College is expensive. Tuition, books, housing, and daily expenses can pile up fast, making it tough to focus on your studies. But here’s some good news: there are plenty of scholarships for college students in 2025 out there that can help lighten the load.
To save you time and effort, we’ve put together a list of 40 free scholarships available for college students in 2025. These opportunities cover a wide range of fields, from STEM and healthcare to the arts and social sciences. We’ve divided them into two categories: full-ride and local scholarships. So, if you’re diving into engineering, nursing, journalism, or something in between, there’s likely a scholarship that matches your skills and interests.
40 Scholarships Available for College Students
This list features 40 scholarships available for college students in 2o25 in various fields, backgrounds, and circumstances. From merit-based awards to scholarships for underrepresented groups, there’s something for everyone. Explore the options and find the right fit for you.
5 full-ride scholarships for college students
A full-ride scholarship is a dream come true for many students. It covers everything—tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and sometimes even living and travel expenses. With this kind of scholarship, you can earn your degree without worrying about student debt.
These scholarships are usually awarded based on academic achievement, leadership skills, athletic talent, financial need, or other special criteria. They’re super competitive, but if you land one, you get the amazing chance to attend college for free.
Here are five of the most popular full-ride scholarships you can apply for:
| Full Ride Scholarships | Award Amount | Deadline | Eligibility |
| Stamps Scholarship | up to $75,000 | Between November and January (varies depending on the school) | Open to students with strong academic merit, leadership potential, and exceptional character.
Available to students from all backgrounds and fields of study. Financial need is not a factor in selection. Some partner schools offer the scholarship to international students (check individual programs for details). |
| Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program | up to $55,000 | November | Must be a high school senior graduating in spring 2025.
Must have completed four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S. territory, or on a U.S. military base. Must plan to enroll in an accredited four-year college in fall 2025. Minimum unweighted GPA: 3.75. Family annual gross income must be $95,000 or less (full financial review required, including student and parent income/assets). |
| Horatio Alger National Scholarship | $25,000 | March 1 | Must be a full-time high school junior in the U.S.
Must plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit college (can start at a two-year college and transfer to a four-year institution). Family income must be $65,000 or less (adjusted gross income). Must be involved in extracurricular or community service activities. Minimum GPA: 2.0. Must be a U.S. citizen. |
| QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship | up to $325,000 | September 26 | Open to all high school seniors attending school in the U.S., regardless of citizenship.
Must plan to attend college in the fall after graduation. U.S. citizens and permanent residents living abroad can apply. International students living outside the U.S. are NOT eligible. |
| Transformative Legacy Scholarship Program | up to $15,000 | March 15 | Must be a Louisiana resident and a high school senior.
Minimum GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Must demonstrate financial need (proof of income required). Must have a history of community service, leadership, or extracurricular activities. Must commit to attending a public in-state college or university in Louisiana. |
35 small and local scholarships for college students in 2025
Big scholarships get a lot of attention, but small and local scholarships can add up and make a big difference in covering college costs. These awards often have fewer applicants, which means you have a better chance of winning.
Many are offered by community organizations, local businesses, or regional foundations and are designed to support students from specific areas or backgrounds. If you take the time to apply, these smaller scholarships for college students in 2025 can help reduce expenses for tuition, books, and living costs—every little bit counts!
Here are 35 of the most popular local scholarships available for you:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Deadline | Eligibility |
| Sallie’s No Essay Scholarship | $2,000 | Last day of each month | This is open to legal residents of all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. You must be at least 16 years old when you apply and meet one of these four criteria:
|
| Life Lessons Scholarship Program | Amount varies | March 1, 2025 | The Life Lessons Scholarship Program is for high school seniors and college students who have lost a parent or legal guardian.
Ages 17 to 24 Planning to attend or currently enrolled in:
|
| “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship | $25,000 | Rolling deadline | The $25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is open to all students! No essay required—it’s awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. |
| Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship | $1,000 | September 30
December 31 March 31 June 30 |
Open to high school, college, and graduate students of any year.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA student, or an international student studying in the U.S. |
| Employment BOOST College Scholarships | $1,000 | Rolling deadline | For STEM students only.
Must be enrolled in a U.S. high school or college. High school seniors must start college in the fall after applying. Eligible schools: Two-year and four-year U.S. colleges. Minimum GPA: 3.6. Must submit an unofficial transcript with the application. |
| Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship | Up to $25,000 | January 3 | Open to students ages 16-26 who want to make a positive impact.
Based on passion, not financial need or achievements. Can be used at accredited two-year or four-year colleges, universities, vocational, or trade schools. Available to both Taco Bell employees and non-employees. Must be a U.S. citizen. |
| Diller Teen Scholarship Awards | $36,000 | January 5 | Open to U.S. residents ages 13-19 (by January 9).
