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Top 20 No Essay Scholarships to Apply for in 2023

Introduction: no essay scholarships.

Let's talk about no-essay scholarships. Whether you've been applying to scholarships for a while or you're completely new to the scholarship process, chances are, at some point you've felt tired, frustrated, or even fully on fed-up with writing all of those essays. Finding financial aid can be a lot of work - I feel you!

A smart strategy when applying for scholarships is to mix up the types of scholarships you're applying for. But what does this actually mean?

Well, if you're familiar with the world of scholarships, you've probably discovered that there are scholarships out there of all sorts, shapes, and sizes.

Some scholarships are for small amounts (think: anywhere from $100 to a few thousand dollars) while others go for larger amounts (sometimes even full-tuition!). Some scholarships have long lists of application requirements, while others only ask you to write a sentence, upload your transcript, or fill out a form.

So, when I say "mix up the types of scholarships you're applying for", I'm saying that it's important to consider things such as scholarship type (is there an essay required?), amount (generally, scholarships with  bigger awards  are harder to earn), and category (how specific does the scholarship get in terms of matching your unique profile?).

This post covers one specific type of scholarship that I'm sure you'll enjoy incorporating into your scholarship strategy: a no-essay scholarship!

Most of these no essay scholarships are open to high school , college , and  graduate  school students, be sure to get those easy applications in, and keep your toes crossed while you get to work on some of those other more labor-intensive opportunities.

*Pro-tip - While some of these no essay scholarships currently have specific deadlines, keep them bookmarked because they often renew monthly, quarterly, or yearly!

20 No essay scholarships to apply for ASAP!

Too cool to pay for school no essay scholarship.

Award Amount:  $1,000

Scholarship Deadline:  Quarterly (last day of the month in September, December, March, and June)

PS - this is one of no essay scholarships awarded by Access Scholarships (that's us!). It's open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students studying in the United States, and is an easy way to win $1,000. 

Niche No Essay $50,000 Scholarship

Award Amount:  $50,000

Scholarship Deadline:  December 14

Open to high school, college, and graduate students of all years (must be a US resident)!

Scholarship Points $2,500 Monthly Scholarship

Award Amount:  $2,500

Scholarship Deadline:  Monthly

Smart Owl No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount : $1,000

Scholarship Deadline : 28th or 29th of each month

CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  Last day of each month

Cappex Easy Money Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  Rolling

Niche No Essay Scholarship

Award Amount:  $2,000

College Board Big Future Scholarships

Award Amount:  up to $40,000

Scholarship Deadline: Monthly

Open to high school sophomores , juniors and seniors. 

Sallie Mae College Scholarship

Award Amount : $2,000

Scholarship Deadline : Monthly

Eligibility- Open to high juniors & seniors and all college students

Around the Corner from College Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline : December 31, June 30

Open to all high school students, including students with DACA status and international students who are planning on attending a higher education institution in the US! 

Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount:  $25,000

Scholarship Deadline: Rolling

Christian Connector Scholarship

Eligibility:  Open to high school juniors and high school seniors who are interested in or planning to enroll in a Christian college or university.

Direct Textbook Photo Essay Scholarship

Award Amount:  $500

National "Don't Wait to Reach Your Potential" Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  January 5

Discover Student Loans Scholarship Contest

Scholarship Deadline:  January 4

Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  February 27 and October 10

Create A Greeting Card Scholarship

Award Amount:  $10,000

Scholarship Deadline:  March 9

Frame My Future Scholarship

Award Amount:  $5,000

Scholarship Deadline: April 1

ULoop Dorm Survey Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  June 30

no-essay scholarships

Frequently asked questions about no essay scholarships

Are no essay scholarships legit.

No essay scholarships are 100% legit!

No essay scholarships are created to be more like contests or sweepstakes. Generally, all you have to do to be considered is enter some information on an application page and you're good to go. This is in contrast with other more labor-intensive scholarships, that require a greater amount of work and time commitment (think: essays, letters of recommendation, videos, interviews).

The fact that no essay scholarships don't require a whole lot of effort (they're definitely the easiest opportunities out there!) doesn't mean that they aren't just as real as other scholarships that do have more detailed eligibility and application requirements to apply. In fact, no essay scholarships can sometimes be just as competitive as full-ride scholarships , given the fact that so many students apply for these opportunities.

At the end of the day, each and every scholarship we feature in our database and in our blog posts aims to guide students in the direction of legitimate opportunities to help you navigate the journey of paying for college.

What are some common qualities of a no essay scholarship?

The most identifiable quality of a no essay scholarship is the fact that it doesn't require an essay! Rather than asking students to upload an essay on the application page, these scholarships generally will ask for the completion of a form, or for students to upload a photo, video, or other unique type of submission. The fact that these scholarships can often be completed much more quickly and easily than other scholarships is what makes them so great.

You'll also find that the majority of no essay scholarships are open to a wide variety of students, and they usually won't have any specific eligibility requirements such as only being open to students in certain majors or with a certain minimum GPA.

Who is eligible to apply for no essay scholarships?

When it comes to eligiblity, as I mentioned just above, no essay scholarships are usually open to a wide range of students. For example, a no essay scholarship might be open to students ages 13 and older in the US, or maybe it's open to all high school students in the US. These eligibility criteria are very generous and intended to give all (or nearly all) students who want to apply an opportunity to do so.

How difficult is it to win a no essay scholarship?

Because no essay scholarships are usually open to so many different types of students, along with the fact that they often require very little effort on the part of the student (and run more like sweepstakes than real in-depth scholarships), means that they are difficult to win, and the process is unpredictable.

Luckily, because these scholarships require so little time commitment to apply, not winning one of these types of scholarships doesn't necessarily indicate that you've wasted your time applying, since it likely didn't take that much time in the first place!

How can I increase my chances of winning no essay scholarships?

No essay scholarships are open to such a wide variety of students in terms of eligible areas of study, state residency, and year in school. This, in combination with the fact that the winners for these scholarships are generally always selected at random, means that increasing your chances of winning one of these scholarships is very, very difficult.

In the spirit of full-transparency: the only way that you can actually increase your chances of winning no essay scholarships is by applying for all of them and not missing any deadlines.

For example, take Tallo's monthly no essay scholarships . They pick at least 12 winners each year, usually at the end of each month. If you want to maximize your chances of winning one of Tallo's no essay scholarships, you should set a reminder to make sure that you apply for them every month, so that you don't miss out on an opportunity to win.

Most of the no essay scholarships I've come across are for small amounts, such as $1,000. Why is this the case?

Most no-essay scholarships are for small amounts (think: $500 - $2,000) because, in comparison to other scholarships that have lots of application requirements, no-essay scholarships tend to run more like contests.

Organizations love to give back to students in any and all ways possible, and they also like to try to make student's lives easier by offering easy scholarship opportunities.

However, from the perspective of private organizations, many of them would rather save their scholarships of higher amounts to be distributed through competitive opportunities where they can select students on the basis of merit, leadership, and other qualities. That's why you'll probably never come across a full-ride scholarship that doesn't require an essay or extra submission of some sort!

Where can I find more scholarships to apply for?

There are tons of resources and places out there that you can use to find "harder" scholarships to apply for to pair with your efforts in applying to the easy ones.

The first place I recommend you go is over to the Access Scholarship Search Engine or Blog, where you can find all types of scholarships based on criteria such as home state, area of study, ethnicity, and more.

After that, I recommend you also do some surfing of the web, as well as outreach to your guidance counselor or financial aid office to help you find local scholarships and even more nuanced opportunities.

Important tips and things to keep in mind with no essay scholarships

Tip #1: apply often..

Many of these scholarships run continuously on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Set a reminder for yourself to revisit these scholarships each month and reapply to give yourself the best chance at winning one!

Tip #2: Find ways to get a leg up.

Scholarships with no essays that have any sort of additional component (like an art or video submission) will tend to give you a "leg up" because they involve more than some luck.

Take full advantage of scholarships like these by putting your best foot forward with that extra submission!

Tip #3: Make no essay scholarships one piece of the puzzle.

Scholarships with no essays should be a key component of your scholarship application strategy because of how easy they are to apply for.

However, it's important to remember they should be balanced with other scholarships that have more specific and stringent requirements.

When you apply for essay-based scholarships, you're given the opportunity to tell the committee about you, who you are and why you should be selected for the opportunity. The winners for these scholarships, unlike their no-essay counterparts, are not chosen at random, so if you choose these scholarships carefully, apply for ones that are specific to your qualities, and write strong essays, you'll have the best chances of winning at the end of the day!

General tips for applying for all kinds of scholarships

Navigating the world of scholarships can be stressful and confusing to say the least. Follow these tips to make sure you’re covering all of your bases and giving yourself the greatest possible chance at success!

#1: Get yourself organized before you dive right in.

Just like with any other part of the college / financial aid process, organization is crucial to success when it comes to searching and applying for scholarships.

My top organization-related recommendation for students is to start by creating a readily-accessible folder on your computer where you can then create subfolders for your scholarship essays, transcripts, and other application materials. This is also the place where you’ll want to house your scholarship tracker , which will help you keep track of scholarships you find, upcoming deadlines, and your overall progress.

#2: Do your brainstorming.

You likely wouldn’t start an essay on the American Revolution without doing some initial brainstorming and planning first. The same rule should apply for when it’s time to search for scholarships.

Sit down with a pen and paper or a blank word document open, and start to bullet out a list of traits and things that you feel make up who you are as a person. These things should be both academic and personal. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here’s a sneak peek into what my own personal list might look like:

-I am from New Jersey

-I am a business student with an interest in marketing

-I like to play sports (tennis, basketball, etc)

-I hold leadership positions in my extracurriculars

-I identify as female

-I am a twin

-I am left-handed

-I enjoy doing crossword puzzles

-I go to college in Wisconsin

I could go on and on with this list, but I won’t bore you! What I’m trying to get at though is that creating a list like this to track your hobbies, academic pursuits, and other things that make up who you are can be incredibly helpful in allowing you to find scholarships that are highly specific to you.

PS - For some students, this may also fall under the initial organization step of the process, but ultimately it doesn’t matter when you do it as long as it gets done.

#3: Know where to look.

Knowing what types of scholarships you want to search for doesn’t really matter if you don’t know where to actually search for them! Here are a few ideas on where you can get started in searching for scholarships:

- Scholarship search engines like AccessScholarships.com, which allow you to search through thousands of scholarship opportunities all in one place

- Normal search engines , such as Google (the more specific you can be here, the better)

-Your school’s college prep, guidance, or financial aid page/website

- Social media (you can follow scholarship accounts and hashtags that might be relevant to help you discover local scholarships)

- Family, friends, teachers, coaches, and other people in your community who might know of local or community-based scholarships that you’re eligible for

#4: If a scholarship has an essay or additional type of submission, make sure you put your absolute best foot forward.

This is, in my opinion, the biggest key to help students see success in actually winning scholarships.

You can have a 4.0 GPA and solid letters of recommendation, but if you don’t also take the time to carefully craft, edit, and perfect the essay (or other additional submission), you’re missing out on giving the scholarship committee the opportunity to learn more about who you are as a person and why you’re a great fit to win the award.

#5: Keep those grades up.

Although this eligibility requirement can definitely vary, many scholarships require students to have at least a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA. Sometimes, the minimum requirement can be even higher, such as a 3.75/4.0.

While grades certainly aren’t the end-all-be-all, keeping your GPA up (as high as you possibly can!) will make sure that you are opening yourself up to as many opportunities as possible.

#6: Apply often.

Unfortunately, applying for scholarships is not a “one and done” process. To give yourself the highest chance at seeing success, you should apply for scholarships as often as you can, or whenever you come across an opportunity that you think is worth applying for.

Many students find it helpful to set specific goals in this area, like to apply for 3 scholarships each month. Ultimately, the goal you set should be one that is specific and realistic, based on all of the other things that you’re juggling!

#7: Ask for feedback along the way.

If you don't ever take the time to assess your weak spots, how can you possibly improve?

Asking for feedback throughout the scholarship process, whether it be from a committee, a teacher, or someone who is helping you along the way, is crucial to helping you grow and becoming a stronger applicant. 

Getting feedback is especially important when it comes to the scholarship essay piece of the puzzle. When we write and edit, we tend to overlook our own mistakes because we're so used to making them. Sometimes it takes an extra set of eyes on an essay to help lead you in the direction of success.

No-essay scholarships: To conclude...

To summarize, no-essay scholarships can be a great addition to any overall scholarship strategy for high school, college, and graduate students.

Since no-essay scholarships often operate on a monthly or quarterly basis, you can give yourself a better chance at winning these scholarships if you enter in every application period that you're eligible for.

Although no-essay scholarships usually aren't for large amounts, the process of entering to win is usually an easy one, so there's no harm in applying for these scholarships to round out your strategy and yes, give you a break from all those essays!

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$2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Open to all high school and college students. Simply log in or create a free account below to apply.

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By proceeding you acknowledge and agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and  Scholarship Rules .

Who Can Apply

All high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year. Not everyone is eligible for this scholarship. Read the scholarship rules.

How It Works

The $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is an easy scholarship with no essay required! The scholarship can be used to cover tuition, housing, books, or any education-related expenses. The monthly winner will be determined by random drawing and then contacted directly and announced in Niche's e-newsletter and on the Scholarship Winners page. You can apply once each month, with a new winner selected every month.

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7 No Essay Scholarships to Apply for in 2023

essay free scholarships 2022

If you're drowning in scholarship essays, let us toss you a life raft: Here are seven scholarships that don’t require you to pen any long prose.

Some of these do require you to submit some information about yourself and, in some instances, answer some questions or complete a few easy tasks. The key to success with these — and all scholarship applications — is to follow the instructions and submit your application before the deadlines.

What are no essay scholarships?

No essay scholarships are one of the quickest ways to secure money for your college tuition. They're usually incredibly easy to apply for, primarily because there's no essay component.

Unlike typical scholarships, which are merit-based or need-based, no essay scholarships operate more like a sweepstakes or giveaway. Participants enter the scholarship contest and hope their name is drawn. Many scholarship programs pick a new winner monthly, while some operate on an annual basis.

If you want to avoid student loans or supplement your financial aid package, apply for these no essay scholarships for some easy cash.

Easy, no essay scholarships to add to your scholarship search

1. nitro college scholarship — $2,000.

Next Deadline: End of the month, offered every month

The $2,000 Nitro College Scholarship is an opportunity for anyone enrolled in an accredited college or university for the upcoming school year. We know that college is a big step forward in achieving your goals and we want to help you get there using all the tools Nitro has to offer.

All you have to do is complete the no-essay application. It takes less than three minutes. Double your chances to win by having your parents or guardians apply, too!

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2. you deserve it scholarship — $2,222.

Deadline: End of the month, offered monthly

Sign up for a free account at ScholarshipOwl and you'll be entered for a chance to earn this scholarship.

 Each month, the company selects a scholarship winner who can use the $2,222 scholarship for the upcoming school year. (Get it? 2222? For the year? Anyway...)

To be eligible, you have to be at least 16, a legal resident of the U.S., and enrolled in either an eligible high school or college/university. The form is simple: Just your name and contact info. But read the fine print—there's a checkbox that allows them to share your info with certain partners, but you don't have to click it to be eligible. 

Bonus: ScholarshipOwl helps students find and apply for other school scholarships, so once you have an account to apply for their scholarship, it's worth looking a their scholarship page to see if you think they can help you find other opportunities. But you absolutely aren't required to use their services to be eligible for the You Deserve It scholarship.

3. Niche's $2,000 No-Essay College Scholarship

Deadline: End of every month, offered monthly

This $2,000 award is given out every month. To apply, just submit an application with some basic identifying information, your GPA, and SAT/ACT scores. Winners are determined by random selection, and you can submit a new application every month. 

This scholarship is open to high schoolers, adults heading back to school, current college students, graduate students, and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school within the next 12 months. Click here to apply for the scholarship . 

4. The $1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

Deadline: End of the month, offered every month

The $1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship has no essay and no minimum GPA requirements. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in high school or college or plan to enroll in college within the next 12 months. Simply complete an online Cappex profile and answer a short survey. You can apply for the scholarship every month.

5. CollegeXpress $10,000 Scholarship

Deadline: Rolling entry, offered annually

Do you have a first name? An email address? If so, and you use them to register for a free account at CollegeXpress, you could win a $10,000 scholarship .

Ok, ok, there are a few more requirements in the fine print. You also have to be at least 13 years old and enrolled in one of the site's 900+ participating colleges and universities for the upcoming school year.

Once you have an account, you can use the site's resources to research participating colleges and other scholarship opportunities. Or you can skip that and wait to see if you get a call about a big check. 

6. DoSomething.org's $2,500 No Essay Scholarship program

Deadline: End of the month, offered every month. 

DoSomething.org, a digital organization involved in hundreds of community service campaigns worldwide, offers two $2,500 no essay scholarships, available here . Applicants are free to apply to both scholarships.  

In order to be eligible for the scholarship, you have to be 25 years old or younger, a citizen of the U.S. or Canada, and complete the campaign associated with the scholarship. This isn't as time-intensive as it may initially seem, as some campaigns take just five minutes to complete. 

7. Tallo's $1,000 'Interviews, Jobs, And Stuff' no essay scholarship

All you have to do to apply for Tallo's $1,000 scholarship is create an account, answer a few questions, and submit! 

How to spot no essay scholarship scams

While there are a lot of legitimate no essay scholarship opportunities to go after, there are some companies with ill-intentions. 

To avoid falling prey to scholarship scams:

  • Never give out your banking information, social security number, or driver's license number. 
  • Search for past recipients online. Many organizations have a dedicated ‘past recipient’ page on their websites.
  • Don't pay to apply for a scholarship. Real offers won't charge you anything to apply for or obtain a scholarship.  
  • Avoid organizations that 'guarantee' a scholarship.

Who can apply for no essay scholarships?

Generally, no essay scholarships are much less strict in terms of eligibility, though it varies from program to program. Many are open to anyone planning to go to college, including high school juniors and seniors, as well as both full-time and part-time college students.

Are there downsides to no essay scholarships?

Because no essay scholarships are usually pretty easy scholarships to apply for, you're likely going up against a wider pool of candidates. So, your chances of winning are a bit slimmer compared to scholarships that have a higher threshold to apply. 

We still think it's worth it to apply to as many legitimate no essay scholarships you can find. They don't take much time to submit and if you win, it's essentially 'free money' you can use toward your higher education. 

To increase your chances of winning, apply to no-essay scholarships as often as possible. Some scholarship providers will let you apply every month. 

Are no essay scholarships legit?

A lot of no essay scholarships come from legitimate programs, but some companies do try to take advantage of high school and college students looking for scholarship money. 

Most no essay scholarship programs ask for only your name, email, and phone number. To avoid falling victim to scholarship scams, don't ever give away your banking information, social security number, or driver's license number.

Don't forget to enter now for your chance to win Nitro’s $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.

Remember, scholarship money doesn't have to be paid back, so it's worth your time to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Good luck! If you want to find even more scholarship opportunities, check out our state-by-state guide .

essay free scholarships 2022

Best Essay Scholarships to Apply for in 2023

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Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship

Cover image for Jillian Ellis Pathway Scholarship

Jillian Ellis Pathway Scholarship

Eligibility criteria:.

  • Ethncity : African American
  • Background : Adult learner or first-generation college student

Cover image for Maida Brkanovic Memorial Scholarship

Maida Brkanovic Memorial Scholarship

Cover image for Across Cultures "Expand Your Horizons" Scholarship

Across Cultures "Expand Your Horizons" Scholarship

Cover image for ALS Family Scholarship

ALS Family Scholarship

  • Background : Child or spouse of someone who has ALS or has died from it

Cover image for Dylan's Journey Memorial Scholarship

Dylan's Journey Memorial Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school, undergraduate, graduate
  • Disability : Learning Disability: ADHD, NF, Dyslexia, etc.

