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What Is a Scholarship?
Scholarships are a form of financial aid awarded to students to help pay for their college education or student loan debt. Donors create scholarship funds to help students reduce the cost of their education. Unlike loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid.
The types of scholarships available can vary based on factors like academic merit, field of study, geographic location, and the source of the scholarship. Some scholarships are one-time payments, while others are awarded over a period of time or renewed yearly.
High school, undergraduate, and graduate students have many scholarship opportunities open to them throughout their college journey. Scholarships can be found locally or through organizations such as Bold.org.
Federal financial aid is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. This form of financial aid typically comes in grants or loans.
Scholarship money can be disbursed as checks directly to students for educational expenses or to their colleges and universities to cover tuition costs and fees, depending on the scholarship's guidelines. For details on how financial aid and scholarships work at your school, speak with someone from the school's financial aid office.
How to Get a Scholarship for Your College Education
Anyone has the chance to win a scholarship if they put themselves out there and work hard. Scholarship winners are awarded based on various factors, including the quality of their applications.
To begin, find scholarships you want to apply for, making sure you match the scholarship's eligibility criteria. Gather any necessary documents, proofread your essays, and find people who know you best to write letters of recommendation, and you will have a better chance of winning scholarships.
By meticulously preparing your scholarship applications, you enhance your chances of not only winning a scholarship but also paving the way toward achieving your educational goals with financial peace of mind.
College Scholarships to Apply For
Bold.org has a wide range of college scholarships you can apply for. Whether you're a high school senior stepping into college, an undergraduate looking to ease the financial burden, or a graduate student pursuing advanced studies, Bold.org has something for everyone. Our platform also has scholarships and grants for post-graduates looking to pay off their student debt.
The best college scholarships to apply for are the ones that best meet a student's wants and needs. Students should look for major-specific scholarships, local scholarships, scholarships that fit their interests, etc.
Start searching through Bold.org scholarships today and take a step closer to achieving your academic goals without the stress of financial constraints. Remember, applying early and to as many relevant scholarships as possible increases your chances of success.
Scholarships by State
Local Scholarships
While many of the scholarships on Bold.org are open to students from any location in the United States, there are specific scholarships for students who attend college in different states. Don't let financial barriers hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Explore local scholarships today and invest in your future right where you call home.
Browse scholarships from your area by using the scholarship search page or access your state's page by browsing Scholarships by State.
Scholarships by Major
Depending on the major you choose to pursue, different opportunities will be available to you. Using the scholarship search page can help you find categories that best fit your interests and career path. Categories include arts, business, career, education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, humanities, law, music, STEM, writing, and so many more.
Whether you're an aspiring artist, a future tech innovator, or a budding scientist, unlock the potential to fund your dreams and fuel your academic pursuits with scholarships specifically designed for your major.
Computer, Technology, and STEM Scholarships
As technology becomes more advanced, there is a higher demand for workers with computer, technology, and STEM knowledge. Scholarships for STEM majors help encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers. Computer and technology majors are encouraged to take a look at exclusive computer science and technology scholarships.
Arts and Humanities Scholarships
Designed for the dreamers, the thinkers, and the creators, these scholarships aid you in providing financial support tailored specifically to the unique needs and aspirations of students in the arts and humanities fields.
Whether your passion lies in painting, literature, history, or philosophy, arts and humanities scholarships celebrate and nurture artistic talent and intellectual curiosity. Empower your creative and scholarly pursuits without the burden of financial constraints, and let your imagination and intellect soar with the support of scholarships dedicated to elevating the arts and humanities
Scholarships by Academic Year
Scholarships for High School Students
Scholarships for high school students are some of the most popular since high school is the perfect time to prepare for the next step in your educational journey. Students who start applying early learn skills that will help with scholarship opportunities in the future and will give them a greater chance to earn financial aid for college.
Current high school seniors should explore scholarship programs to find the best scholarship opportunities before they begin college. The sooner you apply for scholarships, the better your chances of winning are. Apply to these high school senior scholarships today!
Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
About 66% of high school students go on to pursue higher education, and nearly 20 million students are currently enrolled in colleges. With high college costs, undergraduate students should seek out scholarships to help them limit the use of student loans.
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
Scholarships don't end after completing your undergraduate degree. After receiving an associate or bachelor's degree, college students pursuing further education have opportunities specifically created for them.
These opportunities are designed to support your advanced studies, helping you to focus on achieving your academic and professional goals without the burden of financial stress. Whether it's through scholarships, grants, or fellowships, the path to your master's or doctoral degree is paved with resources to assist you every step of the way.
Take a look at this list of scholarships for graduate students to find scholarships that are best for you.
Scholarships by Demographics
Scholarships for Women
The number of women attending college has increased, with nearly 60% of college students being female. Scholarships for women help alleviate the financial burdens of higher education, allowing women to focus more on their studies and less on financial constraints. See this list of scholarships for women as well as scholarships specifically for women in STEM.
Scholarships for Minority Students
Scholarships for minority students are tailored to address the unique challenges and barriers that minority students face. These scholarships seek to celebrate diversity, foster a sense of community, and pave the way for future leaders who will thrive not only in their personal achievements but also in their contributions to a more vibrant society.
Scholarships for minorities give opportunities specifically for groups of underrepresented students. On top of the broad scholarship category list for minorities, there are also specific pages for different minority groups.
Scholarships for International Students
Bold.org offers scholarships for international students attending school in the United States. International students help bring great diversity to colleges and help stimulate the United States economy. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by students from around the globe, we offer a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students pursuing their education in the U.S.
These scholarships not only ease the financial burden associated with studying abroad but also celebrate the rich perspectives and innovation that international students bring to our campuses, contributing significantly to the vibrancy of the academic community and the broader U.S. economy.
Scholarships for international students are designed to offset the financial burden that often comes with studying abroad, including tuition, living expenses, books, and sometimes even travel.
Other Types of Scholarships
No-Essay Scholarships
Some of the easiest scholarships to apply for are no-essay scholarships. Each no-essay scholarship has different requirements, but if you are eligible, it only takes a few clicks to apply.
If you are looking for a no-essay scholarship, begin your search with a list of exclusive Bold.org no-essay scholarships.
Easy Scholarships for College or Graduate School
Applying for scholarship opportunities doesn't have to be difficult. Easy scholarships are created to help make scholarship applications simpler and give you experience in the application process.
If you're new to the process, use the easy scholarships listed here as an introduction to the experience. This gives you the chance to apply for many scholarships for college or graduate school, increasing your chances of winning.
Athletic Scholarships
There are special scholarships for student-athletes. College athletic programs offer scholarships to skilled athletes in different sports and divisions. Read more about how you can receive athletic scholarships and what scholarships are open to different athletes by exploring athletic scholarships on Bold.org.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit scholarships are a fantastic way for students to finance their education based on their achievements rather than financial need. These awards recognize excellence in a variety of areas, including academics, athletics, artistic abilities, and other special talents.
Merit scholarships not only provide financial relief but also add prestige to a student's academic profile, highlighting their commitment to excellence in their chosen field. Find merit-based scholarships today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships
In general, scholarships are not counted as income. Because of this, scholarships shouldn't be taxable. However, there are some specific requirements that a scholarship must meet for this to be the case. Check out additional resources like the IRS page on scholarships to check on the status of your scholarship.
Full-ride scholarships aren't as easy to come by, but check the scholarship opportunities through the school you are planning to attend to see if they offer full tuition scholarships. Additionally, check out our list of full-tuition scholarships that can cover the average tuition for a 4-year degree.
Writing scholarship essays is a huge part of applying for financial aid. The better essays you write, the more likely you are to win financial aid through scholarships. See Bold.org's Best Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay for suggestions on how to make your scholarship essays better.