25 Scholarships for High School Seniors
In 2022, 55% of public university students graduated with student loan debt—an average of $28,950 per student. When you’re starting out in your career and trying to make a life for yourself, that kind of debt can be a real burden. The good news is that there are numerous types of financial aid available that could significantly reduce your debt before you even begin college. Scholarships are among them.
Some people believe that college scholarships are only available to current college students, but high school students can also apply for many awards. In fact, all 25 of the scholarship programs on this list are specifically designed for graduating high school seniors. Start applying now to get your college career off to a good start.
Read More: How Educational Apps Play a Significant Role in the Future?
25 Scholarships for high school seniors
Scholarships can be an excellent way to pay for college without taking out expensive student loans. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of high-dollar scholarships for which you can apply during your senior year of high school. Each one is at least $2,000, and they range from artistic and athletic awards to merit-based programs for high academic achievers.
1. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
Maximum amount: $55,000
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Planning to attend a four-year college/university full-time
Senior in high school
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, two letters of recommendation, FAFSA® completed, tax returns, essay, list of extracurricular activities, honors, and awards
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship, endowed by and named after Canadian-American broadcasting mogul Jack Kent Cooke, is a needs-based opportunity for high-achieving high school students.
The number of recipients varies from year to year, but the Foundation typically awards around 100 scholarships per year, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $55,000 per student. There are no required majors, but because this program prioritizes applicants with unmet financial needs, you must complete the FAFSA® to apply. (Don’t know where to begin? Get assistance from our comprehensive FAFSA® guide.)
2. Men’s College Scholarship
The sum is $50,000.
Foundation for Fraternal Excellence is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Male intending to attend a four-year college or university full-time
Application requirements for high school seniors include a letter of recommendation, an essay, and a list of extracurricular activities.
According to the Pew Research Center, more women than men are now attending college. The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence funds the Men’s College Scholarship to encourage men to pursue undergraduate degrees. To be eligible for this award, you must identify as a male and not be a member of a fraternity. Demonstrating a commitment to public service and leadership will go a long way with this selection committee, so highlight your experiences in these areas in your essay.
3. Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Maximum amount: $50,000
Elks National Foundation is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Application for a current high school senior Transcript completed FAFSA®, essay, and resume are required.
One of the most valuable scholarships on this list is sponsored by the Elks National Foundation, which promotes community and public service. This merit-based award is only available to current high school students, but you do not have to be an Elks member to apply. Each year, the foundation awards 500 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,5000. Finalists are invited to attend a virtual leadership conference where they can compete for additional prizes.
4. Terry Crews “Creative Courage” Scholarship
The sum is $20,000
Terry Crews is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Application requirements for high school students include an essay and a work sample.
Terry Crews has spent his career as an African American athlete and artist breaking down barriers. He established the Terry Crews “Creative Courage” Scholarship to assist students in pursuing their own creative goals. Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school and have a demonstrated passion for the arts to be considered. This scholarship application is a little different: students must submit an original work of art, which can range from a sculpture to a song. You’ll also be required to write a 300-word essay about your artistic ambitions and how your life experiences have shaped your future goals.
5. Little Bird Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants
The total amount is $18,000.
Stonewall Community Foundation is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
New York City dweller
Enrolled full-time as a junior or senior in high school
You do not have US citizenship, a green card, or an F-1 visa.
You identify as LGBTQ+.
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, recommendation letter, and essay
The Stonewall Community Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the LGBTQ+ community. One way they do this is by awarding scholarships, such as the Little Bird Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants. This scholarship fund awards $18,000 to winners for up to two years of college. The eligibility requirements for this program are quite specific — you must live in New York City and cannot be a US citizen — but those who do qualify will be relieved to learn that there is no minimum GPA requirement.
6. Eon Essay Contest Award
Maximum amount: $15,000
Eon Essay Contest is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Attending high school or college/university
Age Requirements: Thirteen years of age or older Essay
If you enjoy philosophy or post-apocalyptic literature, the Eon Essay Contest Award could be for you. This essay scholarship requires students to read The Precipice, a book about humanity’s future, and write a 1,200-word essay about it. Each age group has a different essay question; for high school students, for example, the question is about inventing a transformative technology and describing how you’d use it to help preserve humanity. Students from both the United States and other countries are encouraged to apply. (Note: If your high school or local library does not have this book, you can apply for a free copy on Eon’s scholarship application webpage.)
