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Over 50 Scholarships for High School Seniors Headed To College

Save on tuition and supplies with scholarships for high school seniors! Here are the best scholarships to apply to in 2026!

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College is costly, but many scholarships are available for high school seniors and undergraduates. Below are the top nationwide options that are popular, high-value, and easily accessible. We add to this list throughout scholarship season, so don’t forget to check back frequently!

Scholarships for high school seniors:

1. Sallie Mae $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Sallie Mae gives away scholarships every month. Applying is super easy. Just fill out the straightforward form!

2. Too Cool To Pay For School Sweepstakes

Deadline: Quarterly (Last day of March, June, September, & December)
Award: $1,000
Who Can Apply? High school juniors and seniors and college undergraduates who are enrolled full-time.
Details & How to Apply: Too Cool To Pay For School Scholarship

Entering the sweepstakes for this scholarship is a cinch! Just fill out the quick form and cross your fingers that you get picked in the random drawing!

3. Appily Easy Money Scholarship

Deadline: Rolling
Award: $1,000
Who Can Apply? High school students planning on enrolling in college
Details & How to Apply: Appily Easy Money Scholarship

Need some extra funds for school? There is no essay or minimum GPA required to apply for this scholarship offer. Just fill out the form and submit it!!

4. ESA Scholarships for Children of First Responders

Over 20 awards will be given out by the Electronic Security Association and the first place winners will receive $15,000; second place winners will receive $2,500.

5. ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: Last business day of each month through November 1, 2026
Award: $1,000 per winner, 4 winners per month
Who Can Apply? High school and college students age 16 and older who will be enrolled in school within 3 months of the award
Details & How to Apply: ScholarshipOwl “No Essay” Scholarship

There is a chance to win this scholarship every single month. Applying is super easy as no essay is required! Head on over to the ScholarshipOwl website to apply.

6. “Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship

This is one scholarship opportunity you’ll want to take! The “Be Bold” scholarship is open to students of any education level or GPA. Head over to their website to apply. You’ll create a profile and your mission is to make it BOLD. That does not mean you need to be the best or most accomplished student. Instead, Bold.org is looking for those who are earnest, determined, and moving. Get creative and have fun! The boldest profile wins!

7. Victoria Soto Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: 2026 application closed, 2027 (TBA)
Award: Up to $12,000 each to 4 winners
Who Can Apply? High school seniors
Details & How to Apply: Victoria Soto Memorial Scholarship

Winners of this scholarship demonstrate academic excellence, participate in extracurricular activities, and possess leadership skills. Two of these scholarships will go to local high school students in Stratford, Connecticut, one scholarship to a student in the state of Connecticut, and one to a student from anywhere in the country. Winners must demonstrate “the spirit to Live, Laugh, and Love life and education as Vicki did.”

8. Build A Better Future Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 13, 2026
Award: $10,000 each to 5 students plus an extra $5,000 to the top finalist
Who Can Apply? College-bound high school seniors who are passionate about helping their communities.
Details & How to Apply: Build A Better Future Scholarship Program

Applicants who design, work on, and submit their plans for a community improvement project may win a $10,000 tuition scholarship. The top finalist will receive an additional $5,000 to continue funding their project. To apply, submit a 2-5 minute video along with 5-10 photos showcasing your work in action.

9. U.S. Bates Scholarship

Deadline: April 16, 2026
Award: $5,000 each to 3 winners, renewable for up to 4 years ($20,000 total)
Who Can Apply? High school seniors headed to college who are children or step-children of U.S. BAC (International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers) member
Details & How to Apply: U.S. Bates Scholarship

Children of U.S. BAC members may apply for this renewable scholarship. You have the potential to collect $20,000 over a four year period. Be prepared to submit your transcript and a possible essay. Applications open in February 2025.

10. Allegra Ford-Thomas Scholarship

Deadline: April 26, 2026
Award: $5,000 ($2,500 per year for 2 years)
Who Can Apply? Graduating high school seniors who are enrolling in a 2-year community college, technical college, or specialized program for those with learning disabilities or ADHD
Details & How to Apply: Allegra Ford-Thomas Scholarship

Those with a documented learning disability or ADHD diagnosis can apply for this scholarship. The winner will receive $5,000 over the course of two years.

