Top Computer Science Scholarships to Apply for in January 2026

If Silicon Valley isn't already one of the most important places in America, it will be soon. Computer science has ushered in a new age of modernity, and without programmers, IT workers, software engineers, and more, society as we know it would cease to exist.

Computer science scholarships can help undergraduate and graduate students thrive in this cutthroat field. With strong competition and limited resources, getting your hands on one of these scholarships can make a significant impact on your education.

Here are some key statistics from the Education Data Initiative, CNBC, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for why you should get a degree in computer science and how undergraduate and graduate scholarships can get you there:

1. Computer science degrees have the second-greatest return on investment of any bachelor's degree (1,753%).
2. Demand for computer science jobs will increase by 26% in the next decade.
3. Approximately 1 in 8 students have received a scholarship, with an average award of $4,200.

At Bold.org, we are committed to making higher education accessible for high school students, undergraduate students, and graduate students pursuing computer science majors through our unique scholarship opportunities. Let's look at some scholarship opportunities for computer science students!

Computer science students can apply for Bold.org scholarships today to get ahead of the game. All you have to do is create a free profile!

Best Computer Science Scholarships

1. Science Scholarships

Science scholarships encompass a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees which involve a highly systematic study of the physical and natural world, including computer science! These financial awards are designed to alleviate the cost of tuition and other educational expenses for students pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields.

2. STEM Scholarships

Even broader than science scholarships, STEM scholarships also support students in technology, engineering, and mathematics majors. STEM scholarships are often the biggest scholarships due to high demand and successful donors looking to encourage the next generation of innovators.

3. Scholarships for Women in STEM

Like almost every academic field, STEM majors are intensely male-dominated. These scholarships seek to uplift the talents and voices of women looking to prove themselves in scientific and mathematical fields of study.

4. Tech Scholarships

While the earliest forms of technology would have come nowhere near the computing power we now associate with "technology," the world we live in now cannot exist without innovations in computer science. Apply for these technology scholarships and get a head start on being a part of the next iteration of technological advancements!

Scholarships for Minority Computer Science Students

1. Scholarships for Black Computer Science Majors

These scholarships are designed to empower Black students and those of African descent pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields. By offering financial support, these awards help combat underrepresentation in tech and provide opportunities to thrive in undergraduate and graduate programs.

2. Computer Science Scholarships for Asian Americans

Computer science scholarships for Asian American students recognize both achievement and need within a diverse community. These awards may be based on academic merit, cultural heritage, or leadership potential, and are often supported by nonprofit organizations, alumni groups, and engineering societies.

3. First Generation Computer Science Student Scholarships

Being the first in your family to pursue a college education is a major milestone, and scholarships for first-generation computer science students are here to support that journey. These awards help reduce financial barriers for students with no prior family experience in higher education, often prioritizing strong academic performance and commitment to success in the field of computer science and computer information systems.

Computer Science Scholarships For Related Majors

1. Cybersecurity Scholarships

Cybersecurity scholarships are tailored for students committed to defending our digital future. If you're passionate about ethical hacking, digital forensics, or building safe systems, these scholarships are a great way to receive financial support while pursuing your goals.

2. Math Scholarships for Computer Science

Math and computer science go hand in hand. Algorithms, cryptography, data science, and machine learning all depend on strong mathematical foundations. These scholarships reward students majoring in computer science who also demonstrate aptitude in mathematics, paving the way to advanced research or tech careers.

3. Information Technology Scholarships

These awards are perfect for those planning to manage, design, or optimize the systems that power modern businesses and communication networks. Whether you're working toward an undergraduate degree or preparing for graduate school, these scholarships can help fund your journey into the ever-growing IT field.

4. Engineering Scholarships

Engineering often intersects with computer science, particularly in fields such as software engineering and even electrical engineering. These scholarships can support students who are double majors or just looking to round out their degrees. The award money in these opportunities is meant to recognize your potential to contribute to technological advancement and innovation.

