College Sophomore Scholarships and Grants for 2025 and 2026

Are There Scholarships for College Sophomores?

Yes, college sophomores have access to a wide range of scholarships designed to support students in their second year of undergraduate studies. These include general merit- and need-based scholarships, as well as awards tailored to specific majors, demographics, or career goals.

Notable scholarships open to sophomores include:

• Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: Offers $2,000 or more to low-income women aged 35+ pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program: Provides up to $20,000 per year to students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing biomedical or behavioral science careers.
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: Available to female sophomores studying engineering, technology, or computer science. Awards range from $1,000 to $15,000.
• University-Specific Sophomore Awards: Many colleges offer continuing student scholarships based on your GPA, major, or departmental involvement—check your school’s scholarship portal.

Tip: Sophomore year is also a great time to apply for multi-year or renewable scholarships that continue through junior and senior year.

Can You Apply for Scholarships as a Sophomore in College?

Yes! Sophomores are eligible for a wide variety of scholarships, both general and targeted. In fact, many scholarship providers prefer to support students who have shown academic progress and commitment to a major during their first year of college.

Where sophomores can apply:

• Private Organizations: Foundations and nonprofits often open applications to sophomores, especially in underrepresented fields like STEM, education, or health care.
• Professional Associations: Groups like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), American Chemical Society (ACS), and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) offer sophomore-eligible funding tied to specific majors.
• Campus Departments: Sophomore year is when many departments begin awarding scholarships to declared majors. These are sometimes based on GPA, leadership, or undergraduate research potential.
• National and Federal Programs: Opportunities like the SMART Scholarship for STEM students or the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program are open to sophomores and above.

Tip: Keep your resume and FAFSA updated—many scholarships for sophomores consider both merit and financial need.

Are There Scholarships for Students Who Didn’t Apply as Freshmen?

Absolutely. If you missed out on scholarships as a freshman, you still have plenty of opportunities. Many scholarships are open each academic year, and some are even restricted to upperclassmen or students with declared majors—making sophomore year a great time to apply.

Scholarship opportunities for second-year students include:

• Transfer or Continuing Student Scholarships: Some schools offer funding specifically for students in their second or third year who maintain good academic standing.
• Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: If you’re a community college sophomore planning to transfer, PTK offers $1,000 to $7,500+ in awards for academic excellence.
• Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: Organizations such as the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and APIA Scholars accept applications from sophomores who meet eligibility criteria.
• Workforce & Career-Focused Scholarships: Sophomore year is ideal for applying to career prep scholarships like the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute or summer fellowships in STEM and business.

Tip: Don’t assume you’ve missed your chance—thousands of scholarships are available each year for students who didn’t apply as freshmen.

What Are Fully Funded Scholarships for College Students?

Fully funded scholarships provide comprehensive financial support that covers tuition, required fees, books, and often housing, meals, travel, and personal expenses. These prestigious awards are typically based on academic excellence, leadership, financial need, or a combination of factors.

Examples of fully funded scholarships:

• The Gates Scholarship: Covers full cost of attendance for Pell Grant–eligible minority students, including tuition, books, and living expenses. For high school seniors entering college.
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship: Offers up to $55,000 per year for high-achieving students with financial need transferring from community colleges or applying as undergraduates.
• National Merit Scholarships: Awarded based on PSAT/NMSQT performance and academic excellence. Some recipients receive full tuition or more from participating colleges.
• Stamps Scholarship: Offered at select universities, this covers full tuition, enrichment funds, and leadership development opportunities.
• QuestBridge National College Match: Matches high-achieving, low-income students with full-ride scholarships at partner universities such as Yale, Princeton, and Stanford.

Tip: Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive—early preparation, strong essays, and consistent academic performance are key to standing out.

How Do I Increase My Chances of Winning a Scholarship?

Winning scholarships takes strategy, persistence, and preparation. With the right approach, you can significantly improve your chances of securing funding for college.

Tips to boost your scholarship success:

• Start Early: Begin researching and applying at least 6–12 months before your intended enrollment date.
• Apply Broadly: Don’t rely on one or two big awards. Apply for a mix of national, regional, local, and school-based scholarships—especially smaller ones with fewer applicants.
• Customize Every Application: Tailor your essays and answers to each scholarship’s mission. Use keywords from the prompt and emphasize how your goals align with theirs.
• Highlight Impact: Showcase leadership, volunteer work, personal challenges you’ve overcome, and any unique accomplishments.
• Proofread Everything: Have a teacher, counselor, or mentor review your essays. Spelling, grammar, and tone matter.

Bonus Tip: Create a scholarship spreadsheet to track deadlines, requirements, and follow-ups—it will keep you organized and consistent.

Are There Scholarships for Non-Traditional College Students?

Yes, many scholarships are designed to support non-traditional students—those who are older than typical college age, returning after a break, balancing education with family or work, or attending school part-time.

Top scholarships for non-traditional students include:

• Osher Reentry Scholarship: Available through partner universities for students aged 25–50 returning to college after a five-year gap. Awards vary by institution.
• Return 2 College Scholarship: Open to U.S. residents age 17 and older returning to school. Offers $1,000+ based on a short personal essay.
• Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant: Awards $2,000+ annually to low-income women age 35+ pursuing their first degree or vocational training.
• Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship: Offers up to $5,000 to low-income women with children returning to college or career training.
• College Completion Grants: Some schools offer “finish line” funding for adult learners who are close to graduation but face financial hurdles.

Tip: When using search platforms like CollegeWhale.com, filter by age, status, or keywords like “adult learner,” “reentry student,” or “part-time student.”