Cover image for Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship

Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship

  • Background : Selfless and involved in the community

Cover image for Wild Scholarship

Wild Scholarship

  • Career Aspirations : Arts
  • Education level : High school juniors and senior, undergraduates and graduates

Cover image for Mental Health Importance Scholarship

Mental Health Importance Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student

Cover image for Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate
  • Background : Affected by mental illness, either personally or in the family

Cover image for Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship

Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school or undergraduate student
  • Background : Has lost a parent or lives in a single-parent household

Cover image for Trudgers Fund

Trudgers Fund

  • Education Level : High school senior, undergradutate
  • Background : Addiction struggles, but currently sober

Cover image for Arthur and Elana Panos Scholarship

Arthur and Elana Panos Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school senior or undergraduate student

Cover image for William Griggs Memorial Scholarship for Science and Math

William Griggs Memorial Scholarship for Science and Math

  • Education Level : High school senior or two or four-year undergraduate student
  • Gender : Female
  • Field of Study : Science or math

Cover image for Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school student
  • Background : Has lost one or both parents
  • Passion : Sports

Cover image for Patriots Path Scholarship

Patriots Path Scholarship

  • Involvement : ROTC or JROTC

Cover image for Vegan Teens Are The Future Scholarship

Vegan Teens Are The Future Scholarship

  • Background : Vegan for 1 year or more
  • Future Plans : Share the need for a vegan lifestyle with the world
  • Education Level : High school, undergrad

Cover image for Joieful Connections Scholarship

Joieful Connections Scholarship

  • Background : Developmental and/or intellectual disability

Cover image for David Foster Memorial Scholarship

David Foster Memorial Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school senior

Cover image for Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Antonie Bernard Thomas Memorial Scholarship

Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Antonie Bernard Thomas Memorial Scholarship

  • Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate student
  • Background : Military service member, police officer, or family of military or police

Cover image for International Student Scholarship

International Student Scholarship

  • Education Level : Undergraduate
  • Student Status : International student (studying in the U.S.)

Cover image for Gabriel Martin Memorial Annual Scholarship

Gabriel Martin Memorial Annual Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school junior or senior
  • Health : Has a medical condition

Cover image for Big Picture Scholarship

Big Picture Scholarship

  • Education level : High School Junior or Senior

Cover image for Jessie Koci Future Entrepreneurs Scholarship

Jessie Koci Future Entrepreneurs Scholarship

  • Education Level : High school senior or freshman in college
  • Career Goal : Future entrepreneur

Cover image for Uniball's Skilled Trades Scholarship

Uniball's Skilled Trades Scholarship

  • Field of Study : Must be pursuing a skilled trade
  • Education Level : Must be a High School or Undergraduate Student

Cover image for Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship

Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship

  • Background : Military veteran or child of a military veteran

Cover image for Dr. Samuel Attoh Legacy Scholarship

Dr. Samuel Attoh Legacy Scholarship

  • Major : Geography, Urban Planning, & STEM

Cover image for Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship

Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship

  • Background : In recovery, clean for at least one year
  • Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate school student

Cover image for Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

  • Financial Status : Low-income
  • Field of Interest : Healthcare, social work, government, education or a related field

Cover image for Joe Ford Trade Scholarship

Joe Ford Trade Scholarship

  • Career Aspiration : Interested in building, industrial, or mechanical trade
  • Education Level : High school senior or Trade School

Essay Scholarships

About essay scholarships .

Essay-based scholarships are the most common and traditional form of scholarships available to students pursuing higher education. Though essay scholarships may seem intimidating at first glance, this type of scholarship can be invaluable to students looking to earn money through scholarships. 

An essay scholarship is a financial aid opportunity that requires students to write a short statement in order to apply. No-essay scholarships, on the other hand, do not require written statements as part of the application process. 

Students tend to gravitate towards no-essay scholarships, as they are easier to apply to in regards to both time and effort. While no-essay scholarships are a great resource as well, students should consider applying to a mix of both no-essay and essay scholarships to have the best chances of winning. 

Since fewer students take the time to apply for essay scholarships, there is less competition for them. This means that students that do apply for essay scholarships will often have higher chances of winning money than students who exclusively apply for no-essay scholarships.

Though no-essay scholarships can save time in the application process, they typically attract a large number of applicants. Both college students and high school students will usually face more competition with this type of scholarship. 

In many cases, it isn’t as difficult to apply for essay scholarships as college students imagine. The written statement is often quite short and usually hovers around 400-600 words. That’s around a page of writing or even a little less. There are even many opportunities that require even shorter essays, such as 100-300 words!

If that still sounds daunting, remember that essay scholarships will provide a prompt to write on. Most scholarships will focus on a certain aspect of a student’s life. For example, a mental health awareness scholarship might ask students to write about their personal struggles with mental health and how they have overcome those challenges in pursuit of a better education. 

Similarly, major-based scholarships, like STEM or arts scholarships, often ask students to write about why they chose to study that particular field. Typically, no additional research needs to be done to write the essay portion of the application. In nearly all cases, donors simply want to hear about who the applicant is. 

To write the essay scholarship, students only need to draw on their personal experiences or life goals to show the donor who they are as a person. High school students might focus more on their goals for the future, while undergraduate and graduate students might talk about their current studies. 

Whatever the case, both high school students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, should focus on showcasing their talents, goals, and personality in the essay. The more detailed and unique an essay is, the easier it is for the donor to feel a connection with you, making your application stand out from the competition.

Essay scholarships are available to students of all ages and all grade levels. College students and high school students alike can apply for essay scholarships. As long as the scholarship allows applicants of your grade level, you can apply.

Though some essay scholarship prompts may seem better suited towards one age group than another, students should still apply as long as they are eligible. For example, a scholarship that asks applicants to write about their major and why they chose it might seem easier to answer as a college student. 

However, if high school students are eligible, they can likely answer the prompt by writing about their intended major. Both high school students and college students should be able to write most scholarship essays.

The purpose of the essay scholarship is to allow the donor to get a better view of the applicant, so make sure to add personality and detail to your essays. You can also check out  this guide  on writing scholarship essays for exclusive tips!

Best essay scholarships

 The majority of scholarships available are essay-based, so there are plenty of opportunities to choose from. Each scholarship has its own benefits, so it's important to apply for a variety of scholarship opportunities. The highest-value scholarships can be the most helpful when paying your tuition, but they often receive the most competition as a result. To have the best chances of winning, consider smaller scholarships with fewer eligible applicants.

Essay scholarships for high school students

There are plenty of high school scholarships available for students of all grade levels. Additionally, high school students can apply for scholarships specific to their grade level.

Essay scholarships for high school freshmen 

Freshman year is the earliest students can begin applying for scholarships, meaning that applicants who start as high school freshmen can get ahead of the game. The earlier you start applying, the longer you'll have to earn college funding. The following scholarships are a great place for high school freshmen to begin their search!

  • Bold Climate Changemakers Scholarship
  •   M.R. Brooks Scholarship  
  • "Equal Opportunity" Scholarship

Essay scholarships for high school sophomores

There are also plenty of scholarship opportunities for high school sophomores who are looking to get a jump on their scholarship applications. The scholarships below are a great way for sophomores to get started!

  • Bold Community Activist Scholarship  
  • CollegeXpress No-Essay Scholarship
  • Bold Great Books Scholarship  

Essay scholarships for high school juniors

As upperclassmen, high school juniors have even more scholarships available to them than freshmen and sophomores. In addition to scholarships open to all high school students, juniors can also apply for scholarships exclusively open to juniors and seniors. Check out the list below and start applying!

  • Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship  
  • Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship  
  • Janey Mae Memorial Scholarship

Essay scholarships for high school seniors

Senior year of high school is one of the most popular times to apply for scholarships. As a result, there are many scholarships created specifically for high school seniors. Since other grade levels can't apply, there are often fewer eligible applicants for senior scholarships, giving you a better chance of winning! You can check out the scholarships below to begin applying. 

  • MJM3 Fitness Scholarship  
  • Michael Valdivia Scholarship
  • Charlotte Emery Memorial Scholarship   

Essay scholarships for college students

While it's great to start securing scholarship funding in high school, it's never too late to apply! There are plenty of scholarships for those currently in college, such as those listed below.

  • Live Your Dash Entrepreneurs Scholarship
  • Dr. Sharyn First-Generation in Business Scholarship   
  • Chris Jackson Computer Science Scholarship  

Essay scholarships for graduate students

Many graduate students aren't aware of all of the scholarships available to them, meaning that many miss out on available financial aid. If you're a graduate student, consider applying for the scholarships below!

  • Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship
  • Derrick Richardson Law Student Scholarship  
  • Chang Heaton Scholarship for Music Excellence

Essay scholarships for international students 

International students are often left behind when it comes to earning financial aid. With fewer government resources available, international students pursuing their degrees in the US may have unmet financial needs. The following scholarships for international students in the US are a great place to start!

  •   International Studies Scholarship
  • Crenati Foundation Supporting International Students Scholarship   

Essay scholarships for women 

Many scholarship donors aim to help underrepresented or disadvantaged students, such as racial minorities, low-income students, LGBTQ+ students, or women. If you're a female student, consider applying for the following scholarships!

  • Taking Up Space Scholarship  
  • Indigenous Women in STEM Scholarship  
  • Charlotte Emery Memorial Scholarship

Frequently asked questions about essay scholarships 

How do i win essay scholarships.

The most important part of the essay application is simply finishing it. Many high school students and college students won’t even bother to apply for essay scholarships. As a result, just turning in an application that meets all of the requirements and answers the prompt places you ahead of a good chunk of your peers. 

Still, it’s good to fine-tune your scholarship essays and make sure you turn in your best work. There are several steps students can take in order to take their scholarship essays to the next level. Click here to read our full guide on how to write a scholarship essay .

First, make sure your essay stays on topic and answers the prompt. Don’t get sidetracked by tangential experiences. Read the question carefully and make an outline of what you want to write before you start writing. This can help make sure your essay is focused and coherent. Make a list of what points you want to include in your answer and in what order. Then, make sure to stick to those points.

One important point is to make sure you maintain your basic writing skills. If grammar is something you struggle with on occasion, make a plan to catch any mistakes you might make. Using a tool like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s spell check can be very helpful in making sure no minor errors are made. You can also try reading your essay out loud, or asking a friend to look it over. Sometimes two pairs of eyes are better than one. 

Another way to elevate your essay is to open with a hook. Perhaps you have a funny story about your academic experiences that relates to the question asked. Or, you could retell the moment you decided to pursue your current major. Any impactful experience you’ve had that relates to the question asked can be a good way to open your essay. 

Opening with a hook makes your essay more memorable and makes the reader want to keep reading. If your essay sounds generic or uninspired, the donor may pass you over for someone else. Making your essay personal and engaging is a key way to make an impact on your reader and stand out from other competitors. 

Most of the time, when a donor includes an essay question, it’s because they’re looking for a specific type of student. Many donors favor students that are driven, motivated, and willing to work hard to achieve their dreams. Look carefully at the prompt for hints on what qualities the donors are looking for. 

An essay question that asks about a student’s struggle with finances, for example, is likely looking for a high school student or college student that has worked hard to pursue education despite the challenges they faced. A prompt that asks students to talk about their chosen major is likely looking for a student that is inspired and has a special interest in their field. 

A mix of your personal experiences, academic interests, and goals for the future are usually good points to work into your essay. It’s important to both answer the question clearly and help the donor understand who you are as a person. 

How do I apply for scholarships? 

Applying for scholarships is not as difficult as it seems. Most applications give clear instructions and are easy to complete. A good place to start is finding a scholarship search resource that works for you. 

One easily accessible way to find scholarships is through your school. For high school students, the guidance office may be able to connect you with scholarship opportunities. College students, including graduate students, will want to talk to their financial aid office instead. 

The advantage of finding scholarships through your school is that the financial aid or guidance office may be able to find opportunities specifically made for your school. This means the competition pool will be much smaller as you will only be competing with your classmates. 

As for how high school students and college students can apply for these opportunities, the instructions will likely depend on that specific school’s process for applying. Administrators in the financial aid or guidance office will be able to guide students through the application process. 

An alternative is using online platforms to search for and apply for scholarships. High school students and college students alike will benefit from this method, as online platforms typically allow students to apply for multiple scholarships at once. Making a free profile with  Bold.org , for example, will allow high school students and college students to quickly apply with just one click to no-essay scholarships. 

Creating a profile with online scholarship platforms allows the site to submit applications on your behalf. In addition, the information stored in the profile can be used to help find more relevant scholarship search results for each student’s needs.

For example, high school students will automatically be barred from applying to scholarships that only look at college students, and vice versa. This can help save some time and ensure students don’t waste their efforts applying for scholarships that will not consider them. 

In order to apply for a scholarship on an online platform, students simply need to create a free profile and find the scholarships they want to apply for. Their information will be sent to the donors for review. 

If there is an essay requirement, students must prepare a written statement ahead of time. Students can then paste their essays into the application on the online platform. The essay will be submitted along with the student’s personal information from their profile. 

When can I start applying? 

High school students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, can apply whenever they like. Very few scholarships exist for students below the high school level, and while some opportunities are available to recent college graduates, most are for those still in school. 

Students at any level between high school and graduate school can start to apply for scholarships at any time. High school seniors are the group of high school students that will likely have the easiest time finding scholarships they can apply for. Many donors looking to create opportunities at the high school level view high school seniors as the demographic most concerned with generating funding for college. 

Winning scholarship money while still in high school can help students in their college search. Getting an idea of how much money you will be able to spend on college is a good way to narrow down your search for the perfect school for you. In addition, winning scholarship money might make it possible for high school students to attend a college they previously thought would be too expensive. 

As a result, starting to apply for scholarships as a high school senior or junior would be a reasonable time to begin. 

Applying earlier is typically better than applying for scholarships later on. This is simply because starting to find and apply to scholarships earlier will allow students more time to apply, get their results back, and apply again. The more this cycle is repeated, the more money students typically make. 

Remember that not every scholarship you apply to will yield positive results. Therefore, applying to as many scholarships as possible will increase the possibility that a few of those applications will win. 

However, there’s nothing wrong with trying to find scholarships even before your senior year in high school. In addition, starting to apply as an undergraduate student or a graduate student is completely fine as well. There are many opportunities made specifically for college students, many of which include graduate students as well. 

It may seem counterintuitive to start applying for scholarships after committing to a college. However, winning scholarship money can help not just with creating a budget for college, but also with the expenses of continuing your college education. Each new semester means new textbooks and new school supplies, for example. 

In addition, college is a path to many educational opportunities that are usually not available to high school students. For example, many college students study abroad, whether as undergraduate students or graduate students. Saving up some scholarship money for the costs of continuing your education and taking advantage of college opportunities like studying abroad can be very helpful. 

How do I know if I’m eligible for a scholarship?

Every scholarship posting will clearly state its requirements, so be sure to read the entire description. Remember that your efforts may be wasted if you do not fit the criteria for a certain scholarship. No matter how much you excel in school, you cannot win a scholarship that you are not eligible for. 

Scholarships often tend towards very general requirements or more exclusive requirements. General scholarships are often open to students of any major and any grade level, meaning the vast majority of students will be able to apply.

Exclusive scholarships, on the other hand, are made for a more specific purpose. For example, the donor of an exclusive scholarship might want to use their money to uplift indigenous students in the medical field. As a result, the scholarship might only accept applicants that are indigenous students and focused on nursing or medicine. Students that do not match these criteria will not be considered. 

Some common restricting factors in exclusive scholarships are education level, demographic, income level, academic interest, and GPA. An exclusive scholarship might restrict the applicant pool by all or some of these criteria. 

Certain opportunities might be open to graduate students only, and not high school students or undergraduate students. Some scholarships might require students to study a particular major, such as graphic design. A more general scholarship might use an umbrella term, like the humanities, instead of a specific major. Whatever the case, be sure you have carefully read each of the requirements before applying. 

Many exclusive scholarships will be specific enough that most students will not be able to apply. For example, a scholarship open only to Asian American molecular biology graduate students will receive a lower volume of applications than a scholarship available to all STEM majors. 

However, there’s no need to get discouraged if you find it difficult to locate an exclusive scholarship that matches your needs. The multitude of scholarship opportunities available on sites like  Bold.org  means that there is a scholarship for everyone. New scholarships are created and added each day, meaning students who continuously look for and apply to scholarships are more likely to find relevant opportunities. 

In addition, it’s a good idea to apply for both general and exclusive scholarships. This helps students cast a wider net and hopefully increase their chances of winning money. 

What do I have to do to apply?

The application process for most scholarships is fairly simple, especially if students choose to apply through an online platform. 

Sometimes, the most difficult part of applying for a scholarship is simply qualifying, especially if there are many requirements. Once students find opportunities that match their needs, very little action is required.

Students will need to send some of their personal information to the donor to confirm they match the criteria listed. This is often done automatically through online platforms, or students may need to fill out a form through the appropriate school office if the scholarship is not listed online. 

If the scholarship does not require an essay, then that’s all you need to do. If the scholarship does require a personal statement, then that will be the second and final part of the application. 

The essay question, as we’ve covered, can appear intimidating but is usually answered in a page or less. Since donors simply want to hear about you as a person and your academic pursuits, staying honest and true to yourself is usually the best way to tackle the essay. 

It’s not necessary in most cases to do more research to answer the essay question. Sharing personal experiences that relate to the question can be a good way to start. Students should already have all the information they need to answer the question. The only thing left is presenting that information and any personal experiences in an orderly, coherent manner. 

To summarize, scholarships are relatively low-stress to apply to. Students will only need to submit their personal information and write a short personal essay about themselves to be considered.

Are scholarships counted as income? 

Typically, scholarships are not counted as income. 

Scholarships will remain tax-free as long as the scholarship money is used for necessary educational expenses. Necessary educational expenses include tuition fees, textbook and equipment fees, mandatory course fees, and mandatory enrollment fees. It’s important to note that housing and travel expenses do not count as necessary educational expenses. 

In other words, if failing to pay an expense would obstruct your ability to graduate with a degree, that expense likely qualifies as a necessary educational expense. 

In addition, the following requirements must be met for your scholarship money to be considered tax-free. First, the total money earned from all essay scholarships cannot be greater than the total amount your university or college charges you for your education. This rarely happens and is usually not a problem for most students. 

Secondly, the recipient of the essay scholarship money must be currently completing a degree at an accredited college or university. Third, the money cannot be given in exchange for a service or job provided. Scholarship money is not a payment or a salary; it is gift aid that is given to a student to help them pay for college. 

Lastly, the money cannot be marked for other expenses such as room and board (which are not necessary educational expenses). Typically, donors will not stipulate how the money should be spent, so this is rarely an issue. 

The most important part of the essay application is simply finishing it. Many high school students and college students won’t even bother to apply for essay scholarships. As a result, just turning in an application that meets all of the requirements and answers the prompt places you ahead of a good chunk of your peers. Still, it’s good to fine-tune your scholarship essays and make sure you turn in your best work. There are several steps students can take in order to take their scholarship essays to the next level. Click here to read our full guide on how to write a scholarship essay.

Applying for scholarships is not as difficult as it seems. Most applications give clear instructions and are easy to complete. A good place to start is finding a scholarship search resource that works for you. One easily accessible way to find scholarships is through your school. For high school students, the guidance office may be able to connect you with scholarship opportunities. College students, including graduate students, will want to talk to their financial aid office instead.

High school students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, can apply whenever they like. Very few scholarships exist for students below the high school level, and while some opportunities are available to recent college graduates, most are for those still in school. Students at any level between high school and graduate school can start to apply for scholarships at any time. High school seniors are the group of high school students that will likely have the easiest time finding scholarships they can apply for. Many donors looking to create opportunities at the high school level view high school seniors as the demographic most concerned with generating funding for college.

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27 Easy, No Essay College Scholarships

easy scholarships to apply for

Scholarships are important for most college students; even partial scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education. Many partial scholarships don’t have restrictions on how many you can qualify for, so it’s wise to apply for as many as possible.

While some scholarships have an intense application process, there are plenty of options that are far more accessible. We’ve compiled a list of no-essay scholarships that don’t take more than a few minutes to apply for. Some of these easy scholarships are intended for students at any education level, including any high school student, undergraduate, or graduate student.

Every opportunity on this list has a short application with no essay questions. These scholarships don’t have minimum GPA requirements, and most are open to students at every level: high schoolers, undergrads, and graduate students. Take a few minutes to browse the options and apply for the ones you qualify for. You could end up with a much lower tuition payment and a happier bank account!

The Best Easy Scholarships to Apply for in 2022

Here are a few examples of easy scholarships that students can apply to. Some of these scholarships are open to students at any academic level, including one loan forgiveness award for anyone with student debt. 

