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Scholarships
Delaware scholarships: Free money for DE students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for Delaware
Featured
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 6/30/26
$2,000
James Cothran, KD3NI, Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$2,000
The James Cothran, KD3NI, Scholarship will be awarded to those with any active Amateur Radio License Class. Applicants must be residents of the Atlantic Division, the Roanoke Division, the Southeastern Division or Washington, D.C. Applicants may be pursuing any field of study in any institution. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
East Coast Amateur Radio Service (ECARS) Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$2,500
The East Coast Amateur Radio Service (ECARS) Scholarship will be awarded to those with active Technician Class or higher. Applicants must reside in the general coverage areas of ECARS including ARRL Atlantic, Great Lakes, Hudson, New England, and Roanoke Divisions. Applicants must be pursuing their studies at a two-year trade school or 4-year undergraduate institution. Applicants should generally be between the ages of 17 and 25 at the time of the award, but older applicants retraining in a changing job market will be considered. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
ACEC Delaware Scholarship
Due: 1/30/27
|No min. GPA Required
$3,500
The ACEC Delaware Scholarship is available to high school seniors who have lived in the State of Delaware for one continuous full year prior to the scholarship application deadline. Applicants must be accepted into or have applied to enroll in an engineering program of a four-year, ABET accredited college within the United States of America. Applicants must submit three references, unrelated to them, who can be contacted with regards to the scholarship application. Applicants must also provide a minimum of one reference letter from someone other than the previously named references. Applicants shall submit one electronic copy of the completed application form, including attachments and essay to Karen Sheets. Please use ACEC - Delaware Scholarship as the subject line of the email. The submission must be a single PDF file containing all submission items. For questions about the scholarship, please email Dakota Laidman-Murray.
Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship
Due: 3/15/27
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to a student graduating from a Delaware high school. They must be accepted at an accredited college or university's program for Nursing or other health-related professions. It is not required that applicants attend a Delaware college or university. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Delaware Community Foundation for more information.
Ryan R. Wagner Memorial Scholarship
Due: 3/15/27
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Ryan R. Wagner Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior of Middletown, Odessa or Appoquinimink High School. They must be a resident of the Appoquinimink School District. Students may re-apply for continued support. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Delaware Community Foundation for more information.
Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship
Due: 3/15/27
|No Transcripts Required
$1,500
The Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an African-American graduating senior, enrolling in a Historically Black College or University. Community and church service are considered. Students awarded of the scholarship in the past may reapply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Delaware Community Foundation for more information.
Major Don S. Gentile Scholarship
Due: 3/15/27
|No Transcripts Required
$6,000
The UNICO Foundation will grant the Major Don S. Gentile Scholarship to high school seniors who will be attending an accredited campus-based college or university program in the United States. The scholarship will be paid out for up to a maximum of 4 years. Applicants must be a high school senior at any public or private secondary school, who will be pursuing college study within the academic year of 2026-2027. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
William C. Davini Scholarship
Due: 3/15/27
|No Transcripts Required
$6,000
The UNICO Foundation will grant the William C. Davini Scholarship to high school seniors who will be attending an accredited campus-based college or university program in the United States. The scholarship will be paid out for up to a maximum of 4 years. Applicants must be a high school senior at any public or private secondary school, who will be pursuing college study within the academic year of 2026-2027. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Chester T. Dickerson, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Due: 3/15/27
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,500
The Chester T. Dickerson, Sr. Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of a public high school, vocational or technical school or other form of public 9th through 12th grade education, as well as home-schooled students. The student must be pursuing advanced education leading to a 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any field. Preference will be given to a student from an agricultural background. The student must be raised and living in the present boundaries of Milford School District. Students from the Cedar Creek Hundred area receive preference. Students will be scored based on academics, achievement test scores, participation in agricultural endeavors and residency. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Delaware Community Foundation for more information.
Key takeaways about Delaware scholarships
- Delaware scholarships and grants can lower college costs by a lot and make your education more affordable.
- You don't need perfect grades to qualify. Some programs are merit-based, while others look at financial need, community involvement, or career goals.
- State, local, and college scholarships can all work together. Applying broadly can help you get the most aid.
- Many students miss out simply by not applying. Staying organized and starting early can improve your chances.
- Local scholarships can be worth your time. Community-based awards often have smaller applicant pools than national scholarships, which can improve your odds.
Paying for college can feel like a lot, but scholarships can make the path more manageable. If you're looking for Delaware scholarships, think beyond one program and explore scholarships, grants, college-based aid, and local opportunities together.
That effort can really pay off. Sallie Mae's How America Pays for College 2025 found that scholarships and grants covered 27% of college costs, and 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible.
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What are Delaware scholarships?
Delaware scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, certificates, or other approved education programs. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid.
These awards can come from the state of Delaware, colleges and universities, local organizations, nonprofits, and private companies. Many Delaware college scholarships are designed to support residents pursuing higher education in-state, but some may also be used at eligible out-of-state schools.
When applying for scholarships in Delaware, programs may look at your:
- Delaware residency
- Academic achievement
- Financial need based on FAFSA® information
- Community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
- Enrollment at an eligible college or training program
Understanding how scholarships for Delaware students work can help you find the right opportunities and build a stronger financial plan for college.
