Top 707 Merit Based Scholarships in January 2026

Are you a high-achieving high school senior with plans to go to college? If so, you should consider applying for the SKECHERS Academic Excellence Scholarship! Open to high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, this scholarship is awarded to ten eligible students every year. Students with strong academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and applicants from all fields of study are eligible. Maybe you're passionate about your science classes. Or perhaps you're obsessed with history and the humanities. Whatever it is that makes you tick, we want to know! To apply for this scholarship, students must submit an essay describing a time when a single question—whether from a teacher, book, or personal reflection—led them to rethink something significant. If you're an ambitious high school senior with big plans for your future, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Are you a current college student interested in pursuing a research career in a STEM field? If so, consider applying for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship! The scholarship is open to nominated applicants who are college sophomores or juniors studying and conducting research in a STEM field. The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation offers scholarships to STEM students across the country to help ensure that the U.S. is producing enough "highly-qualified professionals" in these critical fields. This particular scholarship serves as a memorial for Barry Goldwater, a former air force officer and senator for 30 years. Recipients of the scholarship receive up to $7,500 to help pay for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. If you are a STEM major passionate about a future research career, we encourage you to apply! Bear in mind that this scholarship runs from the first Tuesday in September to the last Friday in January, every year.Show Less

Are you a K-12 student who has created a significant piece of work in the field of STEM, literature, music, or philosophy? The Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship may be a good fit for you! The Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship is a life-changing $50,000 scholarship opportunity for any student in the United States who is under 18. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of significant work. This means any work or accomplishment that experts in the field recognize as meaningful and has the potential to make a positive contribution to society. This typically comes in the form of a project completed by the student(s). That’s right, student(s)! You can apply to the Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship in a group of two! There are also multiple scholarship categories you can choose to apply within, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and Outside of the Box.Show Less

The Marilyn Lester and William Lester Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors of Asheville High School in Asheville, North Carolina. Recipients are chosen for their demonstrated academic achievement, commendable character, and participation in extracurricular activities. Students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree full-time at a program-approved university are welcome to apply.Show Less

The Nathaniel Ellis Cannady, Jr. Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from designated counties in North Carolina. Selection is based on academic achievement, commendable character, and participation in extracurricular activities. Students who are seeking an associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, construction, project management, or information technology on a full-time basis are welcome to apply.Show Less

The Dr. Brian Ling Memorial Scholarship program recognizes residents of Buncombe County, North Carolina who are seeking a degree in any healthcare-related field. Students who participate in extracurricular activities and community service and are able to demonstrate responsibility, compassion, and respect for others are welcome to apply.Show Less

The Gene and Lee Meyer Scholarship program supports graduating public high school seniors from Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties, or the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee Indian Reservation), North Carolina who are U.S. citizens. Well-rounded students who are motivated to pursue higher education and have financial needs, Native American Indians who can prove at least 25% tribal affiliation, and students transitioning out of foster care receive special consideration.Show Less

The Lambeth Family Scholarship is available to high school seniors who are residents of Washington. Students planning to pursue postsecondary education in business, computer science/information technology, environmental studies, engineering, economics, forestry, natural sciences, or mathematics are encouraged to apply. Recipients are chosen for their academic strength, leadership, and participation in extracurricular and community activities.Show Less

If you're a resident of Santa Cruz County seeking financial aid for college, the Burton Scholarship could be just what you're looking for! Worth up to $5,000, this scholarship can be renewed annually. To be eligible, applicants must be graduates or current graduating seniors of any high school in Santa Cruz County. Applicants must also have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA for two consecutive years, demonstrate financial need, and be U.S. citizens. Students should be planning to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university. If you sound like a fit for this scholarship, don't hesitate to apply! Plus, don't forget to check out other scholarships for California students that can be found through Scholarships360. Good luck and happy applying!Show Less

Public school teachers provide an invaluable service for our country. They are responsible for molding the next generation, providing them with the essential tools they need for success. To support students interested in pursuing a career in the education field, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County is offering the Bert and Carolyn Post Scholarship! Worth up to $2,500, this scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors graduating from Watsonville High School or Pajaro Valley High School in Santa Cruz County, California. Applicants must be planning to pursue a career as a public school teacher and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you're the first in your family to attend college and you're bilingual in English and Spanish, even better! Applicants who meet these extra criteria will receive special consideration. Want to explore similar scholarships that you could be eligible for? We encourage you to browse Scholarships360 for more California scholarships and education scholarships. Apply now and take the first step towards your future!Show Less

The Hank Garcia and Family Scholarship supports graduating seniors from designated high schools in Santa Cruz County, California. Students who have been academically successful and are planning to attend a college, university, or vocational school are eligible to apply.Show Less

The Wallin Education Partners 4-Year Scholarship Program provides scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement from an approved high school in Minnesota. Recipients must plan to attend a not-for-profit 4-year school in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin, or any HBCU in the nation immediately following high school.Show Less

The Rett Sibling Scholarship is available to students whose sibling is diagnosed with Rett syndrome. High school seniors and current college students attending school in the U.S. are welcome to apply. Recipients are chosen for their academic standing, demonstration of financial need, and participation in community events.Show Less

The Richard K. Sauret Viticulture and Enology Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors from San Luis Obispo County, California. Students who plan to major in viticulture or enology at a 4-year college or university are welcome to apply.Show Less

