The joy of most high school graduates is to further their education and attain bigger educational feats. However, as high school students prepare to join college, the cost of tuition and related fees can be a significant barrier to overcome. Today, such pressure is reduced by scholarship opportunities for young and vibrant students who want to advance their education. Hence, herein we have provided you with a good list of College scholarships for high school students to check out.

Fortunately, many organizations, private and religious groups, foundations, and government agencies provide financial assistance that can help relieve the burden of college fees. Some of these scholarships are awarded based on academic success, athletic performance, artistic talent, community commitment, and other factors. 

Therefore, if you’re a high school senior in the midst of applying to colleges or a junior just starting to look into your options, this piece will help you understand the various types of college scholarships for high school students. It will also provide you with the knowledge you need to successfully navigate the scholarship application process and achieve your academic objectives.

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How To Win Scholarships For College Freshmen

I’m Currently Attending A Community College Or Vocational School. Am I Still Eligible To Apply For College Scholarships?

Yes, it is possible to be denied a scholarship. Scholarship providers typically receive a significant number of applications and must select the best candidates for the scholarship. They may employ specific criteria to evaluate applicants, such as academic excellence, community service, or financial need. Thus, if you do not satisfy the criteria or do not provide the necessary documents or information, you may be denied the scholarship.

Furthermore, if the scholarship has limited funds, the sponsor may only offer it to a limited number of candidates. It is crucial to note that being denied a scholarship does not necessarily imply that you are ineligible or undeserving of financial aid. Therefore, you can always apply for other scholarships that better fit your qualifications.

What GPA Is Good Enough For To Apply For A College Scholarship From High School?

A decent high school GPA for applying to college relies on the competition of the college and the selectivity of the program you are interested in. Generally, a GPA of 3.0 or higher is considered to be a good GPA for college applications. However, for more selective schools, a GPA of 3.5 or higher may be required to be competitive.

Similarly, it’s crucial to remember that a high GPA is only one criterion that universities take into account during the admissions process. Other characteristics considered by admissions committees include standardized test results, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Furthermore, some colleges have admissions requirements other than GPA, such as completing specialized coursework or demonstrating proficiency.

In essence, while GPA is necessary, it is not the only element that influences your odds of admission to a particular college. It’s usually a good idea to research the admissions guidelines of the colleges you’re considering and to strive for the best academic record possible.

The joy of most high school graduates is to further their education and attain bigger educational feats. However, as high school students prepare to join college, the cost of tuition.

The joy of most high school graduates is to further their education and attain bigger educational feats. However, as high school students prepare to join college, the cost of tuition.

The joy of most high school graduates is to further their education and attain bigger educational feats. However, as high school students prepare to join college, the cost of tuition.

The joy of most high school graduates is to further their education and attain bigger educational feats. However, as high school students prepare to join college, the cost of tuition.

Can You Get Denied A Scholarship?

Yes, it is possible to be denied a scholarship. Scholarship providers typically receive a significant number of applications and must select the best candidates for the scholarship. They may employ specific criteria to evaluate applicants, such as academic excellence, community service, or financial need. Thus, if you do not satisfy the criteria or do not provide the necessary documents or information, you may be denied the scholarship.

Furthermore, if the scholarship has limited funds, the sponsor may only offer it to a limited number of candidates. It is crucial to note that being denied a scholarship does not necessarily imply that you are ineligible or undeserving of financial aid. Therefore, you can always apply for other scholarships that better fit your qualifications.

How To Apply For College Scholarships for High School Students

Applying for scholarships for high school students can vary depending on the specific scholarship and its requirements, but here are some general steps you can take:

When To Apply For College Scholarships For High School Students

It is recommended to start applying for college scholarships for high school students during your junior year or early in your senior year of high school. This will allow you more time to study and identify suitable scholarship programs, meet application deadlines, and compile all of the necessary materials.

However, it’s crucial to note that certain scholarships have varying dates and deadlines. As a result, it’s a good idea to start researching scholarship opportunities and keeping track of their different deadlines as soon as possible.

Additionally, you can also check with your high school guidance counselor or college advisor for information about local scholarships and other opportunities that may be available specifically to students in your area or state.

