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Scholarships
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College freshmen scholarships
Find scholarships for college freshmen that can help you pay for college.
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College freshmen scholarships
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Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship
Due: 5/23/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,500
The Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship enables 11 participating public universities to provide up to four years of scholarship support to academically-promising Oklahoma students enrolled in a baccalaureate program. Applicants must either have an ACT composite score of at least 30 (only ACT test scores from an official test report issued by ACT will be considered for admission to the program) or be a National Merit Semifinalist or Commended Student. The scholarship is available for up to eight semesters of study in a baccalaureate program at a regional university or until the student is granted a baccalaureate degree, whichever occurs first. Application is made directly through the university the student plans to attend. The application deadline will vary for each institution. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
2 days left!
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Hugh and Elizabeth Montgomery Scholarship
Due: 5/24/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Hugh and Elizabeth Montgomery Scholarship supports students who are adult learners (students who are beyond high-school age) returning to school to continue their education at the post-secondary level. Preference is given to students for whom a scholarship would make a significant difference in their ability to attend school. First-time applicants need not be enrolled in a degree-granting program but are encouraged to make that commitment before applying for renewal consideration. Please submit a signed letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, professional contact or friend in support of your application. The deadlines are May 24, 2024, and October 18, 2024. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Maine Community Foundation, Inc. for more information.
5 days left!
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Christopher Mark Pitkin Memorial Scholarship
Due: 5/27/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Christopher Mark Pitkin Memorial Scholarship fund has been created to honor the memory of Chris Pitkin, health policy consultant and advocate, a leader in the hemophilia community, former president of the Foundation, and a beloved friend of many. This year, HFSC is pleased to offer four scholarships available to graduating high school seniors and adults who wish to pursue post-secondary education at a trade/vocational school, 2-year college, 4-year college, graduate studies, or continuing education courses. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
5 days left!
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Dr. Earl James Fahringer Performing Arts Scholarship
Due: 5/27/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
Due to the extreme generosity of the late Dr. Earl James Fahringer, the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California is thrilled to have a scholarship fund known as the Dr. Earl James Fahringer Performing Arts Scholarship, which will be awarded each year to students pursuing a major in music, arts, drama, or dance. This year, HFSC is pleased to offer four scholarships available to graduating high school seniors and adults who wish to pursue post-secondary education at a trade/vocational schoo...
6 days left!
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Dr. Ellen G. Horovitz Spiritual Art Therapy Scholarship
Due: 5/31/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Dr. Ellen G. Horovitz Spiritual Art Therapy Scholarship is a research scholarship, available to an AATA student member or AATA member practitioner who demonstrates financial need and has a particular interest in the application of Spiritual Art Therapy and mind/body practices. This award is intended to underwrite projects and/or research envisioned to develop this specialization and interest in Spiritual Art Therapy and mind/body practice as it informs psychological processes surrounding ...
6 days left!
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Prasad Family Foundation - International Student Scholarship
Due: 5/28/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The Prasad Family Foundation - International Student Scholarship is specifically designed to provide financial support for international student members enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program to attend the Annual Conference. Students awarded this scholarship are strongly encouraged to attend the conference. Applications must include a copy of the cover page of their passport noting the country of origin. Students may be temporarily residing in the United States under a student visa, but must be able to identify a country of residency outside of the United States. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
6 days left!
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Cay Drachnik Minorities Fund
Due: 5/28/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$500
The Cay Drachnik Minorities Fund is available to student members (active Student, Student Plus, and International Student memberships) of an ethnic minority group who are accepted or enrolled in an art therapy program; undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral. The student application will be completed in alignment with the AATA Code of Ethics, Responsibility to the Profession, Section 10, in that the application is a truthful representation of self and identity. Students applying for the award are strongly encouraged to attend the conference. Please visit the award's website for more information.
6 days left!
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Student Scholarship to the American Art Therapy Association Annual Conference
Due: 5/31/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$250
The Student Scholarship to the American Art Therapy Association Annual Conference was specifically designed to provide financial support to student members so they can attend the Annual In-Person or Virtual Conference. This fund is available to AATA student members who can demonstrate financial need, acceptance, and/or enrollment in an art therapy program, and prior involvement in art as healing events. Students awarded this scholarship are required to attend the conference. For more details ...
8 days left!
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Sarah E. Huneycutt Scholarship
Due: 5/30/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
$20,000
Sarah Huneycutt is an avid golfer and enthusiast for junior golf. When Sarah passed away, the Sarah E. Huneycutt Scholarship was established in her honor and endowed by Aloyse Holman, a lifetime friend. This four-year scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving high school senior who will be attending an accredited college or university, has demonstrated an interest in golf but is not eligible for a golf athletic scholarship. Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from someone other than a relative. It is suggested that recommendations be provided by someone who personally knows the applicant through a key life relationship such as a guidance counselor, teacher of an academic subject, employer, or clergy. Submitted applications will be reviewed by the Board and select candidates may be invited for a personal interview which may occur by phone, online, or in person at the discretion of the interviewer. From the personal interview, select candidates may be invited to an in-person final interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
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Key takeaways about college freshmen scholarships
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There are scholarships specifically for college freshmen, even after you’ve started classes.
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You don’t need a perfect GPA—many scholarships focus on major, background, interests, or community involvement.
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School-based and local scholarships often offer the best odds.
