If applying to college is a nerve-wracking experience, then I’m not sure how to explain the fear and dread involved in paying for it once you get in. But wait, it gets worse: student loans, anyone? Before you know it, your excitement about getting into college can be totally trumped by anxiety about costs.
Luckily, thousands of college scholarships can help you pay for school. Whether you’re in high school, college or even graduate school, you’re likely eligible to win a fair amount of money.
You don’t need to get straight As, be in dire financial straits or go to a ton of activities after school every day to win a scholarship. In some cases, a special skill or interest area — like weird ways to earn or save money — can help you win an award to use toward tuition, housing or even textbooks.
Here’s a list of 100 awesome scholarships to get you started on your search. Application rules and deadlines can change, so be sure to read all of the eligibility requirements on the funding organization’s website before applying.
Happy scholarship hunting!
Scholarships With Multiple Deadlines
Some of these organizations offer awards several times a year — during spring and fall semesters, quarterly or even monthly. Even if you’ve missed the earliest deadline this year, take a look to see whether there’s another one coming up!
1. AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship
Full-time undergraduate and graduate students with at least a 2.5 GPA can apply for this $1,000 scholarship that chooses one winner per quarter.
2. AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund
This fund awards quarterly scholarships of $2,500 to students enrolled at an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) member institution. Awards can be used toward bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees in nursing. The selection committee gives special consideration to students in a graduate program to become a nurse educator; students completing an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN program; and those enrolled in an accelerated program.
3. CollegeSTEPS Sweepstakes
Wells Fargo sponsors this award, which is open to high school seniors and all undergraduate levels. Applicants are selected throughout the year via random drawing to win 40 awards of $1,000 each.
4. Courage to Grow
This monthly scholarship award of $500 is available to juniors or seniors in high school as well as college students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. You’ll have to submit a short essay. Entries are due on the last day of each month.
5. United States Senate Youth Program
High school juniors and seniors who are involved in student government can apply to win up to $5,000. A principal or teacher nomination is required, and this scholarship includes a trip to Washington, D.C. for the Washington Week program. Deadlines range from July to November, depending on your state.
6. Chegg $1,000 Monthly Scholarship
Answer a brief essay question to apply for this monthly drawing for a $1,000 scholarship.
7. “No Essay” College Scholarship
Yes, there’s a scholarship you can win without writing an essay! Niche.com offers this monthly drawing, which is open to all students planning to enroll in college within 12 months. Enter once each month to win $2,000.
8. $1,000 Local Survey Sweepstakes
Tell Niche.com about your neighborhood and be entered into a monthly drawing for $1,000. Submit a new entry each month for a better chance of winning.
9. CaptainU Student-Athlete Scholarship
High school and junior college students who play sports and plan to attend a four-year college can apply for this $2,000 award. You’ll need to be active on social media to have a better chance at one of the quarterly prizes.
10. Jacob Frydman Scholarship Fund
Scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded six times throughout the year. Apply with a 700-word essay on how you plan to invest in your future.
11. The Festivus Scholarship
Students returning to school after a gap in their education can earn $250 by winning four rounds of quizzes on common knowledge facts. Enter by registering at the Common Knowledge Scholarship Fund and entering the fall quiz (begins in early September) and spring quiz (Starts in early January).
12. DoSomething.org Campaign Scholarships
Volunteer your time for any of DoSomething.org’s campaigns (examples include hosting a canned food drive or sharing ways to combat bullying) and you could win $10,000. Submit pictures of your campaign work to be entered. DoSomething.org also draws a seasonal scholarship four times each year for your second chance to win $10,000.
13. CoffeeForLess.com “Hit the Books” Scholarship
Enrolled college students between the ages of 18 and 25 can enter to win $500. Enter by writing a 500-word essay on why your education is important to you; you might get bonus points if you can work your love of coffee into your essay. One winner is chosen each spring (apply by January 31) and fall (apply by September 30, 2015).
