Find scholarships that fit you

A large no-essay giveaway scholarship run periodically throughout the year by the ScholarshipOwl platform. It's designed as a low-effort entry point for students building out a broader scholarship application strategy.

Eligibility: U.S. students of any grade level or major who create a free ScholarshipOwl profile.

Provides foster youth in California with up to $4,500 a year toward education and living costs, with no minimum GPA requirement. It's meant to remove financial barriers for students transitioning out of the foster care system.

Eligibility: Current or former California foster youth who were in foster care between ages 16-18 and have not yet turned 26, enrolled at least half-time in college or vocational training.

A quick-entry monthly sweepstakes-style scholarship that requires only a short application with no essay. It's aimed at reducing the time barrier to applying for scholarship money.

Eligibility: U.S. residents 16 or older who are high school juniors/seniors or currently enrolled college students (or their parents).

A rolling, no-essay scholarship where a winner is chosen based on the boldness of their Bold.org profile rather than grades or a written essay. It runs on monthly application cycles throughout the year.

Eligibility: Students at any education level, school, field of study, or GPA; profile-based application through Bold.org.

A highly competitive, full "last-dollar" scholarship funded by the Gates Foundation that covers whatever costs aren't already met by financial aid, so the total value varies by student and college. About 300 scholars are selected each year.

Eligibility: High school seniors who are Pell-eligible/low-income, belong to specific underrepresented minority groups, and have at least a 3.3 GPA.

A national achievement scholarship that recognizes 150 graduating seniors each year for leadership, academics, and service rather than financial need. Winners join a lifelong network of Coca-Cola Scholars alumni with mentorship opportunities.

Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school seniors (including homeschoolers) graduating in the 2026-2027 school year who are U.S. citizens or eligible residents.

Matches high-achieving, low-income students with full four-year scholarships at selective partner colleges, covering tuition, room, and board. The exact dollar value depends on the matched college's cost of attendance.

Eligibility: High school seniors from households generally earning under $65,000 a year with strong academic records; must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

A prestigious academic competition based on PSAT/NMSQT performance that recognizes roughly 15,000 finalists nationwide. The one-time National Merit $2,500 Scholarship is separate from additional corporate- and college-sponsored awards that can be larger.

Eligibility: High school juniors who took the qualifying PSAT/NMSQT and are progressing toward a 2027 graduation; entrants must confirm eligibility records by this date.

Awards more than 100 first-generation students a year with $2,500 annually for up to four years. It's funded by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International as part of its community investment in the students' home region.

Eligibility: First-generation college-bound high school seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need. (Exact deadline varies year to year; estimated based on the typical fall application window.)

A prestigious multidisciplinary arts competition offering cash awards plus mentorship and career development for teen artists. Top winners are invited to National YoungArts Week for further evaluation and larger prizes.

Eligibility: Artists ages 15-18 (grades 10-12) working in disciplines including visual arts, photography, writing, music, dance, theater, and film. (Deadline based on the historical annual pattern; the 2027 cycle opens July 21, 2026.)

A California-focused award supporting the next generation of Latino journalists, presented by the California Chicano News Media Association. It has funded student journalists in the state for decades alongside networking and mentorship opportunities.

Eligibility: Latino students who reside or attend school in California and are pursuing a degree or career in journalism.

Awards four $2,000 scholarships to high schoolers who show strong technical skill and creative vision across a range of visual art media. Submissions are judged as a small portfolio rather than a single piece.

Eligibility: High school students (NSHSS members) submitting original work in photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, or digital art.

Recognizes student athletes who balance strong academics with competitive sports, regardless of which sport they play. It's part of NSHSS's broader slate of scholarships open to its member students.

Eligibility: High school student athletes (NSHSS members) with a 3.5 GPA or higher, in any sport and any gender.

A patriotic-themed audio-essay competition run by the VFW, awarding a top national prize of $35,000 plus additional national and state-level scholarships. Students record a short essay responding to an annual theme about American democracy.

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 enrolled in a U.S. public, private, parochial, or home school program.

Rewards teens and young adults for grassroots community organizing and activism rather than grades or test scores. It's designed to be accessible to students who may not have traditional scholarship credentials.

Eligibility: Young people ages 13-25 living in the U.S. who have led or participated in a community service or social-impact project.

