Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for college—but we know applying for them can feel like a full-time job. Essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts are often required. But there are easier scholarships out there—like no essay scholarships.
If you’re busy with school, work, or just burnt out from college prep, this kind of scholarship can be a game-changer. Let’s talk look at some top no essay scholarships available right now—and how to increase your chances of snagging free college money without breaking a sweat.
No essay scholarships are a type of financial award that doesn’t require applicants to submit essays, personal statements, or extensive applications. These scholarships typically just ask you to fill out basic info—name, school, graduation year—and sometimes answer a few quick questions.
Some are sweepstakes-style, where winners are chosen randomly. Others might look at things like your interests, demographics, or application date. Either way, the key benefit is clear: they’re fast, easy, and open to lots of students.
Let’s be real—not everyone has hours to craft the perfect essay or polish up a resume. No essay scholarships open doors for:
They're not just easy—they're inclusive.
Apply in two minutes, with no essay needed. Be sure to enter every month.
Apply in minutes and enter for a chance to win $2,000 toward school. Open to high school, college, and grad students.
An award that’s given to the “boldest” student—aka someone who applies early and shows determination.
A quick sweepstakes-style scholarship with regular monthly winners.
Easy entry, open to high school and college students.
Offers an award just for signing up. Geared toward students interested in reducing college costs.
Students can enter by creating a free account and exploring college videos.
Students interested in attending a Christian college can easily apply for an ward.
Similar to the above but geared toward students looking into Catholic colleges.
Most of these scholarships take just a few minutes to apply for. Here's what the process usually looks like:
That’s it. You don’t need to upload documents, chase down references, or write anything long. It’s literally the fastest scholarship type out there.
Even though they’re easier to apply for, some no essay scholarships still have eligibility requirements. These might include:
Always double-check the details on the application page so you know you’re eligible.
Here are a few smart places to start:
If a scholarship asks you to pay to apply, it’s not legit. Always follow these safety tips:
No essay scholarships are often sweepstakes-style, but there are still ways to stand out:
No essay scholarships won’t cover your entire tuition bill—but they can chip away at the cost. And given how quick and easy they are to apply for, it’s totally worth setting aside 10 minutes a week to apply for a few. You never know when one could pay off.
So keep your eyes open, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to go for the easy wins.