College Freshman Scholarships and Grants for 2025 and 2026

Are There Scholarships for College Freshmen?

Yes, there are many scholarships specifically available to college freshmen, designed to help students offset tuition, housing, books, and other education-related expenses. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for leadership, service, or unique talents.

Examples of scholarships for incoming freshmen include:

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program: One of the most prestigious national scholarships, offering $20,000 to high school seniors entering college who demonstrate leadership, service, and academic excellence.
• The Gates Scholarship: A full-ride scholarship for outstanding minority students from low-income households. Covers the full cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, books, and more).
• National Merit Scholarship: Awarded to high-scoring PSAT students in their junior year of high school, but funding is distributed when students begin college. Awards range from $2,500 to full tuition, depending on the institution and sponsor.
• Dell Scholars Program: Offers $20,000 in scholarship funds, a laptop, and personalized support for low-income students who demonstrate grit, potential, and a desire to complete college.
• Institutional Merit Scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer automatic merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen based on GPA, standardized test scores, and leadership. Some examples include:
  • University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship – Full tuition for students with high GPA and ACT/SAT scores
  • University of Arizona Excellence Award – Up to $35,000 over four years for Arizona residents

Tip: Apply early! Many of these scholarships have deadlines in the fall or early spring of your senior year of high school, just before entering your freshman year.

Can College Freshmen Apply for Scholarships?

Absolutely! College freshmen can apply for a wide range of scholarships—even after they’ve started college. In fact, many scholarships are specifically open to current college students in their first year, and others are renewable or available annually throughout your degree program.

Where college freshmen can find scholarships:

• Your University: Most colleges offer internal scholarships for freshmen based on GPA, involvement, or financial need. Check with your financial aid or scholarship office.
• Private Organizations: Look for scholarships from companies (like Google, Microsoft, or Taco Bell), nonprofits (like the Horatio Alger Association), and faith-based or local community groups.
• Online Scholarship Platforms: Use trusted databases like CollegeWhale.com to search for scholarships by year in school, major, or demographic.

Bonus Tip: Many scholarships for freshmen are renewable. This means if you meet the academic or service requirements, you could receive funding for all four years of college—helping you reduce your long-term student debt.

How Can College Freshmen Find Scholarships?

College freshmen can find scholarships by using a mix of online tools, campus resources, and community connections. Starting the search early and applying consistently is key to maximizing financial aid opportunities during your first year and beyond.

Here are the best ways college freshmen can find scholarships:

• Use Scholarship Search Platforms: Websites like CollegeWhale.com allow students to search by grade level, major, interests, and demographics. Set up a profile to receive personalized scholarship matches.
• Check with Your University’s Financial Aid Office: Most colleges offer scholarships specifically for first-year students. These include academic, departmental, and leadership awards. Some are automatic based on your application, while others require a separate form or essay.
• Look for Local Scholarships: Community foundations, local businesses, banks, and service organizations (like Rotary Clubs or the Elks Lodge) often offer scholarships to students in specific counties or school districts. These tend to have smaller applicant pools, making them less competitive.
• Explore Major- or Interest-Based Scholarships: If you’ve chosen a major or career path, look for scholarships related to that field (e.g., STEM, nursing, education, or the arts). Many industries and nonprofits offer scholarships to students entering their profession.
• Apply to Identity-Based Awards: Many scholarships are available for students from underrepresented groups, including scholarships for women, first-generation college students, Black and Hispanic students, LGBTQ+ students, and more.

Tips for success:

• Apply early—some deadlines are before your first semester begins
• Keep an updated resume, personal statement, and transcript ready
• Don’t overlook small awards—they add up and are often easier to win

By consistently searching and applying throughout freshman year, students can reduce out-of-pocket costs and set themselves up for long-term scholarship success.

Are There Scholarships for Freshmen Based on High School Achievements?

Yes, many scholarships for incoming college freshmen are based on academic performance, leadership, community service, and extracurricular involvement during high school. These scholarships reward students for their hard work and often provide substantial funding during the first year—and sometimes beyond.

Examples include:

• Presidential Scholarships: Offered by many universities to high-achieving students with top GPAs and standardized test scores. Awards range from $5,000 to full tuition.
• Horatio Alger Scholarship: Provides up to $25,000 to students who have overcome personal or financial hardship and demonstrated a strong commitment to education.
• Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship: Nationally competitive scholarship for high school seniors. Awards range from $1,000 to $12,500 per year, renewable for four years.
• Burger King Foundation Scholarship: Recognizes academic achievement and community involvement. Awards start at $1,000.

Tip: Start your scholarship applications during senior year of high school, and use your academic résumé to highlight leadership, service, and accomplishments.

What Fully Funded Scholarships Are Available for College Freshmen?

Fully funded scholarships—often called “full-ride” or “full-tuition” scholarships—cover the entire cost of attending college, including tuition, fees, housing, books, and sometimes travel or personal expenses. These awards are highly competitive but life-changing.

Top fully funded scholarships for freshmen include:

• QuestBridge National College Match: Matches high-achieving, low-income students with top partner schools like Yale, Stanford, and Princeton. Covers 100% of demonstrated need through a full four-year financial package.
• Robertson Scholars Leadership Program: Covers full tuition, fees, and room and board at Duke University or UNC-Chapel Hill, plus summer experiences and leadership development support.
• Gates Scholarship: Offers a full-ride scholarship for exceptional, Pell Grant–eligible minority students. Covers all costs not covered by financial aid or family contributions.
• Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program: Provides up to $55,000 per year to high-achieving students with financial need.

Tip: These programs typically require strong academics, leadership, community impact, and a compelling personal story—start preparing your application materials early.

Are There Scholarships for Minority College Freshmen?

Yes, numerous scholarships are available for minority students beginning their college journey. These scholarships aim to increase access and representation in higher education for historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Asian American students.

Well-known minority scholarships include:

• United Negro College Fund (UNCF): Offers over 400 scholarships for African American students attending HBCUs or other accredited colleges. Awards range from $500 to $10,000.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): Supports high-achieving Hispanic students with awards of $500 to $5,000 based on merit and financial need.
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF): Offers scholarships of up to $20,000 for first-generation college students of Asian or Pacific Islander descent.
• American Indian College Fund: Provides financial aid and support for Native American students attending tribal and non-tribal colleges.

Bonus Tip: Many of these scholarships also offer mentorship, career support, and networking opportunities beyond financial aid.

What Scholarships Are Available for First-Generation College Freshmen?

First-generation college students—those whose parents did not complete a four-year degree—can apply for scholarships designed to help them access and succeed in higher education. These awards often combine funding with academic support and mentoring.

Notable first-gen scholarships include:

• First Generation Matching Grant Program (Florida): Offers state-funded matching grants to eligible first-gen students attending Florida colleges and universities.
• The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship: Awarded at partner schools to first-gen freshmen who show academic promise and financial need.
• Dell Scholars Program: Designed for low-income, first-generation college students. Includes $20,000 in scholarship funds, a laptop, and ongoing academic support.
• I’m First! Scholarship: Offered by various organizations supporting first-generation students. Often requires a personal essay and proof of first-gen status.

Tip: Check with your college—many schools have institutional scholarships and learning communities specifically for first-generation students, including peer mentoring and extra advising support.