Science Scholarships for College

Science Scholarships, Costs & ROI Snapshot

This snapshot pulls from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and planning tools to show how many scholarships are available for Science majors, the total dollars listed, and how early-career pay compares to typical college costs.

Scholarships in Our Database

We currently list 35 active scholarships tied to Science programs, sourced from professional groups, nonprofits, and private sponsors. New awards are added regularly.

Total Scholarship Dollars Listed

The scholarships currently listed total approximately $532,450 in advertised award value. Many programs offer renewable or variable awards, so available funding may be higher over time.

Early-Career Pay & ROI

Early-career median pay for Science graduates is about $80,000 per year. We estimate a typical 4-year net college cost around $108,584.

That means first-year earnings are roughly 74% of total college cost, with an estimated payback period of 1.4 years (before taxes and living expenses).

Science Scholarships to Apply for Now (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Science scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

Oxbow Animal Health Undergraduate Scholarship

The Oxbow Animal Health Undergraduate Scholarship is an annual academic award designed to support undergraduate students who are pursuing careers connected to animal health, veterinary medicine, and the companion animal industry. Sponsored by Oxbow Animal Health, a company recognized for

Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Application Time: High (93 min)
2

Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship

The NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program is a prestigious, mission-focused award funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that supports undergraduate students who are preparing for careers in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, education, and

Award: $9,500 Deadline: January Est. Application Time: Low (28 min)
3

SENEDIA Scholarships

The SENEDIA Scholarships are a set of awards offered by SENEDIA® (Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance) to support students pursuing education in fields that are integral to the defense, technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing sectors. These scholarships recognize academic

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (88 min)
4

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is a federally funded initiative designed to increase the number of highly qualified mathematics and science teachers in high-need school districts across the United States. Administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with participation

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
5

Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship

The Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship was created to expand access to STEM education for students from underrepresented communities who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Named in honor

Award: $5,000 Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
6

NOAA Ernest Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship

The Hollings Scholarship provides significant financial support and professional development opportunities for undergraduate students interested in the oceanic, atmospheric, environmental, and related sciences, engineering, technology, and education fields. The program aims to expand undergraduate training in areas relevant to the

Award: $9,500 Deadline: January Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
7

Society of Chemical Industry Scholarship

The Society of Chemical Industry Scholarship supports outstanding students who are pursuing education and careers related to chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and fields connected to chemical innovation. This scholarship is designed to encourage academic excellence, research involvement, and future

Award: Varies Deadline: February Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
8

AFCEA Educational Foundation STEM Major Scholarship

The AFCEA Educational Foundation offers the STEM Major Scholarship to support full-time undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) majors who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential and interest in fields such as cybersecurity, communications, intelligence or homeland

Award: $2,500 Deadline: May Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
9

Independent Laboratories Institute Academic Scholarship

The ACIL Scholarship Alliance, established through the Independent Laboratories Institute (ILI), provides annual academic scholarships to encourage and support students pursuing degrees in the physical and natural sciences. As the educational foundation of the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL),

Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
10

ACS Undergraduate Scholarship

The ACS Undergraduate Scholarship, offered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), is a premier national scholarship program designed to support the next generation of chemical scientists. This program invests in high-achieving students who are passionate about chemistry and related disciplines,

Award: $10,000 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)
11

Ed Dwight Scholarship

The Ed Dwight Scholarship, offered through the NAACP’s Inspire Initiatives, provides funding to outstanding students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Named in honor of Ed Dwight — the first Black astronaut candidate, trailblazer in the American space program, accomplished author, and sculptor

Award: $2,500 Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)
12

(SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program

The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), provides merit-based scholarships to students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in approved STEM disciplines. In addition to full tuition coverage, recipients

Award: Varies Deadline: August Est. Application Time: Low (10 min)

Science majors face rigorous coursework, laboratory commitments, and research requirements that can quickly increase the total cost of higher education. Fortunately, there are hundreds of science scholarships available for students pursuing degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, biotechnology, neuroscience, genetics, and other STEM fields.

These scholarships are offered by universities, federal agencies, corporations, and nonprofit foundations dedicated to advancing scientific research and preparing the next generation of innovators.

Top Science Scholarships by Category

  • Undergraduate Research Scholarships: Barry Goldwater Scholarship, Astronaut Scholarship
  • Graduate Fellowships: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, SMART Scholarship
  • Women in Science Awards: AWIS Scholarships, L’Oréal USA For Women in Science
  • Environmental Science Scholarships: Udall Scholarship, EREF Awards
  • High School Science Competitions: Regeneron STS, ISEF

CollegeWhale Insight: Many high-value science scholarships prioritize research potential and faculty mentorship over GPA alone. Demonstrated lab experience significantly strengthens applications.

Scholarships for Women in Science and STEM

  • Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Scholarships: Supports undergraduate and graduate women pursuing research careers.
  • L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Awards: Prestigious postdoctoral awards recognizing breakthrough scientific research.
  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: Provides annual funding for women in engineering and physical sciences.

Science Scholarships and Grants for College Students

  • National Science Foundation (NSF) Programs: Fund undergraduate and graduate research with stipends and tuition support.
  • American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program: Supports underrepresented students pursuing chemistry-related careers.
  • Department-Level University Awards: Research stipends, merit awards, and faculty-nominated scholarships.

Undergraduate Science Scholarships

  • Barry Goldwater Scholarship: Honors students planning research careers in science, mathematics, or engineering.
  • Astronaut Scholarship: Awards up to $15,000 to high-performing STEM students engaged in research.
  • Institutional Merit Awards: University-funded tuition waivers and research grants.

High School Science Scholarships and Competitions

  • Regeneron Science Talent Search: Awards up to $250,000 for exceptional high school research projects.
  • Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): Recognizes innovative global science research.
  • State & Regional STEM Foundations: Offer early-career funding for aspiring science majors.

Dellums SMART Scholarship for STEM Students

The SMART Scholarship (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) provides full tuition, stipends, internships, and guaranteed employment with the Department of Defense after graduation.

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Annual stipends
  • Paid summer internships
  • Post-graduation service commitment

Environmental Science Scholarships

  • Udall Undergraduate Scholarship: Supports environmental leadership and policy careers.
  • Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF): Funds sustainability and engineering research.
  • Garden Club of America Awards: Supports ecological and conservation research.

Costs Beyond Tuition for Science Majors

  • Laboratory fees and materials
  • Research equipment and supplies
  • Conference registration and travel
  • Fieldwork and data collection expenses
  • Publication and journal submission fees

Some fellowships provide research stipends specifically to offset these additional scientific expenses.

How to Strengthen a Science Scholarship Application

  • Secure Faculty Mentorship: Strong recommendation letters from research supervisors are critical.
  • Develop a Clear Research Focus: Competitive programs favor applicants with defined scientific goals.
  • Highlight Lab or Field Experience: Document hands-on work, internships, or published research.
  • Apply Across Funding Types: Combine federal, institutional, and nonprofit opportunities.

Competitive science scholarships often evaluate long-term research potential, leadership in STEM, and commitment to advancing scientific discovery.

Data & content oversight by Lauren Nichols

Co-Founder of CollegeWhale, specializing in scholarship data systems and financial aid research.