14. $2222 Scholarship Sweepstakes
Share your resume with others at Me-2U.com for a chance to win — you guessed it — $2,222. You must be over 13 to enter this monthly drawing.
15. Odenza Marketing Scholarship
If you have at least a 2.5 GPA, submit two short essays on given topics to be considered for a $500 scholarship. Enter by March 31 for the spring scholarship contest; there’s also another round in the fall. This scholarship is open to American and Canadian students between the ages of 16 and 25.
Scholarships With Single Deadlines
I’ve organized these scholarships by date (with January opportunities first) so it’s easy to see which deadlines are coming up soon.
16. Gates Millenium Scholars Program
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awards 1,000 scholarships each year to extraordinary students. The average award is about $12,000, and these substantial awards are designed to last throughout the winner’s college experience. The deadline usually falls in mid-January.
17. Proof-Reading.com Scholarship Program
Show academic achievement and write a topical essay in MLA format to win this $1,500 prize, which can be used toward full-time undergraduate studies. Apply by January 23, 2016.
18. Respshop.com Scholarship Prize
If sleep disorders affect your life, write a short essay to enter to win one of four scholarships of up to $1,500. Apply by January 31, 2016. If you’re already enrolled in college, you’ll need to show a 2.0 or better GPA.
19. Optimist International Essay Contest
High school seniors can apply for a $2,000 scholarship in each of Optimist International’s 49 districts. Local club deadlines may vary, but winning local essays are handed off to districts in February.
20. ARRL General Fund Scholarship
Students with any active amateur radio license may apply for this $2,000 award. Transcripts are required, but students in any field of study may apply. Deadline: February 13.
21. Carole R. Streeter, KB9JBR, Scholarship
Students with any active amateur radio license and basic Morse code knowledge may apply for this $1,000 award. Preference is given to students in a health-related major. Apply by February 13.
22. EDSA Minority Scholarship
The Landscape Architecture Foundation awards $5,000 to one student who is either in the final two years of undergraduate study, or working toward a graduate degree in landscape architecture. Provide a resume, two recommendations, a 500-word essay and work samples to enter by February 15.
23. Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
By completing one application, women in engineering, engineering technology or computer science in the U.S. or Mexico can apply for a host of scholarships from SWE. Undergraduate and graduate students are both eligible. Awards range from about $1,000 to $10,000. Apply by February 15.
24. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Award
Minority high school students may apply for awards of up to $7,500 per year (for up to four years) to attend a four-year college. Scholarships also come with mentoring, leadership development and internship opportunities. Apply by February 15.
25. AWS Foundation National Scholarship Program
The American Welding Society offers more than 30 national scholarships to students in the U.S. and Canada who plan to pursue careers in welding. Awards tend to be for $2,500 or more, and many are open to students in two- and four-year programs. Students can create one profile online through AWS to be matched with scholarship options. Apply by February 15.
26. Young Naturalist Awards
The American Museum of Natural History invites students in grades 7 through 12 to submit their science experiments from the natural world. Cash prizes range from $500 for the 7th-grade winners to $2,500 for high school seniors. Two winners from each grade level are selected. Enter by March 1.
27. Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund
Entering first-year law students can apply for this award from the American Bar Association. Full-time and part-time students are eligible; 20 winners receive $15,000 over three years of law school. Deadline: March 1.
28. ACS Scholars Award
The American Chemical Society offers scholarships to African American, Native American and Hispanic students planning to study a chemically related field before a career in the chemical sciences. $2,500 is awarded to an incoming freshman; $3,000 goes to a sophomore; and $5,000 is up for grabs among juniors and seniors. Apply by March 1 with official transcripts, standardized test scores, two recommendation letters and your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR).
29. American Legion Auxiliary National Presidents Scholarship
High school seniors who show leadership, patriotism, service and financial need, plus academic achievement, may apply. Five $3,500 scholarships are awarded annually, along with five $3,000 scholarships and five $2,500 awards. Deadline: March 1.