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

As students join the Bold.org platform, they get the opportunity to showcase their goals, achievements, and drive to scholarship panels via their student profile. The $25,000 “Be Bold” award is a no-essay award that will be given to the applicant with the boldest profile. For bold.org, the boldest does not mean “best” or “most accomplished.” Instead, bold.org believes that the boldest means to be earnest, determined, and moving. This award will be given to the student whose profile closely matches these characteristics. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is June 1, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $25,050
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: November 30, 2022

Nitro Pay For College No-Essay Scholarship

Nitro is a leading financial aid and loan resource platform, guiding students on everything from FAFSA to best practices for federal and private loans. By applying, students will be automatically registered for Nitro. This sets students up for success in funding their education in the most effective way. This award will be given to the applicants who get the most out of the Nitro platform.

  • Award Amount: $10,000
  • Winner Announced: December 1, 2022

Forget Your Student Debt No-Essay Grant

The Forget Your Student Debt Grant is open to anyone with student debt. Adults who have started their careers and are no longer in school are fully eligible. The only criteria is that you have student debt payments to make. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is June 1, 2022

Informed Consumer Scholarship

The Informed Consumer Scholarship will be awarded to one student in any field of study who is interested in making the smartest financial decisions possible as they fund their education. To apply, students will be introduced to a favorite money-saving tool. Applicants who display excellent habits as informed consumers will have a better chance of winning this award. 

  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Winner Announced: February 1, 2023

Verto Semester Abroad Scholarship

With Verto, students can start their college experience abroad in an epic destination while staying on track to graduate in four years. Students can also use their Verto app to gain admission to Verto’s 70+ partner colleges, where course credits will transfer seamlessly. For this award, all high school seniors who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a strong interest in studying abroad are eligible to apply. 

  • Winner Announced: July 1, 2022

Lifelong Learners No-Essay Scholarship

The Bold Lifelong Learners No-Essay Scholarship exists to support lifelong learners that want to acquire a new skill that will be transformative in their lives, whether it be learning to code, digital marketing, writing, or whatever will have a lasting impact on their lives. All students who have a passion for learning are eligible to apply for this scholarship opportunity. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is May 29, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winner Announced: June 29, 2022

Pay it Forward No-Essay Scholarship

One of the many ways people give back is by paying it forward; giving an act of kindness to someone in hopes that they will carry the torch onward to someone else. To promote kindness and to encourage students to continue paying it forward, the Bold Pay it Forward No-Essay Scholarship will be awarded to one student from any field of study who is committed to pay it forward. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is May 28, 2022.
  • Winner Announced: June 28, 2022

Women’s History Scholarship

In order to offset the wage gap and help women break into male-dominated fields, such as engineering, government, and tech, it’s critical that women have the necessary resources to follow through on their goals. This award seeks to support female students so they can complete their degrees and go on to promising careers. Any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who identifies as female may apply for this award.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is August 31, 2022.
  • Winner Announced: September 7, 2022

CollegeVine Dream School Scholarship

This award aims to simplify the college application process and help high school students get accepted to their dream colleges. To apply, students will need to sign up with CollegeVine to calculate their chances of getting into their dream school! Students will need to factor their extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more, then they’ll get custom recommendations for how to improve their odds-all for free. By signing up for CollegeVine, students get access to tools that help them discover schools, understand their chances, and get personalized guidance for every step of the admissions process.

  • Winner Announced: October 6, 2022

WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship

When students find ways to support their community, they contribute to the virtuous cycle of giving that helps individuals and the entire community grow stronger. The WiseGeek No-Essay Community Service Scholarship exists to help current students who go above and beyond to support their school and broader community. This award is open to all students in any field of study.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is August 16, 2022.
  • Winner Announced: September 16, 2022

The Asian American/Pacific Islander Scholarship

Asian American/Pacific Islander scholarship

Asian American and Pacific Islanders students are one of the most diverse and vibrant group of students at U.S. colleges and universities, representing families with roots in more than 50 countries and regions and every socio-economic status. While representation on U.S. campuses continues to grow, many AAPI students need help pursuing a college degree. The  bi-annual Asian American/Pacific Islander Scholarship  was created to support those dreams and increase diversity at colleges and universities across the U.S.

  • Deadline:  The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount:  $750
  • Time To Apply:  2 minutes
  • Winners Announced:  May 16, 2022

The Hispanic Empowerment No-Essay Scholarship

Hispanic Empowerment scholarship

Students from Spanish or Latin American backgrounds are attending college in greater numbers than ever before, making up more than one-fifth of American college students. Many are among the first in their families to pursue a college degree and more than 60% of the students who identify as Hispanic need some level of financial aid to complete their studies. The  Hispanic Empowerment No-Essay Scholarship  is meant to encourage students from Hispanic families to attend and stay in college by helping them pay tuition or repay student loans.

The First-Generation College Students Scholarship

first-generation scholarship

Being the first in their families to attend college makes first-generation students among the most motivated and dedicated at their schools. Academically prepared and highly talented, they often serve as role models for younger family members. To help prevent financial challenges from dashing the dreams of their parents and grandparents, the  First-Generation College Students Scholarship  is dedicated to supporting current or aspiring students who are the first in their family to attend college or university.

  • Deadline:  The application deadline is Feburary 1, 2022.
  • Award Amount:  $500

The Psychology No-Essay Scholarship

psychology scholarship

A degree in psychology can lead to a wide variety of careers in mental health and other kinds of counseling, social work, and teaching – careers that impact all of society. So it’s important that the diversity of students who major in psychology reflects the diversity of the communities they will serve.  The Psychology No-Essay Scholarship  is meant to support and encourage diversity in the profession of psychology. It is open to current or aspiring psychology majors from all backgrounds.

Entrepreneurship Matters Scholarship

entrepreneurship matters scholarship

Entrepreneurs challenge the status quo, come up with creative solutions to hard problems, and push advances in every field. And while being a successful entrepreneur can lead to being your own boss and having a career you’re passionate about, it can take a lot of hard work to get there. The  Entrepreneurship Matters Scholarship  is open to bold innovators who want to change the world.

LGBTQ+ Awareness Scholarship

LGBTQ+ awareness scholarship

For decades, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been denied the rights and opportunities that others enjoy. While there have been advancements in equality, there are still members of the LGBTQ+ community who face prejudice and other challenges. Designed to combat discrimination, the  LGBTQ+ Awareness Scholarship  is open to all students who identify as members of this community.

WiseGeek Disability Scholarship

disability scholarship

In many cases, those with mental and physical disabilities are limited not by their conditions, but by discrimination and lack of opportunities. It’s vital to ensure that every individual has equal rights and access to the same academic and professional options. Students of all grade levels and fields of study are eligible to apply for the  WiseGeek Disability Scholarship .

Recent Immigrants Scholarship

recent immigrants scholarship

Immigrants built the United States and have been responsible for some of the country’s most profound accomplishments. Unfortunately, many immigrants still face discrimination and stigmatization, making it harder for them to access the same academic and professional opportunities as those born in the county. The  Recent Immigrants Scholarship  is intended to support and encourage immigrants to reach their career goals.

WiseGeek Nurse Appreciation Scholarship

nurse appreciation scholarship

Nurses are essential to the healthcare system, both in the United States and abroad. Despite good job stability and open positions throughout the country, there is a significant shortage of nurses. The  WiseGeek Nurse Appreciation Scholarship  is designed to encourage students to consider this career by providing financial support to nursing students.

The Diversity in Law Scholarship

diversity in law scholarship

Lawyers form the backbone of freedom and justice in the U.S., and we believe that diversity in the legal sector is the key to protecting the rights of all Americans. Unfortunately, the legal industry is one of the least diverse professional areas in the U.S. We want to support and encourage minority students who are pursuing legal careers.  The Diversity in Law Scholarship  provides financial assistance to law school students of a racial minority.

”Fight for Equality” Women in STEM Scholarship

fight for equality women in STEM scholarship

Women are significantly underrepresented in the STEM workforce, and we want to help change that. Diversity in any career field is important, and it’s especially vital in STEM industries where different experiences and perspectives can lead to innovative problem-solving. WiseGeek wants to encourage women to pursue degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math with our  ”Fight for Equality” Women in STEM Scholarship .

Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship

mental health well-being scholarship

While awareness of mental health issues continues to grow in the U.S., it can still be hard for students to find the support they need to deal with emotional challenges, academic pressure, and new responsibilities. It can be especially hard to dedicate time and resources to mental health treatment during college, when schedules and finances are tight. The  Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship  is designed to help students who have faced these issues.

Military Appreciation Scholarship

military appreciation scholarship

As Americans, we rely on the men and women in the U.S. military to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. However, it can be easy to forget that serving in the military is a tough job. Service members often have to put their personal goals and educational plans on hold during training and deployments. The  Military Appreciation Scholarship  is intended to honor, support, and thank those who have chosen to serve. It’s open to current, former, and future members of all U.S. military branches.

WiseGeek Nursing No-Essay Scholarship

nursing scholarship

Nurses have never been more essential. They care for patients at every stage of life, delivering our babies, easing our pain and getting us back on our feet after illness and injury, and comforting our families in the darkest of times. It is one of the toughest – and most fulfilling – careers anyone can choose. To encourage high school students to pursue a nursing career and help while in school, the  WiseGeek Nursing No-Essay Scholarship  helps current and aspiring nurses pay for tuition or repay their student loans.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.

community service scholarship

Community service strengthens our society by improving lives, building connections, and tearing down barriers. The volunteers who give so much back to their communities deserve all the support we can give them, including help paying for a college education. The  WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship  recognizes the invaluable contributions of high school and college students who commit their time and energy to lift up their neighbors and neighborhoods.

WiseGeek Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship

cosmetology scholarship

All of us want to look our best for our big events and in our everyday personal and professional lives. The hairstylists, barbers, and estheticians who help us keep our look on point put in thousands of hours of hard work to learn and perfect their craft and to earn the cosmetology licenses they need to work in the beauty industry. Each year the  WiseGeek Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship  helps a dedicated beauty professional offset some of the costs of that intensive training.

WiseGeek Law No-Essay Scholarship

law scholarship

Earning a law degree requires top-notch organizational, analytical, and communications skills – and a lot of help. Most new lawyers come out of school with a significant amount of debt, which can make it harder to launch their hard-earned careers. The  Wisegeek Law No-Essay Scholarship  is awarded each year to new or aspiring lawyers to help offset some of the costs of pursuing a Juris Doctor degree.

This list is just a sample of some of the free scholarships you can find. As you’re making plans to start or continue your college education, take a few minutes to apply for scholarships. Minimizing the financial stress of college can ensure a better educational experience and give you the foundation you need to achieve your goals.

What qualifies as an easy scholarship?

Generally, easy scholarships have no specific criteria for winning, and they only require minimal effort to apply for. The online application process is quick and simple. Some of these awards can be worth hundreds of dollars, which is a substantial payout for a few minutes of your time. These awards can help students planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in the future, current undergraduate students, and current graduate students looking for ways to pay for college.

No requirement to do anything new

One key aspect of an easy scholarship contest is that it doesn’t require you to do anything new to apply. For awards with no essay, you don’t need to spend hours crafting a paper or a personal statement.

As a high school senior, you may have past work that qualifies for some programs, so you don’t have to do anything else. For example, if you already have 50 hours of community service documented, applying for a scholarship with that criteria doesn’t require you to make any further effort.

A minimal application process

A minimal application form is one of the hallmarks of an easy scholarship – you shouldn’t need to provide a lot of paperwork or other materials. Most of these awards just ask you for basic information, such as your name. Sometimes can be automatically entered by creating a free profile on the organization’s website.

Some quick and easy scholarships cater to specific groups, such as bachelor’s degree students or those pursuing a culinary career. For these applications, you may need to provide transcripts or other evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements.

The award is available for what you’re already doing

Some scholarship applications that don’t include essays may require you to submit other materials, such as a poem, video, or report about a historical figure. But you may already have something to submit thanks to your current interests and hobbies.

Did you spend your time as a high school freshman writing songs or doing science experiments? You might have everything you need for the application. Look for programs related to your hobbies, and submit your application for the chance to get paid for what you enjoy doing.

A small pool of applicants

Other scholarships give you a better chance of winning through sheer probability. For example, there are over 1.5 million high school students hoping for a shot at the National Merit Scholarship, but many students with spectacular grades and test scores will not end up winning the money.

However, many awards have less competition, even those open to all college students. By applying for these, you have a good shot at winning just based on the fact that you are competing with fewer people.

How to apply to easy scholarships

In most cases, applying is very straightforward:

Get organized

Make a list of all the awards you want to apply for along with their due dates. It’s never too early to plan for college – even high school freshmen can start thinking about scholarship applications.

Make a plan

Because there are so many scholarships, it’s essential to plan your time so you can meet the deadlines of all the programs you want to apply for. By casting a wide net, you have the best chance of getting a lot of your tuition covered.

Use your time wisely

Most awards don’t take long to apply for, so you can get a lot of them done at once. Essay-required programs will probably take more time. It’s best to start with the time-consuming applications first and leave the easy ones for later when your brain is ready for a break.

By the time you’re a grad student, you’ll have a very efficient process for applying for scholarships.

Tips for winning easy scholarships

college students scholarships

Here are some top tips for getting money to cover your education-related expenses.

1. Pay attention to deadlines.

Deadlines for scholarships can vary wildly, though spring is generally considered the “high season.” Keep track of deadlines, so you don’t miss out on any money due to a late application.

2. Read the entire application.

Even if the award you want has a minimal application form, it’s always good to make sure you understand the entire process. You don’t want to waste time applying for scholarships you aren’t eligible for, and you don’t want your application to get rejected because you missed a step when you were filling it out.

3. Keep checking for new opportunities.

Scholarship opportunities pop up all the time, so it’s a good idea to search for new awards every month on the  best scholarship websites . Even after you’ve filled out your fall and spring applications, keep an eye open for some “late” awards with deadlines in the summer. Check your school’s scholarship winners page for information on additional opportunities.

4. Apply to as many as possible.

There is no limit to the number of awards you can apply for or get, so it’s good to apply for as many scholarships as possible. This is especially true for easy no essay scholarships with applications that don’t usually take more than a few minutes to complete.

5. Work with a private tutor.

Are  private tutors  really worth the money? Is it better to study by yourself than take private lessons? What are private tutors doing that you can’t do on your own? These are questions many students ask themselves, especially when they see how expensive private tutoring is. But do not be fooled – private lessons are definitely worth it. They will teach you the skills you need to succeed at GCSE and A-level exams, as well as help you learn more effectively, which is why private lessons are one of the best ways to boost your grades to increase your chances of winning scholarships.

How to avoid scholarship scams

college student

There are plenty of legitimate opportunities available, but there are also some fraudulent sites. Here are some tips for avoiding scholarship scams.

1. Watch for phishing.

Most easy scholarships require you to provide basic personal information: name, contact info, and date of birth. Be wary of sites that ask for a lot of sensitive details, such as old addresses, parental information, and bank account data. These types of questions are usually designed to facilitate identity theft.

2. Don’t pay to submit your application.

Scholarship programs are all about giving money away, not taking it. If you have to pay a fee to submit your application, chances are it’s not a legit scholarship opportunity.

3. Keep your Social Security number private.

While it may seem like you have to write your SSN on a lot of different forms, you shouldn’t need to give it to most scholarship providers. If the application does ask for your Social Security number, be wary.

4. Avoid companies that offer to “find” opportunities for you.

Along with fake awards, there are also fraudulent companies that make money by selling unnecessary scholarship “services.” There are no legitimate organizations that have access to programs you can’t find on your own. Don’t pay a fee to any company that says it can find and apply for “secret” scholarships that you can’t access yourself.

Frequently asked questions about easy scholarships

easy scholarships for college students

Find answers to some of the most common questions about easy college scholarships.

How many scholarships should I apply for?

There is no limit to the number of awards you can apply for, so it’s wise to submit as many applications as possible. Maybe set aside time for a monthly scholarship application session.

How can I improve my chances of winning easy scholarships?

The best way to improve your chances of winning scholarships is to apply! There are countless prizes out there for eligible students. The more you can apply for, the better your chances of winning some of them.

Are no essay scholarships legit?

Yes. There are plenty of legitimate scholarships without essays. Some awards are as simple as a random drawing.

Are there any drawbacks to applying for easy scholarships?

One potential downside to applying for a no essay scholarship is that you may not end up winning it. However, if the application is simple, you don’t have to worry about wasting time, even if you don’t end up winning.

In many cases, easy scholarships award less money than programs with detailed application requirements. If you have a limited amount of time, use it to apply for a wide range of opportunities.

What is the best strategy for applying for easy scholarships?

Organization and efficiency are two critical strategies for applying for scholarships. Once you have an idea of all the easy scholarships you want to apply for, make a list of the due dates so you can prioritize which ones to go for first.

Websites make it easy to use your time efficiently – with just a few clicks, you can apply for a lot of no essay scholarship awards quickly. Sometimes, you can create a free account to apply for scholarships automatically.

How easy is it to get a scholarship?

It depends on the scholarship contest. To get a full-ride athletic or academic scholarship, you need to be at the top of your game or your class. However, scholarships without essays are easier to get because you don’t have to ace standardized tests or break state football records.

How to find easy scholarships?

The internet is the best source of information on free money for college. Along with the awards you can find through an online search, it’s worth looking at a few other potential sources:

  • Your employer
  • Your parents’ employers
  • Your church or religious community, especially if you plan to attend a Bible college
  • Your chamber of commerce
  • Local charities or community organizations

You can also contact your university directly to see if they have any  scholarships for high school seniors , current college students, or graduate students. Use the library to get information on local scholarship winners, like high school athletes or musicians.

Are scholarships taxable income?

In most cases, scholarship money is tax-free. According to the IRS, there are only a few circumstances when you need to include scholarship funds in your gross income:

When you use the money for incidental expenses, such as travel and equipment If you pay for room and board with the money If the money comes from teaching, research, or other services that you must perform to keep the scholarship

Generally, scholarship funds are tax-free if you use them to pay tuition at an accredited college or university.

What’s the difference between a grant and a scholarship?

Both grants and scholarships are “gift” types of financial aid, which means that you don’t have to pay them back (unlike student loans). However, while scholarships are usually based on merit, most grants are awarded based on financial need.

When to apply for scholarships?

There are three application “seasons”: fall, spring, and summer. Most programs with fall deadlines are for the following school year. For example, a scholarship with a deadline of October 31, 2021, would most likely provide money for the 2022-2023 school year. High school seniors planning to attend college next year should start looking at scholarships in the fall.

Spring is the most crucial time for high school students to look for scholarships – most of these awards have a deadline of May 31. The money applies to the school year starting in the fall.

Additionally, there are some scholarship programs with deadlines over the summer. While these can provide money “immediately” (for the upcoming school year), the application process can feel rushed, especially for students getting ready for their freshman year.

In general, it’s best to apply for scholarships as soon as possible. High school juniors can use the spring and summer before their senior year to start researching the available programs. Current college students can continue to apply for new awards each year.

How many scholarships can I get?

There’s no limit to the number of scholarships you can get. The more gift money you receive, the less student debt you need to take on. However, if you are planning to use financial aid to pay for school, getting a lot of scholarship money can impact the amount of aid you qualify for. If this happens, it shouldn’t affect how much you have to pay for school – it just means that the financial aid money is replaced by the scholarship funds.

Are scholarships just for high school seniors?

No, there are many scholarships for students at any education level, including undergraduate and graduate students. There are also many easy scholarships for high school students that are juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.

Apply to our $10,000 No Essay Scholarship! →

  • Search All Scholarships
  • Easy Scholarships to Apply For
  • No Essay Scholarships
  • Scholarships for HS Juniors
  • Scholarships for HS Seniors
  • Scholarships for College Students
  • Scholarships for Grad Students
  • Scholarships for Women
  • Scholarships for Black Students
  • Scholarships
  • Student Loans
  • College Admissions
  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarship Winners

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!

* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system. ** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements. ***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

Top 32 Easy Scholarships to Apply for in October 2023

essay free scholarships 2022

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Learn about our editorial policies

essay free scholarships 2022

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

Scholarships are one of the best ways for students to pay for college. While many scholarships require extensive applications and essays, others are more straightforward and easy to apply for . While easy scholarships shouldn’t be the only scholarships you apply for, they are a useful part of your scholarship search strategy.

You can apply to easy scholarships quickly, as they have few eligibility requirements and require only a brief essay (if they require any essay at all). Easy scholarships are often offered on a monthly basis, which means you have multiple opportunities to apply.

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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Offered by Scholarships360

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.

Eligibility information

Grade Level: All Grade Levels

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents

Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement

Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

Offered by Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Grade Level: HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

Niche $50,000 No Essay Scholarship

Niche $50,000 No Essay Scholarship

Offered by Niche

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.…

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year. Niche is giving one student $50,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required!

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarships

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarships

Offered by The College Board

Open to US-Based high school students in the classes of 2024 and 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Grade Level: High School Juniors & Seniors

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

Offered by CollegeXpress

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school students.

Grade Level: High School Students

CollegeXpress Candy Corn Contest

CollegeXpress Candy Corn Contest

The CollegeXpress Candy Corn Contest is an easy scholarship from CollegeXpress open to students who are 13+ and a legal resident of the 50 U.S.…

The CollegeXpress Candy Corn Contest is an easy scholarship from CollegeXpress open to students who are 13+ and a legal resident of the 50 U.S. or D.C. A winner will be randomly chosen from among the applicants. If you're eligible, we encourage you to apply!

$2,500 October ScholarshipPoints Scholarship

$2,500 October ScholarshipPoints Scholarship

Offered by ScholarshipPoints

Easy $2.5k scholarship from ScholarshipPoints open to all students.

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

Offered by Christian Connector

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students interested in attending a Christian university or college.

Religious Affiliation: Christian

$2,000 CampusReel Virtual Tour Scholarship

$2,000 CampusReel Virtual Tour Scholarship

Offered by CampusReel

Easy scholarship program open to all students who watch a student-led virtual college tour

Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Other

$2,000 Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship

$2,000 Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship

Offered by The Christian Connector

Are you a current high school student interested in attending a Protestant, faith-based college or university? If so, consider applying for the Annual Protestant Faith…

Are you a current high school student interested in attending a Protestant, faith-based college or university? If so, consider applying for the Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship! In order to apply, you simply need to fill out a form with some simple information about yourself, your high school, and your college plans. You will then be entered in a scholarship drawing with the opportunity to win up to $2,000. The scholarship is offered by The Christian Connector, a "one-stop-shop” for receiving free information from Catholic/Christian colleges and Bible colleges.   If you’re a high school student with plans of attending a Protestant, faith-based college, we encourage you to apply to the Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship!

Grade Level: High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

$2,000 Annual Catholic College Scholarship

$2,000 Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Are you a current high school student interested in attending a Catholic college or university? If so, consider applying for the Annual Catholic College Scholarship!…

Are you a current high school student interested in attending a Catholic college or university? If so, consider applying for the Annual Catholic College Scholarship! In order to apply, you simply need to fill out a form with some simple information about yourself, your high school, and your college plans. You will then be entered into a scholarship drawing with the opportunity to win up to $2,000. The scholarship is offered by The Christian Connector, a "one-stop-shop” for receiving free information from Catholic/Christian colleges and Bible colleges.   If you’re a high school student with plans of attending a Catholic college, we encourage you to apply to the Annual Catholic College Scholarship!

Academic Interest: Religion

Religious Affiliation: Catholic

US Bank Student Scholarship

US Bank Student Scholarship

Offered by U.S. Bank

The US Bank Student Scholarship is an opportunity for U.S. residents aged 17 or older who have been accepted to or are enrolled in a…

The US Bank Student Scholarship is an opportunity for U.S. residents aged 17 or older who have been accepted to or are enrolled in a post-secondary institution to receive help funding their education. Each year, the scholarship awards up to $20,000 to multiple incoming and current undergraduate students who complete some of the U.S. Bank's "financial education lesson" modules. Each module takes approximately 1-2 minutes to complete, and the more that students complete, the more money they become eligible to earn. Applicants who complete up to 35, 100, and 200 modules are eligible to receive up to $2,000, $10,000, and $20,000, respectively. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Offered by Unigo

Are you a big fan of The Walking Dead, or maybe Z Nation? Ever thought about what you would do in the case of a…

Are you a big fan of The Walking Dead, or maybe Z Nation? Ever thought about what you would do in the case of a zombie apocalypse? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship! Each year, this scholarship awards $2,000 to the applicant who, in 250 words or less, best describes their escape plan if there were a zombie outbreak at their school. The scholarship is offered by Unigo in hopes of helping some creative, zombie-obsessed students pay off some of their postsecondary education. If you’ve been inspired by the zombie shows and movies from the past few decades and have come up with a plan of your own, we encourage you to apply to the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship! It’s due exactly when you’d expect: on Halloween.

Grade Level: High School & College Students

$1,500 Keep Going Forward No Essay Scholarship

$1,500 Keep Going Forward No Essay Scholarship

Offered by Keepgoingforward.org

The "$1500 Keep Going Forward" No-Essay Scholarship exists to support anyone moving on to somewhere or something new in life, whether that's a new town,…

The "$1500 Keep Going Forward" No-Essay Scholarship exists to support anyone moving on to somewhere or something new in life, whether that's a new town, new school, new passion, or new phase of life. This scholarship is open to anyone at any level of education including those who have already graduated. All students and non-students in any stage of life or field of study are eligible, the only requirement is that you are moving forward toward something new. Applicants must be based in the USA. It can also be used to pay student debt for people who have graduated and aren't even in school anymore. If you've recently started on a new path or in a new place, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

“A Daring Path” No-Essay Scholarship

“A Daring Path” No-Essay Scholarship

Embark on "A Daring Path" with Calvin Rosser's No-Essay Scholarship! Don't let fear hold you back from living your best life. He believes in supporting…

Embark on "A Daring Path" with Calvin Rosser's No-Essay Scholarship! Don't let fear hold you back from living your best life. He believes in supporting those who are bold enough to take risks and create their own destiny. Whether you're a student or not, from any field of study, he wants to help you achieve your dreams. No essays required, just the courage to take on the world and live a life that others only dream of. Apply and start your journey on "A Daring Path"!

$2,000 Niche “No Essay” College Scholarship

$2,000 Niche “No Essay” College Scholarship

Easy scholarship from Niche open to all high school, college, and graduate students.

$1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

$1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

Offered by Cappex

This easy scholarship from Cappex is open to U.S. high school students and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.

Grade Level: High School Students & College Underclassmen

ScholarshipOwl $50,000 No Essay Scholarship

ScholarshipOwl $50,000 No Essay Scholarship

Offered by ScholarshipOwl

Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students. Each month, 4 winners will be selected to earn $1,000 each. In December…

Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students. Each month, 4 winners will be selected to earn $1,000 each. In December 2023, there will be 2 additional winners earning $1,000 each. Applicant must be a resident of any of the 50 United States, District of Columbia or US Territories except for Rhode Island and Michigan. Applicant also must be 16 years of age or older and either be enrolled now, or will be enrolled within three months of registration in the Scholarship Sweepstakes, in a qualified high school, college or university within the United States.

$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship

$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship

Offered by CollegeVine

Easy scholarship open to current high school students and college applicants. A free CollegeVine account with a completed chancing profile required to enter.

Tips for students applying to easy scholarships

Apply early and often.

The best strategy for applying to easy scholarships is to cast a wide net. You’re less likely to win any given easy scholarship, because the application is “easy” and there are more applicants. So, the best way to help your chances is to apply to a great many opportunities, since each individual application takes minimal time and effort. 

Applying to easy scholarships is great, but you should make sure to spend a good amount of time on more involved applications too. You have a much better chance of winning scholarship money with a well-crafted application to an opportunity that suits you than a random drawing, which is how many easy scholarships pick their winners. If you’re looking for a place to start looking for more specific scholarships, try out our free scholarship search tool to browse custom-matched, vetted opportunities, updated daily!

Expect a lot of email

Easy scholarships are a great way to put your name in the ring for scholarship money without taking too much time on your applications. But keep in mind that each opportunity you apply for will request your contact information. Most of the time, you will be signing up for a mailing list with each application you submit. You might end up getting monthly, weekly, or even daily email from the organization offering the scholarship.

Many people use two separate email accounts: one for personal communication with friends, family, and professional relationships, and another to manage the emails they receive from businesses, from their banks, and from newsletters they subscribe to. Making a separate email can be a great way to manage the influx of mail you will begin to receive if you apply to a lot of easy scholarships.

Consider no essay scholarships

If you’re in the market for easy scholarships, don’t neglect our list of no essay scholarships for college. Our easy scholarships involve little in the way of application materials, but some of them have a short essay or response. These no essay scholarships don’t require any response on your end, and you can easily sit down and apply to many of them.

Be wary of scholarship scams

There are a great many scholarship scams out there, but they are especially common among easy scholarships. Remember to do some investigation before you send off your application to any organization. You should never submit personal information that could be used for identity theft, and never pay an application fee to enter a contest. For more information on the matter, check out our article on how to avoid scholarship scams .

Don’t forget financial aid

One way to pay for college that’s even simpler than easy scholarships is through financial aid like institutional aid, FAFSA funds such as the Pell Grant , and other federal and state grants. Remember, if you are not filling out the FAFSA , you are potentially giving up free money for your higher education. Unlike a scholarship application, the FAFSA does not require essays or personal statements. The application process only takes you and your parents’ financial information such as tax returns and information about assets.

Downsides to easy scholarships

The biggest drawback of easy scholarship opportunities is that many students can apply for them. They are basically like a sweepstakes with free entry, which means that they will get many more applicants than more complex scholarships.

This means that your chances of winning are lower than scholarships with essays and other specific criteria. Many of these scholarships are more similar to a contest than a true scholarship competition based on merit or talent. You may also be opting into receiving marketing materials and offerings from the scholarship providers, so be aware of that if you are asked to opt-in!

Additional scholarship categories

At the end of the day, the easiest scholarship to win is the one you are best qualified for! Let us help you find the perfect scholarship fit with lists tailored to your interests and strengths:

  • Scholarships by state
  • Top scholarships for Black students
  • Top STEM scholarships
  • Top scholarships for high school seniors
  • Top scholarships for women
  • Top writing and essay scholarships
  • Scholarships that don’t require an essay

Frequently asked questions

What are some of the easiest scholarships, what is the lowest gpa to get a scholarship, are easy scholarships legit, apply to the $10,000 "no essay" scholarship.

This easy scholarship is open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students!

essay free scholarships 2022

The Mega List of Scholarships You Should Apply For | Class of 2019-2020

The Mega List of Scholarships You Should Apply For | Class of 2023-2024

There are lots of scholarship opportunities out there, but it can be hard to know where to start looking. Some might even find it too intimidating to begin looking at all! That’s where we come in. We at Colleges of Distinction have compiled a list of scholarships for 2022 to help get the ball rolling. 

There’s no denying it: things like textbooks, tuition, supplies, housing, and dues add up quickly when you get to campus. Luckily, a lot of companies and organizations want to help students like you pave the way to education by offering various grant and scholarship opportunities for different interests, talents, and backgrounds. More than $49 billion in scholarship money was awarded to first-time college students in 2011—and that doesn’t even account for the more than $100 million in unclaimed scholarships that nobody applied to!

Don’t let your up-front costs scare you; with the right planning and resources, you have the potential to take your college bills down a few thousand dollars a semester. Here is a mega list of some of the best scholarships for college provided by companies, organizations, and foundations so that students can focus less on their financial aid and more on their future!

Looking for something more specific? Check out our other scholarship lists in our Advice Column (along with other resources to guide you on your college journey).

For updates on when we add more scholarships to the list, join our Monthly Newsletter here !

Our Top Scholarship Pick

The $25,000 “be bold” no essay scholarship.

Rolling monthly application deadlines. Next deadline: September 1, 2023

Award: Awards $25,000

Overview: The $25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. No-Essay Scholarship in just a few clicks! Fund your education with verified new scholarships, available only on Bold.org. New scholarships are added daily, and membership is 100% free for students.

Household Names’ Scholarships

Well-known brands like Starbucks and Apple not only produce products that we know and love, but they also encourage higher education. They offer both their customers and employees the chance to earn a scholarship to the college or university that they desire. Some brand-name scholarships, such as the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway, grant an award to cover students’ entire tuition. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to apply for a scholarship from a big brand name that you trust and adore. Companies such as Coca-Cola, Taco Bell, Google, Burger King, Ford, etc. have allowed students to further their education. They want to see students succeed and allow them to attend the college that they’ve always wanted to go to. Apply today to get a household name to help you pay for your education.

Foot Locker Scholars Program

Deadline: Updated details for the 2023-2024 program cycle will be posted on this website in October.

Award: Awards $20,000 to  20 student-athletes

Overview: The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program honors student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and strong leadership skills in sports, in their schools, and within their communities. Whether you’re the lead scorer or the most spirited team player, we want to hear how you have taken the skills you’ve cultivated in the locker room and used to them create a powerful, positive impact on the lives of others around you.

Starbucks College Achievement Plan  

Deadline: Ongoing

Award Amount: 100% tuition coverage

Overview:  Starbucks is committed to the success of its partners (employees). Every benefits-eligible U.S. partner working part- or full-time receives 100% tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program. Choose from over 80 diverse undergraduate degree programs, and have our support every step of the way.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

Deadline: October 2, 2023

Award Amount: $20,000

Overview:  The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Applicants must be current high school/home-schooled seniors attending school in the U.S, anticipating completion of a high school diploma at the time of application and planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

BMW Engineering Scholarship

Deadline: Applications for the 2024/25 academic year will open February 1, 2024.

Award Amount: $1,500

Overview: This annual scholarship is provided by BMW AG in recognition of its commitment to excellence in engineering. BMW is world-famous for designing and building luxury, high-performance passenger cars, and motorcycles. The company is also a leader in developing and manufacturing high technology, high-performance internal combustion engines.

2022 HireAHelper Skilled Trade & Technology Scholarships

Deadline: October 14, 2023

Award: $2,000

Overview: Growing demand and lack of qualified workers in skilled trades like the moving industry means it’s a great time to go back to school and enter these lucrative and fast-growing industries. To help keep up with demand and assist the next generation of professionals, HireAHelper will award a $2,000 scholarship four times a year to eligible students.

Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway

Deadline:   October 12, 2023

Award: $100,000

Overview: Dr. Pepper is awarding over $1,000,000 in tuition to help students reach their biggest goals. Requirements: Looking for students ages 18-24 to enter the tuition giveaway.

Doodle 4 Google Scholarship

Deadline: March 4, 2024

  • A $30,000 college scholarship
  • A $50,000 technology package for their school/non-profit organization
  • A trip to Google headquarters in California
  • Google hardware and Fun Googley swag

Overview: Calling all K-12 students – bring your creativity to life in a Doodle of the Google logo, using any medium you choose for the chance to be a Doodle 4 Google winner. The National Winner’s artwork will be featured on the Google homepage and will win a $30,000 scholarship and a $50,000 tech grant for their school. Come back on January 7th to find out the theme of this year’s contest and get doodling!

TMCF | COVID-19 EMERGENCY AWARD

Deadline: This application is expected to open April 18, 2024 and closes August 31, 2024 (11:59 PM EST)

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and varying partners are proud to offer COVID-19 emergency financial assistance to students attending one of TMCF’s 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Students selected will receive an emergency award of up to $1,000 for the 2022-2023 academic school year.

Duct Tape: Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Deadline: July 21, 2024

Award Amount: We’re giving away $20,000 in cash scholarships to high school students who make the best prom attire out of Duck® Brand Duct Tape!

Overview: Create and wear your original & unique prom wear using Duck® brand duct tape and/or Duck® brand crafting tape. Submit photos of your prom creation for a chance to win several awards worth $10,000.

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

Deadline: The 2023 scholarship application process is now closed, please visit this site in the fall for the 2024 scholarship application cycle.

Overview:  Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) is a company-sponsored employee network dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of black employees at Microsoft Corporation. Applicants for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship must be high-school seniors of African descent (for example, African-American, African, or Ethiopian); must plan to attend a four-year college or university in the fall of the year following high-school graduation, and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (such as finance, business administration, or marketing). A minimum 3.3 GPA and financial need are required. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

McDonald’s® HACER® National Scholarship

Big Scholarships for Students Offered by Mcdonald's

Deadline: The application period for the 2023-2024 program will open in the fall.

Award Amount: See website

Overview:  How are scholarship winners selected? The scholarship recipients are selected based on: Academic achievement; Financial need; Community involvement; Personal qualities and strengths as portrayed in a personal interview, either in-person or by phone.

Dell Scholars Program Scholarship

Deadline:   Apply here for deadline information 

Award: A $20,000 scholarship and more

Overview: The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation created Dell Scholars to recognize and assist an underserved population—students in the academic middle from low-income households who are often among the first in their families to attend college. Since starting the program in 2004, the f oundation has supported more than 4,800 scholars, including more than 2,000 college graduates. All Dell Scholars have overcome significant personal challenges in their pursuit of higher education. The financial award helps students with various education expenses; but, most importantly, the program is more than just a check: Dell Scholars is a college completion program that provides students with key supports they need to obtain a college degree.

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program

Deadline: Expected to reopen in October 2023. Click here to be notified.

Award: Up to $40,000 Total Per Recipient

Overview: Honoring the legacy and character of our nation’s 40th President, the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education.

Each year, the Program selects numerous recipients to receive a $10,000 scholarship renewable for up to an additional three years – up to $40,000 total per recipient. Awards are for undergraduate study and may be used for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, and board. In addition, Scholars are invited to participate in a special awards program and receive ongoing leadership-development support.

Shell Incentive Fund Scholarship for Undergraduate Students

Deadline: March 15, 2024

Award: $2,500

Overview:  The Shell Oil Company Technical Scholarship and Shell Incentive Fund Scholarship have been created to provide financial and career assistance to graduating high school seniors who have expressed an interest in the energy industry and demonstrated an aptitude in mathematics and science. In each program, Shell will sponsor up to 20 one-year awards of $2,500 for selected graduating high school seniors enrolling in engineering or geosciences at universities identified by Shell.

The Mega-List of BIG Name Scholarships & Foundations

Ford Motor Company Fund

Deadline: See Website

Award: See Website

Overview: Our mission is to strengthen communities and help make people’s lives better. Working with our Ford dealers and nonprofit partners, we provide access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Ford Fund invests more than $16 million annually to support educational initiatives that empower people to envision and lead change in their communities or in their own lives.

The Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award Sweepstakes

Deadline: Enter here for the chance to win a scholarship! Throughout the year, 12 eligible students or parents will be randomly selected to win a $5,000 Discover® Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses.

Award Amount: $5,000

Overview: Sign up for emails to get helpful college tips and resources, and enter for the chance to win a scholarship! Throughout the year, 12 eligible students or parents will be randomly selected to win a $5,000 Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses.

Huntington’s College Scholarship Sweepstakes

Deadline: December 31, 2023

Award Amount: $4,000

Overview: Scholarship contest for college-bound students. Simply submit this Official Entry form by the deadline posted in the Official Rules and you could win a $4000 College Scholarship!

Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship

Deadline: Expected to reopen fall 2023

Award Amount: Selected students will receive 10,000 USD for the 2022-2023 school year.

Overview: As part of its commitment to military veterans, Google established the Google SVA Scholarship in partnership with Student Veterans of America. The scholarship provides assistance to student veterans who are pursuing university degrees in the field of computer science in the U.S. Selected students will receive 10,000 USD for the 2022-2023 school year.

Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship

Deadline: Sign up for an email reminder for when the next application period opens in Fall 2023.

