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Scholarships
Top college student scholarships to help you pay for school
Find scholarships every college student should know about.
College student scholarships
Featured
Apply now
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 6/30/26
$2,000
Featured
Apply now
The Scholarships360 $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship
Due: 6/30/26
|No essay
$10,000
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.
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.
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.
WLA Library Education Scholarship
Due: 6/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,400
The WLA Library Education Scholarship is available to librarians who are admitted to a master's degree program in library and information science or in library media at a Wisconsin school during the coming academic year beginning with the fall term. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of experience and background in library and library-related work; career plans in the library profession; need and desire for the scholarship; and past academic performance. Affirmative action and equal opportunity principles will be applied. Racial or ethnic minorities, women and disabled persons are encouraged to apply and may identify themselves as such if they wish. Applicants must submit a completed application form. If any information requested cannot be submitted via the online form, please submit them through mail. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Wisconsin Library Association for more information.
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.
Golden Key Humanitarian/Service Response Award
Due: 6/15/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$500
The Golden Key Humanitarian/Service Response Award is open to Golden Key members with commitment to a service. Applicants must submit a video on social media and include relevant hashtags (YesGKScholarships, YesGKService, and GKFunding). Applicants must also submit a letter of recommendation from a project leader (excluded GK official). The video must capture the essence of the service project. Applicants must also include in the video also an elevator pitch to the applicant's stakeholders; their personal story, the timeline and also focus on all three GK pillars; and describe the impact GK made on their life journey. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
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.
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.
Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship
No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
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:
- $2,000 No Essay Scholarship: Quick and easy to apply.
- Scholly Scholarships: Personalized matches based on your inputs.
- Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships: Apply to multiple scholarships with one quick application
- Scholarships by Major: Find awards tied to your field of study.
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.
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.
More resources to explore

Tips for writing scholarship essays
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