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Scholarships
Top computer science scholarships
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Computer science scholarships
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Navisite's Next Steminist Scholarship Program
Due: 5/17/26
$10,000
The Navisite's Next Steminist Scholarship Program is designed to help close the gender gap in tech and encourage young women to pursue their passion in STEM. Applicants must be a current high school senior or graduate or current college undergraduate enrolled; or planning to enroll full-time in undergraduate study at an accredited college or university. Eligible majors are Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Hardware Engineering, Computer Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Game and Interactive Media Design, Information Systems, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, and Systems Engineering. Awards are not renewable; however, students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements. Applicants must submit a 60-second unlisted YouTube video describing their dream career in STEM as part of their application. One online recommendation form must be submitted on the applicant's behalf no later than May 22, 2024. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
RADM Fred Lewis I/ITSEC Postgraduate Scholarships
Due: 6/21/26
|No min. GPA Required
$10,000
The Annual RADM Fred Lewis I/ITSEC Postgraduate Scholarships are being offered to stimulate student interest and university participation in preparing individuals for leadership in the Modeling & Simulation, Training, and Education communities. RADM Lewis knew that by investing in our future workforce, these scholarships will encourage expansion of the I/ITSEC community and promote innovation through direct investment in our community's future leaders. Applicants must successfully complete th...
Barbara McDaniel Undergraduate Scholarship
Due: 6/21/26
|No min. GPA Required
$10,000
NTSA manages the annual Barbara McDaniel Undergraduate Scholarship program. Barbara began her career as an educator prior to joining NTSA in 1993, as such these awards honor her life-long passion in the education of our youth. NTSA understands the importance of students pursuing Modeling & Simulation degrees and how vital it is to the modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) industry. These scholarship awards will keep the MS&T workforce pipeline filled, starting at the undergraduate level. ...
Leonard P. Gollobin Postgraduate Scholarship
Due: 6/21/26
|No min. GPA Required
$10,000
The Leonard P. Gollobin Postgraduate Scholarship program was generously bequeathed by Mr. Gollobin to direct students developing their technical talents into the defense industry. Throughout his career, Mr. Gollobin led scientific initiatives that improved our defense systems and strategically shaped our military capabilities. NTSA administers this scholarship with the intent to provide financial support for those seeking advanced degrees and a path to leverage their commitment to strengthen ...
NTSA RADM James A. Robb Scholarship Program
Due: 6/21/26
|No min. GPA Required
$10,000
The NTSA RADM James A. Robb Scholarship Program, funded by a donation from the Robb family, honors his commitment to education and to the modeling and simulation community. Admiral Robb was a stalwart of advancing the M&S industry, and he spent much of his professional and personal career focused on education for underserved and underrepresented students and teachers. Many of the STEM programs at I/ITSEC are a direct result of his vision and commitment to education, and the pathways for the f...
Certified Modeling and Simulation Professional Postgraduate Scholarship
Due: 6/21/26
|No min. GPA Required
$5,000
The NTSA manages the annual Certified Modeling and Simulation Professional (CMSP) Postgraduate Scholarship at the Masters level. The program was created to provide the Modeling & Simulation (M&S) industry with its own professional certification that remains valid for four years before recertification is required. The CMSP designation recognizes professionals with extensive experience and expertise in M&S. Applicants must successfully complete their undergraduate studies by the end of Spring T...
Kinetix "The Future of IT" Scholarship Program
Due: 6/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
Kinetix understands that the demand for skilled professionals in Information Technology (IT) and Computer Sciences in Michigan has never been higher. However, pursuing a degree in IT often comes with financial challenges that can hinder the dreams of many aspiring students. Kinetix's "The Future of IT" Scholarship Program aims to assist the next generation of IT and Computer Science professionals. Applicants must be enrolled in an information technology or computer science program. The application process for the scholarship is simple. Take a photo of yourself (or selfie), include the hashtags #kinetixITscholarships and #FutureIT, then post it to one of your social media outlets: Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter). Please note, that your social media post, not profile, must be set to public. Insert your post link in the "Social Media Link Share" area in the application, then check the photo waiver box. We would be honored if you liked or followed us on the platform you submitted your photo. Applicants must also provide a copy of their student ID or proof of attendance, only if they are selected as an awardee. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
GeneTex Scholarship Program
Due: 7/11/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$2,000
GeneTex believes in accelerating scientific advancement and the notion that the genesis of future discoveries begins with the support of young scientists now. The GeneTex Scholarship Program will award a scholarship to students pursuing a STEM undergraduate or graduate degree. The National Science Foundation defines STEM majors as life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, computer sciences and mathematics. Applicants must be in good standing and enrolled at an accredited college or u...
Pega Scholars Program
Due: 7/16/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$2,000
The Pega Scholars Program supports equal participation in tech by providing scholarships to future technologists around the globe. The program aims to improve the reach, accessibility, and availability of learning opportunities for all in the technology space. Applicants must be high school/secondary school seniors who graduated in 2025 or current college/university undergraduates, or CEGEP students. They must plan to enroll at an accredited two-, three- or four-year college or university, CE...
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Key takeaways about computer science scholarships
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Computer science scholarships can help you lower your tuition and reduce how much you may need to borrow.
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Many scholarships are open to high school seniors, current CS majors, and adults returning to school.
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Awards can be merit-based, need-based, identity-based, or tied fields like AI, cybersecurity, or software engineering.
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You’ll stand out by showcasing your coding experience, projects, internships, and community involvement.
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Start applying early — many CS scholarships open months before the school year begins.
If you’re planning to study computer science, you’re stepping into one of the most exciting fields out there. But even with the thrill of coding, building apps, or diving into AI, the cost of a CS degree can be…a lot. The good news? There are tons of computer science scholarships designed to help you get through school with less stress about money. Think of this as your guide — from how these scholarships work to how to apply like a pro.