Award Amount: $25,000

Overview:  The Live Más Scholarship is n ot based on your grades or how well you play sports. No essays, no test scores, no right or wrong answers. We’re looking for the next generation of innovators, creators, and dreamers. Submit a video (2 minutes or less in length) that tells us the story of your life’s passion. It could be a short film, animation or just a simple testimonial. This is not about how well you can make a film – we just want you to show us your passion and explain why you should be considered for a Live Más Scholarship. Employees of Taco Bell Foundation, Inc., Taco Bell of America, LLC, Taco Bell Corp. and its parent, subsidiaries of its parent, franchisees, licensees, and the advertising and promotion agencies involved with this Program are not eligible to apply or receive a scholarship through this version of the program. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

Scholarships Offered by Small Businesses to Students

Small Business Scholarships

Many different small businesses throughout the country want to help students continue their education at an accredited university. Even those that are 

not big-name businesses are willing to help students in need with scholarships that range from $1,000 to $7,500 to go toward a college education. The small business scholarships below are from businesses that care for students and believe that a college education is necessary for future success. Understanding the struggle that paying for college can be, they are driven to help pay for books, colleges application fees, or other educational expenses.

These small businesses are giving scholarship money to students who are deserving of it and who most need financial aid in order to attend college. Take advantage of this kind opportunity from a group that believes in you to continue your education.

Uncommon Student Award

Deadline: Check back for 2024 deadlines

Award Amount: $10,000

Overview: The Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award is a $10,000 scholarship program for Iowa high school juniors. The program is designed to attract students who are motivated and community minded. The award, which honors Herbert Hoover, an Iowa native and the 31st President of the United States, identifies approximately 15 Iowa high school juniors who propose and then accomplish projects of their own design. The projects the students propose should demonstrate the values that Herbert Hoover exemplified in his life of public service.

USG Reflection Scholarship

Deadline: We will be accepting Fall 2024 Applications starting on September 1st!

Award Amount: 1st place: $5,000, 2nd place: $3,000, 3rd place: $2,000

Overview: USG is committed to your development! This scholarship is available for anyone working in the sport industry. This scholarship can be used for personal, spiritual, or professional development. This may include paying off student loans, tuition, job board memberships, conference fees, etc. See site for submission details. 

20 Potential Scholarships for the Top 10 Academic Majors

Live Bearded Scholarship

Deadline: Stay tuned for 2024 updates! 

Award Amount: $2,500

Overview: The Live Bearde d team is all about helping students fulfill their dreams, just as we are fulfilling ours! Most students need a little financial aid, and if we can help you seek a higher education to be the next successful entrepreneur, start a small business, open a barbershop, become a civil or public servant, or whatever path you’re traveling to pursue happiness through education, we’re here to do our part in assisting!

ServiceScape Scholarship 2023

Deadline: The contest starts on November 30, 2022 CST and ends on November 29, 2023 CST.

Overview:  Are you enrolled or about to enroll in a college, university, or trade school? Are you looking for a little extra help in funding your education to cover expenses that other scholarships and financial aid don’t cover? If your answer is “yes,” we have a solution that could help out with books, supplies, or anything else you need to cover your educational expenses. Apply now to our 2019 Scholarship, which will be in the amount of $1,000.00 USD to be paid toward the educational certification/degree program of your choice. The chosen topic is as follows: How does writing impact today’s world? Think about it, write about it, and let us know your thoughts.

Shred Nations Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 31, 2024

Award Amount: $7,500 

Overview: Shred Nations and Record Nations are Colorado based companies dedicated to promoting economic success of businesses in the shredding and secure destruction or management industries.  As a member of i-SIGMA, Shred Nations and Record Nations recognizes the benefits of continuing higher education for those individuals interested in business, environmental responsibility and making future contributions to the community. 

Community Involvement Scholarships

One easy way to earn a scholarship is to get involved in the community. Community service is a great way to benefit others as well as yourself, as your involvement can make you eligible for awards. Not only do colleges take delight in their students’ ability to give to their communities, but community service aids in the mental growth and compassion of the students themselves. Community involvement and service is highly regarded in most universities’ eyes. It shows a student’s helping hand, giving nature, and selflessness and willingness to give up their own time for the sake of others. It suggests that a high school student willing to do this now will continue to serve throughout their college career and in their adult lives. Community service can give a student the opportunity to earn free college money and to ultimately give them the opportunity for future success by opening their eyes to a new worldview. Take advantage of community involvement scholarships in order to help you through college. Your work in the community will open your eyes to a new worldview and open your opportunity to pay for enrollment in the university that you want.

Liv For The Future Scholarship

Deadline: November 1, 2023

Award Amount: $500

Overview: Across the nation, there are many bright, exceptional students who are devoted to their communities, involved in extracurriculars, and stars in the classroom. Unfortunately, many of these students are being blocked from achieving their full potential due to the inaccessibility of college.

This scholarship seeks to support underprivileged students who are active in their community in order to lower the financial burden of higher education.

Any low-income high school senior who has been accepted to a two or four-year degree program and has community service and leadership experience may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us how you exemplify leadership in your daily life.

“Be the Change” Essay Scholarship

Deadline: October 1, 2023

Award Amount: 2 winners, $500 each

Overview: This scholarship seeks to support students who are attending HBCUs so that they can achieve their dreams of higher education.

Any undergraduate student attending an HBCU who has at least a 3.3 GPA and has community service or leadership experience may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, submit a 750-1,000-word essay telling us about how your experience giving back/serving has shaped your perspective on humanity and how these experiences affected your career choice and future goals.

Judy Fowler Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2023

Overview: Judy Fowler spent her life in service before passing away from cancer at the age of 64.

She was constantly volunteering her time to the community, whether that be for the local youth girls softball league, Tooele High School’s drama department, or for neighbors in need. As a way to honor her time and commitment to her community, the Judy Fowler Memorial Scholarship will support a high school senior attending school in Utah.

High school seniors, graduating in 2023 or 2024, are eligible to apply if they live in Utah. To apply, write about an experience you have had serving your community or a time you were served by others, and explain the impact of this experience.

Rev. Frank W. Steward Memorial Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,370

Overview: As students work to make a difference in the lives of others through their careers and through volunteer work, they can live rich and meaningful lives. The Rev. Frank W. Steward Memorial Scholarship will honor Frank’s legacy and encourage students to continue persevering through challenges in order to make the world a better place.

High school seniors in Florida are eligible to apply if they have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have volunteer experience.

To apply, write about how you plan to use your career to make a difference, and explain how you plan to overcome obstacles that come your way as you pursue your educational goals.

Spirit of Giving Scholarship

Deadline: (Annually) Application opens: October 1 Application deadline: July 31

Award Amount: $ 1,000

Overview: The Spirit of Giving Scholarship is available to high school seniors and current college students. You must submit an essay of between 500 and 750 words on one of the following three topics in order to be considered for this award: How have you advanced the spirit of giving in your community or abroad either through service or in giving? How has the spirit of giving affected you personally? How will your college or post-secondary education allow you to be of service to others or give to others?

Alexander de Guia Memorial Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000 5 winners, $1,000 each

Overview: Alexander was an ardent supporter of education, believing that education creates opportunity for growth and positive change. Alexander was also the first in his family to immigrate to the U.S. from the Philippines, overcoming many obstacles and barriers in forging a path for his family.

This scholarship seeks to support students from the Philippines or with Filipino heritage who are leaders in their communities.

Any immigrant or child of immigrants from the Philippines who is in high school or studying at a two-year community college and planning to transfer may apply for this scholarship if they have at least a 3.5 GPA and community service and/or leadership experience.

To apply, tell us how your education will help you make an impact on the world and how this scholarship will support you through your higher education journey.

Community Involvement Scholarships

  The Barron Prize

Deadline: April 15, 2024

Overview: The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes celebrates inspiring, public-spirited young people from diverse backgrounds all across North America. Each year, the Barron Prize honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and the environment.

Christianson Grant

Deadline: October 15, 2023

Award Amount: Up to $10,000

Overview: The Christianson Grant is awarded to motivated young Americans who create and carry out their own meaningful service projects abroad. Grantees also share their experiences via regular blog posts about their project and a completion report in order to further international understanding and promote cultural awareness.

Horatio Alger Association National Scholarship

Deadline: The undergraduate application will be available from December 1, 2023 – March 15, 2024.

Overview: The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. As such, the Association honors the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who are committed to supporting young people in pursuit of increased opportunities through higher education.

Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program

Deadline: The application period for 2023 is now closed. We are now accepting applications for our 2024 scholarships.

Award Amount: Up to $20,000

Overview: Service is the cornerstone of DAV’s mission of empowering veterans to lead high-quality and fulfilled lives. But we would not be able to serve our nation’s heroes without thousands of dedicated youth volunteers across the country. From volunteering at a local Department of Veterans Affairs medical center to assisting veterans within their local communities—and everything in between—DAV youth volunteers across the country are committed to serving our ill and injured heroes.

Ocean Awareness Contest

Deadline: June 14, 2024

Award Amount: Up to $1,500

Overview: The 2022 Ocean Awareness Contest theme WATER RISING challenges students to explore and understand their connection to water, and to creatively communicate the need to protect this vital resource. What are the stories we need to tell about water to sustain and conserve it for current and future generations of life on Earth?

Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships

Deadline: The annual  application  period is October 5-December 5.

Overview: A program recognizes student innovation and youth-led solutions to fight hunger in the U.S. These young people are creating awareness and mobilizing peers in their communities to be catalysts for change. The scholarship awardees comprise a wide variety of students, ages 5 to 25, who are recognized at the national and regional level and hail from across the country. A program that recognizes students who are driving awareness and mobilizing youth to be catalysts for innovative models that provide solutions to eliminate hunger in the U.S. Scholarship winners receive a $5,000 scholarship and a $5,000 grant for their hunger-related charity.

Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship

Deadline: February 26, 2024

Overview: The Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship is available to high school seniors. To be considered, you must submit an essay detailing your volunteer efforts to help animals in need, and how that involvement has changed your life or shaped your perceptions on the importance of animal welfare.

Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund

Deadline: The application deadline for the Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior members is March 1 of each year.

Award Amount: Awards Vary

Overview: The Spirit of Youth Scholarship Fund is an umbrella that supports three separate scholarship opportunities for participants in American Legion Auxiliary programs. One is for American Legion Auxiliary Junior members; another is for the Honorary National Junior President; and one is for participants in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation program.

Point Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: December 21, 2023

Award Amount: Students accepted into the program will receive between $2,000-$4,800 in scholarship support.

Overview: Point Foundation (Point) is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit. Point promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training.

Writing Scholarships

It might seem that writing-focused scholarships are reserved only for those who have a passion for reading and writing, but anyone can take a shot at writing an essay in order to win these specially curated awards. The scholarships below are those for writers or anyone who wants to tell a story through their own written words. They are for students who are eager to write while also demonstrating the essay-writing skills they learned throughout high school. These scholarship essays could be the first step in dealing with the struggle and worry of paying for college ; writing is an easy way to earn free money that could pave the way for a student’s future education and future success. 

Writers know how to create new life in the world we live in. They have the ability to open up our eyes to new perspectives. These writing scholarships give writers (or anyone else) the chance to show the scholarship judges their own perspectives and ideas, which could lead to their chance of earning free college money. Use your writing skills in order to make it all the more possible to enter a world of new college experiences.

CINTAS Foundation Fellowship in Creative Writing

Deadline: May 1, 2024

Overview: Since 1963, the CINTAS Foundation has awarded over 81 fellowships in creative writing. In addition to supporting Cuban artists, many early in their careers, the CINTAS Foundation also maintains a growing collection of works by past awardees and other esteemed Cuban artists. For the purpose of historical value and documentation, award recipients are encouraged to submit creative writings sample, signed book, or other such representative samples of their work to be added to the CINTAS Fellows Collection after the grant period.

2022 Young Writer Award

Deadline: Get notified for 2023 awards

Overview: The Page Turner Young Writer Award 2022 is open to any writer aged between 18 and 25. Our judging panel below includes literary agents looking for young writers to represent and publishers looking for young writers to publish. Entering is a two-step process where you register to set up an account as an author or writer.

Writer for Life Scholarship

Overview: Being able to communicate thoughts and ideas with words is a great skill, and one that writers cultivate throughout their lives.

Writers help bridge the gap between thought and reality, giving voice to their own vision or giving voice to others by sharing their stories. The Writer can report on the world or create a world with their imagination. The Writer For Life Scholarship will support a student who is passionate about pursuing a career in writing.

High school seniors and undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they are majoring in writing, journalism, or related writing fields. Students in Kansas will be preferred.

To apply, write about the goals you’ve set for yourself as a writer, and share a book you think everyone should read in their lifetime.

Ayn Rand Essay Contests

Deadline: November 6, 2023

Award Amount: Up to $5,000

Overview: Have you ever read one of Ayn Rand’s thought-provoking novels? Now’s the time! Enter an Ayn Rand Institute essay contest and you’ll have a chance to win thousands of dollars in scholarship prize money. ARI has held worldwide essay contests for students on Ayn Rand’s fiction for more than thirty years, awarding over $2 million in total prize money! This year we will award more than $30,000 to student winners.

ACES Bill Walsh Scholarship

Deadline: November 15, 2023

Award: Up to $3,500

Overview: The Bill Walsh scholarship, in honor of the late editor, author, and ACES guiding spirit. The winner — a student who demonstrates excellence in the editing of news — receives $3,500 plus financial aid to attend the ACES national conference.

The other five ACES scholarships are awarded to students who excel in critical thinking about written materials in any field and aspire to a career involving editing.

Annual Writing Competition

Deadline: May 5, 2024

Award: Up to $5,000

Overview: Writer’s Digest has been shining a spotlight on up and coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for more than 80 years. Enter our 89th Annual Writing Competition for your chance to win and have your work be seen by editors and agents! Almost 500 winners will be chosen.

Writing Scholarships for Students | Ways to Pay for College

AFSA High School Essay Contest

Deadline: April 1, 2024

Award Amount: Up to $2,500

Overview: The AFSA High School Essay Contest is open to high school students. To be considered, in a 1000 – to 1250 – word essay, you must identify how members of the foreign service work with other civilian parts of the U.S. government to promote peace, national security, and economic prosperity.

Des Moines Women’s Club Literature Scholarship

Deadline: January 26, 2024

Award Amount: $2,000

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior who will be pursuing a major or minor degree in Literature, Language Arts, Journalism, Writing, or Language Education at a college, university, or conservatory.

Applicant may only apply for one Des Moines Women’s Club scholarship per year.

Applicant must be a legal resident of or a registered student in Polk, Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, or Warren County.

Nelson Cabinetry Scholarship

Award: $1,500

Overview: Recipients of our business, interior design, and architecture scholarship will receive $1,500 to use towards expenses related to education including tuition, books, campus housing, and more.

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest

Deadline: April 1, 2024 

Award: $2,250

Overview: Now in its 20th year, this contest seeks today’s best humor poems. No fee to enter. Submit published or unpublished work. $3,500 in prizes .

Creative Scholarships

A creative mind can give a student the opportunity to create beauty in the world around them, whether that be through art or music or dancing. There is so much value to creativity, so it’s no surprise that scholarship accolades are not limited to academics, but can also award the creative aspects of a student’s life. A creative scholarship gives a student the freedom to use their talents in order to give themselves the chance to earn money to help them pay for college. The special quality of a creative scholarship is students with all kinds of talents can earn money to help pay for college, submitting applications with art that ranges from music or film to painting or creating résumés for fictional characters. 

When applying for a creative scholarship, you should be prepared to submit a portfolio or a sample of your work to show off your abilities for the scholarship judges. In order to win, you’ll have to put forth your best creative effort, impress the judges, and shine brighter than the other applicants. If you have the ability to create, take advantage of the opportunity of generating something that you love in order to potentially earn money for college.  

55 Scholarships Anyone Can Apply For

Our Top Pick: Carl’s Music Matters Scholarship

Deadline: February 20, 2024

Overview: This scholarship aims to encourage high school students to pursue music so they can achieve their creative goals.

Any high school senior who is an aspiring musician may apply for this scholarship by submitting a short video.

In your video, tell us about adversity you have faced and how you overcame it. Also, tell us about your relationship with music and what it means to you.

Matt Preziose Creative Scholarship

Deadline: September 5, 2023

Overview: This scholarship aims to honor the life of Matt Preziose by supporting students in New York who are pursuing a degree in the arts.

Any undergraduate student pursuing an art-related major in the state of NY may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, submit your favorite piece of work and briefly tell us why freedom of creative expression is important to you.

Ninja Transfers Entrepreneurship Scholarship

Overview: There are many entrepreneurial high school and college students who aspire to launch their own apparel line but lack the resources to do so. Whether you’re interested in starting a side hustle or you wish to make apparel your future career, it’s important to stay true to your passions.

This scholarship aims to support creative students who dream of starting their own fashion line one day.

Any high school, undergraduate, or graduate student who aspires to launch their own apparel line may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about your vision for your clothing line and why starting one is important to you.

“A Bold Life” No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: February 1, 2024 

Overview: To encourage people to create an adventurous and exciting life as they define it, the “A Bold Life” No-Essay scholarship exists to support a student who will do what it takes to live life to the fullest.

The scholarship is open to all students and non-students from any field of study. The only requirement is that you’re committed to overcoming fear and relentlessly pursuing a life that will leave you fulfilled.

DRIVE an IMPACT Today Scholarship Deadline: October 31  2023

Award Amount: $3,000

Overview: The sense of DRIVE – determination, respect, innovation, versatility, equality, nurture – starts at a young age.

Those who exemplify the DRIVE qualities inspire change and are crucial components of creating a better future and are poised to create an IMPACT – innovation, motivation, purpose, advance, career, training. It’s critical to enable these deserving, driven students with the keys to success through access to opportunity, mentorship, and financial support.

This scholarship aims to create opportunities for underserved students so they can find success regardless of their background or resources.

Any underrepresented high school or undergraduate student who has financial need and possesses the DRIVE qualities and desires to make an IMPACT may apply for this scholarship.

Windward Spirit Scholarship

Deadline: January 7: New Scholarship & Renewal Scholarship Applications Open April 1: All Applications Close

Award Amount: $48,000 16 winners, $3,000 each

Overview: Any high school or undergraduate student who is striving to make a difference may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, Please offer your thoughts and/or ideas about the Ode To Millennials-Gen Z text. Read the ode here .

GoSkills Scholarship

Deadline: Fall Deadline: Sept. 15 Fall Award Date: Oct. 15 Spring Deadline: March 15 Spring Award Date: April 15

Overview: Fall Deadline: Sept. 15. Okay, Female high school and college students, here is your time to debut your online business ambitions. There are open-ended questions on the application, but it’s more like a friendly conversation. The questions ask you about your concerns and your role models. Besides the application, you need to provide a link to your business plan (GoSkills provides instructions for your business plan right above the area for the link). If you don’t get excited about writing an essay, try your hand at mapping a business plan.

National YoungArts Foundation

Deadline: October 13, 2023

Award: Up to $10,000

Overview:   Writing encompasses creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story and spoken word. The strongest submissions demonstrate a sense of inventiveness, show attention to the complexities and technical aspects of language, and have a clear, original, and distinct point of view.

Andrew Flusche Scholarship Contest

Deadline: November 30, 2023.

Award: $500

Overview:  The Andrew Flusche Scholarship Contest requires students to raise awareness about different legal issues. Applicants must create a public service advertisement video (PSA) about how to drive courteously.

essay free scholarships 2022

Allwork Scholarship 

Deadline: March 18, 2024

Overview:  This merit-based scholarship supports architecture students with demonstrated financial need. Students must be nominated by the dean or chair of the school of architecture in which they are currently studying in order to apply for this award.

The Cover Guy 8th Annual Scholarship

Deadline: The Cover Guy (Jay Labelle) 2024 Annual Scholarship will now open soon for applications.

Award: $1,000

Overview: The Cover Guy 7th Annual Scholarship is now open for entries. Please follow the instructions below to enter your application for the Scholarship. The Cover Guy Scholarship is an award of finances towards your educational pursuits and also an acknowledgement of your hard work and dedication both in your community and studies. The students and community leaders that have won the award before you speak volumes of the Character of the people that are recipients of this award yearly. The Cover Guy Scholarship recipients is also a small community and you will be in great company if chosen for this award. It has been a wonderful experience giving back to our communities and helping a few of our future leaders in their educational pursuits. Again this year the award will go to a student or students that represent the Qualities of The Cover Guy and our Employees.

Axon Optic’s “Migraine Story” Scholarship

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Overview: Any current, full-time student of an accredited two-year or four-year American university or college is welcome to apply. There is no age or specific major requirement. To enter, applicants must submit either 1) an essay (maximum of 300 words), 2) a video (less than 1 minute), or 3) an image (photograph, drawing, etc).

