Although free money doesn’t exist, scholarships are a good place to start. Financial aid grants may be granted based on academic merit, financial need, or both. Additionally, they might lessen the financial load associated with a college education.
Before beginning the scholarship application process, thoroughly weigh your possibilities and focus on the top scholarships that fit your skills, passions, and academic standing.
10 College Scholarships for High School Seniors
Here are the top colleges that provide scholarships for High School Seniors.
Elks National Foundation Scholarship Program
500 high school graduates receive the $1,000–$7,500 Most Valuable Student grant from the Elks National Foundation each year. Additionally, to be eligible, you must be a citizen of the United States.
To be eligible, students must also pursue a four-year college degree full-time. Applicants do not need to be related to an Elks member by the foundation.
The group will select winners based on leadership abilities, grades, and financial necessity.
National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship
Seniors in high school who intend to work for the government are eligible to apply for the National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship.
U.S. citizens are the only ones eligible. The $500 to $5,000 one-year scholarship is available. For their one-page essay, students must write 300 words or less about why they are motivated to work for the government and why George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River served as an inspiration.
Along with a copy of their transcript, students must also attach a letter of reference from the principal or guidance counselor of their high school.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
More than 1,400 students receive $3.55 million in scholarships from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation each year. Two-year and community college scholarships are available under three separate schemes.
Students enrolled in four-year programs are eligible to apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship. This prize is available to both permanent residents and citizens of the United States, and eligibility requires maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Each of the 150 students who receive the scholarship will receive a $20,000 prize.
Cooke College Scholarship Program
All high school seniors who intend to pursue an undergraduate degree following graduation are eligible to apply for the Cooke College Scholarship Program. Pupils with a family income cap of $95,000 must prove they need financial aid. A GPA of 3.5 or above is another prerequisite for the program.
Depending on the cost of the student’s tuition and any additional scholarships they may have won, the program awards up to $55,000 annually. Eligibility is limited to individuals who intend to enroll in college full-time.
QuestBridge National College Match
Low-income high school graduates who can prove they have enough money to pay for college tuition are the target audience for this scholarship program. A four-year scholarship for more than $200,000 is available to recipients of the QuestBride Match Scholarship. As part of the scholarship program, students may also be matched with work-study and grant opportunities.
A student must enroll in one of the partner universities of the program, which include Stanford, Yale, Brown University, and more. Only permanent residents and citizens of the United States may apply.
BigFuture Scholarship
Rather than being a conventional scholarship, this College Board award is more akin to a lottery drawing. Two different kinds of drawings are available: $500 and $40,000.
With the scholarship, students are encouraged to begin the process of applying to colleges, finish the stages required to get admitted and locate sufficient financial help.
To apply, each stage must be completed by the corresponding deadline. Completing the tasks will not only make you eligible for the scholarship lottery, but it will facilitate your college application process and increase your eligibility for financial aid.
There is no essay requirement, no minimum GPA, and no test score requirements to be eligible.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
A $10,000 annual grant for a total of four years is available to students who apply for the GE-Reagan Foundation grant. An all-expenses-paid retreat in California is also covered by the charity. They can pay for books, fees, living expenses, tuition, and other costs using the money.
Students must be citizens of the United States, want to pursue a four-year college degree, and have a 3.0 GPA. You must apply with a letter of recommendation from the principal of your school or another community leader. Strong academic standing and evidence of financial necessity are additional prerequisites.
Engebretson Foundation
Seniors in high school who want to attend a four-year college can apply for scholarships from the Engbertson Foundation.
You have to show that you have financial need, have an ACT or SAT score of 28 or 1240, a 3.75 GPA, or rank in the top 5% of your graduating class. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a prerequisite for eligibility as well.
A teacher recommendation letter is required to be submitted by students with their application. By the deadline, the application form must be mailed or emailed.
Bryan Cameron Education Foundation
Students who succeed in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, and academics are eligible to apply for four-year, full-tuition scholarships from the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation. Every year, 10 to 15 deserving kids are chosen.
Foreign nationals with a GPA of at least 3.7 are required. Applicants for this scholarship must be seniors in high school who intend to enroll in a four-year institution. Two recommendation letters and a transcript are required.
Unigo $10K Scholarship
The Unigo $10K Scholarship is far simpler to apply for than many of the scholarships listed above, which sometimes have stringent requirements and high standards. Students are required to respond to the essay question, “Would you rather be smart, funny, or rich?” in a 250-word essay.
No minimum GPA is required; applications are open to all lawful citizens of the United States.
Can a Scholarship Affect Your Financial Aid?
Your financial assistance grant from your school may be reduced if you are eligible for outside scholarships that are not provided by your university. The government has the right to cut your need-based aid amount if your overall aid package, which includes government financing, institutional help, and scholarships, exceeds your calculated need by $300. Before you apply, make sure you read your college’s rules on outside scholarships.