Must identify as Jewish. Must volunteer without pay. Must lead a project that supports tikkun olam (repairing the world). Can be used at two-year or four-year colleges, trade, or technical schools. Open to U.S. citizens. |
| Pride Foundation Scholars Program | Amount varies | January 6 | Open to high school seniors and college students from AK, ID, MT, OR, or WA.
Must identify as LGBTQ or be a straight ally. Must have financial need. |
| Boren Scholarship for Undergraduate Students | Up to $25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
Up to $12,500 for 12-24 weeks Up to $8,000 for 8-11 weeks (STEM majors only) |
February 1 | Must be a U.S. citizen by the national application deadline.
Must have a high school diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years old by the application deadline. Must plan to study abroad outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Cannot study in a country where they hold citizenship. Must be enrolled in a U.S.-based, accredited undergraduate or graduate program for the entire duration of the Boren-funded program. For ROTC cadets, military Reserves, or National Guard members: Must be in inactive, non-drilling status during the program. |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship | $5,000 | February 14 | 2.5+ for undergraduate and graduate students
3.0+ for high school students Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, eligible non-citizen, or DACA recipient Must have Hispanic heritage |
| Never Drink and Drive Scholarship | $1,000 | March 11 | Open to California high school seniors and college students.
Must be between 17 and 35 years old. Must attend a two-year or four-year college or university in the U.S. |
| Frame my Future Scholarship | $2,000 (5 awards) | March 15 | Open to U.S. citizens attending a two-year college, four-year college, or trade/technical school.
Available to legal residents of all 50 states and D.C., including APO/FPO addresses (excluding Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories). Must be a full-time student at a post-high school institution. Applicants must submit a digital image of a photo, collage, poem, drawing, painting, graphic design, short essay, or any visual piece. Entries must follow the theme: “This is How I Frame My Future.” A 250-character description must be included with the entry. |
| Houzz Women in Architecture Scholarship | $2,500 | March 31 | Open to female students studying architecture or architectural engineering.
Must be enrolled in a four-year college. Available to U.S. and Canadian citizens. |
| OppU Achievers Scholarship | $2,500 | March 31
June 30 September 30 December 31 |
$2,500 scholarship.
Open to U.S. citizens. Must be enrolled full-time. Minimum GPA: 3.0. Requires a 500-word (max) essay on why you are an achiever. |
| WIFLE Scholarship | Amount varies | May 3 | Multiple scholarships available for those pursuing law enforcement careers.
Must be enrolled in or transferring to a four-year program. Eligible majors: Criminal justice, social sciences, public administration, chemistry, physics, computer science, or related fields. Minimum GPA: 3.0. |
| Trotter Project Scholarships | Amount varies | May 15 | Open to students interested in culinary arts, hospitality, or service industries.
Minimum GPA: 2.5 (unweighted). Must be a high school senior, incoming college student, or current college student. Must attend an accredited U.S. college or university. Complete the full online application to apply. |
| Novus Biologicals Scholarship Program | $1,500 | June 15
December 8 |
Must major in a science-related field (Life Science, Medical Science, or Health Science).
Open to students at any level beyond high school (associate, bachelor’s, graduate, or diploma programs). Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment. Available for schools in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. |
| Touchmark Foundation Nursing Scholarship | Amount varies | June 30
December 30 |
Open to students pursuing a nursing degree.
Must be a resident of AZ, ID, MN, MT, ND, OK, OR, SD, WA, or WI. |
| GeneTex Scholarship Program | $1,000 | July 16
December 17 |
Must be a STEM major.
Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and in good standing. Open to international students. |
| MPower Global Citizen Scholarship | $5,000 | July 20 | Must be accepted or enrolled full-time at a U.S. or Canadian school supported by MPOWER.
Open to international students legally allowed to study in the U.S. or Canada. |
| Semper Solaris Scholarship for College Students | up to $3,000 | July 30 | Open to college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students, and military academy students.
Minimum GPA: 3.0. |
| Trinity Thomas’ Uplifting Others Scholarship | $1,000 each (3 awards) | July 31 | Open to high school, college, and undergraduate students (ages 13+).
All majors and fields of study are eligible. Requires a written submission (PDF format). |
| Gates Millennium Scholarship | Up to the cost of attendance | September 15 | Must be a high school senior.
Must be from one of these ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American. Must be Pell-eligible. Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident. Minimum GPA: 3.3 (weighted, on a 4.0 scale). Must plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a U.S. accredited, non-profit college or university. |
| Coca-Cola Scholars Program | $20,000 | October 2 | Open to current high school seniors or homeschooled students in the U.S. (or select DoD schools).
Must be a U.S. citizen or meet eligible citizenship criteria. Must graduate high school during the current academic year. Must plan to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade/technical school. Minimum GPA: 3.0. Not eligible if you are: (a) a temporary resident. (b) a child or grandchild of a current/former Coca-Cola employee. (c) an international student (except DoD school students). (d) already a high school graduate. |
| Be the Boss Scholarship | $2,000 | September 15
March 15 |
Open to female students.