Shout It Out Scholarship

Overview: It would take more than just one hand to count all the reasons why the number five is important – and we want to know what you think! What is it about the number five that’s so significant to you? One great reason is that May is the fifth month – which just so happens to be a great time to apply for fun scholarships. Help us bring awareness to the fifth month and the number five.

Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: Applications expected to open December 2023

Award Amount: Up to $180,000

Overview: Since its inception, the IRA Educational Foundation has awarded almost $2.8 million to deserving students pursuing Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management in college. To qualify for a scholarship, you must be a permanent resident of the State of Illinois (under the age of 30); be accepted and plan to enroll in an accredited culinary school, college, or university; be enrolled as a full-time or substantial part-time student, taking a minimum of 9 credit hours each term and major in a culinary, restaurant management, or food service related program. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

Scholarships for Creative Students | Arts, Crafts, & Design

CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

Deadline: October 20, 2023

Award Amount: Varies

Overview: This award is for full time African-American or Black students pursuing a degree in visual arts including, but not limited to, architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production and other decorative arts.

Collegiate Inventors Competition

Since 1990, with the help of our sponsors, they have awarded more than $1 million to students nationwide.

Deadline: Check back in the spring for information on the 2023 competition.

Overview:  The Collegiate Inventors Competition® (CIC) is your opportunity to bring national attention to your work, gain valuable feedback from our National Inventors Hall of Fame® Inductees and compete for cash prizes. This unique invention competition drives innovation and entrepreneurship at the collegiate level. Their judges, including National Inventors Hall of Fame® Inductees, provide invaluable feedback and guidance as we reward the country’s most innovative university students.

14th Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest

Deadline: March 1, 2024

Award: $10,000

Overview: Would you like your artwork featured by the leading publisher of premium quality cards in the United States? Here’s your chance! We formally invite you to enter our 14th Annual Create-A-Greeting Card $10,000 contest. Design a greeting card for the opportunity to win yourself a $10,000 scholarship and $1,000 for your school. Plus, your winning entry will be made into a bona fide greeting card by The Gallery Collection.

Achieve Today Scholarship Fund

Overview: Entries must be submitted by December 31 for the spring semester and August 31 for the fall semester at midnight. The winning applicant will be selected within two weeks after the deadline. The scholarship will be applied to to current semesters tuition. Submit a video or audio of three to five minutes OR submit an essay of no fewer than 800 words on personal development or high performance. Competitive candidates will explain one of the following personal development principles and discuss how living that principle made a positive impact in their life or helped to overcome a life challenge.

College Photographer of the Year Award

Deadline: September 18, 2023

Overview: Student photographers are invited to enter the College Photographer of the Year contest. Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students enrolled for at least one semester, trimester or quarter between September and December at any college or university, and who have not worked 2 or more cumulative years as a full-time photographer, videographer, audio reporter or multimedia producer, including paid internships. Awards will be offered in the Still Division and Multimedia Division. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships

Deadline: Each year, the application cycle opens in February and closes in April.

Overview: AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships benefit underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students who are studying photography, illustration, and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarships are awarded annually to encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers.

Autumn House Poetry Contest

Deadline: The submission period opens January 1, 2024, and closes May 31, 2024

Overview: The winner will receive book publication, a $1,000 honorarium, and a $1,500 travel/publicity grant to promote their book. All finalists will be considered for publication. Poetry submissions should be approximately 50-80 pages. Each new poem should start on a new page. Illustrations are strongly discouraged

The Virginia Budge Award for the Creative and Performing Arts

Deadline: NEW 2023 Application TBA

Overview: The Virginia Budge Award exists to create, promote, develop, sponsor, sustain, facilitate, and further the Arts within Butler County, Ohio. For the mission of the Committee, the term “Arts” shall be defined and literally construed to include the making or doing of things that have form and beauty, and to encompass all forms of Arts including the Arts of music, painting, sculpture, dance, theater, film, opera, ballet, and any other of the performing Arts requiring and exhibiting an exceptional level of creativity, skill or talent

Yolanda and Sam Shuster Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2023 

Award: $1,500 

Overview: This scholarship aims to support first-generation Americans who need assistance to pursue higher education in order to create a better life for themselves and their families.

Any first-generation American (the child of immigrant parents) who is an undergraduate student majoring in business may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us the story of your parents and how their experiences and work ethic have impacted who you are today.

2024 First-Generation Student Scholarship

Deadline: December 15, 2023 

Award: $500 

Overview: Are you a first-generation student enrolled, or about to enroll, at a trade school, college, or university and need assistance covering educational expenses?

Qualifications for a first-generation student require your parent(s) to have not attended or completed a 4-year college or university degree (regardless of other family members’ level of education).

Editor World LLC (“Editor World”) is pleased to announce its offering of a scholarship in 2024 to provide aid with books, supplies, or anything else a student may need to cover their educational expenses. The 2024 Scholarship shall be in the amount of $500.00 USD to be paid toward the educational program of your choice.

To apply for the Editor World 2024 Scholarship, applicants should complete the application form in full and submit a 300-word essay on what motivates you to complete your certification or degree. Terms and Conditions, with rules and exclusions apply.

Stop-Painting Scholarship

Deadline: Fall Semester: June 15th Spring Semester: November 15th

Overview: Fall Semester: June 15th. Spring Semester: November 15th. Stop-Painting is proud to offer a bi-annual scholarship program to provide financial support to a current graduate or executive education student who can articulate how a visually organized workplace can make a company more productive. We are especially excited to get applications from students studying industrial organization psychology, supply chain management, lean organization, business organization, operations management or related fields..

Dorian De Long Arts & Music Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2023

Overview: The Dorian De Long Arts and Music Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school student who intends to pursue advanced education (major or minor) in the arts. Eligible applicants must be attending a college/university in Colorado. Recipients will be notified no later than April 1. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

Gordon Hay Scholarship

Deadline: Check back soon for the 2023 Gordon Hay Scholarship application.

Award: $5,000

Overview: The Gordon Hay Scholarship Fund is a merit-based scholarship established in memory of Gordon Hay, an organizational development professional, who was passionate about transformational change through authentic engagement of people’s hearts and minds in the strategic work of business. He believed passion and fire from within fueled exceptional results.

Road to Safety Scholarship

Deadline: Check back for 2023 application details 

Award: Up to $1,000

Overview: Metzger Wickersham’s scholarship program encourages students to take a stand against dangerous driving. The Road to Safety Scholarship Contest provides high school seniors with the opportunity to submit a creative project about the dangers of drunk driving or distracted driving for the chance to win college scholarship money. The ultimate goal of the contest is to help spread the message to drive with safety in mind all the time!

Doan Foundation Arts Scholarship

Overview: This scholarship aims to support marginalized teens in California who are pursuing careers in the arts so they have the resources they need to achieve their dreams.

Any low-income high school senior in California who has at least a 2.5 GPA and is pursuing the arts may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us how your family feels about your decision to pursue the arts and what impact art has had on your life.

CMP Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 31, 2023

Overview: The Civilian Marksmanship Program is proud to provide this scholarship program for deserving high school seniors who excel in marksmanship! Known in the past as, simply, the CMP Scholarship Program, it was renamed in 2020 to the Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship.

Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: December 9, 2022

Overview: Terry Masters was a beloved and award-winning oil painter who is best known for his passion and immense talent for plein air painting – the act of painting outdoors in natural light versus in a studio or enclosed setting.

This scholarship aims to continue Terry’s legacy of giving by inspiring others to embrace and pursue the same passion and joy that Terry found in painting outdoors and to honor his memory through excellence in the arts for years to come.

Any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate pursuing a degree in the fine arts may apply, but preference will be given to painters. Candidates who practice plein air (painting in the outdoors) are highly preferred.

To apply, submit a short essay telling us how the everyday world inspires your art and submit 2-3 images of your original art pieces. Original art only. No reproductions accepted.

2022 FFTA Scholarship

Deadline: Check back for 2023 application details. 

Award amount: $3,000

Overview: For more than three decades, Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) has provided financial aid to students interested in the fields of flexography and/or graphic communications through the FFTA Scholarship, enabling them to fulfill their college goals and earn money toward their schooling expenses.

2022 Youth Workplace Safety Video Contest

Deadline: Contest starts October 2022

Overview: This is an amazing opportunity to showcase your knowledge and creativity!

Iowa Scholarships for the Arts

Deadline: April 3, 2023

Award Amount: $2,500 

Overview: Apply for funding to pursue a post-secondary education in the arts. The Scholarship for the Arts provides support to Iowa high school seniors who excel and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing an arts-related major at an Iowa college or university.

Ron Hubbard Writers of The Future Contest

Deadline: December 31, 2022

Award Amount: Up to $1,000

Overview: L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new writers of science fiction and fantasy to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience.

WJA Student Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000 – $7,000

Overview: The WJA Foundation provides scholarships to female-identifying students enrolled in jewelry or metalsmithing programs at an accredited college, university, or training school. Recipients are selected by a jury in early June and are awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,000.

Pretty Lightroom Presets Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 15, 2023

Overview: Pretty Lightroom Presets recognizes the importance of higher education and the role it plays in our personal and professional fulfillment. That’s why we are so excited to continue our Pretty Presets for Lightroom $500 annual scholarship. This ongoing scholarship provides college and university students an opportunity to earn money to further their education and achieve their goals!

John L. Dales & George Heller Memorial Scholarships

Deadline: May 31, 2023

Award Amount: Up to $3,500

Overview: The SAG-AFTRA Foundation John L. Dales Scholarship Fund was created in 1973 in honor of the legacy Screen Actors Guild (SAG) longtime Executive Secretary. Since its creation, the John L. Dales Scholarship has awarded more than $7.5 million in scholarships to over 2,000 SAG-AFTRA members and their dependents. 

The Howard Chapnick Grant

Overview: In 1996 the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund established the Howard Chapnick Grant, to encourage and support leadership in fields ancillary to photojournalism, such as editing, research, education and management. The Grant was established to honor the memory of Howard Chapnick, and to acknowledge the value of his enormous contribution to photography. 

The UncommonGoods Spring 2022 Scholarship

Deadline: The first application period begins on April 1st at 12:00 a.m . Eastern Standard Time (“EST”) and the deadline to apply is July 15th at 12:00 a.m . Eastern Standard Time (“EST”). The second application period begins on September 1st at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (“EST”) and the deadline to apply is December 15th at 12:00 am Eastern Standard Time (“EST”)

Overview: The Fall application period starts on April 1st with a final deadline of July 15th. The Spring application period starts on September 1st with a final deadline of December 15th. We know it isn’t always easy when you’re just starting out in a creative field of study. So, we’re offering a scholarship to help hardworking student-artists out, because hey—you might be gracing our assortment with your work someday!

The Foundation Scholarship Fund

Deadline: November 22, 2022

Award Amount:

• One $2,000 (1) Bachelor of Fine Art scholarship (watercolor emphasis)

• One (1) $2,000 Bachelor of Art in Art History or Museum Studies scholarship

Overview: The Frederic Whitaker and Eileen Monaghan Whitaker Foundation (The Whitaker Foundation) will open its next round of its nationwide Art Scholarship Program, The Whitaker Foundation Art Scholarship Fund, in March 2022. Applications for the Fall 2022 Scholarships will be accepted from March 1 through May 15, 2022.

The Foundation intends to support art students with a special emphasis on watercolor and museum studies and to help them meet the diverse needs of today’s professional art and museum world.

Through the application process facilitated by The Whitaker Foundation, students are required to gain knowledge of the Whitakers’ works through submitted essays or watercolor paintings.

BEF Scholarship of the Arts

Deadline: Click here to apply 

Overview: Calling all CF artists! BEF’s Scholarship of the Arts is an annual award promoting communication through creativity. Artwork in the form of video, painting, sketching and sculpturing is considered.

Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: November 1, 2022

Overview:  Pamela Branchini was a lover of the arts and was passionate about music, visual arts, design, and decor.

Pamela had a generous spirit and was always striving to support and encourage those she worked with as well as the artists and performers she helped produced concerts and events. Pamela used her life to create beautiful events for all to enjoy and made a positive impact on everyone she met.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Pamela Branchini by supporting students who are pursuing degrees in the fine arts.

Any student in Nevada who is or will be pursuing a higher education program in the fine arts, such as instrumental music, vocal music, musical theatre, design, or other fine arts, may apply for this scholarship.

Hilda Klinger Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: December 1, 2022

Award: $1,700

Overview: Hilda was a gifted and devoted artist. She always said that she was born with a pencil in one hand and a box of crayons in the other. Her artistic passion was creating portraits and filling her home and community with beautiful pieces of artwork.

The Hilda Klinger Memorial Scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Hilda Klinger by supporting students who are pursuing degrees in the arts.

Any high school senior who is pursuing an arts degree may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, tell us where your love of art originates from, who your favorite artist is, and why they are your favorite.

Western New England University ad

Illustrators of the Future Contest

Overview: L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience. Entries in the Illustrators of the Future Contest are judged only by professional artists. Three prizes of $500 (a total of $1500) are awarded each quarter. From the twelve quarterly winners each year the judges select a grand prize winner to receive the L. Ron Hubbard Golden Brush Award and an additional $5000 cash prize.

Harpo Foundation Grants for Visual Artists

Deadline: Next cycle will open February 2023

Overview: The Harpo Foundation was established in 2006 to support emerging visual artists. The foundation seeks to stimulate creative inquiry and to encourage new modes of thinking about art. We view the definitions of art and artist to be open-ended and expansive.

The 3×3 International Illustration Show

Deadline: March 27, 2023

Award: Up to $1,500

Overview: 3×3 is the first publication devoted entirely to the art of contemporary illustration. Published in the United States and distributed worldwide, our sole interest is in sharing what’s shaping international illustration.

Future Generation Art Prize

Deadline: Check back for 2023 application 

Award: Up to $100,000

Overview: The biannual Future Generation Art Prize is the only prize for the young generation of artists with a global dimension and guided by an open, free, and democratic application process (online). Supported by an eminent board, distinguished jury, and outstanding selection committee, the Prize brings together the best of the art world to champion a new generation of artists. Together with its award of $100,000 and commitment to commission new works, the Prize sustainably supports artists around the globe.

Design Scholarships

Aauw return to learning scholarships.

Deadline: Application forms and deadlines for 2023 scholarships will be posted in November 2022.

Overview: The Lombard Area Branch of AAUW “Return to Learning” scholarship is offered to assist females in completing an undergraduate or master’s degree, or a certification program. Students must reside in Lombard, Villa Park, Oakbrook Terrace, Wheaton, Addison, Glendale Heights or Glen Ellyn in order to apply and are continuing college after a significant interruption. Special consideration is given to women who demonstrate strong academics, financial need, and an interest in a STEM field of study. Winners will be announced in May. 

Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship

Overview: The Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship provides financial assistance and promotion of Asian American college students pursuing a major in the performing, visual arts, journalism and/or mass communications. To be eligible, applicant must be of at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity, must be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the U.S. and must be either a high school senior or a college student currently enrolled fulltime at an accredited U.S. vocational, junior college, or four-year college/university and must be a full- time, associate/bachelor/master degree seeking student by the upcoming academic calendar year and pursuing a major in the visual/performing arts (film, theatre, fashion, photography, graphic design, dance, music, journalism, mass communications, etc.).

IFDA Student Member Scholarship

Overview: The IFDA Student Member Scholarship is available through the IFDA Educational Foundation to a full-time, current student member of IFDA who has completed a minimum of four design courses in a post secondary interior design or related program. The IFDA student identification number must be included on the application form.

Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship

Award: $3,000

Overview: The Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship was established by the Carolinas Chapter to honor Ruth Clark, one of the chapter’s founding members. Ruth Clark, an IFDA Fellow, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. During her career, she designed upholstered furniture for several companies, and many of her designs have become classics in the industry. She mentored design students and young professionals in the field, served as Carolinas Chapter President and received the prestigious IFDA National Honorary Recognition Award in 1994. Currently she is a design consultant and furniture designer for The Clark Connection. The scholarship is open to currently enrolled post-secondary students whose emphasis is on residential furniture design.

Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship

Overview: The Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship was established by the New England Chapter to honor the late Tricia LeVangie, an active and committed IFDA New England member. The scholarship is for an undergraduate student focusing on the evolving green/sustainable field of study. Sustainable design is the development of innovative ways to create living spaces that are energy efficient and feature green/sustainable materials, fabrications and products. The student applying for this scholarship is planning to become an educated participant in the green movement. Paying equal attention to both sustainability factors and design aesthetics, the student should be demonstrating creative use of green products and eco-friendly furnishings in class projects. The student is familiar with current information in the green/sustainable field, is applying this knowledge in class work and has a goal of seeking a future LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation. The recipient of this scholarship must be enrolled for the fall semester following the March 31st application deadline, in order to receive this scholarship.

Two Ten Higher Education Footwear Design Scholarships

Deadline: January 7: New Scholarship & Renewal Scholarship Applications Open April 1: All Applications Close (Annual)

Award: Up to $3,000

Overview: Two Ten provides scholarship opportunities to any student who is studying design with a focus on footwear. Applicants are evaluated by financial need and design potential. Unlike our traditional college scholarships, the Footwear Design Scholarship is available to any student who is studying design with a focus on footwear. This program was created in 2003 to assist students with a demonstrated interest and skill in pursuing a career in footwear design. Applicants are evaluated by design potential and financial need. Awards of up to $3,000 annually are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

ASID Legacy Scholarship for Undergraduates

Deadline: April 20, 2023

Award: $4,000

Overview: The ASID Legacy Scholarship is open to all students in their junior or senior year of undergraduate study enrolled in at least a three-year accredited program of interior design. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic accomplishment, creative achievement, and personal statement. The jury will evaluate entries on academic record, presentation skills, design and planning competency, and conceptual creativity. Applicants must submit a design portfolio featuring 8-12 pages of work which demonstrates design solutions that positively impact occupant’s well-being.

Irene Winifred Eno Grant

Deadline: Spring 2023

Overview: The Irene Winifred Eno Grant provides financial assistance to individuals or groups developing an educational program(s) or project that is dedicated to health, safety, and welfare. This grant will be evaluated on the strength of the project proposal, budget, promotion plan, and expected outcome. The grant is open to students, educators, interior design practitioners, institutions, and an interior design related group.

Future Designer Scholarship

Overview: At CardsDirect our job is to capture a moment that resonates with our customers and present it through our greeting cards. We want your help designing our next top-selling holiday card – and are proud to offer our scholarship program. The winner of our Future Designer Scholarship will receive a $2,500 scholarship to a secondary institution of their choice and will have their designs featured as products on our site. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and already accepted or enrolled in this educational organization. One entry per person. Click here for official rules and details.

IDSA Gianninoto Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: Login to apply 

Overview: IDSA’s Gianninoto Graduate Scholarship originally was established with a $25,000 contribution by the late Francesco Gianninoto, FIDSA, a US package designer who was a founder of the Package Design Council, and president of Gianninoto Associates from 1932 to 1983. One of his most famous designs was the “Elsie Daisy,” the Borden Cow. Gianninoto was an honorary professor at Western Connecticut State University, where he taught communication through design.

IDSA Design Foundation Industrial Design Undergraduate Scholarship

Overview: IDSA, through the Design Foundation—a public charity supporting design education—grants an undergraduate scholarship that recognizes excellence in design education. The recipient earns $1,500 USD to be used for undergraduate course tuition fees in the completion of an industrial design degree. Awards are based solely on the excellence of the work students have submitted. 

Graham Foundation Grants to Individuals

Deadline: November 15, 2022

Overview: These grants assist individuals with the production-related expenses that are necessary to take a project from conceptualization to realization and public presentation. These projects include, but are not limited to, publications, exhibitions, installations, films, and new media projects.