30. American Legion Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students
The American Legion also offers five scholarships each year to students returning to school after an interruption; or who is starting higher education later in life. Apply by March 1 to be considered for an award of $2,000.
31. Frame My Future Scholarship Contest
High school seniors or current college students can apply for this $1,000 scholarship. Submit a piece of art: a photograph, collage, poem, painting or other creative piece, along with a short essay about your professional goals. Apply by the beginning of March.
32. Bodie McDowell Scholarship
Junior and senior undergraduates studying communications or journalism may apply, along with graduate students. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000, and there are three or more awards given each year. Apply by March 2.
33. Life Lessons Scholarship Program
Applicants must submit an essay or short video about the effect of losing a parent during childhood. The grand prize is $15,000; apply by March 3.
34. SanDisk Scholars Program
SanDisk awards $2,500 (renewable for four years) to students in engineering and computer science. High school seniors may apply, along with college freshman or sophomore students. A 3.0 GPA is required, and you’ll need to submit an essay plus evidence of financial need, community involvement and “entrepreneurial interests.” Apply by March 3.
35. Simon Youth Community Scholarship
Exceptional and involved students may apply for a $1,000 scholarship to be used at junior colleges, four-year colleges and trade schools. Every Simon mall in the U.S. provides an award, but only the first 3,000 applications received each year are judged. Applicants must live within 50 miles of a Simon mall. Apply by March 5.
36. Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest
Write an essay about religious freedom to win prizes from $250 to $2,000, awarded by the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. Apply by March 6.
37. AFSA National High School Essay Contest
The American Foreign Service Association sponsors this $2,500 scholarship for students interested in foreign policy. The winner also receives a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the Secretary of State, and an all-expense paid education trip from Semester at Sea. Apply by March 15.
38. Shepherd Scholarship
If someone in your family was or is a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, you could be eligible for this $2,000 scholarship, which can be renewed for three years after being awarded. Submit a transcript and up to four letters of recommendation to be considered. Deadline: March 31.
39. LULAC National Scholastic Achievement Awards
Anticipated or current undergraduate and graduate students may apply for this $2,000 award. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and excellent standardized test scores. This scholarship is not limited to Hispanic and Latino students. Apply by March 31.
40. National Security Agency Mathematics and Computer Science Student Scholarship
The NSA (yep, that one) awards $500 each spring to students in computer science, computer engineering or mathematics. You’ll need a 3.0 GPA to apply; all levels of higher education study are welcome. Apply by March 31.
41. Unigo $10K Scholarship
Submit a 200-word essay about how you’ve defied stereotypes and you could win one of two $10,000 scholarships. You must enroll in college no later than fall of 2019. Apply by March 31.
42. SuperCollege Scholarship
High school through graduate school and adult students planning to enroll in the next 12 months may apply for this $1,000 scholarship. Funds can be used for tuition, books, room and board, computers or other related expenses. Apply by March 31.
43. The Dr. Arnita Y. Boswell Scholarship Award
African-American students with a 2.75 GPA or higher, who also participate in school and community activities may apply for up to $1,000. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, letters from activity organizers, an official transcript, an essay on a provided topic and a photo. Apply by March 31.
44. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
This $10,000 scholarship goes to a student active in the social and economic justice movements. Apply by April 1 by submitting a personal statement, two recommendations, a transcript, evidence of financial need and a photo.
45. Tourism Cares Academic Scholarship Program
High school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students planning to study travel, tourism or hospitality may apply for one of 30 annual scholarships. Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000. U.S. and Canadian students may apply. Deadline: April 1.
46. AFSA Scholarship Program
The American Fire and Sprinkler Association awards 10 scholarships for $2,000 to high school seniors. To apply, read an essay about fire sprinklers and complete a 10-question, open-book, multiple choice test. Each correct test answer gives you one entry into the scholarship drawing. Apply by April 1.
47. AICPA Accountemps Student Scholarship Award
Each year, four winners are selected to win $10,000. You must be a current undergraduate or graduate-level accounting student with a GPA of at least 3.0 to apply. Deadline: April 1.