High school seniors, listen up! These scholarships for senior students are a great way to make sure you have an amazing start to your college degree!

How to Apply for Computer Science & Engineering Scholarships

1. Qualify for Computer Science Scholarships

The main requirement for engineering or computer science scholarships is that applicants must be pursuing or looking to pursue a degree in computer science or engineering. Make sure you have documentation that can back this up, such as a transcript with your declared major or enrollment letter from your computer science department. Some scholarships may also accept self-reporting.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements may vary from scholarship to scholarship, depending on the donor's preference. This means that not all engineering and computer science scholarships are open to all students. Students majoring in these fields must remember that their degree isn't the only requirement. Some common requirements include:

1. minimum GPA
2. demonstrated financial need
3. enrolled at an accredited university

3. Initiate Your Scholarship Search

Start by researching scholarships tailored for computer science enthusiasts. Use scholarship search engines, university websites, and professional organizations like ACM, IEEE Computer Society, and tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for each scholarship, such as academic performance, field of study, or specific demographics (e.g., women in tech, minority students).

4. Compile Your Application Materials

Secure your transcripts from high school or college. Request letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or mentors who know your computer science prowess. Give them ample time and details about the scholarship.

Craft a personal statement that highlights your passion for computer science, notable achievements, and future aspirations. Include any relevant projects, hackathons, or research. Check out this guide on how to write a personal statement for a scholarship if you need help with this step!

Prepare a detailed resume featuring your academic milestones, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, internships, coding projects, and research experience.

5. Debug Your Application

Accurately fill out application forms, ensuring there are no errors or omissions. Adhere to all application instructions, including formatting requirements and deadlines. Most scholarships require online submissions, so make sure all documents are correctly formatted and uploaded as per the guidelines.

6. Submit Multiple Applications

Submitting multiple applications can increase your chances of winning more scholarship money. The more you apply for, the more funds you can win to help you pay for your computer science program.

7. Monitor Your Application Status

Consider keeping a calendar of scholarship deadlines and submission dates. After submitting your applications, check their status and follow up if necessary. Some scholarships might require additional information or interviews.

Tips for Winning Computer Science Scholarships

1. Apply as Early as Possible

The sooner you look for scholarships, the more they will be available to you and the more you will be able to apply for them later. Applying early allows you to get the most out of scholarships, leaving time for you to space out your applications and apply for more scholarships.

2. Apply to as Many Scholarships as Possible

The more scholarships you apply to, the more likely you are to win one. You won't win every scholarship you apply to, so applying to many will give you your best chance of earning financial aid through scholarships. This will also give you a chance to get used to how scholarships are set up so that you have more experience and can do even better in the future.

3. Pick Scholarships with More Eligibility Requirements

Scholarships with more specific eligibility requirements have fewer applicants. With fewer people applying to the more individualized scholarships, you have a better chance of securing one of these scholarships. The narrower pool of submissions will help your chances, so look to apply for more specific scholarships that you qualify for.

Additional Resources for Computer Science Students

1. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics

SIAM is a great resource if you're interested in applied mathematics and its connection to computer science. They offer journals, conferences, and a supportive community that can really boost your understanding and network, in addition to many financial aid options. Whether you're tackling complex algorithms or exploring computational theories, SIAM has got you covered. 

2. Association for Computing Machinery

The Association for Computing Machinery is one of the largest and most prestigious organizations for computing professionals and students. ACM offers a wealth of resources, including publications, conferences, and special interest groups that cover a wide range of computing disciplines. Membership provides access to a digital library, networking opportunities, and various professional development programs.

3. Association for Information and Science Technology

ASIS&T is perfect for those who are passionate about the intersection of information, technology, and people. They focus on information science and technology and help members develop necessary skills through their publications, conferences, and webinars. It's a great place to stay updated on the latest research and trends in the computer science field.

Find financial aid today for undergraduate or graduate students by applying for Bold.org scholarships and reducing your costs of college!

For more detailed help on how to apply for and win scholarships, browse our scholarship blog for free guides and student life articles.