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Top 40 College Scholarships for High School Students

Methodology

The scholarships listed here do not follow any chronology or rankings. We’ve listed them randomly so give all serious consideration and pay attention to details.

#1. ABA Academic Merit Scholarship

The American Bus Association scholarship (ABA) is the first on the list of top college scholarships for high school students.  ABA offers the Academic Merit Scholarship for $5,000 annually to two freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or higher college students. They must be studying majors related to transportation or travel, including hospitality management. Eligible members must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better. 

#2. Bryan Cameron Impact Scholarship

The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation offers the Impact Scholarship. It’s for meritorious high school seniors who have maintained a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.7, and it covers full tuition up to $50,000 per year. Also, one-fourth of the funds are reserved for students pursuing public service careers in education, government, healthcare, and the military.

#3. Doodle for Google Competition

If you are creative and artistic, looking for financial aid that would assist in offering the cost of schooling then, you should check out the Doodle for Google scholarship. The Doodle for Google Competition asks applicants to design their own Google Doodle for the opportunity to have it featured on Google for a day. The theme of the competition changes annually, with this year’s being “I am grateful for…” Doodles are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and theme communication. Moreover, the competition is divided into five grade divisions—K-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12. Each year, Google chooses one National Winner to receive a $30,000 college scholarship and four National Finalists in each division to receive $5,000 scholarships. In addition to awarding scholarships, Google awards the National Winner’s school a generous technology grant of $50,000.

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#4. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

The Elks National Foundation is another top scholarship provider on the list of top college scholarships for high school students. The Elks National Foundation awards 500 competitive, four-year scholarships ranging from $1,000/year to $12,500/year. The merit-based program considers high-achieving graduating high school seniors. Top Elks finalists are invited to an all-expenses paid Leadership Weekend in Chicago. This is to network and serve at a local veterans hospital. 

#5. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s scholarship programs are designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard and have financial needs. Its scholarships provide financial assistance and academic support to high school and undergraduate students.  Furthermore, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship is valued at $40,000 per year. In addition to the monetary award, students join a thriving network of nearly 3,200 Cooke Scholars. At a minimum, scholars must:

#6. National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. This National Merit Scholarship Program is a long-standing competition that selects the top three percent of high school juniors who score extraordinarily high on the Preliminary SAT exam. Hence, index scores are calculated by doubling the sum of the Reading, Writing Language, and Math tests. To be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a student attending high school outside the United States must be a citizen of the United States; or be a U.S. lawful resident (or have applied for permanent residence, the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.

#7. SAPA Excellence in Education Scholarship

The SAPA Excellence in Education Program was established by the Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association (SAPA) in 1999. The SAPA Scholarship and Excellence in Education for Life Sciences Foundation is dedicated to recognizing and supporting excellence and outstanding high school students, and to encouraging the finest high school graduates to develop careers in Life Sciences.

Interested candidates must:

#8. The Hungry to Lead Scholarship

The Hungry to Lead Scholarship is another highly competitive scholarship among college scholarships for high school students. It bestows $2,500 to high school seniors or college undergraduate students. The scholarship was established to provide educational support to high school seniors or college students who are pursuing a degree in a food service or hospitality program at an accredited school in the United States.

The scholarships are based on academic merit. Judges seek applicants who:

#9. Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarship

The Churchill Scholarship is awarded by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States. It is usually offered to graduates of more than one hundred colleges and universities invited to participate in the Churchill Scholarship Program, for the pursuit of research and study in the physical and natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering, for one year at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge. The Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for a whopping $50,000 to $60,000. 

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#10. YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund

The FSF works directly with the country’s most talented young students from diverse backgrounds and awards over $1 million each year in scholarships to help these folks succeed in all sectors of the industry including design, merchandising, marketing analytics, and business strategy. The committee seeks the brightest college undergraduates who have chosen fashion-related majors.