48. Create Real Impact
Your creative entry about distracted driving could win you a $500 or $1500 prize. Apply by April 10. Along with the grand prize of $1500, the committee also chooses one Spanish-language winner and one American Sign Language winner.
49. Gene Carte Student Paper Competition
Criminology students may submit one relevant academic paper each year to be considered for this scholarship. The first-prize winner gets $500. Submit by April 15.
50. NDS Junior Merit Scholarship
Undergraduates In their junior year who plan to work in the dairy industry may apply for this award, which has a first prize of $1,500 and three runner-up awards of $1,000 each. Leadership, activities, and academic performance are evaluated. Apply by April 15.
51. NDS Sophomore Merit Scholarship
The National Dairy Shrine also offers a scholarship for college sophomores pursuing a career in the dairy industry. First prize: $1,500. Leadership, activities, and academic performance are evaluated. Apply by April 15.
52. College Jumpstart Scholarship
This annual, merit-only scholarship is open to high school, college and nontraditional students. Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded each spring and fall. Apply by April 15 for the spring competition. A short personal statement is required.
53. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship Program
Latino students with financial need may apply to receive one of three awards: $1,000 toward an associate degree, $2,500 toward an undergraduate degree and $5,000 for graduate school. Apply by April 15.
54. Appraisal Institute Education Trust Undergraduate Scholarship
Students who are already enrolled part- or full-time toward an associate or bachelor’s degree focusing on real estate may apply for this $1,000 award. You must demonstrate academic achievement. Submit a short personal statement, two recommendations, your transcript and your resume to apply by April 15.
55. Signet Essay Contest
Signet Classics awards five scholarships of $1,000 to high school juniors and seniors. Applicants must write an essay about the year’s chosen literary classic from a list of provided topics; teachers then submit the essays to Signet. Entries are usually due in mid-April.
56. ASHA Youth Scholarships
Exceptional high school students who are involved with American Saddlebred horses, may apply. Academic success, financial need, community service and recommendations are considered. Awards amounts range, but additional prizes of $2,500 and $5,000 are provided. Deadline: April 30.
57. Grammarly $1,000 Scholarship
Register online to be entered into this scholarship drawing. If you win, you’ll have to show that you’re enrolled (or have committed to enroll). Enter by April 30, 2015.
58. MoolahSPOT $1,000 Scholarship
MoolahSPOT’s scholarship is open to students from around the world — but your essay and application must be submitted in English. New or current students in college or graduate school may apply. Submit a 400-word essay by April 30, 2015.
59. Freedom of Speech PSA Contest
Current undergraduate, graduate and vocational school students can enter to win up to $3,000. Apply by April 30 by submitting a 30-second audio or video public service announcement about freedom of speech.
60. Digital Responsibility E-Waste Scholarship
Write a tweet-length statement about electronic waste recycling to enter this $1,000 contest. The top 10 finalists will be asked to write a 500-1000 word essay. Apply by April 30, 3015.
61. Actuarial Diversity Scholarship
Interested in being an actuary? African-American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander students with a GPA of at least 3.0 may apply for this scholarship. Awards range from $1,000 for an incoming freshman to $4,000 for an incoming college senior who has already passed actuarial exams. Enter by May 1, 2015.
62. The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship
Students showing financial need, academic achievement and public service who are entering or transferring to a four-year college may apply. Submit a copy of your college acceptance letter, two recommendations, an essay, transcript, standardized test scores, copy of your FAFSA and a resume to be considered to win $2,000 per year for up to four years. Deadline: May 1, 2015.
63. Annuity.org Scholarship
Submit an essay on a financial topic to win a $2,000 scholarship. High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Enter by May 1.
64. Nordstrom Scholarship
Nordstrom stores offer $10,000 scholarships to 80 high school juniors who maintain at least a 2.7 GPA and participate in activities. The scholarship amount is distributed over four years. Apply by May 1, 2015.
