The Best Scholarships for High School Students with Upcoming Deadlines
Explore the best high school scholarships, awarded directly by Bold.org. Apply now for a scholarship that aligns with your academic goals.
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$2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie
By: Sallie
Apply to Sallie Mae's monthly no-essay scholarship for high school students in seconds for a chance to win $2,000!All students are eligible$2,000Winners:1 monthly winnerLearn MoreHosted by a 3rd partyVerified by Bold.orgSponsored1RonranGlee Literary Scholarship
Funded byRonne GleasonThis scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing higher education and making the most of their time through close reading.- Education Level: High school senior or two or four-year undergraduate student
$10,000Deadline:Dec 19, 2025One Click Apply2No Essay Scholarship by Sallie
Funded byBold.orgThis exclusive no-essay scholarship is for anyone thinking through how to pay for college.All students are eligible$10,000Only 7 days left!One Click Apply3Bold.org No-Essay Community Scholarship
Funded byBold.orgThis scholarship will be awarded to a student who has invited many friends to join Bold.org.All students are eligible$5,000Only 7 days left!One Click Apply4Anthony McPherson Memorial Automotive Scholarship
Funded byDenese McPhersonThis scholarship seeks to honor the life of Anthony McPherson by raising awareness about drunk driving and supporting students pursuing careers in the automotive industry.- Field of Interest: Automotive
- Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
$2,750Deadline:Nov 08, 20255Ethel 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 eligible$3,805Deadline:Jun 13, 2026One Click Apply6Bassed in PLUR Scholarship
Funded byEarth LyonsThis scholarship aims to support students who find inspiration in EDM and festival culture and who are passionate about furthering their education.- Education Level: High school senior, trade school student, incoming college student, or current undergraduate or graduate student
- Age: 18 or older
- Interests: Music
$1,000Deadline:Dec 14, 2025One Click Apply7Mad Genius Scholarship
Funded byFoodStory BrandsThis scholarship aims to award geniuses in the making by helping scholastic and/or artistic geniuses hone their crafts.- Background: Exceptionally creative, inspired, and motivated to achieve in creative fields
- Education Level: High school, undergraduate, trade school, or graduate student
$8,000Deadline:Nov 01, 2025One Click Apply8David Foster Memorial Scholarship
Funded byFosterThis scholarship aims to honor the legacy of David Foster by supporting students who have been significantly impacted by a high school teacher.- Education Level: High school senior
$2,700Deadline:May 01, 2026One Click Apply9Allen Schwinkendorf Memorial Scholarship
Funded bySchwinkendorf FamilyThis scholarship aims to honor the life of Allen Schwinkendorf by investing in the next generation of automotive technicians.- Education Level: High school senior or high school graduate
- Education Goals: Will attend trade school
$4,785Deadline:Apr 18, 2026One Click Apply10Bright Lights Scholarship
Funded byBria AlexanderThis scholarship aims to support students who have had to overcome obstacles in order to pursue a college education.- Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
- Identity: Underrepresented minority and/or first-generation college student
$1,200Deadline:Dec 12, 2025One Click Apply11A Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship
Funded byFatherly Advice Life CoachThis scholarship seeks to support women who are pursuing higher education in order to uplift other women.- Gender: Female-identifying
- Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, trade school or graduate student
$1,050Deadline:Nov 30, 2025One Click Apply12Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship
Funded byMatthew E. Minor Awareness FoundationThis scholarship aims to encourage the next generation to combat bullying and to protect children and teens on the internet.- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Education Level: High school senior (Class of 2026)
$1,000Deadline:Mar 01, 2026One Click Apply13Mema and Papa Scholarship
Funded byThe Cheetah FundThis scholarship seeks to support students who are preparing to finish high school and embark on their pursuit of higher education.- Education Level: High school senior
- State: Pennsylvania
$600Deadline:Apr 12, 2026One Click Apply14Sandy’s Scholarship
Funded byDykshoorn FamilyThis scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Sandy Dykshoorn by supporting students who share her calling to healthcare and/or human services.- Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
- State: New York
- Field of Study: Healthcare
$2,100Deadline:Dec 06, 2025One Click Apply15Future Women In STEM Scholarship
Funded byKeisha DurhamThis scholarship seeks to foster gender equity in male-dominated fields by supporting women who are pursuing STEM disciplines.- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- Gender: Female-identifying
- Field of Study: STEM
- Background: Member of a historically underrepresented group
$1,040Deadline:Dec 01, 2025One Click Apply16Pereira Art & Technology Scholarship
Funded byThe Pereira FoundationThis scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing higher education despite the circumstances they were born into.- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- Field of Study: Technology, arts, or business
- Race: BIPOC
- Experience: Non-profit or volunteering experience