11. Anne Ford Scholarship

Deadline: April 26, 2025
Award: $10,000 ($2,500/year over 4 years)
Who Can Apply? Graduating high school seniors who are enrolling in a 4-year college or university and have a learning disability or ADHD
Details & How to Apply: Anne Ford Scholarship

Unlike the Allegra Ford-Thomas Scholarship, the Anne Ford Scholarship is for graduating high school seniors headed to a four-year institution. Those with a documented learning disability or ADHD diagnosis can apply for this scholarship. The winner will receive $10,000 over the course of four years.

12. Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 1, 2026
Award: $5,000 each to 2 students
Who Can Apply? High school seniors and 2-year or 4-year undergraduates studying political science, history, cultural anthropology, or geography
Details & How to Apply: Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship

To apply, describe how you plan to make the world a better place thanks to the lessons you’re learning in political science, history, cultural anthropology, or geography courses.

13. E-Waste Scholarship

Deadline: April 30, 2026
Award: $1,000
Who Can Apply? High school, college, or graduate students
Details & How to Apply: E-waste Scholarship

Students can easily apply for this scholarship that promotes awareness about the impacts of e-waste. To apply, submit a 140-character message about e-waste. If you are chosen as one of the finalists, you may be asked to write an additional essay.

14. RealtyHop Scholarship

Deadline: April 30, 2026 and August 31, 2026
Award: $1,000
Who Can Apply? High school seniors and college undergraduates
Details & How to Apply: RealtyHop Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded twice a year to students who exemplify ambition, diligence, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit. To apply, use your school email address and submit a 500-word essay.

15. Rover Scholarship

Deadline: May 1, 2026
Award: $2,500
Who Can Apply? High school seniors, college undergraduates, and graduates with a GPA of 3.0
Details & How to Apply: Rover Scholarship

Write a 500-word essay for your chance to win this scholarship. The essay must be about how growing up with a pet in your life (may be the pet of a friend or family member) impacted the person you are today. Family members of Rover staff members are ineligible, but family members of dog walkers or sitters may apply.

16. Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation

Deadline: May 1, 2026
Award: Up to $5,000 for up to 4 years
Who Can Apply? Students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are in a printing or graphics program at a higher education institution in the USA and are pursuing a career in printing technology, printing management, graphic communications, or packaging.
Details & How to Apply: Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation

Winners of this scholarship can get up to $5,000 per year for up to 4 years. The award will be paid directly to the school’s financial aid office.

17. Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Scholarship Competition

Deadline: April 20, 2026
Award: Up to $10,000
Who Can Apply? High school seniors and college freshmen who are looking to make music a “central part of their future”
Details & How to Apply: Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Scholarship

This college scholarship for high school seniors and undergrads celebrates those with a passion for music. Vocalists and those who play an instrument may apply. Submit a music sample and an essay regarding your musical intentions. See the guidelines on the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society website.

18. Wealth by Health Steps for Change Scholarship

Deadline: May 15, 2026
Award: $2,000
Who Can Apply? College-bound high school students with a GPA of at least 3.5 and household incomes of $55,000 or less.
Details & How to Apply: Wealth by Health Steps for Change Scholarship

Submit an application along with your transcript, a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or community leader, and a one-minute video essay. The video must answer the question: How would you value yourself?

Award winners must also demonstrate academic excellence, exude passion in empowering the community, and show a desire for continuous personal growth.

19. The Space to Succeed Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2026
Award: $5,000 per winner (3 winners)
Who Can Apply? High school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students (age 18 and older)
Details & How to Apply: The Space to Succeed Scholarship

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Apply for The Space to Succeed Scholarship by submitting a 500-800 word essay sharing how your education will help you create a lasting impact. One thing we love about this scholarship is that it’s open to all students age 18 or older and with no GPA requirement.

20. Christian College Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2026
Award: $5,000
Who Can Apply? Students 13 and older who intend to enroll full-time in a Bible School or Christian college or university.
Details & How to Apply: Christian College Scholarship

Fill out the questionnaire to be considered for the scholarship. The winner is chosen at random on or around May 31st each year. Those already attending college are not eligible.

