20 Best Scholarships for College Students

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Whether you’re an incoming freshman or rising senior, undergraduate scholarships can go a long way towards reducing the burden of college tuition.

The College Board estimates that undergraduates pay an annual average of $9,410 at public, in-state colleges. They pay about $32,405 at private, nonprofit universities each year.

A four-year bachelor’s degree is a requirement for many in-demand careers, such as:

  • biomedical engineering
  • actuarial science
  • healthcare management
  • network administration

Competing in the job market is tough without an undergraduate education, especially since over 1.7 million bachelor’s degrees are conferred yearly.

Hone the knowledge and skills employers seek with the assistance of these scholarships for bachelor’s degrees.

Reviewing the Best Undergraduate Scholarships

1. Alpha Kappa Alpha Undergraduate Scholarships

Deadline: April 15th

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Education Foundation (AKAEF) offers merit- and need-based Undergraduate Scholarships of up to $2,500 for full-time:

  • sophomores
  • juniors
  • seniors

The one-time awards require:

  • being currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting college
  • holding a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • engaging in civic or community service
  • demonstrating significant financial need or academic achievement

AKA Sorority members could also qualify for the Youth Partners Accessing Capital (PAC) Scholarship.

Contact

Alpha Kappa Alpha Undergraduate Scholarships
5656 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
(800) 653-6528
akerr@akaeaf.net
Scholarship Link

2. Anne Ford Scholarship Program

Deadline: December 15th

The Anne Ford Scholarship Program is funded by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). It provides $10,000 bachelor’s degree scholarships to incoming freshmen with a documented learning disability. Qualified applicants must:

  • be U.S. citizens
  • enroll at an accredited university full-time
  • carry a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • demonstrate financial need
  • have realistic career aspirations
  • excel as role models for others with LD.
Contact

Anne Ford Scholarship Program
32 Laight Street 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10013
(888) 575-7373
AFScholarship@ncld.org
Scholarship Link

3. AXA Achievement Scholarships

Deadline: December 15th

The AXA Achievement Scholarships are awarded annually to 52 high school seniors from every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The $10,000 awards help financially support their entry into an accredited two-year or four-year undergraduate program. Eligible U.S. citizens or legal residents must exhibit:

  • ambition
  • determination
  • self-drive
  • respect
  • community service involvement
  • academic promise

10 national winners will be selected for additional $15,000 college scholarships.

Contact

AXA Achievement Scholarships
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
(212) 554-1234
axaachievement@scholarshipamerica.org
Scholarship Link

4. Betty Rendel Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 1st

The Betty Rendel Scholarship Fund from the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) gifts $1,000 annually to three undergraduate women. They must study:

  • economics
  • government
  • politics
  • public policy

Scholarship winners must:

  • be U.S. citizens
  • have achieved junior or senior standing
  • exhibit academic merit

Completed applications will include:

  • three letters of recommendation
  • an unofficial transcript
  • Federation President certification
  • a one-page typed essay.
Contact

Betty Rendel Scholarship Fund
124 North Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-9688
projects@nfrw.org
Scholarship Link

5. Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarships

Deadline: October 31st

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program supports over 1,400 students with over $3.4 million in annual undergraduate scholarships. For up to $20,000 in funding, candidates must:

  • anticipate completing a high school diploma
  • be U.S. citizens or nationals
  • plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution
  • maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA

The online application requires:

  • listing grades
  • school/community activities
  • work history
Contact

Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarships
P.O. Box 442
Atlanta, GA 30301
(800) 306-2653
scholars@coca-cola.com
Scholarship Link

6. DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: January 31st

The Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) offers its Undergraduate Scholarship to current sophomores and juniors. They must be enrolled full-time at accredited North American colleges and wish to study or intern in Germany. Eligible recipients must:

  • be pursuing a bachelor’s degree
  • have outstanding academic records
  • demonstrate an interest in European affairs
  • pass a German language evaluation

Scholarships can be granted to cover tuition for four to 10 months with a €650 monthly stipend.

Contact

DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship
871 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
(212) 758-3223
undergrad@daad.org
Scholarship Link

7. Fisher House Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: February 12th

Annually, the Fisher House Foundation Scholarships are bestowed for $2,000 upon 700 military children. They must be the sons and daughters of active duty, reserve/guard, or veteran U.S. Armed Forces members. To qualify, unmarried applicants under 23 years old must be enrolling full-time at an accredited two- or four-year undergraduate institution. They must have a minimum grade point of average of 3.0. Students who have a full scholarship or appointment to a U.S. military academy shouldn’t apply.

