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Scholarships
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College freshmen scholarships
Find scholarships for college freshmen that can help you pay for college.
Here’s a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
College freshmen scholarships
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship
Due: 6/10/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The Abbott and Fenner Scholarship is open to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post-secondary institution. The winner(s) of this annual scholarship will receive their award within 2 weeks of the listed deadline. All applicants should include their full name and mailing address with their submissions as well as the school they are currently attending. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
NordstrandBlack PC Reach the Summit Scholarship
Due: 6/10/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
$750
Almost 20 percent of children in Santa Barbara County live in poverty. As part of NordstrandBlack PC's ongoing commitment to the community, NordstrandBlack PC wants to do our part to help alleviate this situation. NordstrandBlack PC is offering scholarships to help support the next generation of American leaders. This annual award is open to students across the United States who are looking to enhance their future by earning a four-year college degree. High school seniors and current college students are welcome to apply, including community college students who plan on transferring to a four-year institution. Applicants must be U.S. Citizen or hold Permanent Residency status. DACA recipients are welcome to apply. Finalists must provide school transcripts, current proof of enrollment, and photo ID. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
3 days left!
Apply now
The Father James B. Macelwane Annual Award in Meteorology
Due: 6/13/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The Father James B. Macelwane Annual Award was established to stimulate interest in meteorology among college students through the submission of original student papers concerned with some phase of the atmospheric sciences. The student must be enrolled as an undergraduate at the time the paper is written, and no more than two students from any one institution may enter papers in any one contest. The Society encourages applications from women, minorities, and disabled students, traditionally underrepresented in the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences. The following must be submitted: a letter of application from the author, including mailing address and email, stating the title of the paper and the name of the university at which the paper was written; a letter from the department head or other faculty member of the department, confirming that the author was an undergraduate student at the time the paper was written, and indicating the elements of the paper that represent original contributions by the student; and the Student Assessment form completed by the department head or other faculty member of the department. This is in addition to the faculty letter. Please visit the award's website for more information.
5 days left!
Apply now
Maine Community Foundation, Inc. Long-term Scholarship Award
Due: 6/15/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
$2,500
This scholarship is for Maine's nontraditional students who want to change their life for the better through education and training. The scholarship supports a range of training, including attending two- and four-year colleges and universities, completing a certificate and other non-degree programs, or attempting a self-directed learning experience with a clear goal. The Maine Community Foundation, Inc. Long-term Scholarship Award will last more than a full semester. At the end of the program the applicant will have a one- or two-year certificate or a two- or four-year degree. Graduate study is not supported by this scholarship. Deadlines are June 15 and November 15. Beginning in 2024, recipients may apply for renewal for a maximum of 5 years or 10 semesters of scholarship support. Current recipients who have already reached this maximum will be offered a grace period of one year (up to two semesters). The committee has a preference for applicants who have not previously attained a Bachelor's degree. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Maine Community Foundation, Inc. for more information.
5 days left!
Apply now
Dixie Belle Paint Company Scholarship
Due: 6/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,250
The Dixie Belle Paint Company Scholarship contest is open to students who must be attending college or grad school by Fall 2025. One grand winner will be awarded $1250 and the other two winners will receive $750 each. Current employees, officers, directors and agents of Sponsor and its related companies and members of their immediate families (defined as spouse, parents, siblings and children) and persons residing at the same address are not eligible to win. The sponsor is looking for eligible finalists who follow directions and submit applications that are well-written and clearly and creatively address the topic. Answers will be evaluated in the following proportions: writing ability, creativity, originality, and overall excellence. In the event of a tie, the tiebreaker will be in favor of the applicant with the higher score for overall excellence. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
5 days left!
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Roberto Reyes Memorial Scholarship
Due: 6/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Roberto Reyes Memorial Scholarship was established to honor Roberto Reyes, a former student of Piner High School. Applicants must be graduating seniors of Piner High School in Sonoma County, California. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation for more information.
5 days left!
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Doctors Network Coast Guard Scholarship
Due: 6/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$1,000
The Doctors Network Coast Guard Scholarship will be awarded to any active or former member of the United States Coast Guard or any student attending or planning to attend an accredited four-year or two-year college in the United States with at least one parent or spouse who is an active or former member of the United States Coast Guard. Multiple awards are available. Any senior high school student planning on attending college right after high school and any student in an accredited four-year, two-year, nursing, dental, or medical school in the United States who will still be a student for the applicable periods of the award may apply. Any essays written using artificial intelligence will be disqualified. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
5 days left!
Apply now
Third Marine Division Association Memorial Scholarship Fund
Due: 6/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
$2,500
The Third Marine Division Association Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to qualified students who have consistently demonstrated excellence in colleges and universities across the United States. The mission in 1969 was to provide assistance to dependents of Third Marine Division members who lost their lives in Vietnam or whose post service death had been certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be the result of hostile enemy action or other disabilities incurred. Applicants may either be (1) a child, grandchild, great-grandchild or legal dependent of any personnel who lost their lives as a result of hostile enemy action while a member of or attached to a unit of the Third Marine Division in "Military Operations"; (2) a child, grandchild, great-grandchild or legal dependent of any honorably discharged personnel deceased or retired having been a member of or attached to a unit of the Third Marine Division in Military Operations whose post service death has been certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs to have been the result of hostile enemy action or other disabilities incurred and were not the result of any misconduct by the veteran; or (3) a child, grandchild, great-grandchild or legal dependent of a deceased member of the Association or the spouse of such member, provided the deceased member had held Association membership for a period of at least two consecutive years immediately prior to his or her death; (4) child, grandchild, great-grandchild or legal dependent of a living member (sponsor) of the Association, provided the sponsoring member has held Association membership for a period of at least two consecutive years immediately prior to the date of the eligible applicant's first application for assistance; or (5) any personnel who has been recently honorably discharged having been a member of or attached to a unit of the Third Marine Division provided the person has held Association membership for a period of at least two consecutive years immediately prior to the date of the first application, be current on all annual dues payments and who continues his or her membership for the entire period of their financial assistance. Scholarships may be awarded for any approved course of study in an accredited college or university, or for any approved course of study in an accredited and approved post-high school trade school institution. Applicants must be enrolled in each semester for not less than 12 credit hours. Awards will not be given in excess of four years of undergraduate study with some exceptions. Applications may be submitted through mail or email. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
5 days left!
Apply now
Doctors Network Student Doctor Scholarship
Due: 6/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$1,000
The Doctors Network Student Doctor Scholarship will be awarded to any student attending or planning to attend an accredited medical school in the United States. Multiple awards are available. Any senior high school student planning on attending college right after high school and any student in an accredited four-year, two-year, or medical school in the United States who will still be a student for the applicable periods of the award may apply. Any essays written using artificial intelligence will be disqualified. 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
Find scholarships now
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.
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.