- Financial Status: Low-income
$3,000Deadline:Nov 05, 2025One Click Apply17Chef Marco “Gabby” Pantano Memorial Scholarship
Funded byElizabeth SchmaltzThis scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Chef Marco Pantano by supporting aspiring chefs who plan to spend their careers in the culinary arts field.- Field of Study: Culinary arts
- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
$1,200Only 10 days left!One Click Apply18Douglass M. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship
Funded byMarggi LowenbergThis scholarship aims to honor the memory of the Hamilton family patriarch by helping low-income students pursue higher education.- Financial Status: Low-income
- State: Oregon
- Background: First-Generation College Student
$15,000Only 30 days left!One Click Apply19Albert "Bert" Howie Memorial Scholarship
Funded byHowie FamilyThis scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Albert Howie by supporting students who are pursuing higher education.- Education Level: High school senior, high school graduate, or undergraduate student
- Current or Future School: Del Mar College
$3,275Deadline:Mar 22, 2026One Click Apply20Bob Thompson Memorial Scholarship
Funded byThompsonThis scholarship seeks to give back to Bob Thompson’s community by supporting students who share his love for education.- State: Ohio
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Field of Study: Education
- Education Level: High school senior or four-year undergraduate student
$6,100Deadline:Apr 30, 2026One Click Apply21Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship
Funded byChavezThis scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Dr. Edward V. Chavez by supporting students who have lost a parent and are passionate about sports.- Education Level: High school student
- Background: Has lost one or both parents
- Passion: Sports
$655Deadline:Oct 30, 2025One Click Apply22Joseph C. Lowe Memorial Scholarship
Funded byLowe FamilyThis scholarship aims to honor the life of Joseph C. Lowe by supporting students who share his love of history and community improvement.- Education: High school senior or undergraduate
- Background: Volunteering or community service
- Major: History
$600Deadline:May 01, 2026One Click Apply23Shaffer Family First Responder Scholarship
Funded byKyle DiDio-ShafferThis scholarship aims to help first responder families while investing in the next generation in order to express gratitude and commitment to those who serve and protect us every day.- Education Level: High school student
- Background: Child of a Delaware first responder (firefighter, police officer, paramedic, military personnel, or dispatcher)
- Goals: Will attend an accredited college or university
$3,700Deadline:Dec 01, 2025One Click Apply24Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship
Funded byCariloopThis scholarship seeks to support student caregivers so they can afford to pursue their dreams of higher education.- Background: Current student who is or was the main caregiver in their family and/or community
- Background: Low Income
$8,500Only 7 days left!One Click Apply25Charles Bowlus Memorial Scholarship
Funded byMelissa FontanellaThis scholarship aims to honor the life of Charles Bowlus by supporting students who share his passion for business and entrepreneurship.- Education Level: High school senior
- GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Planned Field of Study: Business
- Background: From a low-income or single-parent household, or has been impacted by cancer
$3,440Deadline:Dec 18, 2025One Click Apply26Jimmie “DC” Sullivan Memorial Scholarship
Funded byThe Sullivan FamilyThis scholarship aims to honor the life of Jimmie “DC” Sullivan by supporting students who are involved in athletics in their community.- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- Background: Student-athlete and/or student-coach
- Experience: Community service experience
$3,550Deadline:Jan 19, 2026One Click Apply27Electric Cycle Studio Student Athlete Scholarship
Funded byElectric Cycle StudioThis scholarship seeks to support student-athletes who embody dedication, perseverance, and a strong commitment to both academics and athletics.- Education Level: High school senior
- State: California
- Background: Athlete
$1,000Only 7 days left!One Click Apply28Skybrook Men's Golf Association Scholarship
Funded bySkybrook Golf MGAThis scholarship seeks to support student golfers who need financial assistance to further their educational goals.- State: North Carolina
- Sport: Golf
- Education Level: High school student
- Background: Financial need
$2,200Deadline:Apr 01, 2026One Click Apply29Natalie Jude Women in the Arts Scholarship
Funded byAshlynn JohnsonThis scholarship aims to honor the memory of Natalie Jude by supporting female and genderqueer students who share her passion for the arts.- Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
- Gender: Female or genderqueer-identifying
- Field of Study: Art
$1,000Only 7 days left!30
High school students lose nearly $3 billion in grant money every year just by not filling out the FAFSA. Leverage Bold.org's 100% free, updated, and exclusive scholarship awards to find money you have a real chance of winning. Don't miss out on funding that could pay for your degree.
Thousands of dollars in scholarship awards go unclaimed every year. Yet hundreds of high school students miss out on scholarships because they think they won't qualify. Bold.org has awarded over $30 million in direct financial aid and continues to connect students with awards that are relevant to their experiences.
