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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
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  • 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
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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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Top 59 Writing & Essay 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

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Updated: September 26th, 2023

Writing is an extremely important part of success in high school, college, and life in general. For some students, writing is also an intricate part of who they are and how they express themselves. If you are someone who loves English class and is genuinely excited about a new creative writing assignment, then you should keep reading! Writing scholarships, creative writing scholarships, and essay scholarships are great ways to put your talent to use.

Whether you are planning on attending community college, a four-year program, or graduate school, we’ve got opportunities for you. Keep on reading to learn about the top scholarships for writers and creative writers including eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines!

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RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS360 WINNERS

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Winner of the “Follow Your Own Path” Scholarship

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Kyamani Atterbury

Winner of the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Scholarship

59 Scholarships
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“Mom to Scholar” Scholarship for Mothers
“Mom to Scholar” Scholarship for Mothers

Offered by Maria Geiger

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

The “Mom to Scholar'' Scholarship for Mothers is open to mothers who want to begin or resume their journey towards earning a technical or college…

The “Mom to Scholar'' Scholarship for Mothers is open to mothers who want to begin or resume their journey towards earning a technical or college…

The “Mom to Scholar'' Scholarship for Mothers is open to mothers who want to begin or resume their journey towards earning a technical or college degree. This scholarship is funded by Scholarships360’s own Maria Geiger, who started her journey toward a B.A. at the same time that her oldest son Will started college. Maria knows firsthand how challenging it is to raise a family, have a job outside the home, and attend college, but would not change the way she did things for the world. Mothers who have a desire to earn their college degree bring unique perspectives that greatly enhance their learning experiences; for some, motherhood is a vocation that enlightens like no other. If you are a mother over the age of 35 who feels that the time is right to begin your academic or career journey, please apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Other Category: Adult, Women

Next steps

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“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship
“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2023-24 academic…

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2023-24 academic…

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2023-24 academic year) or have heard stories from those enrolled, you already know! “Gutsy” means courageous and determined, which nearly all successful graduate students are. Why else would one continue on with rigorous academics while often living on a shoestring? The rewards of graduate school are numerous, especially the more focused and advanced level of specialized study in your chosen field. Learning with like-minded people who share your passion is fulfilling, and the networking is awesome. The flipside of graduate school is the costly student loans to fund it. With this in mind, the "Gutsy" Graduate Student Essay Scholarship aims to help out a passionate graduate student who is actively looking for ways to fund their higher education journey. Thus, this scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Good luck on your educational journey, and we hope to read your application! 

Eligibility information

Grade Level: Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Next steps

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“College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors
“College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for High School Seniors is open to just who you think: high school seniors (graduating class of 2024)! Here…

The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for High School Seniors is open to just who you think: high school seniors (graduating class of 2024)! Here…

The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for High School Seniors is open to just who you think: high school seniors (graduating class of 2024)! Here at Scholarships360, scholarships are our passion–we know that you can never have enough of them! After all, scholarships are essentially “free money” to help fund your education. We want to help out a lucky high school senior who is just starting out on their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Thus, this scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. We hope that you apply and look forward to reading your application!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Senior

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Next steps

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“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women
“Making Waves” Scholarship for Women

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500…

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500…

Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women aims to help women cover the costs of pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream is starting a business, learning a foreign language, or attending college on the path to fulfilling your dream, the scholarship will cover those costs and make your journey a little easier. No matter your goals, we want to help out a woman who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Thus, this 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, simply write an essay about how the $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women will help you fulfill your dreams. We encourage you to apply and look forward to reading your essays. Good luck!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Other Category: Women

Next steps

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“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students
“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500…

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500…

Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is meant for high school seniors (graduating class of 2024), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year who are looking for ways to fund their postsecondary education in STEM. This 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, you must write an essay about how your passion for STEM started and how the scholarship will help you fulfill your dreams. No matter which STEM field ignites your interest, we look forward to reading your essays. Apply today - it’s time to cell-e-brate you!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Food Science/Nutrition, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Paper and Pulp Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Science/Engineering, Marine/Ocean Engineering, Construction Engineering/Management, Biology, Math, Statistics, Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Meteorology/Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Hydrology, Oceanography, Materials Science, Aviation/Aerospace, Industrial Design

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“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

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“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship
“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. As it is our goal to help out all types of postsecondary students who are actively looking for ways to fund their higher education journey, this $500 scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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“Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship
“Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range…

Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range…

Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range of students in a wide range of majors. If starting your postsecondary education at a community college is right for you, we have a scholarship just for you! The “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship aims to financially support community college students who are passionate about their higher education journeys and actively looking for ways to fund it. Thus, this 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 for the “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay explaining how earning their degree at community college will help them achieve their educational and career goals. 

