Finding scholarships for high school seniors helps you to be able to afford college. Many college students graduate with thousands of dollars in student loan debt. Scholarships are one way to avoid being saddled with this problem after you graduate.
Scholarship programs can provide free financial aid for college students with no repayment constraints. This applies to you if you’re pursuing a:
- technical certificate
- associate degree
- bachelor’s degree
The College Board estimates that the average net cost for on-campus students at public colleges is $18,620 each year. Price tags are even higher at private for-profit and non-profit universities. That means all 12th graders should include searching for scholarships to their do-to list along with campus tours, SATs, and college applications. Scholarship awards can help with these costs.
You can get started on your scholarship search with these 20 lucrative merit- and need-based scholarships for seniors.
Ranking the Best College Scholarships for High School Seniors
AMVETS National Scholarship Program
Scholarships for High School Seniors #1
Deadline: April 15th
The AMVETS National Service Foundation hosts an annual scholarship program. They award $4,000 over four years to high school seniors who are the children and grandchildren of honorably discharged United States veterans. Eligible high school students must:
- be entering at the college freshmen level
- be accepted at an accredited college or technical school
- hold a minimum 3.0 GPA
- have U.S. citizenship
- demonstrate financial need
- write a 100-word essay entitled “What a Higher Education Means to Me.”
Contact
AMVETS National Scholarship Program
4647 Forbes Blvd.
Lanham, MD 20706
(877) 726-8387
amvets@amvets.org
Scholarship Link
AXA Achievement Scholarship
High School Senior Scholarships #2
Deadline: December 31st
The AXA Achievement Scholarships are valued at $10,000 apiece. They are presented annually to one high school senior from each state, who is planning to enroll full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college. Qualified high school students must:
- be U.S. residents
- anticipate finishing their diploma
- show ability to succeed in higher education
- demonstrate ambition for college education
- be actively involved in community or work-related activities
Special consideration is given to achievements that empower society to mitigate risk.
Contact
AXA Achievement Scholarship
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
(212) 314-5142
john.cline@axa.us.com
Scholarship Link
Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship
Scholarships for Seniors #3
Deadline: June 10th
The Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship was founded in 2012 by Rihanna for international students. It is awarded for $5,000 to $50,000 each year to graduating high school seniors. These are high school students in:
- Brazil
- Barbados
- Cuba
- Haiti
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
They must be pursuing full-time undergraduate degrees in the United States. To apply, first-time college students must be eligible for funding per the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Scholarships are renewable for four years of a bachelor’s program if the college students maintain a 2.5 GPA.
Contact
Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship
1411 Broadway Floor 39
New York, NY 10018
(212) 292-8500
info@claralionelfoundation.org
Scholarship Link
Daniels Fund Scholarship Program
Scholarship Opportunities for High School Seniors #4
Deadline: November 13th
The Daniels Fund Scholarship is a competitive, need-based program for outstanding high school seniors in:
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- Utah
- Wyoming
They must pursue a bachelor’s degree at a partnering university. Qualified high school students must:
- be U.S. citizens or legal residents
- have unmet financial need
- achieve an ACT score over 16 and SAT scores above 400
- plan to study full-time
- showcase leadership potential
- embody Bill Daniels’ strength of character
Contact
Daniels Fund Scholarship Program
101 Monroe Street
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 393-7220
Info@DanielsFund.org
Scholarship Link
Dell Scholars Program Scholarship
Scholarships Highschool Seniors #5
Deadline: January 15th
Since 2004, the Dell Scholars Program has gifted a $20,000 scholarship, laptop, and textbook credits annually to 300 high school seniors. These are high school students who plan to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s program at an accredited U.S. college after graduation. For consideration, students must:
- participate in an Dell-approved college readiness program
- carry a minimum GPA of 2.4
- qualify for the Federal Pell Grant
- display determination to succeed
- show active club involvement
- have unmet financial need
Contact
Dell Scholars Program Scholarship
P.O. Box 163867
Austin, TX 78716
(512) 600-5501
apply@dellscholars.org
Scholarship Link
Elks Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Scholarships for Seniors in High School #6
Deadline: December 4th
The Elks Foundation bestows the Most Valuable Student Scholarship to 500 high-achieving high school seniors who are citizens of the United States. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $12,500 per academic year. Eligible high school students must:
- be pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree
- plan to take 12 or more credits per semester
- enroll at an accredited U.S. institution
- display academic merit
- convey great leadership skills
In April, the top 20 finalists will participate in the Elks Leadership Weekend in Chicago.