Odds of Winning a Scholarship in High School
Financial aid is much more attainable than you realize. According to the Education Data Initiative, tuition aid for college is readily available:
- $24 billion in scholarships is available to college students every year.
- There is enough scholarship money available to give every full-time enrolled student $9,744.
- On average, first-time undergraduates at 4-year colleges receive $15,750 in aid annually.
Whether you're trying to save up for an associate's degree or have plans to attend graduate school eventually, applying for scholarships in high school is a smart investment.
Scholarships can still be competitive; the odds of winning a private scholarship are about 1 in 8. Even so, given the amount of aid that's available—and often goes unclaimed—applying for aid is still one of the smartest steps students can take to attend college.
Here's what Bold.org offers in this guide for High School Students:
If you're looking for a way to make your scholarship search more efficient, you're in the right place. As experts in the scholarship and educational finance niche—we help hundreds of students attend college every year—we can provide tried-and-true strategies to fund your degree.
- Exclusive scholarships for high school students and high school seniors
- Advice on how to apply for college scholarships
- Tips on how to win scholarship opportunities
- Our top picks for affordable, cost-effective colleges
Don't miss out on the financial support that's already available through free aid money. Take the next step towards a college education and apply now!
Sign up for a free Bold.org profile today and finish college with less debt than your peers.
Best Scholarships for High School Students
1. Easy Scholarships
For high school students 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. Athletic Scholarships
Good grades are important, but test scores aren't the only way you can pay for college. Students with outstanding athletic ability can apply for these scholarships to turn their sports wins into financial wins. Plus, colleges may recruit high school athletes to play for collegiate teams. If you're lucky enough to be recruited, you may also receive a hefty discount on your college tuition.
3. Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit scholarships reward students with good grades. If you have a high GPA or impressive test scores, apply for merit financial assistance. These awards are given to students who have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to their passion!
4. No-Essay High School 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.
5. Dell Scholars Program
Current high school seniors 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.
6. High School Senior Scholarships
Many high school scholarships are meant for seniors, although other grade levels will also find awards to apply for. These scholarships are focused on helping graduating seniors afford their college bills as they prepare to move on campus.
Best College Scholarships by Major
1. Chemistry Scholarships
If chemical reactions are your thing, apply for these college scholarships that support future chemists, pharmacists, and engineers. With highly specialized areas of study like these, you may even need to continue your studies as a graduate student. Apply for multiple scholarships at once to improve your odds of winning and build up a budget for undergraduate and graduate school.
2. Culinary Scholarships
Academic achievement is important, but so are your hobbies. Cooking might be your passion, and if so, you should have the tools to pursue it as a career. These culinary scholarships can help you pay for cooking programs at an accredited college of your choice.
3. Computer Science Scholarships
Computer science has become one of the most popular majors in recent years, and for good reason. With many of our world's services becoming digitalized, having a mind for the web can make you a very attractive candidate for many fields.
4. Finance Scholarships
Graduating high school seniors with a passion for making and managing money will want to check out these college scholarship opportunities. A degree in finance means you'll be able to become an investment banker, risk analyst, or accounting manager. These are all careers that will require more than just a high school diploma, so apply for college tuition aid now.
Scholarships for the Most Expensive Types of Higher Education
1. Law School Scholarships
Planning for law school means financial aid for both undergraduate and graduate students. Apply for pre-law and law school scholarships to build up a budget and prevent yourself from accumulating debt. Even if you're just a recent high school graduate, looking ahead to what bills you'll face as a graduate student is a good idea.
2. Medical School Scholarships
Attending medical school after a four-year university program means a uniquely expensive degree. Doctoral students will likely need to apply for federal financial aid, medical school scholarships, and research grants to afford their education. Start with these scholarships for medical school students and consider other STEM or life sciences scholarships for your major, or occupation-related scholarships.
3. Graduate School Scholarships
It's not too early to start thinking about grad school, whether you're a high school freshman or in your senior year of undergraduate school. Apply for grad school scholarships to keep going on your educational journey. Grad school scholarships may be a bit more competitive than undergrad and high school scholarships; these may look for demonstrated leadership, higher minimum GPAs, and more experience in your area of study.
How to Apply for High School Scholarships
Applying for high school scholarships can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps can make the process more manageable—whether you're a high school senior, an international student, or a minority student seeking financial support. Follow this guide to maximize your chances of securing scholarships that cater to your unique background and goals.
1. Find Scholarships Effectively
Begin your scholarship search as early as your freshman or sophomore year of high school. Use platforms to discover scholarships catered specifically to college students, high school seniors, and even students enrolled in summer programs. Be sure to filter opportunities based on eligibility, such as GPA, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, or demographic-specific criteria.