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Underclassmen

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Next steps

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“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship
“Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2024

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter…

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter…

The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter students from attending. If you’re in a situation similar to this, we may just have the perfect scholarship opportunity for you: the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship! With this scholarship, we aim to help out a lucky undergraduate student (enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year) who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. This scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. The scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen who is enrolled as an undergraduate at a four-year university in the U.S. during the 2023-24 academic year. In order to apply, submit an essay explaining how earning your bachelor’s degree will help you achieve your educational and career goals. We look forward to reading your application!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Next steps

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

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Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship
Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Offered by Unigo

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Oct 31, 2023

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…

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…

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.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School & College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Next steps

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Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)
Ayn Rand Institute Novel Essay Contest (Atlas Shrugged)

Offered by Ayn Rand Institute

Multiple awards worth $10,000
Deadline Nov 6, 2023

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…

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…

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!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Academic Interest: Literature/English/Writing

Next steps

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The Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize In Ethics
The Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize In Ethics

Offered by The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Dec 29, 2023

Are you a college upperclassman interested in ethics, either as they pertain to your own life or on a bigger scale? If so, we may…

Are you a college upperclassman interested in ethics, either as they pertain to your own life or on a bigger scale? If so, we may…

Are you a college upperclassman interested in ethics, either as they pertain to your own life or on a bigger scale? If so, we may have a great opportunity for you: the Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics essay contest! The contest is open to college juniors and seniors attending a university in the U.S. who write an essay analyzing ethical issues in today’s complex world. The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity offers this scholarship. The foundation honors Romanian-born American author of Night and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel by funding programs that reflect his values. Thus, the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity is proud to host this annual essay contest to support young writers and encourage critical thinking on ethics. Contest winners can earn up to $10,000 to help pay for their educational endeavors. If you are passionate about ethics and want to put your thoughts into words, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Upperclassmen

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

Academic Interest: Journalism, Literature/English/Writing, Religion, Psychology, Social Science, Political Science, History

Next steps

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JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest
JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Offered by John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Jan 12, 2024

Are you a U.S. high school student with a love for U.S. history? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the JFK…

Are you a U.S. high school student with a love for U.S. history? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the JFK…

Are you a U.S. high school student with a love for U.S. history? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest! Each year, the contest awards up to $10,000 to winning applicants who submit 700 - 1,000 word essays following the year’s prompt. Each year's prompt relates to U.S. history, with this year’s being: “Describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born.” The scholarship is offered by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts. If you love U.S. history and want to put your writing skills and history knowledge to the test, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Academic Interest: Political Science

Next steps

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Ocean Awareness Art Contest
Ocean Awareness Art Contest

Offered by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

Multiple awards worth up to $1,500
Deadline Jun 10, 2024

Are you an 11 - 18 year old who has a passion for saving the environment and/or the ocean? Additionally, would you like to make…

Are you an 11 - 18 year old who has a passion for saving the environment and/or the ocean? Additionally, would you like to make…

Are you an 11 - 18 year old who has a passion for saving the environment and/or the ocean? Additionally, would you like to make a statement about the impact of climate change through writing, artwork, or even dance? You might consider applying for the Ocean Awareness Art Contest! Dedicated to encouraging the next generation to get involved in ocean conservation (and environmentalism as a whole), the contest asks its applicants to create a piece of artwork that reflects an impact/aspect of the current environmental crisis and its effect on the ocean. Each year has a specific theme to focus on, with this year being climate change. If you would like to make a statement about climate change’s impact on the ocean through art, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Students

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

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Environmental Science, Literature/English/Writing, Visual & Performing Arts, Film/Video Production, Photography/Photojournalism

Next steps

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$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

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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

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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

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Minecraft Scholarship
Minecraft Scholarship

