College Scholarships for College Senior Students (2025 - 2026)

Overview of Scholarships & Grants for College Seniors

College seniors are in the home stretch—finishing major requirements, completing internships, working on capstone projects, and making decisions about careers or graduate school. It’s also one of the most important times to secure additional funding. Scholarships and grants for seniors can help cover final-year tuition, books, exam fees, research costs, and even support the transition into grad school or the workforce.

This guide highlights scholarships and fellowships specifically available to college seniors, including awards for minority and non-traditional students, funding for capstone and research projects, fully funded graduate opportunities, and programs that support professional certifications or post-graduation training. Whether you’re trying to close a financial gap before graduating or position yourself for advanced study, these options can help you finish strong without taking on unnecessary debt.

Are There Scholarships for College Seniors?

Yes, many scholarships are available for college seniors to help cover final-year expenses, fund research, or prepare for graduate school. These awards may be based on academic performance, leadership, financial need, or career goals.

Examples of scholarships for college seniors include:

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program: Though often associated with high school students, some affiliated Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholarships are available to seniors transferring or completing a bachelor’s degree. Awards range from $1,500 to $5,000.
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship: Offers $37,000 annually in stipend plus tuition support for seniors entering graduate-level STEM programs.
• Local and State Scholarships: Many regional foundations, such as community foundations or Rotary Clubs, provide “last-dollar” or final-year support specifically for seniors.
• Industry-specific awards: Professional organizations often offer scholarships to seniors entering the workforce in fields like engineering, journalism, education, or social work.

Tip: Seniors should also check with their department or academic college for capstone scholarships, thesis research funding, or awards for graduating students.

Can College Seniors Apply for Graduate School Scholarships?

Absolutely! Many prestigious scholarships and fellowships are designed specifically for seniors planning to pursue graduate or professional degrees. These awards often cover tuition and living expenses, and may include leadership training or international study opportunities.

Popular graduate school scholarships for seniors include:

• Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Fully funds one year of international research, graduate study, or English teaching abroad. Open to seniors and recent graduates.
• Rhodes Scholarship: Covers all expenses for two to three years of graduate study at the University of Oxford. Highly competitive and open to U.S. and international seniors.
• Marshall Scholarship: Provides full funding for graduate study in the United Kingdom for outstanding American students.
• Churchill Scholarship: Offers full funding for one year of graduate study in STEM at the University of Cambridge.
• University-Based Scholarships: Many graduate schools offer institutional merit-based fellowships or assistantships. Seniors should apply early and check each program’s funding options.

Tip: Start the application process in your junior or early senior year—many of these scholarships require university endorsement or early deadlines.

Can College Seniors Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships?

Yes, seniors can apply for fully funded scholarships that cover the entire cost of graduate education, living expenses, and sometimes international travel. These awards are highly competitive and often focus on leadership, research potential, or public service.

Examples of fully funded scholarships available to seniors include:

• Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Covers full tuition, airfare, and living costs for graduate study at the University of Cambridge. Open to international students, including U.S. citizens.
• Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford): Provides full funding for graduate school at Stanford University, plus leadership training, mentorship, and global networking opportunities.
• Truman Scholarship: While awarded during junior year, the funds apply to graduate study in public service-related fields after senior year. Offers up to $30,000.
• Yenching Academy Scholarship: Fully funds a master’s degree in China Studies at Peking University for students interested in global affairs and cross-cultural leadership.

Tip: These scholarships often require a strong GPA, clear personal vision, and community or global impact—make sure your application reflects your long-term goals.

Are There Scholarships for Minority College Seniors?

Yes, many organizations provide scholarships to minority college seniors to help them complete their degrees or transition into graduate programs or careers. These scholarships are often based on academic achievement, community involvement, leadership, and financial need.

