College Scholarships for STEM Majors

STEM Scholarship Data, Degree Costs & ROI

This snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s own scholarship database and planning tools. It shows how many awards are available for STEM majors, how much money is on the table, and what early-career pay and typical college costs can look like.

Scholarships in Our Database

We currently have 116 STEM scholarships available in our database. These awards may come from professional associations, nonprofit organizations, and private sponsors. We’re actively adding scholarships tied to STEM. Check back often or use our main scholarship search to uncover more awards that fit your profile.

Total Scholarship Dollars Listed

Across these listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $70,000. Many scholarships for this major list flexible or renewable award amounts. As we continue to add additional STEM scholarships, this section will show an estimate of the total dollars currently available in our database.

Early-Career Median Pay & ROI

Graduates with a STEM degree commonly see early-career median pay around $100,000 per year, depending on location, employer type, and experience.

STEM ROI Snapshot:
We estimate a typical 4-year net cost of college at about $108,584.

First-year median earnings are roughly 92% of that total cost. At that pace, it would take about 1.1 years of early-career earnings to “earn back” your degree investment (before taxes and living costs).

Compare Top STEM Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best STEM 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

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. Time: Med (~48 min)
2

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship

The Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship is designed to increase the diversity of the U.S. academic faculty by supporting individuals pursuing research-based doctoral study (Ph.D. or Sc.D.) in eligible fields such as the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

Award: $27,000 Deadline: December Est. Time: Med (~48 min)
3

NASA Space Grant

NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project—also known as Space Grant—was initiated in 1989 to expand opportunities for Americans to engage in aeronautics and space-related research and education. It operates through 52 consortia across the 50 U.S. states, the

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
4

Teradata H.O.P.E. in Tech Scholarship

The Teradata H.O.P.E. in Tech Scholarship is designed to help students who have faced significant challenges and are pursuing degrees in STEM fields. By providing this financial support, Teradata seeks to foster a more inclusive and diverse technology industry, ensuring

Award: $2,500 Deadline: May Est. Time: Low (~10 min)
5

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. Time: Low (~13 min)
6

(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. Time: Low (~10 min)
7

BestCollege Black Women in STEM Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support Black women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Recognizing the underrepresentation of Black women in STEM, the scholarship seeks to alleviate financial barriers and encourage academic excellence and diversity within these

Award: $6,000 Deadline: July Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
8

Omnicom Group Diversity Scholarship

Name: OHM Advisors Diversity Scholarship Award Amount: $1,000 educational scholarship. The number of scholarships awarded varies based on the...

Award: $1,000 Deadline: November Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
9

Science Systems and Applications Academic Scholarship

Name: Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) Academic Scholarship Award Amount: One $2,500 scholarship awarded annually. Overview: The...

Award: $2,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
10

Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship

Name: Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship Award Amount: One $2,500 scholarship awarded annually. Overview: The Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship...

Award: $2,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
11

3M STEM Scholarship

The 3M STEM Scholarship is designed to support entering Black, Latino, and historically underrepresented students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields at The University of Texas at Austin. This scholarship aims to promote diversity within STEM

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
12

The ExxonMobil Scholarship Program

The ExxonMobil Scholarship Program supports students who excel academically and are pursuing degrees in engineering, science, technology, or related fields. This program is designed to cultivate the next generation of innovators and leaders in the energy sector. Scholarships are offered

Award: $5,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
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Expert Answers to the Most Asked STEM Scholarship Questions

STEM Scholarships for College Students

STEM scholarships support students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — fields that drive innovation, scientific discovery, and economic growth. These awards help students reduce educational expenses while gaining access to advanced research opportunities, industry internships, and mentorship programs. Offered by universities, federal agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations, STEM scholarships are designed to cultivate diverse, highly skilled professionals who can solve complex global challenges.

In addition to rewarding academic excellence and technical talent, many STEM scholarships focus on increasing representation among underrepresented groups, first-generation college students, women in STEM, and students from underserved communities. Whether you’re studying cybersecurity, biochemistry, software engineering, aerospace, or applied mathematics, these scholarships make STEM education more affordable and accessible — helping future innovators build the foundation for impactful careers.

What Are STEM Scholarships?

STEM scholarships are financial awards that support students earning degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines. These programs recognize students with strong quantitative skills, research ability, leadership potential, and a demonstrated passion for scientific or technological advancement. Many scholarships include more than just tuition support — some offer paid internships, research funding, professional development, and access to competitive STEM networks.

STEM scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, program-specific, or targeted at particular demographics such as women, minority students, rural students, or first-generation college students. By easing financial barriers, these scholarships help more students pursue high-demand STEM careers in fields like biotechnology, environmental engineering, data science, renewable energy, robotics, space science, and computer programming.

Who Provides Federal STEM Grants?

Federal STEM grants are awarded by agencies dedicated to advancing scientific research, national security, and technological development. These grants often support students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, research potential, and commitment to STEM careers.

Major federal providers include:

  • National Science Foundation (NSF): Offers undergraduate and graduate research fellowships, including the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), which funds students pursuing research-based master’s and PhD programs.
  • U.S. Department of Education: Provides grants and scholarships that support STEM teacher training, STEM outreach, and programs to increase diversity in science and technology fields.
  • Department of Defense (DoD): Funds the SMART Scholarship Program, National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG), and other awards for students specializing in engineering, cybersecurity, aerospace, and advanced technologies.