A one-time $10,000 award to support graduate study for NCAA athletes who excelled academically while competing. Roughly 126 scholarships are given out across three award cycles each year.

Eligibility: Former student-athletes who completed their final year of NCAA athletic eligibility and earned an undergraduate degree; must be nominated by their institution. (Deadline is an estimate; NCAA runs three nomination cycles a year.)

The successor to the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, this program funds and celebrates teens tackling real community problems, with 25 winners receiving $5,000 and one grand-prize winner receiving an additional $10,000. Winners also get an all-expenses-paid trip to a leadership summit.

Eligibility: Young people ages 14-18 (roughly grades 9-12) who have created a project addressing a financial or social challenge in their community.

A highly selective award for high-achieving students with financial need, covering up to $55,000 per year toward tuition, books, and living costs at an accredited four-year college. Recipients also get individualized advising throughout college.

Eligibility: High school seniors graduating in spring 2027 with a minimum 3.75 unweighted GPA and family adjusted gross income generally under $95,000.

One of the largest independently funded scholarship competitions in the country, awarding renewable scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 a year. Top finalists who attend the national scholarship weekend can receive significantly larger awards.

Eligibility: U.S. citizen high school seniors planning full-time four-year study; evaluated on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.

Recognizes early-career women in computing for technical achievement and leadership potential, with $7,500 for winners and $2,500 for honorable mentions. It's part of the broader NCWIT Aspirations in Computing community that also runs a high school-level award.

Eligibility: Women and non-binary college freshmen, sophomores, or two-year college students active in computing coursework or projects. (Deadline estimated from the prior year's application window.)

A nomination-based scholarship recognizing seniors for volunteer work and leadership, with a base $2,500 award and a $10,000 "Founders Scholarship" tier for standout recipients. Since students can't apply directly, interested seniors should ask their school counselor about nominating them.

Eligibility: High school seniors in Comcast service areas nominated by a school principal or counselor based on community service, academics, and leadership.

One of the longest-running programs recognizing creative teens, offering regional recognition plus national portfolio scholarships up to $12,500 for top Gold Medalists. It covers both visual art and written work across many categories.

Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12 submitting original artwork or writing; regional deadlines vary by location, generally falling between December and January.

Named for Burger King co-founder James McLamore, this program funds thousands of students annually, with most awards in the $1,000-$5,000 range and a small number of $60,000 top awards. It closes early each year once a set number of applications is reached.

Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (plus Burger King employees and their family members) demonstrating community involvement and financial need.

Awards twenty seniors $20,000 each (paid over four years) for combining athletic involvement with academic achievement and community engagement. It's funded by the Foot Locker Foundation and doesn't require athletes to be elite competitors.

Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors involved in high school, intramural, or community sports with a minimum 3.0 GPA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Formerly the AXA Achievement Scholarship, this program rewards ambition and community involvement with a renewable $5,000-per-year award. About 200 students nationwide receive it each cycle.

Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with at least a 2.5 GPA; no financial need requirement. (Deadline estimated from the prior cycle's pattern; the foundation had not yet posted the 2026-27 date at time of writing.)

Provides up to $35,000 over four years along with an intensive leadership development program and mentoring network. It particularly supports high-achieving students of color pursuing a four-year degree.

Eligibility: U.S. citizen graduating high school seniors with demonstrated financial need, leadership potential, and a record of community service.

Funds young two-dimensional visual artists through a national chapter-based competition, with a combined annual scholarship pool of about $16,000 split among regional and national winners. It's one of several discipline-specific awards run by the Society.

Eligibility: Visual artists ages 16-22 who submit work through a local NSAL chapter.

Supports students with disabilities studying computer science with a $10,000 award and an invitation to Google's Scholars' Retreat at the Googleplex. Recipients are also considered for Google internship opportunities.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with disabilities pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related technical field. (Deadline is an estimate based on the typical February-March window.)

Supports around 500 low-income students a year with a $20,000 scholarship, a laptop, and ongoing academic and financial coaching through college. It targets students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue higher education.

Eligibility: High school seniors with financial need (Pell Grant-eligible) who completed an approved college-readiness program during junior and senior year, minimum 2.4 GPA.

