Top 50 Scholarships for College Freshmen in September 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 school.

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

Are you a high-achieving student academically? You might consider applying for the College JumpStart Scholarship! The College JumpStart Scholarship is open to students in grades 10 to 12, as well as traditional college-age and adult learners. The scholarship is biannual, with deadlines on April 15th and October 17th each year. Two lucky students are awarded the College JumpStart Scholarship each application cycle. The scholarship is funded by corporate donations to the College JumpStart, an organization whose motto is “Hard work. Perseverance. Love of learning. These are the traits that the College JumpStart Scholarship rewards.” This scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit only–no financial need or any other factors are considered. If you’re passionate about using education to better your life and that of your family and/or community, we encourage you to apply!

The US Bank Student Scholarship is an opportunity for U.S. residents aged 17 or older who have been accepted to or are enrolled in a post-secondary institution to receive help funding their education. Each year, the scholarship awards up to $20,000 to multiple incoming and current undergraduate students who complete some of the U.S. Bank's "financial education lesson" modules. Each module takes approximately 1-2 minutes to complete, and the more that students complete, the more money they become eligible to earn. Applicants who complete up to 35, 100, and 200 modules are eligible to receive up to $2,000, $10,000, and $20,000, respectively. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Are you a big fan of The Walking Dead, or maybe Z Nation? Ever thought about what you would do in the case of a zombie apocalypse? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship! Each year, this scholarship awards $2,000 to the applicant who, in 250 words or less, best describes their escape plan if there were a zombie outbreak at their school. The scholarship is offered by Unigo in hopes of helping some creative, zombie-obsessed students pay off some of their postsecondary education. If you’ve been inspired by the zombie shows and movies from the past few decades and have come up with a plan of your own, we encourage you to apply to the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship! It’s due exactly when you’d expect: on Halloween.

Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for reading, writing, and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the Ayn Rand Institute Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest! Each year, the contest asks its applicants to write an 800 - 1,600 word essay in which they analyze and make an argument about an aspect or plot point of the novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Eighty-four students are awarded for their efforts, earning between $25 and $10,000 each. The scholarship is offered by the Ayn Rand Institute, a California-based nonprofit “think tank” dedicated to promoting a better understanding of Ayn Rand’s philosophies. If you’re familiar with Atlas Shrugged, can make a convincing argument, and want to make some cash, we encourage you to apply!

Are you a STEM major in college or university looking for help to pay off your degree? If so, consider applying for the GeneTex Scholarship! The scholarship is open to all STEM majors enrolled at an accredited postsecondary institution in good academic standing, including international students. Offered by GeneTex, the scholarship supports young scientists pursuing a postsecondary education to increase scientific advancement and future discoveries. GeneTex is a Texas-based life science, biotechnology company that develops and sells research reagents in the biomedical field. The GeneTex scholarship awards one student $2,000 biannually for use toward their education or other expenses. Typically, the deadlines for each year will fall in July and December or January of each year. If you are a STEM major looking for some help with tuition and fees, we encourage you to apply!

The Science Ambassador Scholarship is funded by Cards Against Humanity, an adult party card game company that supports charity efforts with its profits. Every year, their Science Ambassador Scholarship awards full tuition to one female high school senior or undergraduate student who submits a three-minute educational video on a STEM topic they're passionate about. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student interested in studying abroad? If so, consider applying for the Boren Awards! The Boren Awards are open to postsecondary U.S. students interested in studying abroad in world regions critical to U.S. interests. While the Boren Scholarships are open to undergraduate students, the Boren Fellowships are open to graduate students. The Awards are named after David L. Boren, who felt that “the U.S. would work more and more through partnerships with other countries whose needs and perspectives needed to be more fully understood.” Today, the scholarship awards up to $25,000 to Boren Scholars and up to $30,000 to Boren Fellows. Depending on the program duration, focus on language in the preferred country, and field of study of the applicant, the funds and requirements will vary. Thus, we recommend checking out the website for more detailed information. If you are a postsecondary student passionate about studying in world regions critical to U.S. interests, we encourage you to apply! Bear in mind that the deadlines slightly differ for undergraduate and graduate students. Thus, we recommend checking the deadline before starting your application.

