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Prices keep going up for college students. This year, attending some American colleges and universities is expected to cost students more than $90,000 a year.
Granted, that’s based on figures for tuition, room and board and other expenses from some of the country’s most elite private institutions. Even so, the Education Data Initiative reports that the average private college student living on campus actually spends about $55,840 per year, with $38,768 of it going towards tuition and fees). And students at public universities spend an average of about $26,027 per year.
That’s still quite a chunk of change, even if you’ve decided it’s worth the cost. In fact, college prices have risen by 169% since 1980, according to a report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. If you’re a high school senior or college student (or the parent of one) who is trying to figure out how to pay these bills, you may want to consider some of the scholarships available to defray costs.
And while the deadlines of some scholarships have passed, there are still lots of options if you act fast. Here are 25 scholarships for high school seniors.
Scholarships That Award Over $15,000
1. Breakthrough Junior Challenge: $250,000
Deadline to apply: June 25, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school students
This generous scholarship is offered by the philanthropists Yuri and Julia Milner, who have a special interest in science and technology. To apply, you create a 2-minute video that explains a scientific or mathematical theory or principle. Think creatively and incorporate elements like diagrams, simulations and physical demonstrations.
If you submit the most impressive video, you’ll receive a $250,000 scholarship to college. Your teacher will receive $50,000, and your school will receive $100,000 for a science lab. Apply here.
2. Niche ‘No Essay’ Scholarship: $25,000
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year
Niche is a ranking and review site that runs a scholarship directory and offers many of its own scholarships. This one couldn’t be easier to apply for. Start by creating a Niche account. Then fill out the online application; the winner will be determined in a random drawing by June 15, 2024. They will contact you if you were selected. Apply here.
3. ‘Be Bold’ No-Essay Scholarship: $25,055
Deadline to apply: May 1, 2024
Who’s eligible: Any student of any age or education level
Bold.org is a scholarship search website. To apply for any of their scholarships, you’ll need to create a free profile on the site. And the site wants to challenge you to create the boldest one.
What does being bold mean to you? The folks at the “Be Bold” Scholarship define it in three words: earnest, determined and moving. If your profile does the best job of matching this description, you could win $25,055 towards your college education. The eligibility requirements don’t mention a minimum GPA. All you need to be is … bold! Apply here ASAP, as the scholarship favors early applicants for rolling application deadlines.
4. Ayn Rand Scholarship: ‘The Fountainhead’ Essay Contest: $25,000
Deadline to apply: June 7, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school juniors and seniors
The Ayn Rand Institute offers rolling essay contests three times a year to encourage students to engage with this prominent novelist’s works and ideas. The upcoming summer essay contest for “The Fountainhead” is currently open.
You’ll write a double-spaced essay that’s between 800 and 1,600 words, based on a prompt question (about the book) that The Ayn Rand Institute provides. If you are one of the top three entries, you’ll receive a cash prize of up to $3,000, and the first-place entry from each season will go on to compete against the other seasonal winners for an annual grand prize of $25,000. You can spend the money on college — or anything else you like. Apply here.
5. Ayn Rand Scholarship: ‘Atlas Shrugged’ Essay Contest: $25,000
Deadline to apply: June 14, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school seniors, college students and graduate students
Another one of The Ayn Rand Institute’s rolling essay contests is based on her novel “Atlas Shrugged.” The upcoming summer essay contest for this novel is currently open.
You’ll write a double-spaced essay that’s between 800 and 1,600 words, based on a prompt question about the book that The Ayn Rand Institute provides. If you are one of the top three entries, you’ll receive a cash prize up to $3,000, and the first-place entry from each season will go on to compete against the other seasonal winners for an annual grand prize of $25,000. You can spend the money on college or anything else. Apply here.
Scholarships That Award Between $5,000 and $15,000
6. Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest: $15,000
Deadline to apply: June 5, 2024
Who’s eligible: All high school students
Well, this is a fun one. To win the Stuck at Prom scholarship, you need to make your own prom outfit (a dress or a tux) completely out of Duck Brand duct tape or Duck Brand crafting tape. Then fill out the online entry form, which includes a place for you to upload at least one photo of yourself wearing this DIY prom outfit. You can submit up to five photos.
The entry form will ask you to supply some written details about your creation or to upload a video showing the requested details. The first-place winners for dress and tux will each be awarded $15,000, while four runners-up in each category will win $1,000 each. And this year they will also be handing out “Judges’ Choice” awards worth $1,000 each to three finalists. Apply here.