Annually, the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund tops the industry by awarding merit with:

Eligible candidates must:

#11. AFSA High School Scholarships, American Fire Sprinkler Association

The fire sprinklers scholarship also ranks on the list of college scholarships for high school students. The American Fire Sprinkler Association created the college scholarship program to help with the educational and training pursuits of students. Hence, AFSA offers the AFSA High School Scholarships, a $2000 scholarship contest that is easy to enter and well worth the time. All graduating high school seniors are 

#12. Army ROTC Scholarships 

Founded in 1916, the Army ROTC is the largest of the nation’s ROTC programs, with more than 20,000 cadets in more than 200 colleges and universities. The Army ROTC offers several scholarship opportunities for high school students, depending on their current status. Similarly, for high school students planning to spend all 4 years in the ROTC, all expenses are paid for all 4 years, along with a monthly living stipend, in exchange for an 8-year commitment. Four years of ROTC, and four years as an active-duty personnel or reserve. However, current college students can join the ROTC at any point, earning 3 and 2-year scholarships as well, entering the Army with an officer’s commission upon graduation.

#13. Gilman International Scholarship Program, US Department of State

The US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs understands the value of international study for education, it sponsors many students through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Similarly, the Gilman International Scholarship Program awards nearly 3000 American college students with about $5000 to study abroad, making it one of the most generous and easiest college scholarships for high school students. 

#14. Australia Awards Scholarships 

Australia Awards Scholarships are among the most sought-after college scholarships for high school students. Consequently, the aim is to contribute to the development and needs of Australia’s partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements. As a result, they provide opportunities for people from developing countries, to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards Scholarships develop the skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to development in their own countries.

#15. Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, B4 Brands

The Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship is provided for nurses who are widely beloved in her Iowa hometown. The Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, sponsored by B4 Brands awards a scholarship each year to a non-traditional, full-time student pursuing undergraduate degrees in nursing. Hence, scholarship winners receive a non-renewable scholarship of $1,000 payable directly to the institution in which they are enrolled.

#16. Walmart Associate Scholarships

Walmart is one of the world’s largest retailers and largest private employer. It offers more than $1 billion to charitable causes each year, making the Walmart Foundation one of the largest corporate charities in the US. Also, Walmart sets aside scholarship opportunities just for their associates and their associate’s families. There are no barriers to applying for a Walmart scholarship, except for the requirement of being a Walmart employee for at least 6 months, or the dependent of a Walmart employee. 

#17. Berea College Scholarship 

Berea College provides 100% funding to international students for the first year of enrollment. This combination of financial aid and scholarships offsets the costs of tuition, room, board, and fees. Interestingly. Fortunately, the college provides summer jobs to international students so that they may meet every other obligation while studying. Hence, in subsequent years, international students are expected to save and contribute toward their expenses. 

#18. Art Major Asian Scholarship Program

The Korea National University of Arts offers the Art Major Asian Scholarship Program to high school graduates. The purpose of this scholarship is to promote international cooperation in education and mutual friendship between countries. Students can apply for the following undergraduate and graduate programs: Music, Dance, Visual Arts, Drama, Film, Television, Multimedia, and Korean Traditional Art.

#19. Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship From Robert Gordon University (UK)

RGU Vice-Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship is also another highly sought-after financial aid among college scholarships for high school students. This is a merit-based award, and it handles the total tuition fees for the first studying year. The scholarship is exclusively open to international students entering the University’s undergraduate degree. Furthermore, applicants must have received an offer from Robert Gordon University for an undergraduate course before submitting a scholarship application form, including a 500 words statement of support. 

#20. Stephen M. Kellen Scholarship From Sciences Po and Freie Universität Berlin

The Stephen M. Kellen Scholarship also ranks among the college scholarships for high school students. This merit-based scholarship is designed to attract the brilliant and most deserving students to the Dual BA program between Sciences Po and Freie Universität Berlin. Similarly, it’s aimed at encouraging promising young individuals to commit to Europe by giving them the keys to law, economics, history, political science, and sociology; the opportunity to speak at least three languages.

#21. Macquarie Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships

The Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (VCIS) is a highly competitive academic merit-based scholarship offered to excellent students planning to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Macquarie University. As a result, this award grants up to AUD $10,000 in tuition assistance. Because this is a very limited scholarship, we strongly advise you to accept your scholarship offer as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. In addition, to be eligible for this award, you must be a full-time foreign student starting an undergraduate degree.

#22. University of the People Online Tuition Free Degrees

UoPeople was founded in 2009 and received accreditation in 2014. Since then, it has quickly established itself in the global market for online higher education. The University of the People is the Education Revolution, making it the world’s first tuition-free, non-profit, American-accredited, online university. Additionally, UoPeople offers the option to acquire a high-quality and valuable American degree through an innovative online learning approach with instructors from the world’s top academic volunteers.

