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Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

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Top 359 Need Based Scholarships in September 2023

Written by Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Full Bio

Learn about our editorial policies

Updated: September 19th, 2023

While some scholarships are focused on supporting students based on specific talents or achievements, other scholarships aim to support students who have demonstrated financial need. These need based scholarships sometimes also include a merit or academic component, but will always require students to demonstrate financial need.

If you are a low income student or even a middle income student, you may qualify for one of our top need based awards. Keep on reading for more information about the specific scholarships, eligibility, and deadlines, as well as a mini-guide on applying for need-based financial aid.

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RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS360 WINNERS

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359 Scholarships
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Exclusive
“A Helping Hand” Scholarship
“A Helping Hand” Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult…

At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult…

At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult for students coming from low-income backgrounds or for those who demonstrate financial need. This is where our “A Helping Hand” Scholarship comes in! We're offering a $500 scholarship to help out a low-income student who is passionate about their higher education journey and is actively looking for ways to fund it. This award is open to high school seniors (graduating class of 2024), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year. The "A Helping Hand" Scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. In order to apply, students should submit an essay detailing how winning the scholarship would help you fulfill your dreams. We look forward to reading your application!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship
Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

5 awards worth $500
Deadline Nov 15, 2023

Open to any BIPOC and/or female high school senior or undergraduate who is a first-generation, low-income student interested in STEM.

Open to any BIPOC and/or female high school senior or undergraduate who is a first-generation, low-income student interested in STEM.

Open to any BIPOC and/or female high school senior or undergraduate who is a first-generation, low-income student interested in STEM.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students

Race/Ethnicity: Asian/Pacific Islander, Black/African, Hispanic/Latino, Native American

Other Category: Low Income, First-Generation Student, Women

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Questbridge National College Match Scholarship
Questbridge National College Match Scholarship

Offered by Questbridge

Multiple awards worth Full Ride
Deadline Sep 26, 2023

Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that their dream colleges are financially out of reach? If so, we…

Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that their dream colleges are financially out of reach? If so, we…

Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that their dream colleges are financially out of reach? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Questbridge National College Match Scholarship! Through this scholarship application process, you will be able to apply to the U.S.’s top colleges for free and be considered for early admission, as well as a full, four-year scholarship. If you win and are “matched” with a school, the scholarship will cover the costs of your tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and even travel costs! You nor your parents will be required to pay for college or take out any student loans. Rather, you will be expected to keep up the good work and potentially make a small contribution in the form of federal work-study, summer work, or summer savings. The scholarship process is hosted by Questbridge, “a powerful platform that connects the nation's brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities.” If you’re an academically excellent high school senior from a low-income background, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Offered by Elks National Foundation

Multiple awards worth $4,000 - $30,000
Deadline Nov 15, 2023

Are you a U.S. citizen and high school senior (or the equivalent) planning on enrolling full-time in a postsecondary institution in the U.S.? If so,…

Are you a U.S. citizen and high school senior (or the equivalent) planning on enrolling full-time in a postsecondary institution in the U.S.? If so,…

Are you a U.S. citizen and high school senior (or the equivalent) planning on enrolling full-time in a postsecondary institution in the U.S.? If so, consider applying for the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards 500 (yes, 500!) four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants. The scholarships range from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year - totaling between $4,000 and $30,000 in aid over the course of one’s undergraduate career. The scholarship is funded by Elks National Foundation, an organization dedicated to investing in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meeting the needs of today’s veterans, and improving their quality of life. If you’re a U.S. citizen currently in your last year of high school with plans to attend a U.S. post-secondary institution full-time, we encourage you to apply for the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: Yes

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship
Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship

Offered by Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Multiple awards worth up to $55,000
Deadline Nov 16, 2023

Are you a high-achieving high school senior who will need financial help to attend the college(s) of your dreams? If so, consider applying for the…

Are you a high-achieving high school senior who will need financial help to attend the college(s) of your dreams? If so, consider applying for the…

Are you a high-achieving high school senior who will need financial help to attend the college(s) of your dreams? If so, consider applying for the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship! This prestigious scholarship offers winning applicants up to $55,000 per year. In addition to monetary awards, winners receive college planning support, advising, and networking opportunities. The scholarship is funded by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded more than $222 million in scholarships. The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship typically accepts applications from August until mid-November, each year. If you’re an academically excellent high school senior looking for some financial help to attend college, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Minimum GPA: 3.5