7. ScienceSaves High School Video Scholarship: $10,000
Deadline to apply: May 6, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school seniors
Not a big fan of writing essays? This scholarship contest asks entrants to create a 20-30 second video, answering the question, “What has science done for me?” or “What has science done for somebody I know?”
Be creative! You can use photos, video clips and text. Add the hashtag #ScienceSaves to your video before uploading it. While the grand prize winner will receive $10,000, there will also be prizes for 2nd place ($2,000), 3rd place ($1,000), and 4th place finishers ($500). Apply here.
8. Exceptional Youth Scholarship: $10,000
Deadline to apply: May 17, 2024
Who’s eligible: high school seniors
This scholarship is offered through The Foundation for Global Sports Development, and it’s indeed designed for an extraordinary young person. To apply, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have devoted at least 100 hours to some form of community service, volunteerism or mentorship activities.
It’s also need-based, so you’ll be required to submit a completed FAFSA form (which is the application for federal student aid) and other financial materials. You’ll also need two letters of recommendation (one from your school and one from your community). Ten graduating seniors will each receive this $10,000 scholarship. Apply here.
9. Ted and Holly Rollins Scholarship: $5,000
Deadline to apply: June 1, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school seniors
Can you write a compelling essay? For this scholarship contest, you’ll submit at least 500 words that tell your life story, describe your interest in your intended field of study, and/or explain how you plan to impact the world. If you write the winning essay, you’ll be notified by July 15, 2024. Apply here.
10. Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship: $5,000
Deadline to apply: April 15, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school students or college undergraduates who are studying or plan to study political science, cultural anthropology, geography or history
This scholarship was set up in the memory of Ryan T. Herich, who was interested in how history, culture and politics affect our world today. To apply, incorporate these themes in a 400- to 600-word essay about how you intend to make a difference in the world. Three winners (who will each receive $5,000) will be announced on May 15, 2024. Apply here.
Scholarships That Award Between $1,000 and $3,000
11. All About Education Scholarship: $3,000
Deadline to apply: April 30, 2024
Who’s eligible: U.S. residents ages 14 and up
This scholarship is through Unigo, a college scholarship directory and search site. To apply, you have to sign up for a free account. Then submit an essay of 250 words or less responding to the question: “How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?” Apply here.
12. There’s Space For Everyone Scholarship: $3,000
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school seniors, undergraduates and graduates enrolled in school
Extra Space Storage is in the business of offering self-storage facilities, but they also offer an annual college scholarship. To apply, fill out the online application form, which includes an essay on the following topic: “How have you exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, or social justice through work, service, or other extra-curricular activities, and how will your education help you continue this commitment during college and beyond?”
The company will give out eight $3,000 scholarships. Five will go to any student attending or planning to attend a college or university in the U.S., and three are reserved for employees or immediate family members of Extra Space Storage. The winners will be announced on June 21, 2024. Apply here.
13. American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship: $2,500
Deadline to apply: June 1, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school students
This is a bi-annual award in which five recipients win each time — with a total of 10 scholarships awarded each year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each. To apply, submit a completed application along with your most recent high school transcript and a 500-word essay on “Why College is Important to Me.”
The site posts photos of past winners along with their essays, so you can see what impresses the judges. The winners are announced on July 12, 2024, and the awards are distributed on July 31, 2024. Apply here.
14. Creativity Leads to Success Scholarship: $2,500
Deadline to apply: June 15, 2024
Who’s eligible: Students who are 18 years or older and attending college or grad school by fall 2024
The Dixie Belle paint company awards $5,000 in scholarship money every year. The first-prize winner will receive $2,500, while two runners-up will receive $1,250 each.
To apply, fill out their online application and submit an essay of no more than 500 words that answers the question: “How has creativity helped you in problem solving?” If you’re a finalist, you will be notified on or about Aug. 15, 2024. Apply here.
15. Rover Scholarship: $2,500
Deadline to apply: May 1, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school seniors and college undergraduates
Rover.com is a pet-sitter marketplace that offers a $2,500 scholarship towards higher education. To apply, you must have a 3.0 GPA. Fill out their online form and submit an essay of 400-500 words on the following topic: “How did growing up with a pet in your life (could be a friend’s or family member’s) impact the person you are today?”
The winner will be notified by May 31, 2024. Apply here.
