Paying for college can be a daunting task, but luckily, there are numerous scholarships available for college students. Many students assume that scholarships are only for high school seniors or that they are too competitive to win. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. College students win scholarships all the time, and it’s never too late to start applying.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various scholarships available for college students. From essay contests to creative excellence scholarships, we’ll cover a diverse range of opportunities. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or even a graduate student, there are scholarships out there waiting for you. So, let’s dive in and discover the scholarships that can make paying for college easier.
Scholarships for College Students
Historical Essay Competition
- Deadline: 10/15/23
- Award Amount: $3,000
The Historical Essay Competition is open to adults aged 18 years and older. To be eligible, you must provide proof of age and submit an essay on the topic provided by the sponsor. This scholarship offers an excellent opportunity for college students to showcase their historical knowledge and writing skills while competing for a generous cash reward.
Direct Textbook Essay Scholarship Contest
- Deadline: 10/25/23
- Award Amount: $2,000
The Direct Textbook Essay Scholarship Contest welcomes high school seniors, and undergraduate, and graduate students. To be considered, you must submit a well-crafted 500-word essay answering the question, “Why are you getting an education?” This scholarship not only provides financial aid but also encourages students to reflect on the importance of education in their lives.
Bimbo USA College Grant Sweepstakes
- Deadline: 10/29/23
- Award Amount: $25,000
The Bimbo USA College Grant Sweepstakes is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students. This scholarship offers a unique opportunity as winners are selected at random. By simply entering the sweepstakes, you have a chance to win a substantial grant that can significantly alleviate the financial burden of college.
U.S. Bank Student Scholarship Program
- Deadline: 10/30/23
- Award Amount: $20,000
The U.S. Bank Student Scholarship Program is available to current undergraduate students aged 17 years or older. To be considered, you must register and complete a series of online lessons. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also offers valuable educational resources to help you navigate your college journey successfully.
Goodwall #ScholarshipNow Challenge
- Deadline: 10/31/23
- Award Amount: $2,500
The Goodwall #ScholarshipNow Challenge invites college students to participate in a video contest. By downloading the Goodwall app and sharing a video explaining how winning this scholarship would help you achieve your educational goals, you have a chance to win $2,500. This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students who excel in video production and storytelling.
October 2023 Fastweb Invite a Friend Sweepstakes
- Deadline: 10/31/23
- Award Amount: $500
The Fastweb Invite a Friend Sweepstakes is open to registered Fastweb members who are legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia. By referring your friends to Fastweb, both you and your referral will be entered into a monthly drawing for a chance to win $500. This scholarship rewards not only your academic achievements but also your networking skills.
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
- Deadline: 11/6/23
- Award Amount: $500 – $10,000
The Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest is open to high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students. To be considered, you must write an essay of 800 to 1,600 words on one of the three topics provided by the sponsor. This scholarship encourages critical thinking and offers substantial awards to exceptional writers.
Creative Excellence Scholarship
- Deadline: 11/30/23
- Award Amount: $500
The Creative Excellence Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in graphic arts and design, fashion, or a related field. In addition to a minimum GPA requirement, you must submit a 1,000-word essay describing how design impacts branding, along with a sample of your own design. This scholarship recognizes the importance of creativity in various fields and supports students pursuing careers in design.
SMART Scholarship
- Deadline: 12/1/23
- Award Amount: $25,000 – $38,000
The SMART Scholarship is designed for currently enrolled college and graduate students pursuing technical degrees in STEM disciplines. To be eligible, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be willing to participate in summer internships, and accept post-graduate employment at the Department of Defense. This scholarship not only provides financial support but also offers valuable work experience in your field of study.
Financial Goals Scholarship
- Deadline: 12/31/23
- Award Amount: $2,000
The Financial Goals Scholarship invites students aged 18 years or older to share their financial goals and explain why they want to achieve them. By submitting a compelling 500-word essay outlining your goal and your plan to achieve it, you have a chance to win a $2,000 scholarship. This scholarship encourages students to think critically about their financial future and take proactive steps toward their goals.
Union Plus Scholarship
- Deadline: 1/31/24
- Award Amount: $500 – $4,000
The Union Plus Scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are current or retired members of participating unions, or their spouses or dependent children. This scholarship recognizes the contributions of union members and their families and offers financial assistance to support their educational endeavors.
Center for Alcohol Policy National Writing Competition
- Deadline: 2/1/24
- Award Amount: $1,000 – $5,000
The Center for Alcohol Policy National Writing Competition invites students over the age of 18 to submit an essay reflecting on the effectiveness of the 21st Amendment. By discussing the regulation of alcohol and its impact on public health and safety, you have a chance to win a cash prize. This scholarship encourages critical thinking and analysis of alcohol regulation in the United States.
Truman Scholars Program
- Deadline: 2/6/24
- Award Amount: $30,000
The Truman Scholars Program is open to full-time students in their penultimate year of college who are interested in pursuing graduate degrees in fields that lead to a career in public service. This highly prestigious scholarship not only provides financial support but also offers leadership training and access to a vast network of professionals in the public sector.
The Christophers Video Contest for College Students
- Deadline: 2/14/24
- Award Amount: $2,000
The Christophers Video Contest for College Students challenges students currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs to create a five-minute film or video on the theme “One Person Can Make a Difference.” This scholarship recognizes the power of storytelling through video and offers an opportunity to showcase your creative talent.
“Unboxing Your Life” Video Scholarship
- Deadline: 3/31/24
- Award Amount: $4,000
The “Unboxing Your Life” Video Scholarship is available to high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students. By creating a five-minute video based on the prompt “This Is Who I Am: Unboxing My Life,” you have a chance to win a $4,000 scholarship. This scholarship encourages students to reflect on their personal journeys and share their unique stories through video.
One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest
- Deadline: 6/25/24
- Award Amount: $350 – $1,000
The One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest invites students under the age of 25 to submit a three to eight-minute video highlighting solutions to environmental and sustainability issues. This contest emphasizes the importance of addressing global challenges and encourages students to use the power of film to inspire change.
Conclusion
As a college student, you have access to a wide range of scholarships that can help alleviate the financial burden of your education. From essay contests to video scholarships, there are opportunities for everyone. Remember, it’s never too late to start applying for scholarships, and with persistence and dedication, you can increase your chances of securing financial aid. So, take advantage of the scholarships available to college students and make your educational dreams a reality. Good luck!