Top scholarships for minority seniors include:

• United Negro College Fund (UNCF): Offers over 400 scholarships to African American students enrolled in accredited U.S. colleges. Some are targeted specifically at upperclassmen or students preparing for grad school.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): Provides merit-based awards of $500 to $5,000 to Hispanic seniors and recent graduates planning to continue their education.
• American Indian Graduate Center Scholarships: Supports Native American seniors pursuing graduate education, particularly in STEM, public health, and public policy.
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF): Offers funding for upperclassmen with demonstrated need and community involvement.
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE): Provides scholarships to senior engineering majors preparing for industry or graduate study.

Tip: Many minority-focused scholarships also offer mentorship, networking events, internships, and career prep—be sure to engage with those opportunities.

What Scholarships Are Available for Non-Traditional College Seniors?

Non-traditional seniors—such as students returning after a break, adult learners balancing work and school, or those over age 25—can apply for scholarships tailored to their unique challenges and strengths. These programs often recognize perseverance, life experience, and a commitment to finishing a degree.

Top scholarships for non-traditional college seniors include:

• Osher Reentry Scholarship: Provides $1,000–$5,000 through partner institutions to students returning to school after an extended break, especially those between ages 25–50.
• Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant: Offers $2,000+ per year to women age 35+ pursuing an undergraduate degree, with preference for low-income and first-generation students.
• Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship: Awards up to $5,000 to low-income women with children returning to college later in life.
• College Completion Grants: Some universities offer institutional funding for non-traditional seniors who are close to graduating but facing financial hardship.

Tip: Use search filters like “adult learner,” “reentry student,” or “non-traditional” when browsing scholarship databases.

Are There Scholarships for Seniors Completing Capstone Projects?

Yes, many colleges and external organizations offer scholarships and grants for seniors completing capstone projects, senior theses, or independent research. These awards are designed to support final-year academic work, often in preparation for graduate school or publication.

Examples of capstone-related scholarships and funding:

• Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP): Available at many universities, this program provides $500–$2,000+ in funding for senior research or creative projects across all disciplines.
• Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research: Offers up to $1,000 for students conducting scientific research, ideal for STEM-focused capstones.
• Departmental Research or Honors Program Grants: Many academic departments offer stipends or awards for seniors in honors programs or conducting final-year research projects.
• Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Travel Awards: While not a scholarship per se, this provides funding for seniors presenting their capstone research at conferences.

Tip: Ask your faculty advisor or honors coordinator about department-specific or discipline-specific research grants available at your college.

How Can College Seniors Find Scholarships for Their Final Year?

Seniors can find scholarships for their final year by using a combination of online scholarship search tools, university resources, and department-specific opportunities. These scholarships may help pay for tuition, books, housing, or final research expenses before graduation.

Where to look:

• CollegeWhale.com: A free database with scholarships for every college year—including filters for seniors, majors, demographics, and career goals.
• University Financial Aid Office: Many colleges offer senior-specific or “completion” scholarships to help students finish strong. Some are reserved for students with demonstrated financial need or who are close to graduating.
• Academic Departments: Look for awards that recognize seniors for academic excellence, leadership, or research in your major. These may include scholarships, fellowships, or monetary awards at graduation.
• Alumni Associations: Some schools offer scholarships to graduating seniors funded by alumni networks to support the transition to grad school or early career moves.

Tip: Search for “last-dollar scholarships” or “completion scholarships” designed to help students cross the finish line if they’ve exhausted other aid options.

Are There Scholarships for Seniors Transitioning to the Workforce?

Yes, some scholarships and grants support graduating seniors preparing to enter the workforce. These awards may help cover costs for industry certifications, licensing exams, training programs, or relocation expenses for early-career opportunities.

Examples include:

• SHRM Foundation Scholarships: Provide funding to HR students pursuing certification or professional development. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500.
• CompTIA Educational Foundation Grants: Offers scholarships and exam vouchers to students pursuing IT certifications like A+, Network+, or Security+.
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Scholarships: Support engineering students with costs related to graduation, licensing, or transitioning into industry.
• Career-focused training scholarships: Some programs and employers offer free or subsidized training and certificates to help seniors launch tech, healthcare, or business careers immediately after graduation.

Tip: Ask your career services office about funding for post-grad professional certifications, exams, or workforce readiness programs in your field.