13 College Scholarships for Undergraduate Studies Students (2026 - 2027)

Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate scholarships help college students reduce the cost of earning a bachelor’s degree while recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Offered by universities, private foundations, and government programs, these scholarships make higher education more affordable and accessible for students across all majors and career paths.

Whether you’re a first-year college student or preparing to complete your degree, the following undergraduate scholarships can help you cover tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses so you can focus on achieving your academic and career goals.

Which Scholarship Is Best for Undergraduate Students?

The best scholarship for undergraduate students depends on individual qualifications such as GPA, leadership experience, financial need, and community service. Some of the most competitive and well-known programs include:

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program: $20,000 awards for students showing academic excellence and community leadership.
• The Gates Scholarship: A full-ride scholarship for outstanding minority high school seniors with financial need.
• Presidential Scholarships: University-funded awards recognizing top academic achievers at institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Alabama.

These scholarships provide generous financial support, mentorship, and leadership opportunities throughout college.

What Is the Easiest Scholarship to Get for College?

The easiest scholarships to win often have smaller applicant pools or specific eligibility criteria. Examples include:

• Local Community Foundation Scholarships: Awards for students from specific regions or counties.
• Employer-Sponsored Scholarships: Funding provided by a parent’s or student’s workplace.
• Duck Tape Stuck at Prom Scholarship: A creative scholarship rewarding students for designing prom outfits made from duct tape.

Applying for local or niche scholarships increases your chances of success because competition is typically lower than for national awards.

Is the Sallie Mae $2,000 Scholarship Legit?

Yes — the Sallie Mae $2,000 Scholarship is legitimate. It’s a free monthly sweepstakes that gives college-bound students a chance to win $2,000 toward education expenses. Applicants must meet basic eligibility criteria, and winners are selected randomly. The scholarship is designed to help raise awareness about financial aid opportunities.

What Is an Undergraduate Grant?

An undergraduate grant is a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need, though some consider academic merit. Examples include:

• Federal Pell Grant: The largest need-based grant program in the U.S.
• State Grants: Awards provided by state governments to residents attending in-state colleges.
• Private and Institutional Grants: Offered by universities and private organizations to fill funding gaps.

Unlike loans, grants are gift aid that reduces the overall cost of attendance.

Undergraduate Scholarships for Black Students

Numerous organizations offer undergraduate scholarships to support Black students in achieving their educational goals, including:

• United Negro College Fund (UNCF): Awards thousands of scholarships annually to students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other institutions.
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): Supports students enrolled at publicly supported HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).
• Ron Brown Scholar Program: Provides full-ride scholarships for academically talented African American students demonstrating leadership and community service.

These programs work to expand access to higher education and promote excellence among Black scholars.

The Coca-Cola Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships in the United States. Each year, 150 high-achieving high school seniors are selected to receive $20,000 toward their undergraduate studies. Recipients are recognized for their academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership potential. The program also offers ongoing alumni networking and leadership development opportunities.

Undergraduate Scholarships Available in the USA

Undergraduate students in the U.S. can apply for hundreds of national and institutional scholarships. Notable examples include:

• National Merit Scholarship: Awarded based on PSAT/NMSQT scores and academic excellence.
• Horatio Alger Scholarship: For students demonstrating integrity, perseverance, and financial need.
• University-Specific Awards: Prestigious universities such as Stanford, Harvard, and Duke offer merit and need-based scholarships for undergraduates.

Students are encouraged to research both national programs and school-specific opportunities to maximize their funding.

Scholarships for High School Seniors Entering College

High school seniors preparing to begin undergraduate studies can apply for highly competitive national scholarships such as:

• The Gates Scholarship: Covers the full cost of attendance for outstanding minority students with financial need.
• Dell Scholars Program: Awards $20,000 and technology resources to students overcoming personal and financial challenges.
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship: Provides up to $55,000 per year for high-achieving students with financial need.

These scholarships provide comprehensive support for students as they transition from high school to college.