Can be used at two-year or four-year colleges. Available to U.S., Canadian, and international students. |
| We the Future Scholarship Contest | up to $2,000 | September 17 | Topics must relate to the U.S. Constitution.
Acceptable formats: essay, song, speech, short film, STEM project, PSA, or lesson plan. Open to students at two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and trade/technical schools. Available to U.S. citizens. |
| Orangesoft Scholarship for Women in Technology | $1,000 | October 31 | Open to female students.
Must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited U.S. college or university. Must be in a STEM degree program or plan to pursue a tech career after graduation. Minimum GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Available to students at two-year and four-year colleges. Open to U.S., Canadian, and international students. |
| LasikPlus “My Vision” Essay Scholarship | $2,500 | November 30 | Open to students at two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and trade/technical schools.
Minimum GPA: 2.5. Must be a U.S. citizen. |
| Hungry for Education LGBTQ Scholarship by Denny’s | Amount varies | December 10 | Open to LGBTQ students.
Strongly encourages applications from LGBTQ students of color, transgender or non-binary students, LGBTQ students with disabilities, and those from diverse locations. Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Academic performance will be considered. Available for students at two-year and four-year colleges. |
| Young Scholars Award by CC Bank | $2,000 | December 31 | Must be under 30 years old.
Must be a U.S. resident. Minimum GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Must be enrolled in an academic institution when receiving the scholarship. |
| Student-Caregiver Scholarship by Caring.com | $1,500 | Rolling deadline | For students caring for an elderly loved one while in college.
Must be a full-time student at an accredited two-year or four-year U.S. college or university. High school students registered to attend college next semester are also eligible. |
| Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship | $1,000 | December 31 | Open to high school (9th-12th grade), college, and graduate students.
Must attend or plan to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade/technical school. Must complete the online application. Selection is based on a written statement, judged on creativity, content, and commitment to ending cyberbullying. Available to U.S. citizens. |
| Asian Pacific Fund Scholarship Program | upto $20,000 | Varies | Open to Asian/Pacific Islander students in the U.S.
Minimum GPA: 3.0. Must be the first in their family to attend college. |
| UNCF Scholarships | Amount varies | March 31 | Open to Black/African American students.
Minimum GPA: 2.5. Must attend a four-year college. |
| Scholarship for Social Impact | $1,000 | Rolling admissions | Must be a full-time student in a two-year, four-year, or graduate program.
Open to all majors. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Application requires: (a) current transcript (b) resume (c) 400-800 word essay |
Of course, these are just a couple of the many scholarships available. The Dell Scholars Program, for example, supports students from low-income backgrounds who have overcome challenges to pursue higher education. Along with financial aid, it provides mentorship and resources to help students succeed.
Each scholarship has its own rules, so make sure to check the eligibility criteria and application process. Some might ask for essays, recommendations, or interviews, while others focus just on grades. It’s always a good idea to review deadlines and requirements carefully.
Applying for scholarships takes time, but it’s worth it. They don’t just help with college costs—they can also open doors to new experiences and opportunities. So, take the time to apply—you never know what could come from it!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the easiest scholarship to get?
The easiest scholarships to get include no-essay scholarships, automatic merit-based scholarships, and local scholarships with fewer applicants. No-essay scholarships require only a simple sign-up, while automatic merit scholarships are awarded based on GPA and test scores. Local scholarships often have less competition, making them easier to win. Although these scholarships may not offer large amounts, they require minimal effort to apply for.
2. When can I start applying for scholarships?
You can start applying for scholarships as early as their junior year of high school, but most scholarships open during their senior year. Many deadlines fall between August and March, so it’s best to start researching and applying as soon as possible. Some scholarships, like the Coca-Cola Scholars Program and QuestBridge National College Match, have early fall deadlines. Always check specific scholarship websites for exact dates.
3. Can I finish college with just scholarships?
Yes, it’s possible to finish college using only scholarships, but it takes effort. Full-ride scholarships cover all expenses while stacking multiple smaller scholarships can help pay for tuition, books, and living costs. To maximize your chances, apply to a mix of national, local, and school-based scholarships and keep searching for new opportunities throughout college.
Takeaways
Finding and securing scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of college, making higher education more accessible to students from all backgrounds. There are a variety of scholarships available, from full-ride programs that cover everything to small local awards that add up over time.
- Full-ride scholarships pay for everything. They cover tuition, housing, meals, and even travel, so you can graduate without debt.
- Small scholarships add up. Winning multiple small scholarships can help lower your college costs.
- Apply early. Many scholarships have fall deadlines, and financial aid like FAFSA is first-come, first-served.
- All colleges offer financial aid. Even expensive schools provide generous aid based on need, so research your options.
- Consider working with a college admissions expert to help you find the best scholarships and financial aid for you.
Eric Eng
About the author
Eric Eng, the Founder and CEO of AdmissionSight, graduated with a BA from Princeton University and has one of the highest track records in the industry of placing students into Ivy League schools and top 10 universities. He has been featured on the US News & World Report for his insights on college admissions.