Federal grants often include research stipends, mentorship from leading scientists, and opportunities to work at federal labs and agencies after graduation.

What Is the STEM for Every Child Scholarship?

The STEM for Every Child Scholarship is an initiative created to expand access to STEM education for underserved and underrepresented students. While details vary by sponsoring organization, the program typically provides financial assistance for:

  • College tuition for STEM majors.
  • STEM enrichment programs such as coding bootcamps or robotics camps.
  • Workshops, conferences, and academic competitions.
  • STEM-related school supplies, lab fees, or research materials.

These scholarships help remove economic barriers and ensure that more students, regardless of their background, can pursue STEM opportunities from an early age through college.

What STEM Scholarships Are Available for Females?

Women remain significantly underrepresented in many STEM fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, and physics. To help close this gap, numerous organizations offer scholarships specifically for women pursuing STEM degrees.

Popular awards include:

  • Adobe Women-in-Technology Scholarship: Honors outstanding female students studying computer science, data science, or engineering.
  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship: Provides millions in annual funding for undergraduate and graduate women pursuing engineering, computer science, and related STEM degrees.
  • Google Women Techmakers Scholarship: Offers academic funding, regional summits, and mentorship opportunities for women in computer science and engineering fields.

These programs help women build confidence, develop professional networks, and gain greater visibility in STEM industries.

What STEM Scholarships Are Available for Minorities?

STEM scholarships for minority students aim to increase diversity in scientific and technological careers by supporting underrepresented groups such as African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander students.

Popular options include:

  • National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) Scholarship: Supports minority students pursuing engineering degrees and provides mentorship and career support.
  • Hispanic Scholarship Fund STEM Scholarship: Offers funding for Hispanic students pursuing degrees in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related disciplines.
  • United Negro College Fund (UNCF) STEM Scholars Program: Provides multi-year support for African American students demonstrating potential for high-level STEM research or leadership.

These awards work to create a more inclusive STEM workforce and expand opportunities for future scientists and engineers.

What STEM Scholarships Are Available for Undergraduates?

Undergraduate STEM students have access to numerous scholarships that support academic research, internships, lab work, and STEM-based community service.

Key undergraduate scholarships include:

  • Barry Goldwater Scholarship: One of the nation’s most prestigious awards for students pursuing research careers in science, mathematics, or engineering.
  • NSF S-STEM Program: Provides institutional funding for low-income, high-achieving STEM students studying at partnering universities.
  • NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship: Offers tuition assistance, paid internships, and research opportunities with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

These scholarships strengthen research skills and provide hands-on experience essential for STEM careers or graduate school.

Are There STEM Scholarships for Black Students?

Yes. Many organizations offer scholarships that support Black students pursuing STEM degrees, helping increase representation in scientific and technical professions.

Examples include:

  • Ron Brown Scholar Program: Awards high-achieving African American students pursuing STEM or other academic pathways.
  • UNCF STEM Scholars Program: Provides scholarships, mentoring, and research opportunities for Black college students.
  • Microsoft Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship: Supports Black students pursuing computer science, engineering, or STEM-related majors.

These programs often include mentoring, leadership training, and industry connections.

What STEM Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors?

High school seniors preparing to enter STEM majors can apply for competitive national programs designed to recognize academic excellence, creativity, and early research ability.

Top awards include:

  • Regeneron Science Talent Search: One of the most prestigious STEM competitions, offering major scholarships for innovative high school research projects.
  • Davidson Fellows Scholarship: Awards students who complete extraordinary projects in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
  • National Merit STEM Scholarship: Recognizes high-achieving students with strong academic records and interest in STEM fields.

These scholarships help young scientists and innovators gain early recognition and financial support for their college studies.

What Are the Requirements for STEM Scholarships?

Although requirements vary, most STEM scholarships include academic, extracurricular, and written components. Common criteria include:

  • Enrollment in a STEM-related program such as biology, engineering, mathematics, or computer science.
  • Strong academic performance, usually with a minimum GPA between 3.0 and 3.5.
  • STEM-related experience through projects, clubs, robotics teams, competitions, or research.
  • Personal essays describing career goals, research interests, or commitment to STEM innovation.
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or mentors familiar with the student’s ability and potential.

Competitive scholarships may also require interviews, project portfolios, or evidence of community involvement.

What Is the SMART Scholarship?

The SMART Scholarship (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) is a highly competitive federal program designed to support STEM students while developing a skilled workforce for the Department of Defense.

Benefits include:

  • Full tuition coverage for undergraduate or graduate STEM programs.
  • Generous annual stipends to support living expenses.
  • Paid summer internships at Department of Defense research facilities.
  • Guaranteed employment with the DoD upon graduation.

The SMART Scholarship is ideal for students interested in national security, engineering, cybersecurity, or advanced scientific research.

Are There STEM Scholarships for International Students?

Yes, many universities and global organizations offer STEM scholarships specifically for international students. These programs help attract top global talent and promote scientific collaboration.

Examples include:

  • Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship: Supports women from developing countries pursuing STEM research at the doctoral or postdoctoral level.
  • Google Women Techmakers Scholarship: Open to international applicants studying computer science or engineering.
  • MIT Scholarships for International Students: Provides need-based aid to high-achieving international students studying STEM-related fields.

These scholarships support global STEM leaders and encourage international innovation and research cooperation.

College Scholarships By Category

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state-specific scholarships, major-specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships specific to your personal criteria.