Betty Harlan Memorial Art Scholarship

Deadline: February 1, 2023

Overview: The Betty Harlan Memorial Art Scholarship provides educational resources to students pursuing a degree in the visual arts. Applicant must be a graduating senior from a public or private high school who resides in Boone, Ogle, or Winnebago County, who plans to pursue a degree in visual arts, visual art education, or visual art history, has a minimum 2.75 GPA, and shows involvement in organizations and activities that focus on the visual arts. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

Military/Public Service Dependent Scholarships

Military and public service jobs require a lot of sacrifice, but a college education does not have to be another one of those sacrifices. With these duties come plenty of organizations and resources looking to give back to those who have already given so much. Whether you’re active duty, retired, or a dependent, there are so many scholarships opportunities that can help you accomplish your career goals. To show our gratitude to soldiers and public servants, we have dedicated a list of scholarships just for them. This list offers scholarships for government employees and all branches of the military to make their scholarship search easier. Thank you for your service!

Our Top Pick: Veterans Next Generation Scholarship

Deadline: December 6, 2022

Award Amount: $750

Overview: In recognition of all that veterans have done for our country, this scholarship seeks to support the children of U.S. military veterans so they can pursue higher education.

Any student who is the child of a veteran and is currently enrolled in an undergraduate or trade school program may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, please tell us how being the child of a veteran has shaped your career goals.

CGX Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 28, 2023

Overview: Recognizing the value of education and the benefits it brings to the Coast Guard Family, the Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) Scholarship Program was established to provide additional financial resources to dependent children of Coast Guard personnel embarking on undergraduate college/university studies. Annually a $2,000 scholarship is awarded to the outstanding applicants on a one-time basis. The number of scholarships granted each year depends on available funding.

Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association Scholarship

Deadline: Application material must be postmarked no later than midnight: 2 Feb in the (current) year in which the scholarship is presented.

Overview: The Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association Scholarship has been established to recognize relatives of Army Service Women.

Military/Public Service Dependent Scholarships

Wings Over America Scholarship

Overview: Our mission is to provide college scholarships to dependent children and spouses of all US Navy personnel – officer and enlisted – active duty, retired, honorably discharged or deceased who served within Naval Air Forces. Recipients are selected on the basis of scholastic merit, community service, extra-curricular activities and character.

Marine Corps CTE Scholarship

Deadline: Applications processed on a monthly basis

Overview: We’re committed to supporting Marine children in pursuit of their educational goals and there’s no more versatile educational path than through Career and Technical Education (CTE). From health sciences to finance, IT to manufacturing, CTE professionals are on the cutting edge of today’s most hands-on careers. This scholarship is for students planning to attend a non-degree certificate program or vocational training that is 12 months or less at a community college or private career school listed on College Navigator .

ICMA-RC Public Employee Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: Applications are accepted annually from December 15 – March 15

Overview:  The ICMA-RC Public Employee Memorial Scholarship Fund (ICMA-RC Memorial Scholarship Fund) was founded in 2001 to honor the lives of our nation’s police officers, firefighters, and other local and state government employees who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The fund provides financial assistance to the surviving spouses and children of employees who have died in the line of duty and are planning to attend an accredited two-year community college, four-year accredited university, or vocational school full-time.

Each year, scholarships are awarded to selected students. Since its inception, the ICMA-RC Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $900,000 in scholarships to hundreds of recipients.

College Funding for Military/Public Service Dependent Students

Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund

Overview: The mission of the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund is two-fold. First, it helps offset the high cost of a college education for the sons and daughters of American heroes. Second, it is a reminder to the recipient that their parents’ sacrifice will never be forgotten by a grateful nation.

Children of Fallen Patriots Scholarship

Overview: The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every child of a fallen patriot receives all necessary college funding. We are dedicated to serving the families of service-members from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Fallen Heroes Scholarship

Awards: Multiple 

Overview: A college education is the key to the American Dream, opening the door to a world of opportunities. This is why the Coast Guard Foundation’s education support is one of the most meaningful ways we show Coast Guard families we value their service, and there is no program which highlights this more than the Fallen Heroes Scholarship.

Ben Brock Memorial Scholarship

Overview: This scholarship aims to honor the life of Ben Brock by supporting lifelong learners who are active military, veterans, or the family members of active military or veterans.

Any high school senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student majoring in geography, software engineering, or computer science may apply for this scholarship if they’re active military members, veterans, or the family members of military members or veterans.

To apply, tell us how you became interested in geography or computer science/software engineering and what your connection to the military is.

Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship

Deadline: May 13, 2023

Overview: To honor his legacy, the Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship exists to support military veterans and their children and spouses who have suffered from PTSD due to their service. All military vets, military spouses, and children of military vets currently in school are eligible.

To apply, please write about how your experience with military service-related PTSD has affected you. Please also discuss how you hope to use your experience to help other veterans who are currently suffering from PTSD.

Scholarships for Military Children Program

Award: A total of 500 scholarship grants, each $2,000.

Deadline: The online application for the 2023-2024 Academic year will open on December 12, 2022. Please check back in September 2022 for additional details

Overview:  Commissaries are an integral part of the quality of life offered to service members and their families. The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency worldwide.

Athletic Scholarships

Many students throughout the country go to a college or university on an athletic scholarship. Paying for and attending college is not an easy feat, let alone trying to succeed while also attending practices and training as a student-athlete. A thletic training itself can be a full-time job , so any amount of help toward your college expenses can give you less to worry about. These athletic scholarships award money based on a student’s ability to excel in or contribute to a particular sport. The tennis scholarship, for example, seeks those planning on earning their degree in Professional Tennis Management, while the men’s and women’s golf awards are given to those committed to golf. 

An athletic scholarship encourages a student’s passion for sports, all while giving them a little help in paying for college. If you are a student-athlete and need assistance paying for college, you may be able to take the first step toward success and prevent student loans from hovering over your head when you graduate. Apply for an athletic scholarship today!

Our Top Pick: Jennifer Webb-Cook Gameplan Scholarship

Deadline: April 1, 2023

Award: $3,485

Overview: Jennifer died in September, 2021, from COVID. In memory of Jennifer Webb-Cook and in honor of the sacrifices she made for her son, the Jennifer Webb-Cook Gameplan Scholarship will support a student athlete who needs a little extra help off the launching pad! High school seniors who are student athletes from single-parent households are eligible to apply if they are continuing their athletic careers on the college level.

To apply, write about the obstacles you’ve had to overcome coming from a single-parent household and how sports have impacted your life.

Au’s Golden Ticket Scholarship

Deadline: December 7, 2022

Award: $5,000 ( 5 winners, $1,000 each)

Overview: Not all hard-working athletes are noticed by recruiters and big schools, but they should still be noticed and appreciated.

Au’s Golden Ticket Scholarship will support athletes who have given their all on the field, specifically those who exemplify hard work and determination, but who may not have gotten major recognition. This mission is important because athletes at smaller schools or on teams that win less don’t always get the same recognition that other comparable athletes may get.

High school seniors are eligible to apply if they are student athletes. To apply, create a video a minute or less long explaining your involvement in athletics and your community. You may also include a letter of recommendation from your coach.

David G. Sutton Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: January 1, 2023

Overview: Dave was a loyal friend to those who knew him, had a huge heart, a booming voice, a never-ending wit, and amazing sense of humor. He was an athlete but coaching was always his calling.Throughout his life, Dave coached all levels of basketball, baseball, and football. He was a tough coach with a huge heart who always tried to get the best out of his kids and lift them up both on and off the field.

This scholarship aims to honor the life of David G. Sutton by supporting those that exemplify his fighting spirit and supportive nature.

Any high school athlete in Pennsylvania may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, tell us about a time when a coach impacted your life in a positive way and how you exemplify the ideals and traits like Dave that made him one in a million.

Athletic Scholarships for Students Going to College

Professional Tennis Management Scholarship

Deadline: Application deadlines may vary. 

Award Amount: Two $10,000 awards

Overview: The USTA Foundation offers a scholarship targeting those High School seniors who exhibit a passion for tennis and plan on seeking a Professional Tennis Management degree at one of the schools offering this program.

Women’s Western Scholarship

Deadline: Applications open

Overview: The Women’s Western Golf Foundation was established in 1971 by the Women’s Western Golf Association and is committed to increasing participation of women in golf and dedicated to providing Women’s Western Scholarships to worthy and deserving undergraduate women. Since its inception, the Women’s Western Golf Foundation has awarded over $4.2 million in scholarships to more than 665 young women across the country.

Sports Lover Scholarship

Overview: Sports contribute to our culture, bring people together, and promote health and competition. Top Nutrition Coaching shares this passion for sports, and hopes to contribute to the field of athletics by supporting students pursuing a career in an athletic field. The Sports Lover Scholarship will promote teamwork, discipline, and healthy living by helping those who demonstrate an interest in an athletics-related career.

High school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students are eligible to apply if they are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents and are an athletics or sports-related major. To apply, write about what role sports have played in your life and why you have chosen to pursue a career in an athletic-related field.

USA Gymnastics Men’s Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 15, 2023 and June 15, 2023

Award Amount: See Website

Overview:  On September 28, 1999, the Men’s Junior Olympic Program Committee (JOPC) took a bold step for the future of men’s gymnastics by adopting a Men’s Scholarship Program at the Junior Level. The scholarship program mandates that a one-dollar donation be collected for every athlete participating in a men’s USA Gymnastics sanctioned event where a fee is charged. This one-dollar per athlete fee will be donated to the National Gymnastics Foundation Men’s Scholastic Scholarship Program.

Scholarship for Golfers

Overview: For many, golf is more than a leisurely pastime.

It challenges players, helps them to develop critical thinking skills and gets them outside and moving. It’s seemingly a simple game, yet requires focus and technique to truly master the sport. And beyond the game itself, it brings together players from all different backgrounds and walks of life to create a community and network of people who can turn to each other when needed. To celebrate the game of golf and those that play it, the Scholarship for Golfers will award a student that plays the game in any capacity, either for their school or simply as a pastime.

Students of any educational level are eligible to apply if they play golf in some capacity. To apply, write about your golf journey, including how you started playing, how you continue to play and why golf is important to you.

The Dizzy Dean Scholarship

Deadline: June 15, 2023

Award: Varies 

Overview:    Ty Gaulden was the first commissioner of Dizzy Dean Baseball and a national director from Alabama, Mr. Gaulden served until his death in 1980. This scholarship shall be awarded by the National Board of Directors, under such rules and conditions as it may determine, provided however, that only those players who participate in the program of the corporation who are in need of financial help shall be eligible. The deadline to submit an application for scholarship is June 15th of the current year. No applications accepted after June 15th. Applications must be submitted for renewal.

Billy Welu Scholarship

Deadline: June 21, 2023

Overview:  The Professional Bowlers Association Billy Welu Scholarship is awarded annually, recognizing exemplary qualities in male or female college students who compete in the sport of bowling. The scholarship winner receives $1,000. To be eligible candidates must be amateur bowlers who are currently in college (preceding the application date) and maintain at least a 2.5/4.0 GPA or equivalent.

Race Entry Student Scholarship

Deadline: August 15, 2023

Overview:  Race Entry is an  online race registration  company that supports students of all disciplines who pursue self-improvement and enhanced health through race preparation and participation. Annually Race Entry is offering a $500 scholarship to the winner of our annual “Race to Inspire” essay contest. Many people have different reasons for running in a race. We want to hear & share your inspiring story.

Overview: The Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant provides financial assistance to young men and women who aspire to earn a college golf scholarship through competitive junior golf.

Peter T. Buecher Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 1, 2023

Award Amount: $1,000 2 winners, $500 each

Overview: Everyone has the potential to give back to their community and make a difference, even if it is small. The Peter T. Buecher Memorial Scholarship seeks to reward students in Minnesota who have a desire to enrich the lives of others in their community. Minnesota high school seniors and undergraduate students who play sports and have a good moral character are encouraged to apply.

To apply, write a little bit about yourself and how you seek to enrich the lives of people in your Minnesota community.

Scholarships For Students With Illnesses or Disabilities

No matter one’s disability or illness, a student may be able to receive aid that is reserved for people with their unique set of circumstances. Disability scholarships, as well as scholarships for particular illnesses, have grown in number with the hefty cost of higher education in mind. Medical bills for therapy, treatment, and trips to the hospital add up quickly and can make the extra expense of college seem unattainable. Thankfully, scholarships like the ones shown below minimize the amount of bills that already come with being a person with an illness or disability.

The scholarship donors want to give students with disabilities the same chance for education that anyone else has as well as the ability to delve into any career they desire. Take advantage of the amazing opportunities presented through disability and illness scholarships to take financial burdens and worry off of your shoulders in order to reach your educational and career goals.

Our Top Pick: ALS Family Scholarship

Overview: ALS is mostly diagnosed in those aged 60 or older and it affects around 30,000 people in the United States alone, with 5,000 new diagnoses made each year. Due to the unique nature of the disease, an ALS diagnosis can have a significant effect on a patient’s family due to the increased assistance they’ll need as the disease progresses. Between this extra responsibility and the costs of medical care, family members of those with ALS often face many obstacles when pursuing their own lives and careers.

This scholarship seeks to support families of those afflicted by ALS so they can pursue their career goals in the face of this difficult disease.

Any student who is pursuing career enhancement through education and is the child or spouse of someone who has ALS or someone who has died from it may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us how ALS has affected your life and how this scholarship will affect your career path.

John D. Sherman Scholarship

Overview: This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of John D. Sherman by supporting low-income or students with financial instability who live in Vermont and have MS or other disabilities.

To apply, tell us how you have persevered through your disability or other obstacles to get to this point in your education for the pursuit of your goals and interests that you are passionate about.

Ruthie Brown Scholarship

Overview: This scholarship seeks to support BIPOC students so they can reduce or eliminate their college debt.

Any BIPOC student who is working full or part-time and has a disability (i.e physical, mental, cognitive, developmental) or is an adult learner or non-traditional student may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us how you’re working to address your current and/or future student debt.

Dylan’s Journey Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: Mar 21, 2023

Overview: Dylan’s Journey Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to one student with Neurofibromatosis (NF) and/or a learning disability of any variety. High school, undergraduate, and graduate school students are eligible to apply.

To apply, either submit a video or write an essay that tells about your experience with NF or your learning disability, your motivation for pursuing higher education, and why you feel you are a good candidate for this scholarship.

Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship

Deadline: The application program will be available again in November.

Overview: Northwestern Mutual Foundation has established a scholarship program to assist pediatric cancer survivors, age 25 and under, who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs.

This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals.

Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Sibling Scholarship

Deadline: The application program will be available again in December. 

Overview: Northwestern Mutual Foundation has established a scholarship program to assist siblings of individuals who are in current treatment, have survived or passed away from childhood cancer who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals.

Northwestern Mutual Announces College Scholarship Programs to Benefit Those Affected by Childhood Cancer Scholarships will provide financial support to help recipients continue their education and achieve college dreams.

OAR Scholarship Program

Deadline: Application expected to reopen in December.

Award: Award: $3,000

Overview:  In 2008, OAR introduced the Schwallie Family Scholarship to support the post-secondary, undergraduate education of qualified individuals with an autism spectrum diagnosis. Schwallie Family Scholarships are supported through generous gifts from the family of former Board member, Ed Schwallie. In 2013, we announced the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship Program, an expansion of our scholarship program that benefits students attending any of the types of institutions that fall under the Schwallie Family Scholarship Program criteria, as well as any of the growing number of certificate and life skills/transition programs in the country. Board member and Scholarship Committee chairwoman, Lisa Hussman, championed the initiative, which is supported through a generous gift from the Lisa Higgins Hussman Foundation. As of December 1, 2017, we have awarded a total of $815,500 to 268 students from across the country.

Their scholarship program provides $3,000 scholarships to students across the autism spectrum.

Undergraduate Scholarships Worth Applying For

Undergraduate Scholarships

Many students don’t realize how expensive college can really be until they are deep in it. Thankfully, it’s not too late ; scholarships aren’t only available to high school students! There are a wide range of scholarships out there that any undergraduate student can get their hands on. Financial aid typically offers undergraduates a rewarding sum of money, but it rarely provides all of the financial relief students need. And while taking out student loans can also provide monetary aid, it comes at a price. 

With this diverse scholarship list, students are sure to find opportunities that can help them pay for books, tuition, and more. The list consists of both general and major-specific categories, so you’re sure to find some that are perfect for you. Take advantage of your free time and apply to some of the scholarships below. Get started — your wallet will thank you later!

Our Top Pick: Chief Lawrence J. Nemec Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: January 14, 2023

Award: $20,000 ( 10 winners, $2,000 each)

Overview: In memory of Lawrence J. Nemec Jr., a fire station chief who was passionate about community service, this scholarship seeks to help five students who are volunteer firefighters or EMTs pursue their educational goals.

Any high school, undergraduate, or graduate student who has financial need and works as a volunteer EMT or firefighter may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us why you volunteer for an ambulance service or fire department. Please also submit some form of proof of your volunteering activity (letter from an officer, membership card, etc.).

Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship

Award: $1,250

Overview: Since 1995, SHAPE America has awarded scholarships to outstanding undergraduate and graduate student members. The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, developed by the past presidents of SHAPE America to honor deserving students, is awarded to three undergraduate students and two graduate students in January of each year. All scholarships are presented at the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo held in the spring.

CC Bank’s Young Scholars Scholarship

Overview: Each year CC Bank’s Young Scholars Scholarship offers up to five $2,000 scholarships to students attending universities, colleges, and other academic institutions across the U.S.

JKCF College Scholarship Program

Deadline: November 17, 2022

Award: See Website 

Overview:  The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities.

essay free scholarships 2022

Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship

Overview: The award is a $1,000 scholarship awarded annually to an undergraduate student. Recipients may spend the award in any manner they desire. Recipients will also receive a one-year complimentary student membership in SHAPE America.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships

Deadline:  See Website

Overview:  Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Publicly-supportedHBCUs enroll over 80% of all students attending HBCUs. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space.

The USRA Scholarship Awards

Deadline: Applications for 2023 awards will be accepted starting in June 2023. 

Overview:  USRA presents up to four scholarship awards all worth $4,000 to undergraduate students each fall.

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students attending a four-year accredited college or university that offers courses leading to a degree in science or engineering. Applicants must be within two (2) years of earning a B.S. or a B.A. in a field of science and engineering, including life science and science education by the time the award is received. Scholarship awards are made in the fall, with applications accepted during the summer.

1st Generation People Of Color Patrick Copney Memorial Music/Arts Scholarship

Deadline: May 17, 2023

Award: $2,000 (2 winners, $1,000 each)

Overview: My brother, Patrick Copney, had a deep love for music and art.

His passionate legacy is carried on through this scholarship, which helps support first-generation students from low-income homes. As a low-income, first-generation college student myself, I understand the importance of encouraging the next generation of students to pursue their education in Music and the Arts. The 1st Generation People of Color Patrick Copney Memorial Music/Art Scholarship will help give financial assistance to low-income, African American, first-generation college students as they pursue a career in music or art in New York.

Students in New York are eligible to apply if they are first-generation college students earning a music or arts degree. This scholarship is specifically for African American high school and undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds. To apply, write about why you are passionate about the degree you are pursuing.

Beacon Scholarship for Rural America

Deadline: Fall 2022: June 30, 2022 Spring 2023: November 30, 2022

Overview: Since 1980, Carrot-Top Industries, Inc. (Sponsor) has been a leading flag and patriotic products retailer priding ourselves on a dedication to patriotism and community growth across America. Now, we want to help low-income students living in rural areas with their college endeavors. The Beacon® Scholarship for Rural America will award $1,000 scholarships to ONE winner in the Spring and TWO winners in the Fall semester, to graduating high school seniors, current college students or adult learners planning to enroll in an accredited college program during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Bushnell Bioinformatic Scholarship

Overview: Any undergraduate students attending Fort Hays State University or the University of Georgia and majoring in bioinformatics, computer science, biology, or agriculture and plant sciences may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, please submit two letters or recommendation, and tell us about your accomplishments within the field of bioinformatics and what your career goals are. Examples of personal development in this field can include but are not limited to, learning interfaces and software required bioinformatic analysis, development of new bioinformatic software, generating novel sequencing data, and/or improving currently available datasets.

Sweepstakes Scholarships

Need money to help you pay for your college expenses, but don’t have the time to fill out those long scholarship applications? Sweepstake scholarships may be the best choice for you. These scholarships are a quick, easy way to collect money with little to no effort required. They usually don’t require any essays or information about academic achievements and financial needs. All you need to do is fill out a form—some even let you submit multiple times! Start applying to the sweepstakes scholarships below today. The more you apply to, the more chances you have to win some money. Good luck!

