4. College costs at a 4-year institution have increased by 196.27% from 2001 to 2025.

Given the high cost of attending college, we strongly advise any graduating high school seniors to apply for scholarships, fill out the FAFSA, and seek other forms of financial aid.

As a leading student fintech organization, Bold.org understands the challenges students face when pursuing higher education. It's time-consuming to find scholarship awards you're actually eligible for, and the application process can be frustrating.

Don't waste time when it comes to building a budget for college. Use this list of exclusive scholarships for high school seniors to fund your college degree.

Apply for a free Bold.org profile today to find scholarship funding in minutes.

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:

1. 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.

2. No-Essay High School Senior Scholarships

The most time-consuming part of applying for financial aid opportunities is writing an essay. These scholarships don't require any kind of essay—just fill out the form and apply. Instead, donors may want to see you demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, or an interest in a certain field of study.

3. Dell Scholars Program

High school students with demonstrated financial need can apply for the Dell Scholarship. Winners will receive up to $20,000 for tuition, as well as a laptop and mentorship resources. Whether you plan to attend a lower-cost community college or have plans for graduate school, this scholarship can make a huge difference in your budget.

4. 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.

5. Community College Scholarships

If you're a community college student looking for scholarship programs, look no further. These programs help fund summer programs, two-year college programs, and four-year college programs so that you can earn a degree.

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.

Best High School Senior Scholarships by Academic Interest

1. Biology Scholarships

If you've been interested in the science of life from a young age, these biology scholarships are for you. Undergraduate and graduate students alike can find several fulfilling careers through the study of biology.

2. Business Scholarships

Apply for financial support to fund your entrepreneurial interests. Business scholarships for high school seniors help cultivate a generation of forward-thinking business leaders who contribute positively to society.

3. Education Scholarships

Whether you want to teach at the middle school or university level, becoming an educator makes you a guiding force in the community to shape young lives. Good teachers make a huge difference, and these education scholarships can help make a you get there.

4. Healthcare Scholarships

Aspiring nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and technicians can apply for these healthcare scholarships for high school seniors to get a head start. Let us help you make the world a better place.

5. Government Scholarships

American politics remains a point of uncertainty in many communities. Regardless of your political leanings, these scholarships for government workers support the men and women who seek to give back to their communities through federal or state positions.

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.

The increasing number of loans that graduates are left with puts pressure on them to find jobs immediately, 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.

Scholarships are free funding that help students pay for their college tuition without breaking the bank. A college degree can mean higher base salary and better employment prospects, but that won't matter if students are saddled with insurmountable debt.

Whether you're attending a public or private college, high school scholarships can make education attainable for you. Choose smart ways to fund your college degree so that you're able to get the most out of it after graduation.

How to Find Scholarships for High School Seniors

1. Online Scholarship Platform: Use a trustworthy scholarship provider like Bold.org to help sort through the best scholarships to apply for during your senior year. Online scholarship platforms host hundreds of scholarships and allow you to filter by minimum GPA and other requirements to find what you need.
2. School Counselors: Ask your guidance office or financial aid office if there are local scholarships for graduating high school seniors. These local opportunities may be your best chance of winning money quickly.
3. Organizations or Clubs: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities or societies? These associations may help you fulfill the eligibility requirements for more niche scholarships, such as equine scholarships or art scholarships. See if the organization directly funds any scholarship awards, and then look for general scholarships pertaining to the activity you're participating 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 especially important to begin your applications in high school to maximize the number of scholarships you can apply for and win.

Starting early gives you more time to research and apply for various 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! You can still access valuable funding to support your educational goals by staying persistent and proactive.

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:

1. 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.

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.

2. 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 essay requirements.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Proofread and Submit

Before submitting your application, proofread everything thoroughly to ensure no errors or typos. Submit your application before the scholarship deadline and keep track of your submissions.

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

How to Apply for a College Scholarship on Bold.org

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 ensure you're eligible and find scholarship instructions, such as an essay or video prompt. Once you finish your application materials, click apply, and you're all set!

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.

1. Find Your Best-Fitting Scholarships

There are scholarships for all types of students, regardless of academic performance, level of education, extracurricular activities, and other critera. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 staying organized and planning is essential.

There will be a deadline in every scholarship's description, 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.

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.

4. 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.

Additional Resources for High School Seniors

1. 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. Annual scholarships like this one can provide support for the bulk of your tuition fees.

2. 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 Coca-Cola scholars foundation seeks to provide financial support to high achieving students so that they can focus on their studies, not how to afford an education.

3. Hispanic Scholarship Fund

This high school scholarship for Latina and Latino students funds a significant portion of the bills associated with a post-secondary education. Hispanic students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and intent to enroll in an accredited college can apply for financial assistance from the HSF fund.

You can find more undergraduate scholarships on our student blog! Start preparing now to save up for your college years.