16. Goodwall #ScholarshipNow Challenge: $2,500
Deadline to apply: April 30, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school, college and graduate students and those planning to enroll within 12 months
This scholarship is funded by Goodwall, a skills-based social network that prepares young people for careers. To enter this scholarship contest, download the Goodwall app and create a profile. Submit a short video (between 30 seconds and three minutes long) in which you describe how this scholarship can help you reach your educational and professional goals. Make sure to add the hashtag #ScholarshipNow. Apply here.
17. RonranGlee Literary Scholarship: $2,000
Deadline to apply: April 22, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school seniors and college undergraduate students
If you have a knack for close reading, this is the scholarship for you. The people at the RonranGlee Literary Scholarship want to see how well you can interpret the underlying meaning in texts. To apply, choose a paragraph (preferably from an ancient literature or philosophy book) and write a short essay that is between 600 and 2,000 words, explaining what’s being conveyed between the lines.
Five winners will be announced on May 22, 2024. Apply here.
18. CollegeVine No Essay Contest: $2,000
Deadline to apply: June 30, 2024
Who’s eligible: Current high school students and college applicants
CollegeVine is a website that provides college admissions guidance. To take part in this scholarship sweepstakes, you will need to sign up for a CollegeVine account and complete your profile. A random drawing determines the winner. If it’s you, you’ll be notified with an email. Apply here.
19. Sallie Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes: $2,000
Deadline to apply: The last day of every month (the current deadline is April 30)
Who’s eligible: High school juniors, seniors and college undergraduates (and parents can apply, too)
Sallie Mae has a search database with lots of scholarship options. But this particular sweepstakes is the easiest: Fill out a form to enter, and a winner is chosen at random every month. There’s no essay and no GPA requirement — just a form that takes less than two minutes to fill out! Apply here.
20. Ayn Rand Scholarship: ‘Anthem’ Essay Contest: $2,000
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2024
Who’s eligible: 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students
To participate, you’ll submit an essay that’s between 600 and 1,200 words, double-spaced. For the topic, you can choose from among three prompt questions related to Ayn Rand’s novella “Anthem.”
This is significantly easier than the Ayn Rand Institute’s other two essay contests since this novella is only about 100 pages long. The top prize is $2,000, and other finalists will receive between $500 and $1,000. Apply here.
21. Too Cool To Pay For School Sweepstakes: $1,000
Deadline to apply: Quarterly on the last day of March, June, September and December
Who’s eligible: High school juniors, seniors and college undergrads
This sweepstakes is run through Access Scholarships, an online scholarship search engine. Applying for this one couldn’t be simpler — all you need to do is fill out the online form. Follow them on Instagram, and they’ll enter you twice. A random drawing determines the winner. You’ll get an email from them if you win. Apply here.
22. Gen & Kelly Tanabe Scholarship: $1,000
Deadline to apply: July 31, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students
The scholarship is funded by Gen and Kelly Tanabe, the authors of “The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2024: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants and Prizes.” Entrants submit a 250-word personal statement about why you deserve to win this scholarship or about your academic or career goals. You can also write about any topic of your choice. Apply here.
23. ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship: $1,000
Deadline to apply: The last business day of each month (next deadline is April 29, 2024)
Who’s eligible: High school and college students who will be enrolled in school within three months of the award
ScholarshipOwl is an online scholarship matching service. Each month, they hold a random drawing for this $1,000 scholarship, and four students win every time. To participate, sign up for a free account and fill out their online application form, which doesn’t require an essay. The next draw date is May 11. Apply here.
24. Blaze Your Own Trail Scholarship: $1,000
Deadline to apply: May 6, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students
This scholarship contest is funded by Trail Heads, a company that makes headbands, gloves, hats and other accessories for outdoor sports. To enter, you’ll need to write a 600-800 word essay about a challenge you faced. Describe how you overcame this obstacle and how it affected you going forward. Also, you have to submit your latest transcript with your GPA.
The winner will be announced on the Trail Heads website on Aug. 6, 2024. Apply here.
25. American Heart Challenge Scholarship: $1,000
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2024
Who’s eligible: High school juniors or seniors
This scholarship is for juniors and seniors who have shown leadership skills at their school’s American Heart Challenge program, which aims to educate young people about healthy lifestyle habits while raising money to help end heart disease and stroke. To apply, fill out a short online application and upload a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Apply here.
About the Author
Jennifer has written features and essays for over a dozen magazines, including American Baby, Cosmo, Cosmo Girl, Fit Pregnancy, Good Housekeeping, Health, Marie Claire, Parents, Parenting, Redbook, Self, Teen People, TV Guide, and YM. More.