  $2000 Nitro College Scholarship Application

Deadline: October 31, 2022 

Overview:  Nitro cares about providing you the resources you need to successfully navigate financing college. That’s why we’re offering you the opportunity to earn a $2,000 scholarship from Nitro. We know that college is a big step forward in achieving your goals and we want to help you get there using all the tools Nitro has to offer.

Deadline: See website

Overview:  Sign up for emails to get helpful college tips and resources, and enter for the chance to win a scholarship! Throughout the year, 12 eligible students or parents will be randomly selected to win a $5,000 Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses.

Music/Tune Scholarships

Students who decidedly want to pursue a career in music know that the competition is steep and the prices are high. Take advantage of music scholarships, made especially for you, and use them to pave your way through college and to the career of your dreams. The talent for music can begin at any age. Whether you took piano lessons in elementary school, you were in the band in middle school, or you decided to learn how to play the guitar in high school, there’s bound to be something out there to help pay your college expenses.

Alys Robinson Stephens Alumni Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

Award: This is a one-time $1,000 scholarship.

Overview: To be eligible for the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors/graduates and accepted to UAB. There are no applications for this scholarship: via audition and testing, the student must prove to be of substantial talent and show promise for continued excellence in music. There will be a strong focus on incoming freshmen; however, current UAB students and transfer students are eligible to apply. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

Fund for the Advancement of Musical Arts

Award: Varies

Overview: FAMA grants are designed to support a specific music education/outreach project. They are non-renewable and are not intended to support ongoing projects. New grant applicants will receive priority over previous grant recipients, and preference will be given to community projects that strengthen music education/music appreciation in the United States.

Over the Rainbow Scholarship

Deadline: Application expected to open April 1, 2023

Overview: Alex G. Luttrell, gained his wings in a car accident on October 15, 2017. During his time in this life, Alex became a very accomplished musician, singer and actor. He was involved in Band, Chorus and Drama at his beloved South Paulding High School. During his time at school he participated in Fall and Spring musicals and in his Junior year he played the role of the Spartan Warrior King in the Marching Band’s halftime show “Spartan Odyssey.” He also appeared in the “Ant-Man and the Wasp” movie and on TV. Those around him were infected by his charismatic spirit and entertained by his hilarious antics. Alex was known for his hair flips, nicknames and alter egos. Caring about others was in his bones and the Alex G. Luttrell Over the Rainbow Foundation will carry on this legacy by providing scholarships to performing arts students. 

There is a wide range of scholarships that are waiting for you to scoop up! After you finish going through our list, continue searching for more scholarships. The more you apply, the more you have a chance to get money that can help you during college. Good luck!

More Helpful Resources:

NEW LIST: 51 Scholarships Worth $1,000 for High School Students

Accepted to Multiple Colleges? Here’s How to Confirm—and Reject—Your Admission

How to Find—and Win—Scholarships: Your Complete Guide

College Prep Guide: How to Create a Four-Year Plan for High School Freshmen

Disclaimer : This article contains affiliate links to products and services. We may receive commissions for purchases made through these links.

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Ana-Marcela joined the Colleges of Distinction team as an intern in 2018. Over the years, she has transitioned from intern to outreach associate, and now leads the team’s marketing and digital strategy efforts. Ana-Marcela coordinates social media and written content that helps students find the answers they need at every step of their college journey. She also led the research and development of the newest recognition, Military Support, which highlights institutions that dedicate resources to the service of service members and veterans of the military.  Ana -Marcela is a native Austinite and she earned her Bachelor’s in English Literature from St. Edward’s University. She spends her free time hiking the greenbelt, salsa dancing, cruising the aisles of half price books, and cuddling her cats.

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The Best Writing Scholarships of 2023

Curated by Reedsy.

Showing 161 scholarships that match your search 🔦

Immerse education.

💰Top award: $7,141 to 10 recipients

essay free scholarships 2022

The Immerse Education Essay Competition provides the opportunity for students aged 13-18 to submit essay responses to a pre-set question relating to their chosen subject. 10 winners will receive a 100% scholarship, with runner-up prizes also awarded. 100% Scholarship Award For Cambridge, Oxford, Sydney & London Summer School Essay Competition.

Organization: Immerse Education.

Deadline: January 04, 2024.

Additional awards: Runner-ups: 50% of scholarship.

Categories: Critical Essay.

Creative Writing Award

💰Top award: $40,000 to 1 recipient

essay free scholarships 2022

The winner will be offered the opportunity to occupy during her or his first academic year the residence room where J. D. Salinger lived; and Leadership standing in the Ursinus writing community. The winner will be expected to join the previous award winners in reading subsequent creative portfolios, and will help the Office of Admission in selecting the next winner. Award winners are also expected to be prominent members of Ursinus’ Literary Society, The Lantern, and the creative writing community.

Organization: Ursinus College.

Deadline: January 15, 2024.

Categories: Critical Essay, Journalism, Nonfiction, Novel Writing, Personal Essay, Playwriting, Poetry, Portfolio, Research, Screenwriting, and Short Fiction.

The Sub Pop Loser Scholarship

💰Top award: $7,000 to 1 recipient

essay free scholarships 2022

Sub Pop Records is extremely proud to offer a grand total of $15,000 in college scholarship money to three eligible high school seniors. To apply you must submit a one-page essay using any combination of our questions as a guide (or write something completely your own, be inspired and creative!). Applicants must be residents of Washington or Oregon in pursuit of higher education.

Organization: Sub Pop Records.

Deadline: March 23, 2024.

Additional awards: Second place scholarship of $5,000, third place scholarship of $3,000.

Categories: Personal Essay.

Islamic Scholarship Fund Program

💰Top award: $10,000 to 10 recipients

essay free scholarships 2022

Students who are Muslim or active members of the Muslim community may apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund. The ISF awards multiple scholarships each year ranging from $3,000-$10,000, though the amounts and number of recipients will vary. Students must submit applications including essay questions, work samples, and letters of recommendation, and must also be majoring in an ISF-supported field related to media or politics.

Organization: Islamic Scholarship Fund.

Deadline: March 21, 2024.

Additional awards: Multiple awards of varying amounts will be given.

BBB Torch Talk Scholarship

💰Top award: $2,000 to 6 recipients

essay free scholarships 2022

BBB Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to educating consumers on a variety of marketplace issues; this scholarship is in pursuit of that goal. Applicants must attend high school in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington or Western Wyoming, and will submit a 500-word essay for BBB’s online magazine Torch Talk on one of the given topics.

Organization: Better Business Bureau.

Deadline: March 16, 2024.

Flag House Scholarship Award

💰Top award: $1,812 to 1 recipient

essay free scholarships 2022

Do you know of an unsung history-maker in your community? Is there an organization in your community working to keep the legacy of a historically significant, but often overlooked, individual alive and relevant? Identify a person living or from the past whose professional work, activism, or personal story has made a significant impact on you or your community. Describe why their story is unique and explain how they have changed history. Response should be limited to 350 words.

Organization: The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House.

Deadline: March 26, 2024.

Categories: Research and Critical Essay.

Unpublished Writer's Award

💰Top award: $1,000 to 1 recipient

essay free scholarships 2022

The winner of this award receives $1,000, an invitation to accept the award at our annual awards ceremony, promotion on our website, and a feature of their work in our Magajournal and quarterly newsletter. Applicant must email an original, unpublished fiction work (short story or novel excerpt) not to exceed 2,000 typed words on double-spaced pages

Organization: Go On Girl! Book Club.

Deadline: March 31, 2024.

Additional awards: Invitation to awards ceremony, promotion through website and publications.

Categories: Short Fiction and Novel Writing.

Marguerite Young Endowment Fund

💰Top award: $1,500 to 10 recipients

essay free scholarships 2022

The Marguerite Young Endowment Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who plan to study theology. Candidates must be attending a Protestant seminary as a master of Divinity candidate, preparing for full-time ministry and/or be a seminary intern at a Protestant Church. Application must includes proof of this, as well as a personal essay.

Organization: The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Christine B. Dexter Scholarship

💰Top award: $2,000 to 1 recipient

essay free scholarships 2022

The Christine B. Dexter Scholarship was established in honor of Christine B. Dexter after her passing from stomach cancer in 2008. This scholarship awards undergrad students a $2,000 scholarship towards their fall tuition. All recipients demonstrate a history of community service and resilience through their cancer journey.

Organization: Christine B. Foundation.

Incight Scholarship

💰Top award: $2,500 to 50 recipients

essay free scholarships 2022

The INCIGHT scholarship is open to students in Washington, Oregon, and California who have a documented disability. Applicants must complete two detailed essay responses (video essays also welcome) in order to be eligible. The number of awards and total amount awarded will be determined during the selection process, and winners will be notified in June.

Organization: INCIGHT.

Deadline: April 01, 2024.

The AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship

💰Top award: $1,500 to 3 recipients

essay free scholarships 2022

The AAF-Greater Evansville awards scholarships to deserving high school and/or college students yearly in April. To be eligible, students must plan to pursue a career in advertising, marketing, public relations or graphic design. Application varies yearly but includes various education details and personal statements.

Organization: American Advertising Federation of Greater Evansville.

Categories: Journalism.

Aspiring Literary Scholar Award

essay free scholarships 2022

The winner of this award receives $1,000, an invitation to accept the award at our annual awards ceremony, promotion on our website, and a feature of their work in our Magajournal and quarterly newsletter. Candidate must submit an essay not to exceed 800 words on the topic "The Power of The Written Word."

Dr. Jerry Pournelle Scholarship

💰Top award: $2,500 to 1 recipient

essay free scholarships 2022

The Dr. Jerry Pournelle Scholarship may be awarded to a candidate of any gender majoring in engineering, math, biological or physical sciences, or “science fiction as literature” as an eligible field of study. Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay on one of several scientific topics.

Organization: The Heinlein Society.

Categories: Research, Personal Essay, and Critical Essay.

Dr. Yoji Kondo Scholarship

essay free scholarships 2022

The Dr. Yoji Kondo Scholarship may be awarded to a candidate of any gender majoring in engineering, math, biological or physical sciences, or “science fiction as literature” as an eligible field of study. Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay on one of several scientific topics.

Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship

💰Top award: $1,000 to 15 recipients

essay free scholarships 2022

Project Sleep’s Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship is a national scholarship program to support students with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Students must complete an application form that includes a response to the esssay question: "If you could go back in time and speak to yourself on the day you were diagnosed, what would you say? Write a letter to yourself on that day."

Organization: Project Sleep.

Filter your search

Apply to writing scholarships for every kind of student. Whether you’re looking to submit a short piece or your entire portfolio, you can explore opportunities on this page to find exactly the right scholarship for you — and potentially win thousands of dollars to fund your education.

(Do you host a writing scholarship? Submit it here )

What are writing scholarships?

Writing scholarships are financial awards given to students based primarily on written work, though other factors are usually taken into consideration as well. Most writing scholarships involve a prompt or series of prompts to which applicants must respond. Some writing scholarships — especially those that award large amounts of money — require applicants to submit past writing samples, or even a full portfolio.

The good news is that, with so many writing scholarships to choose from, you don’t have to apply for any that are “out of your league.” Indeed, though most students have heard of writing scholarships, you may not realize just how many different varieties there are! Here are five of the most common types of writing scholarships, all of which you can find in this directory.

1. Personal essay scholarships

Personal essay scholarships involve writing on a topic related to your own experience. You’ll often see personal essay prompts like, “How have your experiences influenced your choice of major?” and “What are your career aspirations and how do you plan to achieve them?” Other prompts may ask you to write about a role model, a life-changing event, an aspect of your identity, etc. Suggested length is usually about 500-1,000 words, but varies depending on the level of detail requested and how many essay questions are provided.

Just about every scholarship these days has a personal essay component of some kind. This is because personal essay responses both demonstrate writing skills and give the judges a clear sense of each applicant’s goals. No one wants to throw away money on an aimless student — so if you’re applying for a personal essay scholarship, make sure to convey both your writing abilities and your ambitions in your work!

2. Critical essay scholarships

Critical essay scholarships are more in line with what students might consider  “academic” essays. The prompts typically ask applicants to analyze works of literature. However, unlike open-ended English class essays, most critical essay scholarships provide a very specific prompt (e.g. “Examine The Great Gatsby in the context of its World War II-era revival”).

Critical essay scholarships can also involve non-literary subject matter. Some may ask applicants to evaluate a historical event or figure; others may ask them to defend their stance on a political or legal issue. Though the line between critical and personal essays can sometimes blur, for the purposes of this directory, we define critical essays as those that use evidence from an external source to prove a point.

3. Short fiction scholarships

Short fiction scholarships include scholarships for short stories, one-act plays, poetry, and any other form of fiction that isn’t a novel or full-length script. Short fiction scholarships tend to be easier to find than long-form fiction scholarships, since most judging panels don’t have time to read more than a few thousand words per entry. Therefore, if you write fiction and you’re hoping to nab yourself a scholarship, this category is the way to go! (That said, if you’re a hardline novelist, some places will accept a sample chapter or two as short fiction entries.)

4. Journalism scholarships

Journalism scholarships are for students interested in pursuing a career in news, magazine, and/or online journalism. These scholarship applications almost always ask for writing samples to show the candidate’s interest. Depending on the organization, they may prefer topical news reports, informative articles, thinkpieces, or a mix. Some journalism scholarships provide a prompt and ask applicants to write a new article, but the focus is usually on samples. Speaking of which…

5. Portfolio scholarships 

Portfolio scholarships are the most rigorous kind of writing scholarship, requiring a substantial body of work from each applicant — usually 5-10 pieces of writing, if not more. The upside is that awards for portfolio scholarships tend to be pretty sizable, and may even cover your entire tuition!

If you decide to apply to a portfolio scholarship, make sure you have several strong pieces of work in your oeuvre, and consider writing a few new pieces as well. What you shouldn’t do is rush through a dozen new pieces to throw together as a portfolio. If you don’t have samples at the ready from previous assignments or projects, you’ll be better off applying to a less intensive writing scholarship.

Why apply to writing scholarships?

Applying to writing scholarships is a huge undertaking, especially if you’re pursuing multiple scholarships at once. It can sometimes feel like the effort isn’t worth it, or that you have little chance of actually winning any awards. But in truth, submitting to writing scholarships is one of the best investments you can make in your education, your creative writing skills, and your professional life.

Scholarships for larger amounts do attract more applicants, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to land — only that you have to work a little harder to stand out. And you can definitely sway the odds in your favor by applying to lots of small scholarships ($500 or less) for which you’ll have fewer competitors. Remember that every little bit helps! For example, if you plan on taking out student loans, even a $500 scholarship could save you much more in interest down the line.

Another compelling reason to apply to writing scholarships is that oftentimes, you’ve already done the work, or the work required is minimal. For scholarships that require writing samples, you’ll simply submit what you’ve already written in the past — and even for scholarships with specific prompts, you rarely have to write more than a couple of pages. If you were seriously committed, you could apply to a scholarship every day, spending a single concentrated evening on each application.

Jumping off that thought, as English majors love to say: the more writing scholarships you apply for, the better a writer you’ll become. Writing tons of scholarship essays will make you a much more creative and efficient writer. Not only will this help with your personal writing projects, but it will also be invaluable to your education and even your career! Writing is a crucial skill for every major — you’ll always have to write papers and emails to professors, after all — and even if you don’t plan to pursue a writing-based job, you'll still need writing skills to polish your résumé.

Finally, remember that there’s a writing scholarship out there for everyone, no matter what your interests or intended field. This directory includes plenty of creative writing scholarships, yes; but there are also personal essay scholarships for future doctors, lawyers, salespeople, and so much more. You have nothing to lose by giving it a shot, so why not start searching for your dream writing scholarship today? (And if you’re unsure about your writing skills, you might benefit from some of the resources below.)

Resources to strengthen your writing skills

  • 20 Writing Tips to Help You Become A Better Writer Today
  • How to Stop Procrastinating and Build A Solid Writing Routine
  • What is Creative Nonfiction? Memoirs, Literary Journalism, and More!
  • How to Write a Memoir: Tell Your Amazing Story in 9 Steps
  • How to Write a Fantastic Short Story In 7 Steps
  • How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript Like a Pro
  • 700+ Creative Writing Prompts to Inspire You
  • 100+ Creative Writing Exercises for Authors

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Essay Scholarships College Students

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Congratulations to our 2022 Scholarship Winners!

At Ecolink, Inc, we have been successfully selling industrial chemicals since 1991 with a community focus on solving cleaning problems in the most eco-friendly way possible.  We want to share our success with students all over the United States and invite you to join our Essay Scholarships for College Students Contest.

Ecolink’s mission is simple: Smarter, Safer, Chemicals — Today, Tomorrow, Always. We continually search for cleaner ideas to honor our mission and that’s where you can help! Our essay theme this year will be: “How can we use less chemicals?”

From now until August 18th, 2022 , tap into your creative side and send us your winning Less Chemicals  Ideas:

  • Your essay ideas can be in written or video format.
  • The top eight entries will win cash prizes ranging from $250-500. (You get to choose how to apply to your college expenses: tuition, books, dorm supplies, parking, etc!)
  • Please read ALL the contest details below, work your creative magic, and hit Apply Now to submit your entry.
  • If you have any specific questions not answered below, please email us today !

Read carefully before submitting your application to our Essay Scholarships College Students Contest.

“how to use less chemical” contest rules and guidelines.

  • Winners : Our Ecolink Team will judge entries and award EIGHT scholarships to EIGHT different applicants. We will announce the winners on August 29th, 2022 .
  • Prizes : The top TWO winners will receive a $500 cash prize, and have their essay or video featured on Ecolink.com or one of our affiliate sites or social media platforms. The other SIX winners will receive a $250 cash prize. The cash prize will come in the form of a check or direct deposit.
  • Writing/Video Prompt: How to Use Less Chemicals – look for ways you, your neighbors, community, school, work, church, business or other entity can practice smarter, safer, chemical usage, by using less. Is there a way to clean effectively using less chemicals? Do you have a greener solution for any cleaning process? Can you find ways to reduce chemical waste? Ask your parents, friends, co-workers, bosses, and anyone else about their chemical usage. Can that chemical amount be reduced or made safer? OR think bigger — What about chemical use and consumption from: manufacturing, construction, aerospace, farming, maintenance and more! We all touch chemicals at some point in our lives – how can we use less?
  • Submission : All submissions become the sole property of Ecolink, Inc, and we reserve the right to publish essays/videos on any or all of our digital properties. Essays and Videos should be submitted using the online form only.  Each participant can submit multiple essays and videos for consideration, but only ONE scholarship will be awarded per person.
  • Titling Documents for Submission: Please use the guidelines below when titling your document prior to submission. Essays that are not saved with this naming format WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE. Please use “LastnameTitle2022”. For example, if your name is John Smith and the title of your essay or video is “Cleaning My Neighborhood,” then your submission would be titled “SmithCleaningMyNeighborhood2021”.
  • Deadline : August 18, 2022 . Entries received after Midnight EST on that day will not be considered.
  • Length : Written essays should be a minimum of 450 words. Video essays should be a minimum of 30 seconds. Accepted file types: pdf, doc, mp4, & docx. Max. File Size: 50 MB .
  • Eligibility : The contest is open to any current students attending high school or college who are between the ages of 18-22 on or before August 18, 2022 .
  • Language : Essays or videos should be written or filmed in English and must be the student’s original work.

essay scholarships college students apply

Welcome to Ecolink!

Thank you for your patience as our maintenance is officially completed! Enjoy checking out online with Ecolink!

Thank you for your continued support.

–  The Ecolink Team

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  22. The Ultimate List of Writing Scholarships in 2023 • Apply Today

    The Immerse Education Essay Competition provides the opportunity for students aged 13-18 to submit essay responses to a pre-set question relating to their chosen subject. 10 winners will receive a 100% scholarship, with runner-up prizes also awarded. 100% Scholarship Award For Cambridge, Oxford, Sydney & London Summer School Essay Competition.

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  24. Essay Scholarships College Students

    From now until August 18th, 2022, tap into your creative side and send us your winning Less Chemicals Ideas: Your essay ideas can be in written or video format. The top eight entries will win cash prizes ranging from $250-500. (You get to choose how to apply to your college expenses: tuition, books, dorm supplies, parking, etc!)