Contact

Fisher House Foundation Scholarships
111 Rockville Pike Suite 420
Rockville, MD 20850
(888) 294-8560
JWeiskopf@fisherhouse.org
Scholarship Link

8. Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Deadline: January 13th

With an average award amount of $12,492, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It supports these students pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time:

  • African American
  • Native American
  • Asian American
  • Hispanic American

Eligible minority applicants must:

  • be U.S. citizens or nationals
  • meet Pell Grant guidelines
  • have a high school diploma
  • have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher
  • exhibit leadership potential.
Contact

Gates Millennium Scholars Program
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(877) 690-4677
mary.williams@gmsp.org
Scholarship Link

9. Hans P. Loewen Scholarship Fund

Deadline: February 1st

The Hans P. Loewen Scholarship Fund is named for a vibrant midshipman third class at the U.S. Naval Academy who died at 20. The Fund presents one $2,000 award annually through the American Nuclear Society (ANS). Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They must be enrolled as freshmen or sophomore at an ABET-accredited college. They must be in a  STEM-related major. Applications must include a 500-word essay describing students’ leadership qualities and aspirations in nuclear science.

Contact

Hans P. Loewen Scholarship Fund
555 North Kensington Avenue
LaGrange Park, IL 60526
(708) 352-6611
fellow@ans.org
Scholarship Link

10. Horatio Alger National Scholarships

Deadline: April 15th

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans awards 106 National Scholarships for $22,000 each. They assist high school seniors who have overcome great obstacles to begin pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Eligible undergraduates must:

  • be admitted to accredited, non-profit colleges
  • have U.S. citizenship
  • hold a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • show involvement in extra-curricular activities
  • display perseverance in conquering adversity
  • have an adjusted gross family income under $55,000.
Contact

Horatio Alger National Scholarships
99 Canal Center Plaza Suite 320
Alexandria, VA 22314
(844) 422-4200
scholarships@horatioalger.org
Scholarship Link

11. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarships

Deadline: November 1st

Each year, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation presents one of the most lucrative scholarships for bachelor’s degrees. They award $40,000 to 30-40 undergraduate students. Eligible candidates must:

  • be graduating from a U.S. high school
  • intend to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year institution
  • have an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • score at least 120 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT
  • have significant financial need with parental income under $95,000.
Contact

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarships
44325 Woodridge Parkway
Lansdowne, VA 20176
(800) 941-3300
scholarships@jkcf.org
Scholarship Link

12. JoAnne J. Trow Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Alpha Lambda Delta awards the JoAnne J. Trow Undergraduate Scholarship. The awards are $1,000 to $6,000 for 36 outstanding full-time sophomores who have been initiated into ALD. They must have  achieved a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 at an accredited U.S. university. Applications won’t be accepted without:

  • an official collegiate transcript
  • two letters of recommendation
  • a brief resume
  • a 250-word statement describing the value of the Honor Society in undergraduate education.
Contact

JoAnne J. Trow Undergraduate Scholarship
P.O. Box 444
Fairport, NY 14450
(800) 925-7421
ald@nationalald.org
Scholarship Link

13. LAGRANT Undergraduate Scholarships

Deadline: February 29th

The LAGRANT Foundation provides their $2,500 Undergraduate Scholarships to ethnic minority students, including:

  • African American
  • Asian
  • Pacific Islander
  • Hispanic/Latino
  • Native American

Students must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas:

  • advertising
  • marketing
  • public relations

The program is open to non-graduating undergraduates at accredited four-year U.S. colleges. They must have with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Recipients also earn a complimentary trip to Atlanta for a two-day TLF career development workshop.

Contact

LAGRANT Undergraduate Scholarships
633 West 5th Street 48th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(323) 469-8680
erickainiguez@lagrant.com
Scholarship Link

14. NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 14th

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program is valued at $20,000 per academic year. It’s available for full-time students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled at an accredited, four-year college in the United States. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • rank in the top five percent with a minimum 3.3 GPA
  • meet low-income levels
  • agree to work for the NIH after graduation

Recipients also complete a paid 10-week summer research internship for public health.