Offered by Apex Hosting

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Jul 31, 2024

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…

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…

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!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School & College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Academic Interest: Computer Science

Next steps

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Responsify Empowering Others Scholarship
Responsify Empowering Others Scholarship

Offered by Responsify

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Oct 5, 2023

Are you a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in the U.S. who believes in the importance of empowerment (making someone feel stronger and more confident)?…

Are you a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in the U.S. who believes in the importance of empowerment (making someone feel stronger and more confident)?…

Are you a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in the U.S. who believes in the importance of empowerment (making someone feel stronger and more confident)? You might consider applying for the Responsify Empowering Others Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to one lucky student who writes the most thoughtful essay on empowering others and their own experiences with empowerment. All post-secondary students, whether domestic, international, online, or undocumented, may apply. If you're a post-secondary student looking for help affording your education, we encourage (and empower) you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Next steps

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ACES Scholarships
ACES Scholarships

Offered by ACES: The Society for Editing

Multiple awards worth up to $3,500
Deadline Nov 15, 2023

Are you a university student passionate about editing the written word? If so, consider applying for the ACES Scholarships! Each year, the scholarships grant multiple…

Are you a university student passionate about editing the written word? If so, consider applying for the ACES Scholarships! Each year, the scholarships grant multiple…

Are you a university student passionate about editing the written word? If so, consider applying for the ACES Scholarships! Each year, the scholarships grant multiple awards to those aspiring to a career involving editing. While four of the winners will receive a $1,500 award, one applicant will be declared the Aubespin Scholar and win $2,500, and the recipient of the "Bill Walsh Scholarship" will be awarded $3,500. All winners will also be eligible for aid to attend the ACES: The Society for Editing conference. The scholarship is funded by ACES, an international members’ alliance of editors working in a wide variety of writing-centered fields, including digital media, book publishing, academia, and more.  If you want to potentially earn some money for college and truly put your editing skills to the test, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Literature/English/Writing

Next steps

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Bill Walsh Scholarship
Bill Walsh Scholarship

Offered by ACES: The Society for Editing

1 award worth $3,500
Deadline Nov 15, 2023

Are you a student who demonstrates excellence in editing news? If so, consider applying for the Bill Walsh Scholarship! The Bill Walsh Scholarship is open…

Are you a student who demonstrates excellence in editing news? If so, consider applying for the Bill Walsh Scholarship! The Bill Walsh Scholarship is open…

Are you a student who demonstrates excellence in editing news? If so, consider applying for the Bill Walsh Scholarship! The Bill Walsh Scholarship is open to undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students who demonstrate an interest in editing as a career. The scholarship is offered by ACES: The Society for Editing, a professional association of international scope for editors working to promote language, grammar, and accuracy through valuable resources and an annual conference. The Bill Walsh Scholarship is in honor of the late editor, author, and ACES guiding spirit, Bill Walsh, who devoted his career to his passion for language. Each year, the scholarship awards $3,500 plus financial aid to help one (1) talented student attend the ACES national conference. If you have a passion for writing, critical thinking, and are looking for some help to pay off your degree, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Upperclassmen & Graduate Students

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

Academic Interest: Journalism, Literature/English/Writing

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ServiceScape Scholarship
ServiceScape Scholarship

Offered by ServiceScape

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Nov 29, 2023

Are you enrolled or about to enroll in a college, university, or trade school? Are you looking for a little extra help in funding your…

Are you enrolled or about to enroll in a college, university, or trade school? Are you looking for a little extra help in funding your…

Are you enrolled or about to enroll in a college, university, or trade school? Are you looking for a little extra help in funding your education to cover expenses that other scholarships and financial aid don't cover? If your answer is "yes," ServiceScape has a solution that could help out with books, supplies, or anything else you need to cover your educational expenses. Each year, Servicescape offers a $1,000 scholarship to an applicant who writes the most thoughtful essay on how writing impacts today’s world. The scholarship is funded by ServiceScape, a website that connects individuals with experienced writers, editors, and other professional experts. If you want to put your writing skills to the test in exchange for some financial help for college, we encourage you to apply!

