Welcome to article series on Scholarships for High School Seniors. There is no such thing as free money, but scholarships come very close. These financial aid awards may be need-based, merit-based, or academic-based. They can also help minimize the cost of a college education.
10 Best College Scholarships for High School Seniors
1). Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards $3.55 million in scholarships to approximately 1,400 students each year. There are three separate scholarship schemes, one for community institutions and one for two-year colleges.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is given to people enrolled in a four-year program. This scholarship is open to both US citizens and permanent residents, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. The grant is given to 150 students, each earning a $20,000 scholarship.
2). Elks National Foundation Scholarship Program
The Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student Award gives 500 high school seniors $1,000 to $7,500 each year. To qualify, you must also be a United States citizen.
Students must also pursue a four-year college degree full-time to be eligible, and the foundation does not require that you be connected to an Elks member to apply. When picking winners, the organization will take into account financial necessity, academic performance, and leadership abilities.
3). National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship
High school seniors planning to work in government service can apply for the National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship.
Only U.S. citizens are eligible. The one-year scholarship can range from $500 to $5,000. Students must write a one-page essay in 300 words or less describing their motivation for government work and exploring any inspiration from George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River.
Students must also include a letter of recommendation from a high school principal or guidance counselor and a copy of their transcript.
4). Cooke College Scholarship Program
Seniors in high school who intend to pursue an undergraduate degree following graduation can apply for the Cooke College Scholarship Program. In order to be eligible, students must show that they have a family income of no more than $95,000.
Students enrolled in the program must also have a GPA of at least 3.5. Depending on the student’s past scholarship awards and the cost of tuition, the program offers grants of up to $55,000 annually. Only those who intend to enroll full-time in college are qualified.
5). Engebretson Foundation
The Engebretson Foundation awards scholarships to high school students attending four-year colleges. In addition to showing financial need, you must have an ACT or SAT score of 28 or 1240, a 3.75 GPA, or be in the top 5% of your graduating class. To qualify, you must also submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students must include a letter of recommendation from their teacher with their application. You must submit or email the application form before the deadline.
6). Bryan Cameron Education Foundation
The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation provides four-year, full-tuition scholarships to students who excel in leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and academics.
Every year, 10 to 15 deserving kids are picked.
Students must have a GPA of 3.7 and be US citizens. High school seniors who intend to attend a four-year college can apply for this award. You must provide two letters of recommendation and a transcript.
7). Unigo $10,000 Scholarship
While many of the aforementioned scholarships have high standards and stringent application requirements, the Unigo $10,000 Scholarship is much simpler to apply for.
Students must prepare a 250-word essay addressing the question, “Would you rather be smart, funny, or rich?” Only legal US residents may apply, and there are no GPA requirements.
8). QuestBridge National College Match
This scholarship program is intended for low-income high school seniors who demonstrate a financial need for college tuition. The QuestBride Match Scholarship provides a four-year scholarship valued over $200,000.
The scholarship program may also include pairing students with other forms of financial aid, such as grants and work-study. Students must attend one of the program’s partner schools, which include Brown University, Yale, Stanford, and others. Only US citizens and permanent residents may apply.
9). BigFuture Scholarship
This scholarship from the College Board is more like a lottery drawing than a traditional scholarship. There are two types of drawings: one for $500 and one for $40,000.
The scholarship incentivizes students to start the college application process and complete the steps necessary to get accepted and find enough financial aid.
To apply, you must finish each step by the respective deadline. Not only will completing the tasks render you eligible for the scholarship drawing, but they will also help you apply to college and qualify for more financial aid.
There is no minimum GPA or test score requirement to be eligible, and there is no essay component.
10). GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
Students who apply for the GE-Reagan Foundation grant are eligible for a $10,000 annual grant for a maximum of four years. The foundation also provides an all-expense-paid retreat to California.
They can use the money to pay for tuition, living expenses, books, and other costs. Students must have a 3.0 GPA, be US citizens, and intend to complete a four-year college degree. To apply, you must include a letter of recommendation from a community leader or school principle. Proof of financial necessity and a solid academic record are also necessary.
Can Scholarship Affect Financial Aid?
External scholarships, which aren’t offered by your institution, can reduce your financial aid award from your school. If your total aid amount including scholarships, institutional aid and government funding exceeds your calculated need by $300, the government may reduce your need-based aid amount.
If you don’t report outside scholarships to your college’s financial aid office, you may need to repay some of your aid. Make sure you review your college’s policy on outside scholarships before you apply.