There’s no doubt about it—getting a college education is expensive. [1] While tuition costs may be mitigated by financial aid, there will usually still be both parent and student contributions. Not to mention the costs of all the textbooks you’ll need, travel expenses, and dorm room essentials —the list goes on and on. College scholarships can make your education far more accessible.
Here is a list of the top ten scholarships for college that can help alleviate your tuition bill. These college scholarships were selected based on the award amount, the prestige of the awarding organization, and their availability to all students. Maybe one or more of these is right for you!
1. AXA Achievement Scholarship
With one student selected from each state, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., the AXA Achievement Scholarship recognizes students who exhibit outstanding achievement in their schools and communities. Special consideration is given to those whose involvement “empowers society to mitigate risk through education and/or action in areas such as financial, environmental, health, safety, and/or emergency preparedness.” Each recipient wins a $10,000 scholarship, with 10 of the original 52 selected to receive an additional $15,000 toward their education. This standout scholarship opens its application in September, with a December deadline.
2. Cameron Impact Scholarship
The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation supports “leaders of the next generation” through merit-based scholarships for college each year. Cameron Impact Scholars are known to make a positive impact on their communities and the world. They plan to pursue public service throughout their lives. Recipients receive up to $50,000 each year toward college tuition and educational expenses. To apply, students must: 1) excel in academics with a minimum 3.7 unweighted GPA, 2) be motivated leaders, 3) actively participate in community service, and 4) participate in a broad array of extracurriculars. With two application cycles each year, the deadlines are in September and May.
3. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
For over 25 years, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has awarded 1,400 students annually, totaling $3.55 million in scholarships! Every year, the foundation awards 150 incredible high school students with scholarships for college of $20,000 each. These scholarships for college recognize students with a unique capacity to lead, a successful academic career, and a positive impact on their schools and communities. To apply, students must be high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The deadline is in October.
4. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, giving away more than $6.7 million to almost 300 students. While the grand prize is $50,000, scholarships of $25,000 and $10,000 are also awarded. Davidson Fellows are invited to Washington, D.C. for Congressional meetings and a special reception. To apply, students must complete and submit a substantial, college-level project in one of the following disciplines: engineering, literature, mathematics, music, philosophy, science, technology, or “outside the box.” This project should be geared toward benefiting society and should promote a new way of solving problems. The deadline is in February.
5. Dell Scholars Program
Providing 300 scholarships for college annually to students who have overcome significant socioeconomic disadvantages, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation has awarded over $60 million in scholarships since the inception of the Dell Scholars Program. [2] Each awardee receives $20,000 toward his or her college education, a Dell laptop, and textbook funding. To apply, students must have completed the Dell Foundation’s approved college readiness program in 11th and 12th grades. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic drive, and personal motivation. The deadline is in January.
6. Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship offers a full college scholarship (tuition payment for all four years of college) to select high school students meeting the following criteria: top 10% of their class, leadership ability, emotional maturity, motivation, and perseverance. Students must also be Pell Grant-eligible and from an underrepresented background. Recipients can go on to study any subject in their college education. The Gates Scholarship awards 300 students annually. The deadline is in September, with finalist interviews in the Spring.
7. GE – Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Honoring Ronald Reagan, the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship recognizes high school students who exhibit leadership, initiative, integrity, and citizenship, with a $10,000 renewable scholarship for college. In addition to the financial reward, the Foundation invites recipients to participate in special programs and provides continued leadership-development support. To apply, students must be recommended by an eligible community figurehead (e.g., high school principal, elected official, etc.) to certify academic excellence and financial status. The deadline is in January.
8. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation seeks to advance the education of “exceptionally promising” students with unmet financial need through strategically targeted grants. Each year, the foundation awards money to students from elementary to graduate school, with 40 scholarships going to high school seniors. These high school scholars receive up to $40,000 annually toward their college tuition and expenses. In addition, the Foundation provides guidance on selecting colleges, transitioning to college, and navigating the financial aid process. To apply, students must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, personal persistence, and a desire to help their communities. The deadline is in December.
9. Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, the Voice of Democracy Scholarship encourages students to express their beliefs regarding democratic principles and ideals through scholarships for college. Almost 40,000 high school students across the nation enter this contest each year, hoping to win a portion of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships. The 1st prize winner will be awarded $30,000 toward his or her college education. Other recipients will receive $1,000-$16,000. To apply, high school applicants must write, record, and submit an original speech (and a recording) based on the provided topic. The current theme is: “Why My Vote Matters.” The deadline is in November.
10. William Randolph Hearst Foundations U.S. Senate Youth Program
Each year, the U.S. Senate Youth Program welcomes a select group of students from across the nation to Washington, D.C. for a week-long, in-depth view of the Senate and the federal government. These students have participated in high school student governments and demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, academic achievement, community involvement and extracurricular activities. To apply, high school students must be nominated by their high schools or state selection officials. Selected candidates for the Program will receive $10,000 and an invitation to an educational and professional development week in Washington, D.C. Recipients are encouraged to pursue government, history, and public policy education in college. While the deadline varies by state, it is usually around October.
While you might not want to think about more applications, it is wise to consider your scholarship and fellowship options as you apply to college. There are many scholarships for college offered by a number of organizations, as well as scholarships set aside for marginalized groups of people. So, keep in mind that it is crucial to do your own research, apply broadly, and keep a close eye on deadlines.