So, you are a high school senior and concerned about exams like the SAT and applying for college to make a better future. Do you know that being a senior is the “Scholarship or financial aid heaven period”? Why don't you use it cleverly? There are more than 1000 scholarships in the US for high school seniors. You just have to know which one suits you and how to approach them without making common mistakes.
Scholarships For Seniors
Let's hear it out, each year, billions in scholarship money are awarded to U.S. students. In the 2019-2020 academic year, around 58% of undergrads received grant or scholarship aid. Scholarships greatly ease the financial strain of college, helping students dodge loan debt. In 2020-2021, grants and scholarships covered about 28% of college costs for the average family, according to the College Board.
The average scholarship award for high school seniors can vary significantly. Some scholarships offer modest amounts of $500 to $1,000. Heading to college is a thrilling yet daunting journey, and scholarships are key for U.S. high school seniors to ease the financial load. They offer cash support and celebrate your achievements and potential. Check out these top 20 scholarships for high school seniors, complete with details on what they're about, who can apply, and how to snag one.
1. Gates Scholarship
Overview:
The Gates Scholarship is a highly prestigious full-ride scholarship aimed at minority high school seniors from low-income households. It covers all costs that are not already covered by other financial aid and expected family contributions, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation. Scholars receive funding to cover the full cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid or the Student Aid Index, based on FAFSA or their school's method. This includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation, and possibly other personal costs.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- From one of the following ethnic groups: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
- Pell-eligible
- U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrate leadership ability and personal success skills
Application Process:
- Complete an online application including personal and academic information
- Submit essays, recommendation letters, and financial information
Deadline:
- September 15
More Information:
Visit the Gates Scholarship website for more details.
2. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Overview:
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a highly competitive scholarship that awards $20,000 to 150 students annually who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Since its inception, the program has supported over 6,900 scholars with more than $84 million in educational aid.
Eligibility:
- High school senior attending a U.S. school
- Minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of junior year of high school
- U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, refugee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or humanitarian parole.
- Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university
- Current high school/home-schooled students attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select DoD schools who will graduate high school during the 2024-2025 academic school year.
Application Process:
- Online application with personal and academic information
- Submit essays and two recommendation letters
Deadline:
- October 31
More Information:
Visit the Coca-Cola Scholars Program website for more details.
3. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
Overview:
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship provides up to $40,000 per year to high-achieving high school seniors with financial needs, covering tuition, living expenses, books, and other fees. Each scholarship is designed to significantly cover students' educational costs, including tuition, living expenses, books, and fees, with awards tailored to each individual's needs. Recipients can study any field at an accredited undergraduate institution and receive personal advice on college selection, financial aid, and maximizing their college experience.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Demonstrate significant unmet financial need
- Plan to attend an accredited 4-year college or university
Application Process:
- Online application through the Common App
- Submit transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and recommendation letters
Deadline:
- November 13
More Information:
Visit the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation website for more details.
4. QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Overview:
QuestBridge’s National College Match connects high-achieving, low-income students with full four-year scholarships to some of the nation’s leading colleges.This application highlights your academic achievements despite financial challenges. If admitted, you'll join over 10,000 QuestBridge Scholars at partner colleges and connect with over 20,000 alumni for ongoing support and networking.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or international student attending a U.S. high school
- Demonstrate financial need
Application Process:
- Online application with personal information, academic records, essays, and recommendation letters
- Rank preferred colleges for the match process
Deadline:
- September 26
More Information:
Visit the QuestBridge website for more details.
5. Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Overview:
The Elks National Foundation offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 per year to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic achievements, and financial need. Applicants are evaluated based on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Scholarships are available for students pursuing a four-year degree at a U.S. college or university. ACT/SAT scores are not required.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen
Application Process:
- Online applications including personal information, academic records, essays, and recommendations
- Finalists participate in an interview
Deadline:
- November 15
More Information:
Visit the Elks National Foundation website for more details.