#23. Emile Boutmy Scholarships for Non-EU Students at Sciences Po 

The Emile Boutmy Scholarship is another competitive scholarship on the list of college scholarships for high school students. The Emile Boutmy Scholarship was established by Sciences Po to recruit brilliant international students from outside the European Union who are first-time candidates and have been admitted to a University Undergraduate study. Consequently, the Emile Boutmy Undergraduate Course can take different forms, with tuition ranging from €3,600 to €13,190 for three years of undergraduate study. 

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#24. WMF Empowerment Through Education Scholarships for Developing Country Students

The Empowerment Through Education initiative of the Wells Mountain Foundation offers undergraduate scholarships to developing country residents to study in their native country or a neighboring country. Because the Foundation believes in the power and significance of community service, all scholarship recipients are obliged to volunteer for a minimum of 100 hours per year. Furthermore, ETE scholarships range from $300 USD to $3000 USD per year and are awarded throughout the recipient’s undergraduate studies. 

#25. Bristol University Think Big Scholarships

Bristol University is investing £500,000 to attract the best and brightest international students to the university. Think Big Undergraduate grants are available for programs beginning in 2023. Additionally, scholarships for undergraduate international students are worth between £6,500 and £13,000 per year. 

#26. Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarships for International Students

The University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship also ranks ok our list of college scholarships for high school students. This grant is aimed at recognizing foreign students who are starting their undergraduate education and have shown academic excellence in previous courses. Hence, each faculty will offer just two scholarships of 50% tuition reduction to the applicant with the highest ATAR or GPA over 98.

#27. International Water Centre Scholarships for International Students

The IWC Scholarships are notable annual scholarships offered to high-caliber individuals who clearly display the ability to become future water leaders. The IWC offers two types of scholarships: A and B. The Type A scholarship is worth about AU$ 95,564 and will cover full tuition, living expenses, return flight tickets to Australia, and a student visa. The Type B scholarship is worth roughly AU$ 58,989 and includes full tuition, return flight travel to Australia, and foreign health insurance.

#28. Humber International Entrance Scholarships

Humber provides partial renewable tuition grants to Incoming international undergraduate students. Also, it offers Bachelor’s Degree scholarships to non-transfer students who have graduated from high school. Additionally, Humber automatically grants degree scholarships to graduating high school students based on academic achievement, with a minimum entrance average of 75%. The scholarships are renewable, however, the student must maintain a minimum grade point average of 80% to be eligible for renewal.

#29. Japanese Government Scholarships for International Undergraduate 

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program grants scholarships to international students who intend to study at Japanese universities at the undergraduate level. The scholarship covers tuition and other fees. It includes a monthly allowance of 117,000 yen, an extra monthly stipend of 2,000 or 3,000 yen for students studying or conducting research in specially specified regions, and travel costs to and from Japan.

#30. Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway

Since 2008, the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway has been one of the most generous and prominent corporate scholarship programs in the world, awarding more than $10 million to students from all over the world. Moreover, any young person heading to college, or already in college, can apply for the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway. Unlike the conventional requirements, like a high GPA or recommendations from teachers and advisors; you can enter through a 350-word and make a video of less than 1 minute. The top 5 winners receive $100,000, with prizes of $25,000 and $2500 for second and third-place winners.

#31. Maryland Higher Education Commission Scholarships

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is a 12-member board appointed by the governor and includes one student representative) responsible for Maryland’s college system. The MHEC also oversees financial aid and offers many financial aid opportunities for students from Maryland, many of which have very clear and simple guidelines, and require no minimum GPA or essays to apply.

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#32. Memorial Award, Chapman University Dodge College of Film

Chapman University offers some of the most competitive college scholarships for high school students. Chapman University is a private, Disciples of Christ-affiliated institution in Orange, CA. Founded in 1861, today Chapman has become one of the nation’s top schools for business, entertainment, and film, thanks to its location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The MacRae Award, named for the late actress and producer, aims for students who have shown excellence in acting, directing, and producing. 