What are computer science scholarships?
Computer science scholarships are awards that give you free money for college, specifically for students majoring in computing fields. That includes areas like software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, information systems, and more. Awards can come from colleges, nonprofits, tech companies, and professional organizations.
Some focus on academic performance. Others highlight leadership, diversity in tech, financial need, or your passion for STEM. And you don’t have to be a coding genius to qualify — plenty of scholarships are open to newbies and future CS majors.
Why scholarships matter for computer science students
A computer science degree is an investment, and while the payoff can be huge, the cost of tuition, textbooks, and tech tools adds up fast. Scholarships can cover many of those expenses. They can help you:
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Reduce out-of-pocket costs (and maybe skip a part-time job so you can focus on classes).
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Graduate with less debt, which gives you more freedom after college.
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Boost your resume, since earning scholarships shows initiative and commitment.
Plus, there’s a scholarship gap in tech — organizations are actively looking to diversify CS fields, which means students from underrepresented backgrounds may find even more opportunities.
How to qualify for computer science scholarships
Every scholarship has its own rules, but here’s what most are looking for:
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You plan to major (or are already majoring) in computer science or a related field.
This can include software engineering, data analytics, game design, or cybersecurity. -
Your academic performance meets the minimum GPA requirement.
Some want a 3.0+, but others are flexible. -
You’ve shown interest in computer science.
This could be through coding clubs, robotics, hackathons, personal projects, summer programs, or internships. -
You meet eligibility factors like grade level, financial need, or background.
Many awards support women in tech, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, and students of color. -
You’re ready to write a short essay.
Some ask about your career goals, a project you built, or why you chose CS.
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Top scholarships for computer science majors
These are the types of awards you’re most likely to find when searching for top scholarships for computer science students. (To browse actual awards, use Scholly Scholarships — thousands of verified scholarships, all in one place.)
1. Merit-based computer science scholarships
These merit-based scholarships focus on academic performance or demonstrated skill in programming. If you’ve taken advanced math, AP CS, or built impressive projects, these are for you.
2. Diversity in tech scholarships
Aimed at supporting students who are underrepresented in CS, including women, Black students, Hispanic students, Native students, and LGBTQ+ students. Many tech companies offer these to encourage diversity in STEM.
3. Need-based computer science scholarships
Need-based scholarships help students who need financial support to pursue a CS degree. You may need to submit FAFSA® to determine eligibility.
4. Corporate and industry-sponsored CS scholarships
Big tech companies often fund scholarships for future programmers, engineers, and data scientists. They can include mentoring, networking, and internship opportunities.
5. STEM-focused scholarship programs
Since CS falls under STEM, many broad STEM scholarships apply. These often have higher dollar amounts and multiple award recipients.
6. Project- or portfolio-based scholarships
If you love building apps or working on side projects, look for scholarships that allow (or require) you to submit your work. Hackathon experience can help too.
7. Scholarships for high school seniors planning to major in CS
These awards help first-year students get started strong and often have early deadlines.
How to apply
You don’t need to overthink this — applying for computer science scholarships is more doable than you think. Here’s the process:
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Use a trusted scholarship search tool.
Tools like Scholly Scholarships help you find awards that fit your background, interests, and major. -
Gather your materials early.
his usually includes your transcript, résumé, personal statement, and sometimes letters of recommendation. -
Show your interest in computer science.
Even a small coding project or basic portfolio can help your application stand out. -
Write a thoughtful essay.
Use your essay to be honest about why you want to pursue CS — whether it's cybersecurity, AI, gaming, or solving real-world problems. -
Track deadlines.
Some scholarship deadlines are in the fall, others in spring. Set reminders so nothing slips through the cracks. -
Apply for easy scholarships.
Our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is one of the quickest, easiest ways to potentially win free money toward your degree. And check out Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships to apply to multiple Sallie-exclusive scholarships at one time.
Additional resources for computer science students
If you're exploring even more ways to fund your CS degree, these scholarship categories can help you widen your search and find awards that match your interests, background, and future goals in tech.
- Scholarships by major
Explore scholarships that support students in STEM fields like software engineering, cybersecurity, IT, robotics, data science, and AI. Perfect if your CS path leans into a specialized area. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Planning to major in computer science after graduation? These scholarships help future CS majors get ahead before freshman year — especially if you’ve taken AP CS, joined coding clubs, or built your first projects. - Scholarships for college students
Already deep into debugging sessions and algorithms? These scholarships are built for current CS majors, offering support for students taking advanced courses like systems programming, machine learning, or operating systems. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you’re the first in your family to pursue a tech degree, these scholarships can help you break into the industry with financial support and, in some cases, access to mentorship and STEM resources. - Scholarships for adults
Thinking about switching careers into tech or going back to school for CS? These scholarships help adult learners transition into computer science fields — whether you're exploring software development, IT certifications, or data analysis. - Scholarships for women in tech
Women continue to be underrepresented in computer science. These scholarships are designed to support and empower women pursuing degrees in software engineering, cybersecurity, game design, AI, and other CS specialties. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
LGBTQ+ students pursuing careers in tech can find scholarships that support their academic journey while helping increase representation within computer science fields and STEM workplaces. - Scholarships by state
Many local and regional organizations offer scholarships to encourage students to enter tech careers close to home. These smaller, local awards often have fewer applicants — a major advantage for CS students. - STEM scholarships
Since computer science sits at the heart of STEM, these scholarships open up a wide pool of funding options for students interested in programming, engineering, robotics, data science, and other tech-focused paths.
Frequently asked questions
These tips can help as you get ready to apply for computer science 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.
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