21. Ayn Rand Scholarships Essay Contests

Deadline: April 30, 2026
Award: Up to $25,000
Who Can Apply? High school juniors and seniors worldwide.
Details & How to Apply: Ayn Rand Essay Contests

This is a rolling scholarship that comes around in the summer, fall, and winter. Each season has a new deadline and prompts related to Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead, Anthem, or Atlas Shrugged. Each essay must be between 800 – 1600 words and double-spaced.

22. American College Foundation (ACF) Visionary Scholarship

Deadline: June 1, 2026
Award: $2,500 grand prize, $1,000 to five additional finalists
Who Can Apply? High school students of any grade
Details & How to Apply: ACF Visionary Scholarship

Students don’t need to show financial need to score this scholarship. Simply fill out the application, submit your transcript, and write a 500-word essay on why college is important to you.

23. Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship

Time to show off your storytelling skills! Write an essay about your life story, intended field of study, career, and how you plan to impact the world. The most compelling essays will win a $5,000 award.

24. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Deadline: September 15, 2026
Award: Full tuition
Who Can Apply? Students 13 to 18 (cannot be over 18 by October 1st)
Details & How to Apply: The Breakthrough Junior Challenge

This unique scholarship explores complex scientific concepts through creative videos. You’ll need to submit a 2-minute video about physics, life sciences, or mathematics.

25. Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Deadline: June 3, 2026
Award: Up to $10,000
Who Can Apply? High school students who have not been a finalist in previous years
Details & How to Apply: Stuck at Prom Scholarship

This fun contest encourages students to use their creativity. To enter, you’ll need to create a prom outfit using Duck Brand Duct Tape. You’ll be judged on workmanship, originality, use of colors, accessories, and the use of Duck Brand Duct Tape. To get started, take a video or write an essay documenting your project. Then, snap at least one high-resolution photo of yourself wearing your masterpiece and head to the scholarship website to submit your entry.

26. Gen & Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Deadline: July 31, 2026
Award: $1,000
Who Can Apply? All high school, undergraduate, and graduate students starting school within the next 12 months
Details & How to Apply: The Gen & Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

It’s simple to apply for this merit-based scholarship. Fill out the application form and submit a maximum of 250-word essay. The essay can be about why you deserve the scholarship, your academic or career goals, or any topic of your choice.

27. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Deadline: Anticipated September 2026 (TBA)
Award: $20,000 each to 150 students
Who Can Apply? High school seniors headed to a 4-year college who have at least a 3.0 GPA
Details & How to Apply: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

The Coca-Cola Foundation hands out scholarships every year and due to the amount given, they are some of the best college scholarships for high school seniors to receive. If you’re a high achiever, keep an eye out for this scholarship to open!

28. Bryan Cameron Education Foundation Scholarship for High School Seniors

Deadline: May 1, 2026, or when the limit of 3,000 applications has been received, whichever occurs first
Award: Four-year, full-tuition scholarship
Who Can Apply? High school seniors in the class of 2026 with at least a 3.7 GPA and who are headed to a 4-year college or university.
Details & How to Apply: Bryan Cameron Education Foundation Scholarship

This is one of the college scholarships for high school seniors that students will want to apply to receive as it will completely pay for tuition. To apply for this scholarship, students must have a strong work ethic and demonstrate excellence in extracurricular activities and active participation in community service or civic-minded areas. 25% of the scholarships will go to students pursuing careers in education, nonprofits, government, and/or military and have a stated professional goal of public service. Only 3,000 applications will be reviewed so aim to apply sooner rather than later.

29. The Gates Scholarship

Deadline: September 15, 2026
Award: Full Tuition
Who Can Apply? High-performing, low-income, minority students who are high school seniors with a GPA of 3.3 or above.
Details & How to Apply: The Gates Scholarship

Did you exhibit outstanding academic achievement? High school seniors who are African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific American, and/or Hispanic American are eligible to apply for this generous scholarship. You must be Pell-eligible and have a GPA of at least 3.3. If that’s you and you’re in the top 10% of your class, consider applying!