What scholarships are available for Delaware students?
Most scholarship opportunities in Delaware fall into a few common categories:
- Merit-based scholarships
Awarded for academics, leadership, athletics, artistic talent, or other achievements. - Need-based scholarships
Designed for students who show financial need, often using information from the FAFSA®. - Local and community scholarships
Offered by civic groups, nonprofits, employers, and community foundations.
These awards may be open to Delaware residents, students attending in-state schools, high school seniors, current college students, grad students, and sometimes adult learners returning to school.
Delaware state scholarships and aid programs
Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO)
The Delaware Higher Education Office, often called DHEO, manages many of the state’s financial aid programs. It is one of the best places for Delaware students to learn about official eligibility rules, deadlines, and state-supported aid options.
Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Program
The Delaware SEED Scholarship is one of the state’s best-known programs. It helps eligible Delaware students attend Delaware Technical Community College by covering tuition.
The SEED program, short for Student Excellence Equals Degree, is designed to improve access to college for Delaware residents. For eligible students, it can cover tuition at Delaware Technical Community College and reduce the total cost of earning a credential or degree.
Inspire Scholarship
The Inspire Scholarship supports eligible Delaware students who attend a public university in the state. Academic requirements and enrollment rules may apply, so students should always review the latest program details before applying.
Additional education benefits for Delaware residents
In addition to scholarships, Delaware residents may also find grants, school-based aid, and other state-backed education benefits. These programs can work alongside scholarships to lower how much you need to pay out of pocket.
Who qualifies for Delaware scholarships?
Eligibility depends on the program, but many Delaware college scholarships look at a combination of residency, academics, financial need, and enrollment status.
- Residency requirements
Many state-funded scholarships require students to live in Delaware. - Academic requirements
Merit-based awards may require a certain GPA, course history, or academic standing. - Financial need considerations
Need-based scholarships and grants may use FAFSA® information to determine eligibility.
Some programs may also consider service, leadership, intended major, or long-term career goal
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Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to find and apply for scholarships in Delaware
Start with local opportunities
Local awards can be a smart place to start because they may have smaller applicant pools. Check with your high school counseling office, community foundations, local employers, nonprofits, and civic organizations.
Use scholarship search tools
Scholarship tools can help you find opportunities faster and stay organized. Students can explore Scholly Scholarships for personalized matches and enter the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship for a quick and easy opportunity.
Track deadlines and requirements
Once you start applying, keep a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist of deadlines, essay prompts, recommendation needs, and required documents. Missing a deadline is one of the easiest ways to lose out on aid.
Tips to improve your chances of winning scholarships
A strong scholarship strategy can help you make the most of available opportunities.
- Apply broadly.
Don't rely on just one state scholarship or one college award. - Start early.
Researching scholarships before deadlines come up can make the process much easier. - Focus on local awards.
Smaller applicant pools may improve your chances of winning. - Stay organized.
Tracking deadlines and required materials can help you avoid missing opportunities. - Check each college’s scholarship page.
Institutional aid may add significant value on top of state programs.
Additional ways to pay for college
Scholarships are only one part of the bigger funding picture. Florida students may also need federal aid, grants, work-study, or borrowing to cover the remaining cost of attendance.
To build a broader plan, review the FAFSA® guide, explore more financial aid resources, and compare borrowing options if needed with information about student loans.
When to apply for Delaware scholarships
The best time to apply depends on where you are in school, but earlier is almost always better.
High school juniors and seniors
Students should begin researching scholarships during junior year and continue applying throughout senior year, when many of the biggest deadlines happen.
Current college students
Scholarship opportunities do not stop after freshman year. College students should keep applying for new awards, including departmental scholarships, transfer scholarships, and local opportunities.
Additional resources for Delaware students
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year, so current undergraduates should keep searching too. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards may be especially relevant. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarship options that support women across majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of graduate or professional study. - Scholarships for minority students
See funding opportunities designed to support underrepresented students.
Your next steps
Combining state aid, college scholarships, and local awards can make a big difference in how much you pay for school. A strong plan includes filing the FAFSA®, reviewing state programs early, and applying to a mix of scholarships instead of waiting on one option.
To keep your options open, use Scholly Scholarships to find matches, enter low-effort opportunities like Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and stay on top of deadlines and requirements.
FAQs about Delaware scholarships
What scholarships are available in Delaware?
What is the Delaware SEED Scholarship?
It’s a state program that can cover tuition at Delaware Technical Community College for eligible students.
Who qualifies for the Inspire Scholarship in Delaware?
Typically, Delaware residents with strong academic performance who attend an in-state public university.
How do I apply for Delaware state financial aid?
Start by completing the FAFSA® and reviewing requirements through the Delaware Higher Education Office.
Are there full-ride scholarships in Delaware?
Some programs, like SEED, may cover full tuition, but full-ride opportunities are limited and competitive.
When should I apply for scholarships in Delaware?
Start in junior year of high school and continue applying through senior year and college.
Can out-of-state students get Delaware scholarships?
Most state-funded programs require Delaware residency, but some college or private scholarships may be open to non-residents.
What is the Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO)?
It’s the state agency that manages Delaware’s financial aid programs, including scholarships and grants.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
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.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.