Dr. Bernhard Singsen was a university professor and clinician physician scientist who dedicated nearly four decades of his life to academic medicine. His work was published in over 200 peer reviewed articles and he worked daily with children with inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. To honor Dr. Singsen's contributions to medicine, the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County is offering a scholarship worth up to $4,300! The Bernhard H. Singsen Scholarship is open to male seniors from San Luis Obispo County, California who are seeking a degree in a field of medicine, civil service, or education. Applicants must have a minimum 3.75 GPA and be planning to attend a four-year liberal arts college or university. If you sound like a fit for this scholarship, we encourage you to apply! But don't stop there - there are many other California scholarships, education scholarships, and public health scholarships available through Scholarships360. Don’t miss your chance to turn your academic achievements into financial support!Show Less

Dennis T. Collins was a man of many interests. In addition to serving as a board member of the California Wine Institute and being named the 2005 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year, he served as the Scoutmaster of Troop 60 of the Boy Scouts of America. During this time, he was awarded the Silver Bearer Award for his "leadership, guidance, and inspiration" and set a plan to "establish a fund to provide scholarships to Eagle Scouts." This fund, now known as the Dennis T. Collins/Thomas D. Salisbury Troop 60 Eagle Scout, annually awards up to $3,000 to help Eagle Scouts from Paso Robles Troop 60 attend college! In addition to being members of Paso Robles Troop 60, applicants for this scholarship must be college-bound high school seniors or current undergraduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The scholarship may be renewed if eligibility criteria continue to be met. For other opportunities for Eagle Scouts, don't forget to check out our Eagle Scout scholarships. Or, if you are in Troop 60, consider checking out our other California scholarships as well. Happy applying!Show Less

Yinghsia Shih Li, despite enduring humble beginnings in China and living through WWII and its aftermath, was determined to succeed. Upon graduating high school, she would go on to earn her undergraduate physics degree in Taiwan and a Master's in Physics in the United States. To honor Yinghsia, her husband lovingly established a scholarship to support young female students who display Yinghsia's determined nature and passion for STEM. To qualify for the Yinghsia Shih Li Memorial Scholarship, individuals must be female high school seniors graduating from a high school in San Luis Obispo County, California. They must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be pursuing a STEM (agricultural science, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, or physics) degree. Two (2) applicants will be selected to earn $10,000 each per year. If you'd like to carry on Yinghsia's legacy, we encourage you to apply! Don't forget to also check out the other STEM scholarships, scholarships for Chinese students, and scholarships for California residents available on Scholarships360. Good luck with your scholarship search!Show Less

The Tribeca Memorial Scholarship is offered to high school seniors in Hillsborough County, Florida. Students who are planning to major in cosmetology are welcome to apply. Special consideration is given to students with art, music, or theater background.Show Less

The Arthur H. Henderson Memorial Kiwanis Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors in Hillsborough County, Florida. Students who are home-schooled or attend a private school are welcome to apply. Special consideration is given to students majoring in Education, or Early Childhood - Preschool Education/Development.Show Less

The EWI Tampa Bay Scholarship is offered to high school seniors who will graduate from a Hillsborough County Public School in Florida with exceptional academic merit. Students seeking a professional certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree are encouraged to apply.Show Less

The HCA Florida Brandon Hospital & Physicians Healthcare Scholars Scholarship is open to seniors attending public, private, or homeschool in East Hillsborough County, Florida. Students must be planning to pursue a professional certification, associate, or bachelor's degree in healthcare at the University of South Florida to qualify.Show Less

Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne University is a private Catholic research university based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that hosts nearly 10,000 students. If you're a Pittsburgh local planning to attend Duquesne University, the POISE Foundation may be able to help you turn your college dreams into reality! Their KSEF Duquesne University Scholarship annually awards full tuition to one (1) high school senior from the Greater Pittsburgh Area (Allegheny County, Beaver County, Washington County, Westmoreland County, Armstrong County, or Butler County) who has a minimum 3.3 GPA. Applicants must also demonstrate leadership and/or community service and be in the top 10% of their graduating class (if ranked). Bear in mind that African Americans and students who have overcome disadvantages will receive special consideration. If this sounds like a good fit for you, we encourage you to apply and explore other Pennsylvania scholarships you may be eligible for. Don’t miss your chance to turn your academic achievements into financial support!Show Less

The Benson Family Scholarship is awarded to students who are first-generation students, and who reside in Conifer, Evergreen, Indian Hills, Kittredge, Morrison, or Pine, Colorado. Students who participate in extracurricular activities are encouraged to apply.Show Less

The InspirASIAN Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors from Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Academically successful students are welcome to apply.Show Less

High school seniors from the Greater Pittsburgh area, you're in luck! The KSEF Financial Awards Scholarships can help you secure the financial aid you need to pursue your education! To qualify for the scholarship, individuals must be graduating high school seniors from the Greater Pittsburgh Region of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania. They must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA. And, if you're an African-American student, you'll even receive special consideration for the scholarship. Each year, the first-, second-, third-, and fourth-place applicants will receive $3,500, $2,500, $2,000, and $1,000, respectively. This is just one of many scholarships for Pennsylvania residents available on Scholarships360. If it sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply and explore others you may be eligible for as well. Happy applying!Show Less