Top 10 College Scholarships Every Student Should Know About
College education can be expensive, but fortunately there are many scholarships that can help you cover the costs. Scholarships not only help reduce the financial burden of college, but also provide opportunities for students to gain new skills and experiences. In this article, we’ll introduce ten scholarships that every student should know about.
1. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship program that awards full tuition scholarships to outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income families. The scholarship was created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education for underrepresented minorities. The Gates Scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and room and board, and also provides additional support and resources to scholars throughout their college journey.
2. Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship provides a $20,000 scholarship to 150 high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The scholarship is open to students from all backgrounds, and selection is based on a combination of academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. The scholarship can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, and other college expenses.
3. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is designed to support high-achieving students from low-income families who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 per year for tuition, room and board, books, and other fees. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and leadership potential to be considered for the scholarship.
4. The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition
The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 to high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, leadership, and financial need. The scholarships can be used to cover a wide range of college expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board.
5. Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program
The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program provides scholarships worth up to $25,000 to students who have faced significant adversity and demonstrated perseverance and a strong commitment to education. The scholarship can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, and other expenses, and is renewable for up to four years.
6. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program provides scholarships to students who score in the top one percent on the PSAT/NMSQT exam. The scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000 per year and can be used to cover a variety of college expenses. Students who are selected as National Merit Scholars also receive recognition and opportunities for academic and professional development.
7. Dell Scholars Program
The Dell Scholars Program provides scholarships and support to students who have overcome significant challenges to achieve academic excellence and demonstrate potential for success in college and beyond. The scholarship provides $20,000, a laptop and textbook credits. The program also offers a support system through their program completion including mentoring, networking, and financial and emotional support.
8. The Siemens Foundation Competition in Math, Science & Technology
The Siemens Foundation Competition in Math, Science & Technology is a prestigious scholarship program that awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 to high school students who demonstrate outstanding achievement in math, science, and technology. The scholarship can be used to cover tuition, fees, and other college expenses, and winners also receive recognition and opportunities for further academic and professional development.
9. The Burger King Scholars Program
The Burger King Scholars Program awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 to high school seniors who have a strong academic record, demonstrated leadership experience, and a part-time job. The scholarship can be used to cover tuition, fees, and other college expenses, and winners also receive mentoring and career resources.
10. The Toyota Community Scholars Program
The Toyota Community Scholars Program awards scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism and leadership. The scholarship can be used to cover a variety of college expenses, including tuition, fees, and books.
FAQs
1. How can I find more scholarships?
There are many scholarship search engines, such as Fastweb or Scholarship Owl, where you can search for scholarships based on your criteria, such as your field of study, academic achievements, or demographic background. You can also check with your school’s financial aid office, community organizations, or professional associations in your field to find more opportunities.
2. What are the eligibility criteria for scholarships?
The eligibility criteria for scholarships vary depending on the program. Some scholarships may be based on academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, or other criteria. Make sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully and ensure that you meet all the criteria before applying.
3. How do I apply for scholarships?
To apply for scholarships, you’ll typically need to fill out an application form, provide your academic and personal information, and submit supporting documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, or essays. The application process may vary depending on the scholarship, so make sure to read the instructions carefully and meet all the deadlines.
4. Are scholarships renewable?
Some scholarships may be renewable, meaning that you can receive the scholarship for multiple years. To renew a scholarship, you’ll typically need to maintain a certain GPA, demonstrate continued financial need, or meet other requirements. Make sure to check the scholarship’s renewal policies before accepting the award.