7. Scholastic Art and Writing Portfolio Award
Maximum amount: $12,500
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Personal statements and portfolios are required for high school seniors applying.
If you’re a high school student with artistic ambitions, think about applying for the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Portfolio Award, which has several tiers. Gold Medal Portfolio winners will receive $12,500 in funding, while Silver Medal with Distinction Portfolio winners will receive $2,000 each. To apply, you must submit six original pieces of artwork as well as a personal statement. Give the jurors a glimpse into your creative process and the motivations behind your work to help your personal statement stand out.
8. Build a Better Future Scholarship
The sum is $10,000.
Honors Graduation is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Senior high school graduate
Planning to attend college/university full-time
Application Prerequisites: a sample of your work
At any age, you can have an impact on the world. Honors Graduation, a graduation apparel company, has endowed the Build a Better Future Scholarship exclusively for high school students to encourage young changemakers. Each applicant for this merit-based award must create and implement a public service project to benefit their community. (If you’re unsure where to start, consult these guidelines.) Each of the five winners will receive a $10,000 college scholarship. As an added bonus, the winning student will receive a $5,000 grant to help fund their project.
9. Heisman High School Scholarship
Maximum amount: $10,000
Acceptance Insurance and the Heisman Trophy Trust are the providers.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Senior in high school
Participate in or have previously participated in at least one sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee in the Summer or Winter Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, or the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Application Requirements: Transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and a list of extracurricular activities
The Heisman Trophy, presented each year to an outstanding college football player, is a national symbol of athletic excellence. The Heisman High School Scholarship, sponsored by Acceptance Insurance and the Heisman Trophy Trust, is the high school equivalent. To be eligible, you must be a high school student-athlete with a strong interest in community service. You should also request that a school official review your application before submitting it. Your reviewer could be a teacher, coach, counselor, or member of the administrative staff at your school.
10. Next Steminist Scholarship Program
The sum is $10,000.
Navisite is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Female Planning to Attend College/University
People under the age of 25
Declared major in computer science, engineering, or another STEM-related field
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, SAT/ACT scores, and video essay
Navisite, an information-technology software company wants to encourage women to pursue careers in STEM fields. To that end, the Next Steminist Scholarship Program awards $10,000 each to three female-identifying undergraduate STEM students. (STEM, which stands for “science, technology, math, and engineering,” encompasses everything from computer programming to medical research.) The video essay is an important component of the application. To entice the reviewers, describe your ideal career, including what your job would entail and your biggest hopes for the future of technology. This award is merit-based, so you can apply regardless of your financial situation.
11. Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors
The sum is $10,000.
Sallie Mae Fund is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander are all acceptable.
Are you thinking about attending a vocational/trade school, a community college, or a four-year college/university?
Eligible for a Pell Grant
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, FAFSA®, and video essay
The Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors is a need-based scholarship for students from historically underserved communities and minority students. This program, provided by the Sallie Mae Fund, a bank that assists students in accessing college through student loans and scholarships, awards 25 awards each year. While it prioritizes students with exceptional academic achievement, candidates must also be Pell Grant eligible to apply.
12. Find Your Drive Scholarship Program
Maximum amount: $10,000
Pep Boys is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Enrolled in or planning to enroll in a vocational/trade school, college/university, or both
Declared intent to pursue a degree program or certification as an automotive technician
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, one recommendation letter, and an essay
The Find Your Drive Scholarship Program is sponsored by Pep Boys, a nationwide provider of auto supplies and services, to help aspiring automotive technicians. Applicants may submit either a written or video essay describing their desire to become a top technician. Make a point of emphasizing your leadership abilities, problem-solving abilities, and enthusiasm for teamwork. Pep Boys awards two $10,000 scholarships and six $5,000 scholarships each year.
13. The ASME Auxiliary Lucy and Charles W.E. Clarke Scholarship
The total amount is $7,000
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Planning to attend college/university full-time
Senior in high school who participates on a FIRST Robotics team
Mechanical engineering has been designated as a field of study.