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Literature/English/Writing

Next steps

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EngineerGirl Writing Contest
EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Offered by EngineerGirl

Multiple awards worth up to $500
Deadline Feb 1, 2024

Are you an elementary, middle, or high school student with a passion for engineering and sustainability? The EngineerGirl Writing Contest may then be a good…

Are you an elementary, middle, or high school student with a passion for engineering and sustainability? The EngineerGirl Writing Contest may then be a good…

Are you an elementary, middle, or high school student with a passion for engineering and sustainability? The EngineerGirl Writing Contest may then be a good scholarship opportunity for you! Dedicated to fostering young women’s interest in engineering, the Engineergirl Writing Contest asks students to submit thoughtful essays relating to engineering in our everyday life/world. In return for their efforts, one elementary schooler, one middle schooler, and one high schooler receive $500 scholarships. The scholarship is funded directly by EngineerGirl, ​​a website designed to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women. Awards are paid directly to recipients and can be used for educational expenses as they see fit. All you have to do to apply is submit a 650-word essay. If you fit the eligibility criteria and this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply to the EngineerGirl Writing Contest! 

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Students

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Electrical Engineering

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Charlotte Susan Roth Memorial Fund Essay Contest
Charlotte Susan Roth Memorial Fund Essay Contest

Offered by Melton Center for Jewish Studies

Multiple awards worth up to $500
Deadline Mar 1, 2024

Are you a student at Ohio State University who has written a paper on a topic related to Jewish studies? If so, consider applying to…

Are you a student at Ohio State University who has written a paper on a topic related to Jewish studies? If so, consider applying to…

Are you a student at Ohio State University who has written a paper on a topic related to Jewish studies? If so, consider applying to the Charlotte Susan Roth Memorial Fund Essay Contest! All that’s needed to apply for the contest is a minimum 1,500-word essay on Jewish studies that has been written in one’s fall or spring semester at OSU. The top applicant will receive a $500 award and the second place applicant will receive $250.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

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

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Academic Interest: Literature/English/Writing, Religion

Religious Affiliation: Jewish

University: OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY-ALL CAMPUSES

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Achievement Awards in Writing
Achievement Awards in Writing

Offered by National Council of Teachers of English

Multiple awards worth Certificate
Deadline Mar 1, 2024

Are you a high school sophomore or junior interested in entering an essay contest? If so, consider applying for the Achievement Awards in Writing! The…

Are you a high school sophomore or junior interested in entering an essay contest? If so, consider applying for the Achievement Awards in Writing! The…

Are you a high school sophomore or junior interested in entering an essay contest? If so, consider applying for the Achievement Awards in Writing! The awards are open to nominated students who submit a piece of creative/argumentative writing. The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), a nonprofit professional association of educators, offers the contest to recognize students’ talents and achievements. The NCTE focuses on improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education. Each year, multiple winners are chosen and receive a certificate. Additionally, winners of the “First Class Award" will have their name and their school’s name appear on the NCTE website. If you are passionate about writing, we encourage you to apply! While the scholarship cycle does not open until November 15 of each year, students are encouraged to start thinking of and preparing their first drafts early.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: High School Sophomores & Juniors

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens

Next steps

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Clubs of America Scholarship Award
Clubs of America Scholarship Award

Offered by Clubs of America

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Aug 31, 2024

Are you a current postsecondary student at any college or university in the U.S. who is passionate about their field? You might consider applying for…

Are you a current postsecondary student at any college or university in the U.S. who is passionate about their field? You might consider applying for…

Are you a current postsecondary student at any college or university in the U.S. who is passionate about their field? You might consider applying for the Clubs of America scholarship! Dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams, the scholarship awards $1,000 to one hardworking student each year. In order to apply, you must write an essay of 600 words or less about how your current studies will help you achieve success in your future career. Applicants also have the option of submitting a Youtube video that is 5 minutes or shorter in length. If you have passion for your field of study and are looking for some help to pay off educational expenses on your journey to your dream career, we encourage you to apply! The scholarship cycle runs from September 1st to August 31st of every year.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: College Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Next steps

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Writing is an extremely important part of success in high school, college, and life in general. For some students, writing is also an intricate part of who they are and how they express themselves. If you are someone who loves English class and is genuinely excited about a new creative writing assignment, then you should keep reading! Writing scholarships, creative writing scholarships, and essay scholarships are great ways to put your talent to use.

