College student scholarships

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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
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3 days left!

Dr. Earl James Fahringer Performing Arts Scholarship

Due: 5/27/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
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3 days left!

NASCLA 2025 Scholarship Program

Due: 5/27/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
$5,000
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3 days left!

Farella Braun + Martel LLP 1L Diversity Scholarship

Due: 5/27/26 No min. GPA Required
$15,000
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4 days left!

Laura Greenstone Memorial Scholarship

Due: 5/31/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
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4 days left!

American Art Therapy Association Anniversary Scholarship Fund

Due: 5/28/26 No essay No Transcripts Required
$1,000
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4 days left!

New Professional Scholarship Award

Due: 5/31/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
$250
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4 days left!

Myra Levick Scholarship Fund

Due: 5/31/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
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Key takeaways about college student scholarships

  • Scholarships aren’t just for high school seniors—there are tons for current college students too.
  • You can find scholarships based on your major, year in school, or even your hobbies.
  • Many scholarships are renewable, so you can get help year after year.
  • Micro-scholarships and semester-based awards can help cover smaller costs like books or fees.
  • Staying organized and meeting deadlines is key to keeping your scholarships.

Featured scholarships for college students

Here are a few standout scholarships you should check out:

Scholly Scholarships

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.

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Types of scholarships for current college students

1. Merit-based and renewable scholarships

If you’ve got strong grades, leadership experience, or unique talents, merit-based scholarships are for you. Many are renewable—just keep up your GPA and stay involved.

2. Major or department-specific scholarships

Your college department might offer scholarships just for students in your major. These can be competitive but are often less known, so your odds might be better.

3. Scholarships by academic year

Whether you're a sophomore, junior, or senior, there are scholarships tailored to your year in school. Some even reward students who’ve shown growth or overcome challenges.

4. Transfer and community college student scholarships

Transferring from a two-year to a four-year school? There are scholarships just for you. Many aim to support students continuing their education journey.

5. Study abroad, research, and internship scholarships

Planning to study abroad or take on a research project? Look for scholarships that support experiential learning. These can help cover travel, housing, or program fees.

6. Scholarships for adult, returning, and part-time students

If you're heading back to school after a break or balancing college with work or family, there are scholarships designed to support your unique path.

7. Micro-scholarships and semester-based awards

These smaller awards add up. You might earn them for achievements like getting an A, joining a club, or completing a semester with a certain GPA.

How to find scholarships while you're in college

Start with tools like Scout College Search and Scholly Scholarships. Check your school’s financial aid office, your department, and local organizations. Don’t forget to revisit our list of scholarship categories to explore all your options.

How to keep or renew scholarships in college

Read the fine print. Some scholarships require you to maintain a certain GPA, complete community service, or reapply each year. Stay on top of deadlines and requirements to keep your funding.

Scholarship timeline and deadlines for college students

  • Fall semester: Great time to apply for spring awards.
  • Spring semester: Look for summer and fall scholarships.
  • Summer: Prep for the next academic year—many deadlines hit early fall. Set calendar reminders and use a spreadsheet to track applications.

Common mistakes students make (and how to avoid them)

  • Missing deadlines: Set alerts and start early.
  • Not applying because of GPA fears: Many scholarships don’t require a perfect GPA.
  • Skipping small awards: Micro-scholarships can cover books, fees, and more.
  • Forgetting to renew: Know what’s required to keep your scholarship going.

Scholarships don’t stop after high school — they actually get more specific and targeted once you're in college. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, there’s funding out there with your name on it. Start searching now with Scholly Scholarships to find awards tailored to you.

Frequently asked questions

These tips can help as you get ready to apply for college student scholarships.

What scholarships are available for college students?

College students can apply for many different types of scholarships, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, major-specific awards, athletic scholarships, and scholarships based on hobbies, leadership, or community involvement. Some scholarships are offered by colleges and universities, while others come from private companies, nonprofits, and local organizations.

How can college students find scholarships to pay for college?

Students can search for scholarships through online scholarship databases, their college financial aid office, local community organizations, employers, and professional associations. Applying for scholarships throughout college—not just before freshman year—can help students find more opportunities to reduce college costs.

Are there scholarships for current college students already enrolled in school?

Yes. Many scholarships are specifically designed for students who are already attending college. Scholarships may be available for sophomores, juniors, seniors, transfer students, graduate students, and students pursuing certain majors or career paths.

What are merit-based scholarships for college students?

Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on achievements like academic performance, leadership, athletics, artistic talent, or community service. These scholarships may consider GPA, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or other accomplishments rather than financial need alone.

Can college students apply for scholarships every year?

Yes. Many scholarships accept applications annually, which means students can continue applying throughout their college experience. Applying each year may increase the chances of receiving scholarship money to help cover tuition, books, housing, and other education expenses.

What scholarships are available by college major or field of study?

Many organizations offer scholarships tied to specific majors or career interests, including nursing, engineering, business, education, healthcare, technology, and the arts. Students may also find scholarships connected to industries experiencing workforce demand.

Are there scholarships for transfer students and community college students?

Yes. Transfer students and community college students may qualify for scholarships designed to support students continuing their education at a four-year college or university. Some schools and organizations also offer scholarships specifically for adult learners and nontraditional students.

How do micro-scholarships help college students reduce student debt?

Micro-scholarships are smaller scholarship awards students can earn for achievements like good grades, volunteering, extracurricular activities, or completing certain tasks. While individual awards may be smaller, they can add up over time and help reduce out-of-pocket college costs and future borrowing.

What documents do you need to apply for college scholarships?

Scholarship applications often require materials such as transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, resumes, or proof of enrollment. Some scholarships may also ask for financial information or details about extracurricular activities, leadership experience, or career goals.

How can scholarships help reduce the need for student loans?

Scholarships provide money for college that typically does not need to be repaid. By covering expenses like tuition, housing, books, or fees, scholarships may help students borrow less and reduce the total cost of earning a degree.

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.

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