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Hagan Scholarship
Hagan Scholarship

Offered by Hagan Scholarship Foundation

Multiple awards worth up to $6,000
Deadline Dec 1, 2023

Are you a college-bound high school senior attending a public school in the United States? Further, do you come from a low-income household? If all…

Are you a college-bound high school senior attending a public school in the United States? Further, do you come from a low-income household? If all…

Are you a college-bound high school senior attending a public school in the United States? Further, do you come from a low-income household? If all those statements apply, consider applying for the Hagan Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship vows to meet the unmet financial need of its top applicants, awarding up to $6,000 per semester (for a total of $48,000 over four years)! If winners achieve a 3.75 GPA or above during their time in college, they will also be eligible to extend their Hagan Scholarship for two additional years to attend graduate school. Applicants may even receive additional money depending upon their GPA, grade level, and other academic achievements. All this information can be found in the “description of scholarship.” The scholarship is funded by Dan Hagan, a self-made businessman from rural Missouri who is dedicated to helping students in similar circumstances to those he experienced in his youth. If you meet the eligibility criteria and want some help paying off your college costs, we encourage you to apply! Bear in mind that this scholarship runs from September 1st to December 1st of the current year.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: 3.5

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Dell Scholars Program
Dell Scholars Program

Offered by Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

500 awards worth $20,000
Deadline Dec 1, 2023

Are you a college-bound high school senior looking for financial assistance to pay off your postsecondary education? If so, consider applying for the Dell Scholars…

Are you a college-bound high school senior looking for financial assistance to pay off your postsecondary education? If so, consider applying for the Dell Scholars…

Are you a college-bound high school senior looking for financial assistance to pay off your postsecondary education? If so, consider applying for the Dell Scholars Program! The program is open to incoming college students who are eligible for the Pell Grant and participated in a college readiness program in grades 11 and 12. The Dell Scholars Program was created by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in 1999 to provide support for students from low-income backgrounds pursuing a degree. Each year, 500 students are selected to become Dell Scholars and receive $20,000 to pay for their college expenses. In addition to the scholarship, Dell Scholars receive other benefits like a laptop, Chegg credits for textbooks, access to teletherapy, and more. If you come from a low-income background and need some help paying for your education, we encourage you to apply! Bear in mind that this scholarship runs from October 1st to December 1st annually.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Minimum GPA: 2.4

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Exclusive
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship

Offered by Niche

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Sep 27, 2023

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Other

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Offered by Sallie Mae

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Sep 30, 2023

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Oct 1, 2023

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
Ron Brown Scholarship
Ron Brown Scholarship

Offered by Ron Brown Scholar Program

Multiple awards worth $10,000
Deadline Jan 9, 2024

Are you a Black or African American U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently a high school senior? Furthermore, are you planning on soon…

Are you a Black or African American U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently a high school senior? Furthermore, are you planning on soon…

Are you a Black or African American U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently a high school senior? Furthermore, are you planning on soon attending college and have an interest in global entrepreneurship and/or community engagement? If that sounds like you, consider applying for the Ron Brown scholarship! Dedicated to supporting community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans, the scholarship awards $40,000 scholarships to 45-50 hardworking students each year. The scholarship is awarded over the course of one’s four-year undergraduate career, offering $10,000 per year. Winners must be planning on attending accredited four-year universities in the United States. In order to apply, applicants must submit two 500-word essays, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. If you’re passionate about community engagement and want some help paying for college, we encourage you to apply! Bear in mind that this scholarship opens in September and has two annual deadlines. The deadlines are November 1st (to have your application be considered for the Ron Brown Scholar Program AND forwarded to a select and limited number of additional scholarship providers) and January 9th (final deadline in order to be considered for only the Ron Brown Scholar Program).