65. PRSA Diversity Multicultural Scholarship
The Public Relations Student Society of America gives two awards of $1,500 to minority communications students. Applicants must be full-time students with at least junior status, with at least a 3.0 GPA. PRSSA membership is not required, but applicants must submit a transcript, a letter of recommendation and a two-page essay on diversity in the public relations industry. Apply by May 22, 2015.
66. Together We Care Nurse Practitioner Scholarship Program
MinuteClinic (owned by CVS) and Johnson & Johnson offer 30 nurse practitioner scholarships for $2,500 each and five doctor of nursing practice scholarships for $5,000 each. If you’re enrolled in a nurse practitioner or doctor of nursing practice program with a GPA of at least 3.2, apply by May 29, 2015.
67. MillerCoors National Scholarship
College juniors and seniors of Hispanic descent may apply for this $3,000 scholarship. Applicants must be majoring in a business-related field with a 3.0 or higher GPA and attend an Adelante partner school. 20 scholarships are awarded. Apply by May 29, 2015. (There’s also a similar scholarship for engineering and science majors.)
68. Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship
Already enrolled students in landscape or horticulture programs may apply for this award, which ranges from $1,000 to $3,500. A 2.25 GPA is required, and preference is given to those who plan to work in the nursery industry following graduation. This scholarship is open to New England residents only. Apply by May 31.
69. Muggets Scholarship
Already enrolled vocational, undergraduate and graduate students in horticulture-related programs may apply for this $1,500 scholarship. Two recommendations are required. Apply by May 31.
70. Rocket 55 Scholarship
High school seniors and undergraduates enrolled at least part-time may apply for this $1,000 scholarship. Submit an essay on a digital marketing topic and apply by May 31, 2015.
71. Scholarship Detective Launch Scholarship
Free registration for ScholarshipDetective.com and a 140-character statement are all you need to enter this drawing for one of two $1,000 scholarships. Deadline: May 31, 2015.
72. C.I.P. Scholarship
College is Power awards $1,000 to entering or continuing students in full- or part-time programs. The funds can be used for tuition, books, room and board, or other related expenses. Enter by May 31, 2015.
73. ASF Translation Awards
The American-Scandinavian Foundation offers a $2,500 award and a $2,000 award for outstanding translations of Scandinavian works by authors born before 1800. Apply by June 1, 2015.
74. Student Translation Award
The American Translators Association invites translations of literary or science/technology works into English, but also considers translation-related projects. A faculty member must write a letter of support for the undergraduate or graduate applicant. Award: $500. Deadline: June 8, 2015.
75. Optimist International Oratorical Contest
Would you engage with an audience from the podium? Winning speakers at the local level may earn scholarships of $2,500, $1,500 or $1,000 at the district level. Local club competition dates vary, but districts must submit their winner lists to Optimist International by June 15, 2015.
76. Copyright Awareness Scholarship
The Music Publishers Association of the United States awards up to $5,000 for an outstanding video submission about intellectual property and copyright laws. Students aged 13 through 25 may apply by June 15, 2015.
77. Bruce Lee Foundation Scholarship
$1,000 goes to one student who exemplifies Bruce Lee’s (yes, that one!) passion for education. The scholarship can be used at two-year and four-year institutions along with trade schools. They haven’t released the deadline for 2015, but last year’s deadline was in mid-June.
78. Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship
This $1,000 award can be used for undergraduate or graduate work. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay about cyberbullying. Apply by June 30.
79. Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
Women studying business or a business-related program may apply for this $1,000 scholarship. There’s no age limit to apply. Deadlines depend on local Zonta clubs, but club-level finalists must be presented to regional representatives by July 1.
80. Mary Cone Barrie Scholarship
Returning and continuing education students may apply for this $2,500 award, which is open to students attending U.S. and Canadian schools. An essay, recommendation letter, and proof of enrollment are required. Apply by July 12.