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, recommendation letter, FAFSA® completed, resume, relevant work experience, list of extracurricular activities
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of thinkers. They support robotics enthusiasts by sponsoring the ASME Auxiliary Lucy and Charles W.E. Clarke Scholarship. This scholarship program will take into account your academic performance, financial need, and history of robotics team participation. Students must also find an ASME member who will nominate them for this award. Any ASME member who is current on their dues, including student members, may be nominated.
14. Ride of Your Life Scholarship
The total amount is $6,000
South Carolina State Fair is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
South Carolina native
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Planning to attend a college or university in South Carolina?
Senior high school graduate
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, essay, and extracurricular activities list
The South Carolina State Fair exists to bring together local communities. The fair sponsors an annual scholarship contest called the Ride of Your Life Scholarship, which it awards to 50 deserving high school graduates, to help further that mission and support the state’s young people. Each award is worth $6,000 and is given out over the course of four years. The judges select the winners based on each student’s academic performance, financial need, community service, and communication skills. (To keep their scholarship from year to year, undergraduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in at least 30 hours of courses.)
15. Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships
The sum is $5,000.
AIGA is the service provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Planning to attend college/university full-time
Declared major: graphic design, illustration, or photography
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, two letters of recommendation, FAFSA® application, personal statement, and portfolio
The Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships are sponsored by AIGA, a membership organization for designers, to assist high school students pursuing degrees in the arts. This selection committee is looking for a diverse group of students, so emphasize what makes you and your perspective unique. The personal statement section of the application is ideal for this. Take care to convey your artistic purpose and vision, as well as your goals for your college education. (If you need assistance writing the perfect personal statement, Going Merry has some pointers here.)
16. Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship
The sum is $5,000.
Northwestern Mutual is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.
25 or younger, enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a college/university
Application Prerequisites: Personal assertion
Fighting cancer is difficult at any age, but young survivors — and their families — face additional challenges. Northwestern Mutual offers the Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship to recognize those difficulties and assist cancer survivors and their families in moving forward. Cancer survivors and their siblings are both eligible; after all, the disease affects the entire family, not just the patient. Northwestern Mutual has already committed $500,000 to the scholarship program, with up to 25 $5,000 scholarships awarded each year. To apply, submit a personal statement about how cancer has affected your life. Documentation from your oncologist will also be required.
17. Richard G. Zimmerman Journalism Scholarship
The sum is $5,000.
National Press Club is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Senior in high school
Journalism has been declared a field of study.
Transcripts, essays, and resumes are required for application.
The National Press Club is a Washington, DC-based organization that works to protect and support a free and independent press. The Richard G. Zimmerman Journalism Scholarship, named after the organization’s former president, honors high-achieving high school seniors pursuing careers in journalism. This memorial scholarship is only available to high school seniors who are currently applying to colleges.
18. Cirilo McSween Scholarship
The sum is $5,000.
PUSH Excel is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Planning to attend a four-year college/university full-time
Senior high school graduate
declared major in business or accounting
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, FAFSA® application, essay, relevant work experience, list of extracurricular activities, and list of honors and awards
According to PUSH Excel, an education-focused nonprofit, higher education can help all students pursue a better life. Having said that, they are especially interested in increasing educational access for minority students. To that end, they established the Cirilo McSween Scholarship, a merit scholarship awarded to one incoming college freshman majoring in accounting or business. To win, you must demonstrate a strong academic record as well as the ability to overcome obstacles.
19. The Allman Family Business Development, Marketing, and Sales Scholarship Endowment
The sum is $5,000.
Foundation for Outdoor Advertising Research and Education is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Currently enrolled or intending to enroll in a college/university
Transcripts, essays, and lists of extracurricular activities are required for application.
If you want to work in advertising or marketing, this scholarship could help you get there. The Allman Family Business Development, Marketing, and Sales Scholarship Endowment, named after and sponsored by a family of advertising professionals, is open to high school graduates, undergraduates, and graduate students alike. Winners are chosen based on their academic performance as well as their enthusiasm for a career in the field.
