Here are 10 great scholarships with October 2025 deadlines you won’t want to miss. From $1,000 awards to full-tuition opportunities, these programs cover a wide range of interests and backgrounds. Whether you’re aiming for a nationally recognized brand scholarship or a smaller, more specialized award, each one offers a real chance to turn your goals into funding.
These deadlines are closing fast—so pencil them into your calendar and prep your essays!
Think of this as one of the easiest scholarships out there. The Edvisors $2,500 Monthly Scholarship doesn’t require essays, GPA minimums, or a long application process. All you need to do is apply before the monthly deadline and you’ll be entered to win. Since it renews every month—including October—it’s a great “set a reminder and apply” opportunity for busy students who don’t want to miss a chance at free money.
This one is a game-changer. The Daniels Scholarship Program provides funding that can cover the full cost of attendance at partner schools, or up to $25,000 per year at other colleges. It’s more than just financial aid—the program looks for students who embody strong character, leadership, and a commitment to community. Applications open in mid-September and close October 17, so don’t wait. A stellar essay, recommendation letters, and solid academics could put you in the running for life-changing support.
The College Board’s BigFuture program rewards you for simply preparing for college. By completing steps like building your college list or practicing for the SAT, you’re automatically entered to win scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000. The catch? Each step has its own mini-deadline, and many high schools close their October cycles early in the month. If you’re already working on your college apps, this one is basically a freebie—double-check the deadlines with your counselor to stay on track.
Got a knack for creativity? The Innovation in Education Scholarship is looking for students who’ve designed and launched innovative projects that make a difference. Whether you started a tutoring program, developed an app, or organized a community initiative, you could earn $500 toward your education. This award is offered monthly, and October is one of the cycles, so if you’ve done something unique and impactful, now’s the time to highlight it.
One of the most recognized scholarships in the U.S., the Coca-Cola Scholars Program awards 150 students with $20,000 each. It’s all about leadership, service, and academic excellence. With over 90,000 applicants every year, competition is fierce—but the payoff is huge. Applications usually close in late September or early October, so make sure you confirm the exact date and get your materials submitted early.
Short, simple, and accessible. The College Jumpstart Scholarship is a $1,000 award open to high school students, college students, and even non-traditional learners. All you need to do is write a short essay about your educational goals. Past application deadlines have been mid-October, making it a quick and easy opportunity that’s worth every student’s time.
This scholarship highlights students who are lifting up the people around them. Whether you’ve started a community initiative, volunteered consistently, or found ways to encourage others to succeed, Responsify wants to hear your story. With an October deadline in past years, this award is perfect for students who thrive on service and leadership. A compelling essay about how you’ve empowered others could help you stand out.
What excites you most? Whether it’s art, science, music, sports, or an unusual hobby, the Pursue Your Passion Scholarship asks you to explain how you’d use $1,000 to keep doing what you love. It’s a refreshing break from GPA-based scholarships because passion and creativity are front and center. October is often the application deadline, so be ready to share your enthusiasm and plans for the future.
Founded by the law firm Glotzer & Leib, this award provides $1,000 to students who show determination and a desire to create positive change. It may be geared toward students pursuing law, social justice, or related fields, but all applicants with a strong essay are encouraged to apply. With an October deadline in recent cycles, this one is a solid pick for those passionate about advocacy or community leadership.
Nike’s commitment to education shines through in its Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Scholarship. This program offers awards of $5,000 to $10,000 for students enrolled at HSIs who demonstrate leadership, financial need, and academic potential. The deadline has fallen in October in past years, making it a critical one for eligible students to track. It’s a powerful way to combine higher education goals with community representation.
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