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Monthly scholarship watch: April deadlines you can still hit

April 2, 2026 - 9 mins

Scholarship deadlines come up fast—and it’s easy to miss out on free money if you skip them. In fact, research from Sallie's Scholarship Fatigue Report shows nearly 1 in 5 students who stopped applying say they missed out on $5,000 or more in scholarships.

At the same time, we know the process can feel overwhelming—3 in 4 students say they’ve given up on scholarships altogether because applying feels like too much work.

It doesn’t have to be that way. That's why we've pulled together scholarships closing this month, including no-essay and quick-apply options, so you can find real, vetted opportunities and apply with less stress.

1. Start with scholarships you can only find here

These exclusive opportunities from Scholly close at the end of the month. If you see a scholarship that fits, don’t wait—the deadline to apply is April 30.

Pro tip: You can apply to all of them with one quick application using Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships—no essays or long forms required.

Scholarships closing in April

Community Champions Scholarship - $2,000

The Community Champions Scholarship celebrates students who understand that success is measured not just by personal achievement, but by the positive impact they have on others.

Opportunities for All Scholarship - $2,000

The Opportunities for All Scholarship is open to students pursuing higher education. We believe that every student deserves the chance to invest in their future, regardless of their field of study, background, or circumstances. This award is designed to help ease the financial burden of education and support students in achieving their academic goals.

Limitless Potential Scholarship - $500

Limitless Potential Scholarship is created for students who believe growth has no boundaries. This scholarship celebrates ambition, imagination, and the drive to explore what’s possible through education. 

New Perspectives Scholarship - $500

New Perspectives Scholarship honors students who challenge assumptions, embrace learning, and bring thoughtful viewpoints to their academic experience. 

The Next Chapter Scholarship - $500

The Next Chapter Scholarship supports students as they begin or continue an important chapter in their educational journey, focused on learning, growth, and discovery. 

The Power of Ideas Scholarship - $1,000

Honoring students who understand that ideas shape the world. The Power of Ideas Scholarship supports learners who bring creative energy, fresh perspectives, and a passion for possibility into their academic pursuits.

Building Blocks Scholarship - $1,000

Building Blocks Scholarship celebrates students who understand that lasting success is built step by step through learning and persistence.

$500 Achievement & Growth Scholarship - $500

$500 Achievement & Growth Scholarship recognizes students who are committed to growth, learning, and long-term educational success.

Stepping Stones Scholarship - $500

Designed for students building their future one step at a time. The Stepping Stones Scholarship honors persistence, learning, and the value of steady progress. 

A Better Future Scholarship - $500

A Better Future Scholarship supports students who demonstrate motivation, curiousity, and a desire to use their education to help leave the world a better place than they found it.

The Curiosity Counts Scholarship - $500

The Curiosity Counts Scholarship is for the endlessly curious—the students who ask “why?” and “what if?” in equal measure. If your favorite subject is everything, and you believe questions are the start of every breakthrough, this scholarship is your sign to keep exploring.

2. Apply to more no-essay scholarships

No-essay scholarships are an easy way to apply to more opportunities in less time. 

Some scholarships may still have basic eligibility criteria (like your background, location or major) or require documents like transcripts or letters of recommendation, so double-check before you apply.

Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

The Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship awards $2,000 to an eligible student (or parent) every month to help pay for college—and you can enter it monthly for another chance to win. There’s no essay required, and it takes two minutes or less to apply, making it a simple, low-effort way to earn money for school. More than $300,000 in scholarship has been awarded since 2016.

Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors - Up to $10,000

The Sallie Mae Fund’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors helps students attend college or a vocational-technical school. In 2026, The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors will award up to $10,000 to 30 high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two or four year college, university, or continuous education program but are facing financial challenges. While this scholarship does not require an essay, all applicants are required to create a 2-minute video responding to the prompt on the application.

Mary Murphy Scholarship - Varies

The Mary Murphy Scholarship offers funding to women pursuing graduate or professional degrees, especially in fields where African American women are underrepresented, with emphasis on leadership and civic engagement.

American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Scholarship - $2,500

The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Scholarship awards financial support to students enrolled in culinary or foodservice programs based on academic performance and evaluation criteria.

NASE Dependent Scholarship - $3,000

The NASE Dependent Scholarship provides funding to dependents of NASE members, with selection based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and financial need.

A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship (AISES) - $2,000

The A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship supports Indigenous students pursuing STEM degrees, recognizing academic performance and requiring letters of recommendation.

SCW Conrad Carpio Education DREAMers Scholarship - $2,500

The SCW Conrad Carpio Education DREAMers Scholarship awards immigrant students who demonstrate perseverance and ambition, requiring a personal video submission about their goals and experiences.

AIA Silicon Valley William R. Hawley Scholarship - $5,000

The AIA Silicon Valley William R. Hawley Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing a career in architecture to help develop future professionals in the field.

Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Memorial Scholarship - $20,000

The Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Memorial Scholarship supports daughters of Air Force members pursuing STEM degrees, with preference given to first-generation college students with financial need.

Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship - $2,500

The Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship assists spouses, children, and grandchildren of blind or low-vision veterans by recognizing academic achievement and potential for success in higher education.

General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant - Varies

The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant provides need-based financial assistance to eligible Air Force or Space Force families, with award amounts tied to financial need and education costs.

How to apply fast and hit those deadlines

Applying for scholarships doesn’t have to take over your schedule. Here's how you can simplify it:

Build your scholarship kit

Set yourself up once so each application gets easier:

  • Pull together your basic info. Keep your school details, graduation year, and contact information in one place so you can copy and paste into applications.
  • Keep an updated activity list. Write out your clubs, jobs, volunteer work, and achievements so you don’t have to stop and think each time.
  • Create a go-to essay. Start a strong draft around common prompts like your goals or challenges that you can edit and reuse.

Follow an easy 15-minute routine

Once your materials are ready, use this quick system to stay on track:

  • Minutes 1-5: Shortlist scholarships that fit you
  • Minutes 6-12: Apply to quick wins first
  • Minutes 13–15: Track deadlines and next steps

This routine keeps you moving—and that consistency is what leads to more applications and better odds.

Keep it simple—and keep going

Applying for scholarships doesn’t have to feel like a big project. With Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships you can knock out lots of applications in just minutes each month—no overthinking, no long forms.

New scholarships open all the time, so come back next month for a fresh list of deadlines and more chances to earn money for school.

FAQs about April scholarships

What scholarships are due in April?

All the scholarships on this page are due in April, so you can focus on what’s still open right now. We update the list every month with new opportunities you can apply for before deadlines pass.

How do I find scholarships with deadlines this month?

Start with a curated list like this one to quickly see what’s due soon. Then, use a scholarship search tool like Scholly Scholarships to find more opportunities that match your background, interests, and goals.

What if I missed a scholarship deadline?

If you missed a scholarship deadline, the best move is to jump into the next one and keep going. New scholarships open every month, so there are always more opportunities ahead.

How many scholarships should I apply to each month?

There’s no perfect number—just aim for what you can keep up with. Even applying to a few each month can add up over time. If you have limited time, focus on quick wins like no-essay or easy-apply scholarships.

Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship

No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

SLM Education Services, LLC does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.

External links and third-party references are provided for informational purposes only. SLM Education Services, LLC cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by any third parties and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained therein. Any copyrights, trademarks, and/or service marks used in these materials are the property of their respective owners.