#33. North Dakota Indian Scholarships, North Dakota University System

North Dakota has one of the largest populations of Native Americans in the US. In recent years, the state has made efforts to reach the reservation population. Additionally, the North Dakota Indian Scholarship provides $2000 for any student belonging to a federally recognized group enrolled in a North Dakota college or university. Students who have a passing GPA of 2.0 or more can qualify based on unmet financial needs; students with a GPA of more than 3.5 can qualify based on merit. 

#34. Unigo $10K Scholarship

Unigo is one of the most successful and trusted online resources for college students. In the last decade, Unigo has partnered with some of the top names in education information, including McGraw-Hill, U.S. News & World Report, and countless colleges and universities. Unigo has given away more than $500,000 in scholarships and is just getting started. Since 2014, Unigo’s $10K Scholarship alone has helped pay for more than $200,000 worth of education for college students all over the US. To enter this scholarship, you just have to write a short, 250-word essay on what a historical figure’s favorite app would be.

#35. Suntrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes 

Based in Atlanta, GA, Suntrust Bank is one of the nation’s largest banks and a major student loan lender. The Suntrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes is open to any high school senior or college student, without any GPA or financial need requirement. Consequently, students can apply in each entry period, and two $500 winners are selected every two weeks throughout the year. 

#36. The VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest

Each year, more than 4,000 high school students from across the country participate in the VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. The contest began in 1979 to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth. This scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for talented high school students to show off their art skills and earn scholarship money while doing so. This art contest usually requires students to create a two-dimensional piece of art that depicts American patriotism. Additionally, there are multiple rounds of selection at the local, state, and national levels. State winners compete against one another for national awards of $34,000.

#37. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

If you’ve led a community service project then, you can apply for this scholarship. Each year, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors 25 students from across the United States and Canada who have made a positive impact on their communities or the environment. Since 2001, the Barron Prize has honored 550 students and has awarded more than half a million dollars. The scholarship aims at shining the spotlight on those who demonstrate heroic qualities like courage, compassion, and perseverance.

#38. The Ayn Rand Institute’s Anthem Essay Contest

For nearly four decades, the Ayn Rand Institute has hosted annual student essay contests on Ayn Rand’s novels. These contests encourage students to seriously engage with Rand’s ideas through reflection on her profound and influential novels. Essays are judged on whether the student can make a strong argument for their point of view. Judges are looking for clear, concise, and well-organized writing.

Thus, students who participate must read the book they have selected carefully, grapple with its complex themes, and push the boundaries of their writing ability.

#39. Daniel A. Terry Scholarship

For the past few years, the nation has watched in dismay as California faces wildfire after wildfire. People have lost homes, pets, and loved ones to these fires. The California Fire Foundation is committed to supporting the families of California firefighters. Hence, when a family suffers the unimaginable trauma of the loss of a parent in the line of duty, the Foundation steps up to lend a helping hand to the children of the fallen. Since its inception in 2007, the program has awarded over $200,000 in scholarship funds to more than 100 students. Each initial scholarship award is $3,000 renewable for up to four years, for a total award package of up to $12,000.  

#40. Dr. Kyle Hornby Annual Scholarship

Dr. Kyle Hornby Annual Scholarship is the last on the list of college scholarships for high school students. The Kitchener Family dental practice commits to assisting in the development and success of the future generation of dental professionals. They set up the Dr. Kyle Hornby Annual Scholarship as a way to achieve this goal and give back to the dental community. Similarly, they select applicants based on a 1000-word essay detailing why they want to pursue a career in dentistry and which qualities they think are most essential for becoming the best dental professional. 

Frequently Asked Questions About College Scholarships for High School Students

Conclusion

In conclusion, college scholarships for high school students remain an excellent opportunity for you to obtain financial aid to pursue higher education. The benefits of receiving a scholarship extend far beyond financial assistance, as they can open doors to unique experiences, networks, and opportunities. However, the competition for scholarships can be fierce, hence, you should take the time to research and apply for scholarships that align with your academic and personal goals.

We recommend you carefully take your time and effort into applying for the scholarship application process. So you can increase your odds of winning the financial aid that you need to achieve your educational dreams and aspirations. So, if you fall under the category of a high school student, start exploring your scholarship options today and take the first step toward a brighter future!

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