30. TrophyCentral Sportsmanship Scholarship Award

Deadline: May 31, 2026
Award: $1,000
Who Can Apply? High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.25 who have demonstrated a unique form of sportsmanship, compassion, or kindness
Details & How to Apply: TrophyCentral Sportsman Scholarship Award

Are you a high school senior headed to college in the fall of 2026? If you’ve demonstrated sportsmanship, compassion, and//or kindness, head over to TrophyCentral to apply for their scholarship award. Special consideration will be given to those entering a branch of the military or who are the first generation in their family to attend college. To be eligible, you must have an average GPA of 3.25 throughout your first semester of junior year.

31. Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway

Deadline: September 30, 2026
Award: up to $100,000 each to 8 students
Who Can Apply? Students 18 – 24 in college or planning on going to college
Details & How to Apply: Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway

You can win big bucks in this scholarship giveaway contest! To apply, create a Pepper Perks account, fill out the application, and create a video about yourself. The video needs to be under 60 seconds.

32. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

Deadline: CLOSED – sign up for updates!
Award: Up to $40,000 + a possible summer internship at Amazon
Who Can Apply? High school seniors with financial need who are planning on pursuing computer science or engineering and have at least a 2.3 GPA
Details & How to Apply: Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

Passionate about STEM? Consider applying for the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship. It’s designed to support low-income, high-performing students. It’s one of the best college scholarships for high school students, as 400 students will win scholarships up to $40,000!

33. Questbridge National College Match Scholarship

Need a full-ride to college? Questbridge National College Match Scholarship wants to make it happen. Low-income students are welcome to apply. If you “match” with a school, your tuition, books, supplies, boarding, and more will be covered. There is no specific GPA requirement, but winners demonstrate academic excellence.

34. Epic Flight Academy Aircraft Mechanic Scholarship

When it comes to your dreams, the sky is the limit! Those interested in joining an aircraft mechanic program can apply for this sizable scholarship. You must be willing to start training within 12 months of receiving the scholarship. To apply, you’ll need two letters of recommendation, have to write an essay, create a YouTube video, and take an aviation-related photo. See the complete guidelines on the scholarship website.

Hip Tip: This organization has several scholarships. If you’d like a future in aviation, check out the full list!

35. The Rhodes Scholarship

Deadline: Applications for 2026 are now closed – get notified for 2027 applications!
Award: up to $250,000 to 32 recipients
Who Can Apply? Students 18 – 23 by the fall 2026 for the 2027 school year who demonstrate academic excellence
Details & How to Apply: The Rhodes Scholarship

One of the most prestigious scholarships, The Rhodes Scholarship offers payment of full course fees to Oxford University, plus you’ll receive an annual stipend. You’ll need at least a 3.7 GPA to be eligible to apply. Check your eligibility here.

36. The WGA Evans Scholarship

Deadline: October 1, 2026
Award: up to $120,000 – Full Tuition & Full Housing
Who Can Apply? High-achieving caddies that are high school seniors or college freshman
Details & How to Apply: The WGA Evans Scholarship

If you have an excellent record of being a caddie and perform exceptionally well in school, consider trying for this amazing scholarship that pays full tuition and board and several major universities.

37. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voice of Democracy Competition

This scholarship for high school students pays out BIG. Contestants are to submit a 3 – 5 minute audio essay, a typed version of the essay, and an application form. See the VFW website for more information.

38. The Elks Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: Opens August 1, 2026
Award: Up to $7,500 per year to 500 students
Who Can Apply? High school students
Details & How to Apply: The Elks Foundation Scholarship

You don’t need to be an Elks member to apply for this scholarship. With 500 recipients, there are plenty of scholarships to go around, so throw your hat in the ring if you can!

39. Waggle Human-Pet Bond Scholarship

Are you a college student with a pet? Waggle doesn’t want you to have to choose between affording higher education or affording quality pet care. If you could use these funds to care for your pet, apply by writing a 400-600 word essay outlining steps pet guardians can take to prepare for emergency vet needs and avoid having to surrender or euthanize a pet due to financial limitations. Applications are now open!