Contact

NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 402-3831
ugsp@od.nih.gov
Scholarship Link

15. Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: April 30th

Started by rapper Jay-Z and his mother Gloria, the Shawn Carter Foundation provides $10,000 scholarships for college each year. The scholarships support promising students accepted at any accredited U.S. higher learning institution. Qualified applicants must:

  • be 25 years old or younger
  • have a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • fulfill community service requirements

64 percent of scholarship winners are first-generation students and 79 percent come from single-parent households.

Contact

Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 31-0066
Miami, FL 33231
(786) 208-8887
info@scartersf.org
Scholarship Link

16. Stuart A. Robertson Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

The Stuart A. Robertson Memorial ScholarshipIn is in memory of the CEO for Milliman & Robertson consulting firm. It is gifted by The Actuarial Foundation for $9,000 to full-time sophomore, junior, or senior students. They must be at accredited U.S. educational institutions. Eligible candidates of any major must:

  • have passed two actuarial exams
  • maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • be pursuing an actuarial science career

There’s also the Curtis E. Huntington Memorial Scholarship.

Contact

Stuart A. Robertson Memorial Scholarship
475 North Martingale Road Suite 600
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 706-3535
Scholarships@ActFnd.org
Scholarship Link

17. Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Scholarship

Deadline: January 17th

The Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Scholarship program is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase. It awards 10 full-tuition scholarships annually for New York City residents who are graduating from high schools in the five boroughs. Eligible U.S. citizens must be accepted at participating colleges, such as Columbia University or Fordham University, for a bachelor’s degree in:

  • business
  • computer science
  • engineering
  • liberal arts
  • social sciences

Paid internships and on-the-job training with JPMorgan Chase are included.

Contact

Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Scholarship
1321 Murfreesboro Road
Nashville, TN 37217
(855) 670-4787
ContactUs@applyists.com
Scholarship Link

18. Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

Deadline: March 2nd

Annually, the Morris and Stewart Udall Foundation presents at least 60 scholarships for undergraduates in their sophomore or junior year. They must be at an accredited U.S. institution. For the $7,000, candidates must display:

  • academic achievement
  • leadership ability
  • public service involvement
  • dedication to resolving issues related to Native American nations or the environment

Online applications consist of:

  • 11 questions
  • an 800-word essay
  • official college transcripts
  • three recommendation letters.
Contact

Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
130 South Scott Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 901-8564
kbaker@udall.gov
Scholarship Link

19. Wells Fargo Scholarships for Undergraduates

Deadline: May 1st

The Wells Fargo Scholarships for Undergraduates are administered by the American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC). They’re are available for Native American and Alaskan Native students who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree full-time in any discipline. The $5,000 award is reserved for students:

  • attending accredited U.S. public or tribal colleges
  • with a minimum GPA of 2.7
  • who are members of a federally recognized tribe

There’s also the FLINTCO Scholarship for undergraduate construction management majors.

Contact

Wells Fargo Scholarships for Undergraduates
3701 San Mateo NE Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 881-4584
fellowships@aigcs.org
Scholarship Link

20. Whitaker International Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 17th

The Whitaker International Scholarship Program is administered through the Institute for International Education (IIE). It’s for undergraduates enrolled in their sophomore, junior, or senior year. They must be part of an accredited biomedical or bioengineering program in the United States. Recipients will receive $10,000 scholarships for participating in a year-long study abroad program outside of North America. Successful applications will include:

  • a two-page essay
  • reference letter
  • financial aid report
  • official transcript.
Contact

Whitaker International Scholarship Program
809 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
(212) 984-5542
whitaker@iie.org
Scholarship Link

A bachelor’s degree is a cherished commodity in today’s economy. Many employers will automatically discard applications with less than an undergraduate education. The BLS reports that the unemployment rate is three times as high for workers without a high school diploma than those with a bachelor’s degree.

Even though an associate degree can pay off in trades, bachelor’s-level professionals earn an average of $14,000 more each year. Earning an undergraduate degree improves your credibility and resources.  Don’t be anxious about tuition spikes because financial assistance is abundant. These are just 20 undergraduate scholarships available to finance the beginning of your academic journey.

GCD Staff

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This concludes our coverage of the best scholarships for college students available.

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