The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to minority students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. This scholarship is funded by The LAGRANT Foundation, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the above mentioned fields. In order to support this goal, all 30 scholarship winners receive academic support and professional guidance for a year after being given their $2,000 award. If you’re a minority student passionate about advertising, marketing, and/or public relations, we encourage you to apply!

Every year, the American Chemical Society Scholars Program awards renewable scholarships to high school seniors and college undergraduates from historically underrepresented groups. Well-informed about the costs of hefty university tuition fees and funds needed to acquire appropriate lab equipment, the American Chemical Society aims to alleviate some of these expenses for a few lucky students each year. Applicants to the program must be currently planning or intending to study the chemical sciences in college and pursue chemistry-related careers. If you plan on studying chemistry and want a solution to heavy college costs, we encourage you to apply! Bear in mind that this scholarship runs from December 1st to March 1st every year.

Are you over 14 years of age, enrolled in high school or college, and enjoy making original artwork? If so, the Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest may be the perfect opportunity for you! Each year, the contest awards $10,000 to the applicant who submits the best holiday, greeting, or all-around holiday card. While the top ten finalists will be decided by a public vote, the final winner will be decided by a panel of judges. The contest is offered by The Gallery Collection, the “leading business-to-business online and mail order publisher of premium quality personalized Christmas, Holiday, and Everyday greeting cards in the United States.” If you’re a student aged 14 or older who wants to put their card-making skills to the test, we encourage you to apply!

The A Nurse I Am Scholarship is funded by Careismatic Brands, Inc., an organization dedicated to manufacturing high-quality products and supporting diverse and courageous people in their efforts to lead better and healthier lives. Every year, the "A Nurse I Am" Scholarship awards $3,000 to multiple students currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program in the U.S. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply! Bear in mind that the scholarship cycle runs from February 1st to April 15th of each year.

Are you a high school or college student with a love for Minecraft? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the Minecraft Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship offers $2,000 to one applicant who best writes about how Minecraft can positively influence one’s education and career development. The scholarship is offered by Apex Hosting, a Minecraft server provider dedicated to supporting both new and experienced server administrators. If you’re a high schooler or college student with a love for Minecraft, it’s time to put your passion to good use and apply to the Minecraft Scholarship!

Are you a postsecondary student at a university in the U.S. or Canada? If so, you may be eligible for some of the Canada Iceland Foundation Scholarship Programs! By simply completing a general application, you open the door to a multitude of scholarships to help you fund your education. As each scholarship has unique eligibility requirements, you'll only be considered for those you match. The annual deadline is on September 30th, and first-time applicants will receive priority consideration. To apply, submit photocopies of statements of the final year of high school grades or those from any university courses completed, as well as two references from non-relatives. Lastly, submit a personal letter telling something of your extra-curricular activities, particular interests or skills, work experience you have had, and any other information you deem pertinent. Apply to embark on a transformative educational journey with the Canada Iceland Foundation!!

The Creative Biolabs Scholarship Program is funded by Creative Biolabs, a preclinical drug discovery company dedicated to helping global researchers invent the solutions that will create a brighter future for people worldwide. Each year, the Creative Biolabs Scholarship Program awards $1,000 to one (1) postsecondary student majoring in biology, chemistry, or a related field. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Discover your potential with the Kelley & Canterbury, LLC Alaska Curiosity Scholarship! Alaska college students enrolled in a two to five-year institution can apply for a chance to win $1,000. To apply, students must create a 2-4 minute video answering one of the following questions: (1) "What motivates you to continue your education? How are you going to overcome challenges in college and continue to invest in yourself?", or (2) "What is one issue that you are dedicated to solving? Did you have an opportunity that surfaced from adversity that you had the courage and curiosity to address? And what steps have you taken so far to do so?" In addition, you must submit a 500-word essay to support your application and publish your video on YouTube. If you're an Alaskan post-secondary student, don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future!

Are you a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student that understands the danger of texting and driving? Write a compelling, 140-character statement about why you pledge not to text and drive and you may be selected as a finalist for the $1,000 “Don't Text and Drive” Scholarship! Just bear in mind that finalists will have to write an additional 500-1,000 word essay in order to be considered for the award. If you’re passionate about responsible driving and feel that you can put those feelings into compelling words, we encourage you to apply for Digital Responsibility’s “Don't Text and Drive” Scholarship! 

Easy scholarship from Niche open to all high school, college, and graduate students.