The largest Hispanic-serving scholarship organization in the country, selecting about 10,000 scholars a year and pairing awards with mentorship, career development, and internship opportunities. Award size depends on financial need and academic record.

Eligibility: Students of Hispanic heritage with at least a 3.0 GPA (high school) or 2.5 GPA (college) planning full-time enrollment at an accredited institution.

Recognizes first-generation college students for leadership, community involvement, and clear educational goals rather than financial need. Up to 15 awards of $5,000-$10,000 are given each cycle.

Eligibility: Currently enrolled first-generation undergraduate students planning to continue full-time study for the entire upcoming academic year. (Deadline estimated from the prior cycle.)

Funded by the accounting and consulting firm RSM, this scholarship provides up to $10,000 a year, renewable for up to three years, for first-generation students. It's aimed at helping students who are the first in their family to attend college graduate without excess debt.

Eligibility: Incoming first-generation college students (graduating high school seniors) planning to enroll full-time in a bachelor's degree program.

A tech-industry-funded award aimed at increasing the number of women in software engineering, including professional development workshops alongside the $7,000 scholarship. Recipients may also be considered for Palantir internships.

Eligibility: Women who are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors majoring in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field. (Deadline estimated from the prior cycle; not yet reconfirmed for 2027.)

Awards over 100 students nationally who have overcome hardship, showing integrity and a commitment to completing a college degree. Recipients also gain access to mentoring and a scholar community.

Eligibility: High school juniors who have faced significant adversity and demonstrate critical financial need (family income typically under $100,000).

Helps close the gap for California families who earn too much for need-based aid but still struggle with college costs. Recent average awards were roughly $2,600-$3,010 a year, though the exact amount varies by campus and family contribution.

Eligibility: California undergraduates attending a UC or CSU campus whose family income and assets fall at or below $234,000; no separate application beyond FAFSA/CADAA.

California's flagship state financial aid program, which can cover full tuition at a UC campus (up to roughly $12,570/year) or smaller amounts at CSUs and community colleges depending on grant type. Award type and amount are determined automatically from the FAFSA/CADAA.

Eligibility: California resident high school seniors or college students attending an eligible California institution; must file FAFSA/CADAA and submit a GPA by the deadline.

Created by the original Mercury 7 astronauts, this award supports promising STEM researchers with up to $15,000 and connects them with a network of astronaut alumni. Students must be nominated through a participating university, so not all campuses have access.

Eligibility: College juniors and seniors pursuing STEM research, nominated by faculty at an ASF-affiliated university.

The United Negro College Fund manages over 400 named scholarship funds primarily benefiting students at the 37 UNCF member HBCUs. Award amounts vary widely by specific named scholarship, from a few thousand dollars up to full-ride packages.

Eligibility: Students with a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need enrolled at a UNCF member HBCU or affiliated institution.

SWE distributes over $1.5 million annually across more than 330 individual scholarships, with award sizes ranging widely by program. It's one of the largest scholarship sources specifically supporting women in engineering fields.

Eligibility: Women pursuing ABET-accredited engineering, engineering technology, or computer science degrees, from incoming freshmen through graduate students.

California's statewide honor for athletes who also excel in the classroom and community, awarding $10,000 to two state winners and $1,500 to twenty section winners. Applicants submit a short essay alongside academic and athletic records.

Eligibility: California high school senior athletes with at least two years of varsity competition who demonstrate strong character and academics. (Exact 2026-27 deadline not yet published; estimated from prior years' spring timing.)

A partnership between the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities that funds 17 scholarships a year for first-generation students. It's open to students attending any HACU-member campus, not only Hispanic-serving institutions.

Eligibility: First-generation college students attending or planning to attend a HACU-member institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. (Deadline estimated from the prior year's cycle.)

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers funds a range of scholarships to grow the pipeline of Hispanic engineers and scientists. Amounts vary by the specific named award within the ScholarSHPE program.

Eligibility: SHPE members enrolled or planning to enroll full-time at a two- or four-year college, minimum 2.5 GPA, pursuing a STEM field.

A monthly no-essay scholarship open to students at nearly any stage of education. Finalists are asked a brief interview question about how they plan to fund their education.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the high school, college, community college, graduate, technical, or vocational level.