40. The Ron Brown Scholars Program

Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: $40,000 (up to $10,000 per year)
Who Can Apply? Black high school seniors with intellectual gifts and a commitment to the community
Details & How to Apply: The Ron Brown Scholars Program

The Ron Brown Scholars Program gifts 4-year scholarships to up to 25 students each year. This is a wonderful opportunity for students who hope to become future leaders.

41. Unigo $10,000 Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2026
Award: $10,000
Who Can Apply? High school students 14 years and older.
Details & How to Apply: Unigo $10K Scholarship

Looking for easy scholarships for high school students? Apply to the Unigo $10K Scholarship. You just need to submit a 250-word response to the question:

“Would you rather be smart, funny or rich? Why?”

42. HW Part Store Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2026
Award: $1,000
Who Can Apply? Those 18 and older who are enrolled or planning to enroll in agricultural sciences at accredited U.S. colleges or universities
Details & How to Apply: HW Part Store Scholarship

Interested in studying agricultural sciences? To apply for this scholarship, you’ll need to provide proof of eligibility and write a 500-word essay on one of the following topics:

The role of machinery in reducing human-risk in construction.

The benefits of maintaining commercial construction machinery.

The role of aftermarket parts for construction machinery.

43. Imagine America Scholarship

Deadline: December 31 of your graduation year
Award: $1,000 to up to 5 winners
Who Can Apply? High school graduates with a 2.5 GPA who have participated in community service during senior year and have demonstrated financial need.
Details & How to Apply: Imagine America Scholarship

This is one scholarship that doesn’t require an impeccable GPA. Up to 5 winners will be chosen. The catch is that the $1,000 must be used towards tuition at one of the schools that support the scholarship. The full list of schools can be found on the Imagine America website.

44. The Chevron Dinah Shore Scholarship

Deadline: April 15, 2026
Award: Up to $10,000 to 2 recipients ($2,500/year for up to 4 years)
Who Can Apply? College-bound female high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Details & How to Apply: The Chevron Dinah Shore Scholarship

To win this scholarship, you must demonstrate a passion for women’s golf and helping the younger generation to love and participate in the game. You do not need to be playing collegiate golf to apply.

Hip Tip: Are you a golfer? The LPGA has several other scholarships worth trying to win. See the details here!

45. Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship

Students can easily apply for this scholarship that promotes awareness about the impacts of technology addiction. To apply, submit a 140-character message stating what you would rather do than spend time with technology. If you are chosen as one of the finalists, you may be asked to write an additional essay.

46. McDonald’s HACER Scholarship

Deadline: TBA
Award: Up to $100,000
Who Can Apply? Hispanic high school seniors with at least a 2.8 GPA are headed to a two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational school.
Details & How to Apply: McDonald’s HACER Scholarship

This is one of the very best college scholarships for high school seniors and those with at least one Hispanic/Latino parent may apply. U.S. residents and DREAMER/DACA recipients are eligible. Winners will have demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Several recipients will win a scholarship with Tier 1 receiving $100,000, Tier 2 receiving $20,000, and Tier 3 receiving $5,000.

47. Engbretson Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: Anticipated March 1, 2027
Award: $20,000
Who Can Apply? 2026 Graduation high school seniors who demonstrate financial need, have at least a 3.75 GPA or are in the top 5% of the graduating class, and received a 28 ACT or 1240 SAT score.
Details & How to Apply: Engbretson Foundation Scholarship

High achievers who are in financial need can apply for this sizable scholarship. Visit the link above to see if you qualify. This award frequents many lists of the best college scholarships for high school seniors.

Not headed to college right away? Consider the Thiel Fellowship…

Deadline: Rolling
Award: $100,000
Who Can Apply? Entrepreneurs and/or inventors ages 23 and under
Details & How to Apply: Thiel Fellowship

College may not be the right choice for everyone. Entrepreneurs and inventors who want to postpone college can apply for the Thiel Fellowship for a chance to receive funds to help them launch their ideas. This grant is given by entrepreneur Peter Thiel, who co-founded PayPal and other companies.

These scholarship deadlines have passed, but may re-open in the fall!

Is there a college scholarship the Hip Community should know about? Tell us about it in the comments!

Apply to our favorite weird college scholarships too! Plus, here’s where to find free college textbooks!