Whether you are planning on attending community college, a four-year program, or graduate school, we’ve got opportunities for you. Keep on reading to learn about the top scholarships for writers and creative writers including eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines!

Creative writing scholarships

Are you a writer who loves fiction, poetry, and screenplays? If so, you can put those talents to use by applying for creative writing scholarships.

Creative writing scholarships are a subset of writing scholarships that support students who enjoy writing poetry, fictional stories, plays, and generally using their imagination to guide their writing.

Here are the top creative writing college scholarships that you can apply for:

HelpTeaching.com Scholarship

  • Eligibility: High school and college students who submit a educational short story or informational article (400-800 words) for young students
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: June 1st of every year

Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest

  • Eligibility: Teens aged 9-12 who write about their own cancer journey or a family member in a maximum of 1,500 words.
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Deadline: Late March

YouthPLAYS New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

  • Eligibility: Students 19 years old or younger who submit an original one-act play between 10-40 minutes in length (10-page minimum). Multiple winners may receive up to $250 and publication by YouthPLAYS.
  • Amount: $250 and publication by YouthPLAYS
  • Deadline: Early May

National High School Poetry Contest

  •  Eligibility: U.S. high school students who submit a poem 20 lines or less that is unpublished, the sole work of the entrant, and not entered in any other concurrent contest.
  • Amount: Up to $500.
  • Deadline: Rolling

The Narrative Prize

  • Eligibility: Students who submit a short story, novel excerpt, poem, one-act play, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction.
  • Amount: $4,000
  • Deadline: Mid-June

College-specific creative writing scholarships

Some colleges and universities may also offer specific scholarships and financial aid to students with a talent in creative writing! Check with the colleges on your list for these college-specific creative writing opportunities!

Note that some of these scholarships may have requirements for winning students that stipulate that they take a certain number of creative writing classes when enrolled in the college.

Kenyon Writing Award

High school seniors can apply for this scholarship program at Kenyon College which offers up to $15,000 per year of merit based aid. It is based off of your portfolio and does not take into account financial need, high school GPA, or other factors. Submissions typically have to be in by January of your senior year.

Barbara Caras Memorial Scholarship for Film Students

The scholarship is open to students in Sarasota or Manatee County, Florida who have completed at least one full year at an accredited Florida College and are majoring in Film, Computer Animation, Creative Writing, Motion Design, or Illustration. Five recipients will earn a $2,000 award. The application deadline is July 31st of the current year.

Lycoming College Creative Writing Scholarship

The scholarship is open to students majoring in Creative Writing at Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA and must submit five poems and/or a short story not to exceed ten pages. Six recipients will be selected and can earn up to $3,000. The scholarship deadline for the Fall 2023 Class is March 1, 2023. 

Arkansas Tech University Gwaltney Scholarship

The scholarship is open to ATU students who submit individual works of fiction to the Department of English. Recipients earn a one-time cash award every year. The deadline to submit your entry is 2 weeks before the end of the spring semester.

Lake Forest College Carnegie English Essay Contest

 The contest is open to first-year students of Lake Forest College who plan to study English either through the literature or creative writing track and submit an essay, between 500 and 1,000 words answering a designated prompt. Four winners will be awarded $2,500 annually. Submission deadline is March 1, 2023.

Austin Peay State University Creative Writing Scholarships

The scholarships are open to undergraduate and incoming APSU students who email a 10-20 page manuscript of fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction, to Lakota Withrow at [email protected]. Awards are for $600 or $1,200. The deadline to apply is March 18th.

Scholarship essay resources

When it comes to writing and essay scholarships, your writing skills will be put to the test. You’ll have to adapt your writing to specific styles in order to effectively and succinctly communicate your ambitions and potential. We have a host of resources to help you perform well in this arena and stand out from the crowd.

Frequently asked questions about writing scholarships

Do I have to major in English to earn a writing or essay scholarship?

You don’t! Each of these scholarships has different requirements, and although some might be geared towards English majors, there are many which are not. Remember, the only thing that makes a writing or essay scholarship is that it uses a piece of writing as a major deciding factor in its decision process. So, you could earn a writing or essay scholarship for physics, chemistry, computer science — really, anything.

Explore these other scholarship categories:

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