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Small scholarships add up and can help cover books, fees, or housing.
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Using the right tools can make finding and tracking scholarships much easier.
Starting college is exciting—and expensive. If you’re searching for college freshmen scholarships, you’re probably looking for real options that can actually help pay the bills. The good news? There are plenty of scholarships you can still apply for during your first year of college, and many students qualify without realizing it.
This guide breaks down what’s available, how to qualify, and how to apply without turning scholarships into a full-time job.
What are college freshmen scholarships?
College freshmen scholarships are awards designed to help students pay for school during their first year of college. They can come from colleges, private organizations, employers, community groups, and national scholarship providers.
Some scholarships are one-time awards, while others renew each year if you meet the requirements. Most can be used for more than tuition—including fees, housing, books, supplies, and technology.
And if you think you missed your chance after high school? You didn’t. Many scholarships are open to students who are already enrolled in college—especially when you’re using a scholarship search tool that matches opportunities to your profile.
Why scholarships matter for freshmen
Scholarships are one of the best ways to lower your college costs because they don’t have to be paid back.
They can help you:
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Reduce how much you need to borrow.
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Cover out-of-pocket expenses like textbooks or lab fees.
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Stay enrolled if finances get tight.
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Build your resume with competitive or merit-based awards.
Even smaller scholarships can make a real difference when you stack them together—especially if you consistently apply throughout the year instead of only once.
Pro tip: Use Scout College Search to compare schools, estimate costs, and understand how scholarships and financial aid fit into the bigger picture.
How to qualify for scholarships as a college freshman
Most freshmen qualify for at least a few scholarships—it’s usually just a matter of knowing where to look.
Scholarships may be based on:
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Academic performance or GPA
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Financial need
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Your major or career goals
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Identity or background, including first-generation status
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Leadership, service, or extracurricular activities
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Where you live or work
Use a scholarship search tool like Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities that align with your background, goals, and timeline—so you’re not searching blindly. Filing out the FAFSA® is also important, since many scholarships use it to confirm financial need.
Scholly Scholarships
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Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
Top scholarship types for college freshmen
Easy-entry scholarships
These scholarships usually have simple applications and no essays, making them a great place to start if you’re short on time or new to the process.
Don't forget to check out Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships to quickly apply to multiple Sallie exclusive scholarships with just one application.
College and department scholarships
Your college is one of the best places to look. Departments, alumni groups, and campus foundations often offer scholarships specifically for enrolled students—and these awards often stack with outside scholarships.
Local scholarships
Community organizations and local foundations tend to have fewer applicants, which can boost your chances of winning.
For more information on how and where to find local scholarships, check out How to find scholarships: A comprehensive guide.
Major-based scholarships
If you’ve declared a major—or even have a general direction—there are scholarships tied to fields like healthcare, education, STEM, business, and more. Knowing how your major connects to future careers can also help you prioritize which scholarships to apply for first.
How to apply without burning out
The key to winning scholarships isn’t applying to everything—it’s applying strategically.
Start by choosing a manageable mix:
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A few quick applications
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A few mid-level scholarships
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One larger “stretch” scholarship
Create a simple folder with your transcript, resume, and a reusable essay. Then use reminders or a scholarship tracker to stay on top of deadlines.
Additional resources for college freshmen
If you want to explore more scholarships that match your background, interests, or where you live, these curated lists can help you narrow things down faster—and apply smarter.
- Scholarships by Major - Find scholarships tailored to your field of study—whether it's STEM, arts, business, or education.
- Scholarships for High School Seniors - Perfect for students starting their college journey. Many deadlines fall during senior year.
- Scholarships for College Students - Keep applying throughout college—new opportunities open up every year.
- Scholarships for First Generation Students - If you’re the first in your family to attend college, these scholarships are designed to support you.
- Scholarships for Adults - Returning to school? These scholarships help adult learners fund their education.
- Scholarships for Women - Empowering scholarships for women, including awards specifically for Black women.
- LGBTQ+ Scholarships - Scholarships that support students navigating both racial and LGBTQ+ identities.
- Scholarships by State - Local scholarships often have fewer applicants—boost your chances by applying close to home.
Frequently asked questions
These tips can help as you get ready to apply for college freshmen scholarships.
When are scholarship application deadlines?
There’s no standard deadline for scholarship applications. Each scholarship has its own deadline, so be sure to keep track of dates and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines of scholarships that you want to apply to.
Do you need to know which college you’re attending?
You don’t need to know which college you’re going to attend before applying for most scholarships. However, once you’re awarded scholarships, some of them may ask for eligibility verification—which can include proof of college enrollment.
Is there a limit on how many scholarships you can apply for?
Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money. Want to find more types of scholarships? There are so many, check them out!
Pro tip: Apply for scholarships each year you’re in college.
Does every scholarship application require an essay?
Not every scholarship will ask you to submit an essay—different scholarships have different requirements. If you’re applying for a scholarship with an essay and need help writing yours, get tips for writing scholarship essays.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
More resources to explore
Tips for writing scholarship essays
Get tips for writing scholarship essays. Learn what makes a good scholarship essay.
Find scholarship resources
Explore our scholarship resources, articles, and guide to get all the tips and tricks to help pay for college.
Fill out the FAFSA®
Learn when and how to apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to maximize your chances of getting federal student financial aid. Get tips now.
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