Make sure to consider these avenues to help you find scholarships:
- High school counselors: Some high schools have scholarships that are awarded annually to current students. Ask around and see if there are any exclusive and local scholarships for your school.
- College or university financial aid offices: Similarly, some scholarships' eligibility requirements may include attending a specific college or university. In that case, be sure to apply, as anyone who doesn't attend your school can't apply. This will limit your competition drastically.
- Online scholarship platforms: In your quest to pay for your bachelor's degree, leave no stone unturned. Online scholarship platforms provide you with the easiest way to access a large volume of scholarships, though they will be more competitive.
- Extracurricular or organizational scholarships: High school and undergraduate students who are involved in clubs can apply for club-specific scholarships. This also applies if you're a volunteer for a local organization or part of a sports team. Ask your advisor, superior, or coach if your activity has scholarships available.
2. Stay Organized and Track Scholarship Deadlines
Each scholarship has a specific deadline, and missing it could mean missing out on free college money. Create a spreadsheet or use a digital calendar to track application dates, required documents, and essay prompts. Prioritize scholarships that cater to your strengths, identity, or academic interests, such as awards for minority students, students involved in summer programs, or those with strong standardized test scores.
3. Personalize Your Applications
When applying, tailor each application to the scholarship’s mission. Whether you're applying as a high school senior aiming for STEM, an international student pursuing the arts, or a first-generation college applicant, highlight how your goals align with the scholarship provider’s values. Strong essays, letters of recommendation, and a polished resume can help you stand out.
Ask a professor or advisor who knows you personally and understands the meaningful impact you'll have on society to write your recommendation letter. Someone who's able to demonstrate both why you're a good candidate for award money and how you'll contribute positively in the future is ideal.
4. Apply to Many Scholarships, Frequently
The more scholarships you apply to, the greater your chances of receiving aid. Some scholarships cater to niche interests or specific communities, so don’t overlook smaller awards—they can add up and help reduce the financial burden of college.
The award amounts for each scholarship vary drastically. Annual scholarships may have higher dollar amounts, while non-renewable scholarships from smaller donors may be just a few hundred dollars. Either way, apply to anything you're eligible for.
Tips for Applying for High School Scholarships
1. Start Early
Begin researching scholarships as early as your freshman year in high school. This allows ample time to understand the requirements and deadlines. Make sure not to miss priority deadlines, as submitting applications early can help boost your chances with any available scholarships.
2. Complete the FAFSA
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial, as it's often a prerequisite for state-funded scholarships and grants. Many public schools also determine acceptance package scholarship amounts based on the FAFSA.
3. Seek Guidance from School Counselors
High school counselors can provide valuable information about state-specific scholarships and grants, as well as application processes and deadlines. Oftentimes, there are scholarships only available within a university system, so ask your financial aid office about school-exclusive opportunities.
4. Review and Revise Applications
Before submitting any scholarship application, review all materials carefully. Only students who demonstrate effort in their applications will have a chance of winning, so double-check the scholarship description for hints on what the donor wants to see from you.
Other students who aren't as meticulous may be qualified for the award but miss out due to simple mistakes in their applications. Ensure essays are well-written and free of errors and that all application components meet the program's requirements.
Additional Resources for High School Seniors and Students
1. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program rewards students with outstanding PSAT and SAT scores. The process is competitive and has many tiers, including commended students, semifinalists, finalists, and finally, scholars.
Only those who are deemed outstanding students receive National Merit Scholarships, but commended students and finalists still benefit by reporting their status on college applications. Any eligible students should apply for a chance to win.
2. Fulbright Program
This international educational exchange program, sponsored by the U.S. government, is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries. It offers scholarships for U.S. citizens to study, conduct research, and teach abroad, as well as for non-U.S. citizens to do the same in the United States. As it takes academic performance into account, it can be considered a merit scholarship program, though it's far more comprehensive than the average scholarship.
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.
Access our blog to find more resources and guides!
Frequently Asked Questions
No-essay scholarships are the easiest scholarships to apply for as they require less effort. You don't need to write an essay for these, meaning you can apply in minutes. Specific scholarships with lots of eligibility requirements are the easiest to win, as you'll have less competition.
High school seniors can apply for full-tuition or full-ride scholarships to cover the bulk of their expenses in college. In order to win a full-ride scholarship, you'll need to display academic excellence, competitive coursework, and extracurricular activities that make you stand out. Apply for full-ride scholarships like the Coca-Cola Scholars Program or Gates Scholarship, but bear in mind these are very competitive awards.
No, any student who is a high school freshman or older can apply for scholarships. There are scholarships for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and returning students. The types of scholarships you can apply for depend on your academic goals, achievements, and background, but rest assured, there's a scholarship for everyone.