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: Yes

Race/Ethnicity: Black/African

Academic Interest: Entrepreneurship

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

Show Details
The Beinecke Scholarship Program
The Beinecke Scholarship Program

Offered by The Sperry Fund

Multiple awards worth $35,000
Deadline Feb 14, 2024

Are you an exceptional and motivated college junior who hopes to complete a graduate degree in the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences? If so, consider…

Are you an exceptional and motivated college junior who hopes to complete a graduate degree in the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences? If so, consider…

Are you an exceptional and motivated college junior who hopes to complete a graduate degree in the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences? If so, consider applying for the Beinecke Scholarship Program! The scholarship is funded by The Sperry and Hutchinson Company, an organization led by the Beinecke brothers who shared a deep affection and interest in leading a company that set the pace for corporate philanthropy. To honor Edwin, Frederick, and Walter Beinecke, the board of Directors of The Sperry and Hutchinson Company created this scholarship in 1971 to provide financial support and to encourage exceptional young students to pursue opportunities available to them in the field of arts, humanities, and the social sciences. Each chosen scholar will receive $5,000 immediately prior to entering graduate school and an additional $30,000 while attending graduate school. If you’re passionate about completing a graduate degree in the arts or social sciences and are looking for some help to fund your graduate study, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Junior

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Philosophy, Religion, Social Science, Anthropology, Political Science, Visual & Performing Arts, Film/Video Production, Art History, Dance

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Horatio Alger Targeted Scholarships
Horatio Alger Targeted Scholarships

Offered by Horatio Alger Association

Multiple awards worth up to $52,000
Deadline Mar 15, 2024

Are you a high school senior with critical financial need and perseverance in overcoming adversity? Further, will you be enrolled in a U.S. college or…

Are you a high school senior with critical financial need and perseverance in overcoming adversity? Further, will you be enrolled in a U.S. college or…

Are you a high school senior with critical financial need and perseverance in overcoming adversity? Further, will you be enrolled in a U.S. college or university the fall after graduation? If so, consider applying for some of the many Horatio Alger Undergraduate Scholarships! These scholarships aim to help U.S. citizens with financial need attend college at a lower cost, awarding between $10,000 and $52,000 each. The scholarships are offered by the Horatio Alger Association, an organization with a mission to “fund need-based college scholarships for low-income youth to pursue their dreams through higher education.” As each scholarship has differing criteria, there are bound to be some you meet the criteria for. We recommend giving them a look-through and applying if you meet the criteria! Bear in mind that this scholarship runs from December 1st to March 15th annually.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Horatio Alger National Scholarships
Horatio Alger National Scholarships

Offered by Horatio Alger Association

106 awards worth $25,000
Deadline Mar 15, 2024

Are you a full-time high school junior in the U.S. dedicated to pursuing and completing a bachelor’s degree after high school? Additionally, do you demonstrate…

Are you a full-time high school junior in the U.S. dedicated to pursuing and completing a bachelor’s degree after high school? Additionally, do you demonstrate…

Are you a full-time high school junior in the U.S. dedicated to pursuing and completing a bachelor’s degree after high school? Additionally, do you demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income)? If either applies, we encourage you to apply for the Horatio Alger National Scholarships! Awarding low-income students for overcoming and persevering through the challenges in their lives, the Horatio Alger National Scholarships grant $25,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. to 106 students each year. All you need to do to apply is fully complete and submit the online application and required materials (which are also submitted on the application). If you’re a low-income student passionate about receiving an undergraduate education, the Horatio Alger National Scholarships may be a great opportunity for you! Bear in mind that this scholarship runs from December 1st to March 15th annually.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Junior

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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CCNMA Scholarships
CCNMA Scholarships

Offered by CCNMA: Latino Journalists of California

Multiple awards worth $500 - $1,000
Deadline Sep 30, 2023

The CCNMA Scholarships range from $500 to $1,000 per student and are based on several criteria, including: commitment to the field of journalism, scholastic achievement,…

The CCNMA Scholarships range from $500 to $1,000 per student and are based on several criteria, including: commitment to the field of journalism, scholastic achievement,…

The CCNMA Scholarships range from $500 to $1,000 per student and are based on several criteria, including: commitment to the field of journalism, scholastic achievement, community awareness and financial need. Students must be enrolled full time for the entire academic year in which they apply. They must also be a California resident or attend an accredited college or university in California. All winners are invited to and recognized at the annual CCNMA Scholarship Banquet. If you meet the below eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Other

Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino

Academic Interest: Journalism

Other Category: Low Income

State: California

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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The Daniel Murphy Scholarship
The Daniel Murphy Scholarship

Offered by Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund

Multiple awards worth $7,500
Deadline Oct 1, 2023

The Daniel Murphy Scholarship is funded by the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, an organization with a mission to provide financial and educational support Chicago students…

The Daniel Murphy Scholarship is funded by the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, an organization with a mission to provide financial and educational support Chicago students…

The Daniel Murphy Scholarship is funded by the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, an organization with a mission to provide financial and educational support Chicago students from underfunded neighborhoods. Each year, the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund awards approximately 130 - 140 scholarships worth around $7,500 each to help exceptional, low-income middle school students from Chicago attend college preparatory high schools. These scholarships can be renewed for an additional three years, meaning recipients can earn up to $30,000 total. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading for more application details.

Eligibility information

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Other Category: Low Income

State: Illinois

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program
Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program

Offered by Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance

Multiple awards worth up to $4,500
Deadline Oct 1, 2023

The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance for currently employed early childhood educators and providers who enroll in a certificate,…

The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance for currently employed early childhood educators and providers who enroll in a certificate,…

The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance for currently employed early childhood educators and providers who enroll in a certificate, associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree program in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Family Studies, Child Care Administration, or fields that directly name early child development and its specific areas of inquiry. Both U.S. Citizens and non-citizens are eligible to apply, but every applicant must be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts. For more information on the employment requirements and a full list of eligible institutions, we encourage you to visit the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance's website. If you're eligible, we encourage you to apply! Keep on making a difference in your own life and those of the children you serve, every day.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Academic Interest: Child and Family Studies, Psychology

Other Category: Low Income

State: Massachusetts

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

Offered by Ohio Department of Higher Education

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Oct 1, 2023

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is open to Ohio residents in an associate degree, first bachelor’s degree, or nurse diploma program at an eligible…

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is open to Ohio residents in an associate degree, first bachelor’s degree, or nurse diploma program at an eligible…

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is open to Ohio residents in an associate degree, first bachelor’s degree, or nurse diploma program at an eligible Ohio or Pennsylvania institution with an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) of $3,750 or less and a maximum household income of $96,000. To apply, interested students must submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by October 1st of the application year. If you're eligible, we encourage you to apply, and wish you good luck! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Other Category: Low Income

State: Ohio, Pennsylvania

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

Offered by U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

3000 awards worth up to $5,000
Deadline Oct 5, 2023

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, a government branch that…

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, a government branch that…

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, a government branch that works to increase “mutual understanding by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations.” Each year, their Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program awards up to $5,000 to Pell Grant-eligible students at accredited U.S. universities who are applying or have been accepted to study abroad programs. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Academic Interest: Foreign Languages

Other Category: Low Income

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Forward Steps Scholarship
Forward Steps Scholarship

Offered by Forward Steps

Multiple awards worth up to $6,000
Deadline Oct 31, 2023

The Forward Steps Scholarship is dedicated to empowering foster youth to achieve their academic goals and pursue their passions. This scholarship is exclusively available to…

The Forward Steps Scholarship is dedicated to empowering foster youth to achieve their academic goals and pursue their passions. This scholarship is exclusively available to…

The Forward Steps Scholarship is dedicated to empowering foster youth to achieve their academic goals and pursue their passions. This scholarship is exclusively available to applicants with a background in the foster care system. If you're a Colorado resident and plan to attend or are currently enrolled in one of Forward Steps' partnering colleges, universities, or trade schools in the Denver metro, Longmont, Fort Collins, or Greeley areas, we encourage you to apply. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take a step forward towards your future!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Other Category: Low Income, Foster Care

State: Colorado

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship
International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship

Offered by International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21)

2 awards worth $5,000
Deadline Nov 1, 2023

The International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship is awarded to a minimum of two applicants each year to be used towards an advanced…

The International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship is awarded to a minimum of two applicants each year to be used towards an advanced…

The International Society of Women Airline Pilots Financial Scholarship is awarded to a minimum of two applicants each year to be used towards an advanced flight training program. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an advanced flight training program; or have completed ab-initio flight training, hold a current first class medical certificate. Additional requirements include last 3 pages of your log book, 2 letters of recommendation, and a list of FAA.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Aviation/Aerospace

Other Category: Low Income, Women

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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While some scholarships are focused on supporting students based on specific talents or achievements, other scholarships aim to support students who have demonstrated financial need. These need based scholarships sometimes also include a merit or academic component, but will always require students to demonstrate financial need.