Contact
Elks Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
2750 North Lakeview Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 755-4732
Scholarship@elks.org
Scholarship Link
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Scholarships for High Schoolers #7
Deadline: January 13th
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is funded for $1.6 billion by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It covers significant unmet financial need for minority students attending college including:
- African American
- American Indian
- Asian
- Hispanic
Annually, $1,000 scholars are selected to pursue bachelor’s degrees full-time at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligibility criteria mandates:
- holding a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA
- qualifying for the Pell Grant
- exhibiting leadership potential.
Contact
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(877) 690-4677
contactus@gmsp.org
Scholarship Link
Herbert Lehman Scholarship Fund
Scholarships for High Schoolers #8
Deadline: May 1st
The Herbert Lehman Scholarship is sponsored by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. It is granted for $2,000 per year for $8,000 total to an African American high school senior who is enrolling at formerly segregated four-year colleges in the South. Eligible U.S. citizens must show financial need and commitment to public service. There’s no GPA requirement. Applications for financial aid must include:
- a resume
- personal statement
- FAFSA form
- transcript
- two recommendations.
Contact
Herbert Lehman Scholarship Fund
40 Rector Street 5th Floor
New York, NY 10006
(212) 965-2200
scholarships@naacpldf.org
Scholarship Link
Hollister Co. Anti-Bullying Scholarship
Scholarships High School Seniors #9
Deadline: February 1st
The National Society of High School Scholars Foundation administers the Hollister Co. Anti-Bullying Scholarship. It awards $2,500 to an outstanding high school senior who has led efforts in their communities to end bullying or persevered while being bullied. This would count as one of the relatively small scholarships for high school seniors. Qualified applicants must:
- be enrolling full-time at an accredited college
- acquire a minimum 3.0 GPA
- show commitment to community service
Other scholarships for seniors include the STEM Scholarship and Greg Goff Leadership Award.
Contact
Hollister Co. Anti-Bullying Scholarship
1936 North Druid Hills Road
Atlanta, GA 30319
(404) 235-5500
susan.thurman@nshssfoundation.org
Scholarship Link
Imagine America High School Scholarships
Scholarships Available for High School Seniors #10
Deadline: December 31st
The Imagine America High School Scholarships are awarded for $1,000 annually. Eligible are graduating seniors from the United States and Puerto Rico who are enrolling at participating career school campuses. Interested applicants must:
- achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA
- have unmet financial need
- show likelihood for completing college
- demonstrate voluntary community service
Counselors at every high school nationwide can nominate up to five seniors before the deadline.
Contact
Imagine America High School Scholarships
12001 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(571) 267-3010
Leed@imagine-america.org
Scholarship Link
James W. McLamore Whopper Scholarship
Scholarships for High School Seniors #11
Deadline: December 15th
The James W. McLamore Whopper Scholarship is named in honor of the Burger King co-founder. It is distributed for $1,000 to high school seniors and franchise employees who are enrolling at accredited two- and four-year colleges in North America. Up to $4,000 can be granted over four years if full-time enrollment and satisfactory degree progress are maintained. Selection is based upon:
- academic achievement
- participation in community activities
- work experience
- financial need.
Contact
James W. McLamore Whopper Scholarship
7900 International Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55425
(507) 931-8340
burgerkingscholars@scholarshipamerica.org
Scholarship Link
Laurel Hester Memorial Scholarship
High School Senior Scholarships #12
Deadline: April 30th
The LEAGUE Foundation sponsors the Laurel Hester Memorial Scholarship in honor of the Ocean County Police Lieutenant for $1,500 to $2,500 annually to high school seniors who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). To apply, candidates must
- be U.S. citizens or legal immigrants
- be attending an accredited college
- carry a cumulative GPA over 3.0
- prepare a detailed list of community involvement
- submit two letters of reference
Contact
Laurel Hester Memorial Scholarship
1407 North West Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
info@leaguefoundation.org
Scholarship Link
Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke Scholarship
Scholarships for Seniors #13
Deadline: December 31st
Each year, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) gifts the Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke Scholarship for $25,000 over four years to a graduating high school senior who is an Eagle Scout with a genuine commitment to volunteer service. Eligible students must:
- be accepted at an accredited U.S. university
- have financial need
- score at least 1800 on the SAT or 28 on the ACT
- and be actively involved in Scouting activities.
There’s also the Hall/McElwain Merit Scholarship and Bailey Scholarship.