20. Don’t Mess with Texas Scholarship
Maximum amount: $5,000
Don’t Mess with Texas, Inc.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Senior in high school in Texas
Planning to attend a Texas college or university? Application Requirements: Work experience that is relevant, a list of extracurricular activities, and a list of honors and awards
If you’re a high school senior and a proud Texan, don’t forget to apply for the Don’t Mess with Texas Scholarship. The award’s founding organization exists to reduce litter across the state, so it stands to reason that this program recognizes students who care about the environment. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to keeping their communities clean and write about how they have reduced litter. Because this scholarship opportunity is entirely based on community service, you are eligible to apply regardless of your academic achievement or test scores. (If you’re a Texan but don’t think you’re a good fit for this scholarship, check out this list of other Texas scholarships.) Each year, one $5,000 award and two $2,000 awards are given out by the program.
21. EnergyUnited Empowering the Future Scholarship
The sum is $5,000.
EnergyUnited is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
North Carolina native
Planning to attend a college or university in North Carolina?
EnergyUnited maybe North Carolina’s largest energy provider, but it understands that power comes in many forms. That is why the EnergyUnited Empowering the Future Scholarship is supported. The following are the requirements for this senior scholarship: You must be a North Carolina university student, and your home must be EnergyUnited-powered. You can also apply if you attend Central Davidson, Davie County, Davie County Early College, Hopewell, Ledford, North Iredell, South Davidson, West Iredell, or William Amos Hough High School. The good news is that if you meet the eligibility criteria, the rest of the application is straightforward. Simply respond to two short essay questions about your future goals and how a college education will assist you in achieving them.
22. Aziz Jamaluddin Scholarship
The total amount is $4,000
Islamic Society of North America is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Muslim
Planning to attend college/university?
declared a major in journalism or political science
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, two letters of recommendation, FAFSA® form completed, student aid report, essay
Muslim journalists are underrepresented, which is where the Islamic Society of North America comes in. The Aziz Jamaluddin Scholarship is available to Muslim minority students of any grade level who are studying journalism or political science. This is a fun essay: The application allows the student to provide both the question and the answer, so you can take it in any direction that suits your skills. Aside from a creative response, this selection committee is looking for evidence of academic achievement, public service, and leadership experience, so make sure to address these points as well.
23. Digital Vidya Scholarship Program
Maximum amount: $4,000
Digital Vidya is the service provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Currently enrolled or intending to enroll in a college/university
Application Prerequisites: Acceptance/enrollment documentation
Digital Vidya offers online courses to students of all grade levels to prepare them for a career in digital marketing. Obtaining a good pre-college education isn’t the only barrier to earning a degree. That is why DV sponsors the annual Digital Vidya Scholarship Program, which awards up to $4,000 to three students. This scholarship application has several steps. Students must take an aptitude test for the first. Students will record a video answering a series of imaginative questions about AI, the future, and their problem-solving approaches for the second round.
24. Renaissance Scholars Program
The total amount is $4,000
The Renaissance Foundation is the provider.
Requirements for Eligibility:
Residents of Illinois or Oregon
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Planning to attend a four-year college/university full-time
Senior in high school or recent graduate
College student for the first time
Application Prerequisites: Transcript, two letters of recommendation, a completed FAFSA®, a student aid report, a financial aid award letter, tax returns, SAT and/or ACT scores, an essay, and a resume are all required.resume, extracurricular activities list
The Renaissance Scholars Program is an excellent resource for first-generation college students who need to supplement their financial aid. The Renaissance Foundation, an education-access nonprofit, provides winners with a $4,000 lump sum that is renewable for up to four years through this award. To be eligible, students must be the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. Because this program prioritizes prospective college students who demonstrate significant financial need, you’ll need to provide proof of your finances if you live on your own — and proof of your parent’s income if you’re a dependent.
25. MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award
The sum is $2,000
Michigan High School Athletic Association is the provider (MHSAA)
Requirements for Eligibility:
Michigan native
A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.
A varsity letter was earned in an MHSAA-sponsored sport.
Application Requirements: Transcript, two recommendation letters, essay, and list of extracurricular activities
The MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award exists to support Michigan student-athletes. This program, sponsored by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, awards 32 scholarships each year to students who have excelled academically and have earned at least one varsity letter. This selection committee values leadership, so make sure to highlight any leadership positions you held on your team in your list of extracurricular activities. In the written portion of the application, you can also highlight your leadership abilities: It also includes a 500-word essay on the importance of sportsmanship.
