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Scholarships
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Top high school junior scholarships for you
Find scholarships for high school juniors that can help you pay for college.
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High school junior scholarships
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Niche $26,000 "No Essay" Scholarship
Due: 12/15/25
No essay
$26,000
From initial research to final decision, the college search can feel like an unpredictable, winding road. But Niche can help with every step of the process including paying for your degree!
United States Senate Youth Program
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
$10,000
Qualified high school juniors or seniors must show demonstrated leadership by serving in elected or appointed positions in which they are actively representing a constituency in organizations related to student government, education, public affairs and community service. They must be actively serving in qualified leadership positions, enrolled in high school and living in the state (and for these purposes, the District of Columbia) that they will represent for the entire academic year. The college scholarship and attendance at the Washington Week program are one inseparable award. Delegates must participate in the Washington Week program in accordance with all program rules and policies in order to receive the financial scholarship. The USSYP scholarship is designated for undergraduate college study only at an accredited United States college or university. All students are encouraged to include history, political science or related subjects in their undergraduate program. The scholarship is designated for the specified student's education expense and must be used within four years after enrollment. Students may obtain a USSYP application through their high school principals, school counselors and social studies teachers; or they may inquire directly to their state selection contacts online. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Maguire Foundation Endowed Scholarships
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No Transcripts Required
$5,000
The Maguire Foundation Endowed Scholarships are open to incoming first-year students who are graduating from a Maguire Foundation partner high school. Applicants must actively participate in school, community, volunteer, or extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial need on their FAFSA. This scholarship awards to up to three incoming Widener first-year students. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
SUNY Brockport Gold Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
$4,500
The Gold Scholarship is open to first-year students admitted to the University. Applicants must have a high school GPA of 93 and above. Candidates must be first-time college students entering directly from high school. Students may contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
East Texas A&M University President's Promise Scholarship for First-time New Freshman Students
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
Varies
This award is open to first-time new freshmen students with a filed FAFSA, Pell-eligible, and AGI $85K or less, and Texas residents. This scholarship may be combined with Honors College or donor-funded scholarships. This scholarship is available for up to 8 long semesters (fall and spring) or graduation, whichever comes first. Students must be admitted to the university and enter East Texas A&M in the calendar year of graduation from high school. Applicants must be Texas residents for tuition purposes. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Mississippi State University Freshman Mississippi Resident Academic Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
$42,000
The Mississippi State University Freshman Mississippi Resident Academic Scholarship will be automatically awarded to a student upon their admission to MSU based on their 9th-11th grade high school GPA and test scores. Mississippi State accepts the SAT/ACT through the February test date of a student's senior year of high school. The scholarship is renewable annually for up to 8 semesters at MSU. MSU has a rolling admissions policy. The application for each semester will remain open until the 10th day of classes. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.
Maria Nieves Edmonds Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The Maria Nieves Edmonds Scholarship is available to students graduating from Pinellas County High Schools. Applicants must have a standard high school diploma, be US citizens or permanent resident aliens, and have a weighted cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 at the end of the seventh semester of high school. High school students who meet these qualifications will be notified in writing in the spring term of their senior year. Upon notification of receiving the scholarship, you will need to: 1. Follow the Getting started at SPC steps to apply for admission. 2. Provide proof of Florida residency. 3. Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident alien status. 4. Begin classes at SPC no later than the fall term immediately following high school graduation. 5. Enroll in a minimum of six credit hours as a degree-seeking student. 6. Check your SPC student email and MySPC Checklist regularly for updates. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information and contact Financial Assistance Services for inquiries about the application.
Gwynedd Mercy University Dual Enrollment Program Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
Varies
The Gwynedd Mercy University Dual Enrollment Program Scholarship is available to students who participate in GMercyU's Dual Enrollment program while in high school and then enroll as a full-time bachelor's degree-seeking student at GMercyU. Recipients of this award will receive a full-tuition scholarship for the final semester of their senior year. When added to any other scholarships and grants, this scholarship will bring tuition costs down to $0 in the final semester of a student's senior year. Submission of test scores is not required. The university offers a test-optional admission.
Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship
Due: 2/28/26
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
No Transcripts Required
$1,500
The Better Business Bureau believes it is never too early to introduce and emphasize the importance of ethics. At the high school level, students begin to face ethical decisions that may impact the rest of their lives. They serve as role models whose moral compass not only guides their actions, but also influences those around them. The BBB seeks to honor ethical students for doing the right thing with the BBB Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship, available in Greater Arizona and Southern California. Five students in Greater Arizona, five students in Orange County, California, and five students in San Diego County, California to be awarded with scholarship prizes. Students in grades 9-12 (graduating classes of 2025-2028) residing and enrolled in school in eligible counties are invited to apply for this scholarship opportunity. Essays should analyze what ethics has taught the students and themselves. Note that the most engaging essays often reflect on a meaningful experience or lesson learned in one's life that focuses on an ethical reflection. Essays should be written by students without the use of AI. Essays written with the assistance of AI will be disqualified from the contest. San Diego and Imperial County students must submit their application on August 11, 2025. Orange County students must submit their application on September 22, 2025. Greater Arizona students must submit their application on October 20, 2025. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Gannon University Knight Achievement Award
Due: 2/28/26
No essay
No Recommendations Required
No min. GPA Required
$22,000
The Gannon University Knight Achievement Award is awarded to students based on academic merit as well as SAT/ACT scores. Students must enroll directly from high school. Submission of personal statements and letters of recommendation are optional but are recommended. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
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Key takeaways about high school junior scholarships
- Yes, you can apply for scholarships as a high school junior—and you should.
- Starting early gives you more time to build strong applications and avoid deadline stress.
- Many scholarships are open to juniors, including no-essay and major-specific awards.
- Knowing common requirements helps you prep smarter and avoid rookie mistakes.
- Use tools like Scholly Scholarships and Scout College Search to find your best-fit scholarships.
What are scholarships for high school juniors?
Scholarships for juniors are financial awards you can apply for before senior year. They’re designed to help you get ahead on college planning and reduce future tuition costs. These scholarships come in all shapes—academic, athletic, creative, and even quirky. Some are national, others are local. And yes, many are open to juniors only.
To learn more about scholarships, check out our Ultimate Scholarship Guide.
Why apply for scholarships as a high school junior?
Here’s the deal: applying early means less stress later. You’ll have more time to write essays, gather recommendations, and learn what makes a strong application. Plus, some scholarships are only open to juniors—so waiting until senior year means missing out.
Scholarships also help you build confidence and clarity around your college goals. They’re not just about money—they’re about momentum.
Explore the benefits of scholarships to see how they can shape your future.
Scholarship deadlines and application calendar
Deadlines vary, but many scholarships for juniors open in fall and close in spring. Create a calendar with key dates and set reminders. Some scholarships renew annually, so bookmark your favorites and check back often.
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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.
How to find scholarships as a high school junior
Use trusted tools like Scholly Scholarships to match with scholarships based on your profile. You can also search by type, major, or state on our scholarship overview page.
Don’t forget to ask your school counselor, check local organizations, and explore niche scholarships—like those for women, LGBTQ students, or specific interests.
Essay tips for scholarship applications
Keep it real. Scholarship essays should reflect your voice, values, and goals. Here’s how to stand out:
- Answer the prompt directly
- Share a personal story or challenge
- Show growth and future plans
- Proofread (seriously—typos matter)
For step-by-step help crafting a standout essay, check out our full guide on how to write a scholarship essay and get started with confidence.
Scholarship myths and mistakes to avoid
Let’s bust a few myths:
Myth: You need a perfect GPA.
Truth: Many scholarships value leadership, creativity, or community service.
Myth: Scholarships are only for seniors.
Truth: Tons are open to juniors—don’t wait!
Mistake: Missing deadlines.
Fix: Use a calendar and apply early. Check out our list of common scholarship requirements to prep smarter.
Scholarship strategies for college planning
Think of scholarships as part of your college strategy. They can influence where you apply, what you study, and how much debt you take on. Use them to explore majors, build your resume, and connect with opportunities.
Ready to start? Use Scout College Search to find schools that match your goals—and your scholarship potential.
Frequently asked questions
These tips can help as you get ready to apply for high school junior 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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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.
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