Contact
Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke Scholarship
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
Irving, TX 75015
(972) 580-2000
nesa@scouting.org
Scholarship Link
Microsoft disAbility Scholarship
Scholarship for High School Seniors #14
Deadline: April 15th
Valued at $5,000, the tech giant Microsoft has created the disAbility Scholarship program to financially support a high school senior who has overcome visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, or speech disabilities to pursue a two- or four-year undergraduate degree. Eligible applicants must:
- be accepted at accredited U.S. colleges
- display a passion for technology
- declare any STEM-related major
- require financial assistance
- carry a minimum 3.0 GPA
- submit a resume of extra-curricular activities
You might like: 10 Most Beautiful Colleges in the Pacific Northwest
Contact
Microsoft disAbility Scholarship
1200 5th Avenue Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 622-2294
scholarships@seattlefoundation.org
Scholarship Link
Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship Opportunities for High School Seniors #15
Deadline: July 1st or November 1st
Funded by the founder of Taylor Energy Company, the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholarship is granted biannually to high school seniors who will enroll at two- and four-year institutions in Louisiana this fall. To be eligible, candidates must:
- be U.S. citizens
- graduate from Louisiana high schools
- complete an advanced 19-unit TOPS curriculum
- maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
- earn an ACT score of 18 or better
- submit one character reference letter
Contact
Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholarship
One Lee Circle
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 589-0555
epenn@pftaylorfoundation.org
Scholarship Link
P.E.O. Foundation STAR Scholarship
Scholarships Highschool Seniors #16
Deadline: December 1st
Since 2009, the P.E.O. Sisterhood Foundation has offered the non-renewable STAR Scholarship for $2,500 . It is available to a female high school senior under 20 years of age who is enrolling full-time or part-time at an accredited college in the United States or Canada this fall. Qualified winners must:
- exhibit excellence in leadership activities
- be recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter
- maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.0
- be committed to community service
- show potential for post-secondary success
Contact
P.E.O. Foundation STAR Scholarship
3700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 255-3153
Scholarship Link
Rosalind P. Walter Scholarship
Scholarships for Seniors in High School #17
Deadline: February 26th
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) awards the Rosalind P. Walter Scholarship for $2,500 per year or $10,000 total. It is in honor of the International Tennis Hall of Fame member who inspired the World War II song “Rosie the Riveter.” To qualify, male and female high school seniors must:
- show high academic achievement
- be entering a four-year college program
- show active involvement in varsity tennis athletics
- always give back to their community
Contact
Rosalind P. Walter Scholarship
70 West Red Oak Lane
White Plains, NY 10604
(914) 696-7223
foundation@usta.com
Scholarship Link
Shell Oil Company Technical Scholarships
Scholarships for High Schoolers #18
Deadline: March 3rd
The Shell Oil Company awards 20 Technical Scholarships yearly for $2,500 each. They are for graduating high school seniors who are enrolling full-time at accredited institutions to study
- engineering
- petroleum engineering
- geology
- geophysics
- other energy-related geosciences
Qualified candidates must be:
- entering their first year
- lawfully authorized to work in the United States
- display potential for future contributions in the energy industry
- have excellent aptitude for science
Contact
Shell Oil Company Technical Scholarships
P.O. Box 2463
Houston, TX 77252
(713) 241-6161
contactus@applyists.com
Scholarship Link
State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship
Scholarships High School Seniors #19
Deadline: March 2nd
Scholarship America hosts the State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship program, starting each January. It distributes 50 awards for $2,500 apiece to high school seniors finishing 12th grade and moving onto an accredited two- or four-year college. Eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents must:
- be lacking monetary resources
- have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 to 3.2
- exhibit good citizenship with volunteer service
- submit at least one recommendation
Contact
State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship
7900 International Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55425
(507) 931-1682
statefarm@scholarshipamerica.org
Scholarship Link
The Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship
Scholarships Available for High School Seniors #20
Deadline: June 9th
The Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship presents $20,000 yearly to cover tuition, fees, and on-campus housing expenses for students who have DACA or TPS status and reside in “locked-out” states. Eligible high school seniors will seek career-ready bachelor’s programs at Eastern Connecticut State University or Delaware State University. For the Dream scholarship program, immigrant students must:
- hold a minimum 2.8 GPA
- plan to attend college full-time
- have come to the United States before age 16
- have significant unmet financial need
Contact
The Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship
1200 North Dupont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
(855) 670-4787
TheDream.US@applyists.com
Scholarship Link
Even before stepping into the college classroom, high school seniors become eligible for certain money-saving scholarships. The above scholarships are fairly generous, so they’ll draw more competition. Also look for niche scholarships based on your location, ethnicity, major, career interests, hobbies, and identity. Increase your chances by applying to all free scholarships that you qualify for. Pay close attention to deadlines. This can make sure your application materials are submitted for consideration on time for these scholarships available for high school seniors. After checking out these 20 scholarships for high school seniors, visit your guidance counselor for more help finding college money.
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