If you are a low income student or even a middle income student, you may qualify for one of our top need based awards. Keep on reading for more information about the specific scholarships, eligibility, and deadlines, as well as a mini-guide on applying for need-based financial aid.

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How to win need-based scholarships 

Earning scholarships starts with completing thoughtful scholarship applications. Scholarship applications might include requirements like transcripts, test scores, essays, and interviews. For need-based scholarships, the scholarship committee will be considering your financial need as an application factor too.

Depending on the scholarship, some applications may ask you to share more information about your family’s financial situation. This can range from writing a statement of financial need to providing actual documentation of income or eligibility for fee waivers or free and reduced lunch.

Many need-based scholarships will also include an essay component, which provides you with an opportunity to share your story. When thinking about the essay as a student who has faced financial hardship, you should be focused on showing how you have grown and succeeded despite this set of circumstances. One of the mistakes that students make when talking about adversity is focusing too much on what happened to them as opposed to how they grew from the experience. 
Writing about this will not be easy, so give yourself plenty of time to reflect and brainstorm stories that you’d like to share with the scholarship committee.

Essay advice for need-based scholarships

We also have some helpful resources to help you write powerful essays. Check out our guide on how to start a scholarship essay, and another on how to write a winning scholarship essay. Here are a few more helpful resources for writing successful scholarship essays:

How to apply for need-based financial aid

Need-based scholarships are just one part of the financial aid equation. In fact, for most students with demonstrated financial need, they won’t even be the most important source of financial aid to pay for college. Need-based grants, which are awarded to students by the government and specific educational institutions, are the most important source of financial aid for low income students.

Like scholarships, need-based grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. The most well-known need-based grant is the Pell Grant, which is awarded to students by the federal government. 

Students can apply for need-based grants through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. The FAFSA opens up on October 1st of each year and allows students to access need-based grants, but also federal student loans and work study

Some colleges may also require a financial aid application called the CSS Profile. The CSS Profile is administered by the College Board and captures more information than the FAFSA, which some colleges use for awarding financial aid. 

Remember, you will need to apply for financial aid by the appropriate CSS Profile and FAFSA deadlines. If you apply for financial aid and are accepted to the college, you will receive a financial aid award letter that outlines the various types of aid available to you.

Resources for students with financial need

Your school counselor

If you are a high school senior, your school counselor may be a helpful resource as you navigate the admissions and scholarship process. Many school counselors will be able to help you find scholarships, answer questions about the FAFSA, and serve as an overall resource for you as you apply for admission and financial aid. 

Similarly, if you are a member of a college access organization, your college counselor or coach will be able to provide help with anything related to paying for college.

Your college’s financial aid office

Whether you are a high school senior or a current college student, your college’s office of financial aid is a great resource if you encounter any problems or questions when applying for financial aid. If you are feeling lost or overwhelmed by any components of the financial aid process, you can give your college financial aid office a call (or if you are a current student, you can schedule an appointment to speak to someone). 

Frequently asked questions

Does my family income qualify me for need-based scholarships or financial aid?

It depends! Every scholarship will have a different requirement for income and who is eligible. Many need-based scholarships will provide a specific income or range that eligible student must fall in-between.

For need-based financial aid, it will also depend. Each college will use a formula to determine how much money your family can afford to pay (this is also known as the Estimated Family Contribution or EFC).

What’s the difference between a need-based and merit based scholarship?

The primary difference is that a need based scholarship will be taking into account a student’s financial situation and will focus on supporting the students who need financial support the most. A merit based scholarship will be focused on supporting students with specific talents or “merits” as defined by the scholarship committee.

Merit scholarships typically assess students based on a variety of factors, including GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, and internships. Keep in mind that many scholarships use a combination of need and merit-based qualifications to choose their recipients. So, as a student applying for need-based scholarships, you’ll have a better chance if you earn good grades and test scores.

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