81. Resume Companion Annual Scholarship Giveaway
Enter to win this $1,000 scholarship by creating a resume for a fictional character. There is no GPA requirement for this award. Apply by July 14.
82. “My Mentor Was Me” Scholarship Video Challenge
Create and submit a video about the positive effects of mentorship to enter this $1,000 scholarship contest. High school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Enter by July 31, 2015.
83. Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is a merit-based award open to incoming or current college or graduate students. Applicants must submit a 250-word essay by July 31, 2015.
84. Second Chance Scholarship
American Fire Sprinkler Association offers five $1,000 scholarships to nontraditional students holding a GED or high school diploma. Apply by August 27, 2015.
85. National College Match
QuestBridge awards full tuition for four years, plus room and board to one lucky student who shows academic achievement and financial need. Two letters of recommendation, a transcript, a high school counselor report and standardized test scores are required. Use of the scholarship is limited to QuestBridge partner schools, so take special note of the official rules for this award. Apply in the fall.
86. ASHFoundation Graduate Scholarships
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation provides up to 20 awards for $5,000 to graduate students of communication sciences and disorders. Through the main application, students can select to be considered for endowed scholarships for students with disabilities, minority students and international students. Apply in early fall.
87. Doodle 4 Google
Ever wanted to create one of Google’s popular daily homepage doodles? K-12 students may apply, but high school students should be particularly interested in the prize: a $30,000 scholarship for the grand prize winner and $5,000 for four finalists. Applications reopen in September 2015.
88. TakeLessons Scholarship
Current college students can enter to win between $1,000 and $5,000. Write a short essay to apply; the public chooses the best essay before the finalists move on to committee. Apply by September 30.
89. JW Surety Bonds Scholarship
If your original blog post on one of the topics provided is published, you’ll be entered to win $1,000. Enter by September 30.
90. The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology
The regional winners of this highly competitive contest receive $3,000, and national winners receive between $10,000 and $100,000. Groups may apply, but national award groups split the prize money. Students in grades 9 through 12 may enter the first round by September 30.
91. Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs
Scholarships ranging between $6,000 and $21,000 are awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate critical financial need, participation in community activities and a 2.0 or better GPA. Recommendations, essay and transcript required. Apply by October 25.
92. Intel Science Talent Search
High school seniors submit their science research projects to compete for major cash scholarships — the top prize is $100,000. Applications are usually due in November.
93. Voice of Democracy
This scholarship judges applicants by short essay told via audio. The national first-place winner receives $30,000 for use at any U.S. college or vocational school; scholarships of $1,000-$6,000 are also awarded. Apply through your local VFW post by November 1.
94. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
Entering freshmen of a four-year college can apply for awards of up to $30,000. Submit recommendations and an essay by November 30. A 3.5 GPA and standardized test scores in the top 15% are required.
95. Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship
Students up to age 25 can apply for a $5,000 scholarship. Each of the several winners also receive a matching grant in their name to a hunger-related charity. Applicants must demonstrate a history of volunteer work relating to efforts to end hunger in the United States. Apply by December 5.
96. Foreclosure.com Scholarship Contest
Already-enrolled undergraduate students can apply for a $5,000 scholarship. Four runners-up receive $1,000 each. An essay on a specified topic is required. Apply by December 15.
97. Community College Scholarship
Niche.com offers $500 to current and anticipated community college students. Apply by December 31.
98. $500 Culinary Scholarship
High school students interested in culinary school, along with already enrolled students, may enter to win this $500 award from Niche.com. Enter by December 31, 2015.
99. $500 Nursing Scholarship
Future and current nursing students may apply for this $500 scholarship from Niche.com. Enter by December 31, 2015.
100. The Penny Hoarder’s $2,000 “Frugal Student” Scholarship
Guess what? We even have a scholarship here at The Penny Hoarder. Applicants must be enrolled with an active class schedule, and write a short essay about an interesting and unusual way you’ve saved or made money. Deadline: December 31.
Your Turn: Will you be applying for scholarships this year?