6. Horatio Alger Association Scholarship
Overview:
The Horatio Alger Association runs over 70 scholarship programs to help students at different academic stages achieve their educational goals and reach their potential. This Scholarship Program provides scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to students who have overcome adversity and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing higher education.
Eligibility:
- High school senior in the U.S.
- Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income)
- Exhibit integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- U.S. citizen
Application Process:
- Online application with personal information, essays, recommendation letters, and financial documentation
Deadline:
- October 25
More Information:
Visit the Horatio Alger Association website for more details.
7. Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Scholarship
Overview:
The RMHC of Las Vegas Scholarship Program provides financial aid to graduating high school seniors in Clark and Nye counties with limited access to educational opportunities. Since 1999, over $4.5 million in scholarships have been awarded, funded by local McDonald's owners/operators and community partners. Proceeds from Happy Meals and the Las Vegas Review-Journal contribute to the program, with McDonald's donating over $2.1 million. The RMHC Scholarship Program offers scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Eligible to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university
- U.S. resident
Application Process:
- Complete an online application including personal information, academic records, and essays
Deadline:
- January 18
More Information:
Visit the RMHC website for more details.
8. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Overview:
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards scholarships of $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 to extraordinary young people under the age of 18 who have completed significant work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, or philosophy.
"The Davidson Fellows are success stories - they're students who have resourcefully found ways to nurture their genius by seeking out mentors, relying on strong family support, and working diligently to achieve their goals."
Bob Davidson
Co-founder of the Davidson Institute
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- 18 years old or younger
- Completed a significant piece of work in a designated field
Application Process:
- Online application including project descriptions, essays, and recommendation letters
Deadline:
- February 12
More Information:
Visit the Davidson Fellows Scholarship website for more details.
9. AXA Achievement Scholarship
Overview:
The AXA Achievement Scholarship awards $2,500, $10,000, and $25,000 to high school seniors who have shown exceptional achievements in school, community, or work. AXA Achievers, who are ethnically and economically diverse, are recognized for their ambition, goal-setting, respect, and college success potential. Sponsored by the AXA Foundation, the philanthropic branch of AXA US.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university
Application Process:
- Online applications including personal information, academic records, and essays
Deadline:
- December 15
More Information:
Visit the AXA Achievement Scholarship website for more details.
10. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Overview:
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program awards $10,000 renewable scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen
- Demonstrate leadership and community service
Application Process:
- Online application including personal information, essays, and recommendation letters
Deadline:
- January 5
More Information:
Visit the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program website for more details.
11. Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program
Overview:
The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program celebrates student-athletes who excel academically and demonstrate leadership in sports, school, and their communities. Twenty winners will each receive a $20,000 scholarship, distributed as $5,000 annually over four years, for their achievements on the field and beyond.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Actively involved in sports
Application Process:
- Online application including personal information, essays, and recommendation letters
Deadline:
- December 14
More Information:
Visit the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program website for more details.
12. Burger King Scholars Program
Overview:
The Burger King Scholars Program provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 to high school seniors based on their GPA, work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Plan to enroll in a 2- or 4-year college, university, or vocational-technical school
Application Process:
- Online applications including personal information, academic records, and essays
Deadline:
- December 15
More Information:
Visit the Burger King Scholars website for more details.
13. Dell Scholars Program
Overview:
The Dell Scholars Program provides $20,000 scholarships, laptops, and personalized support to high school seniors who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their educational goals.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Participated in a college readiness program
- Minimum 2.4 GPA
- Demonstrate financial need
Application Process:
- Online application including personal information, essays, and recommendation letters
Deadline:
- December 1
More Information:
Visit the Dell Scholars Program website for more details.
14. The Dream.US Scholarship Program
Overview:
The Dream.US Scholarship Program provides scholarships to high school seniors who are undocumented and demonstrate significant financial need, allowing them to attend college.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Undocumented immigrant
- Demonstrate financial need
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
Application Process:
- Online applications including personal information, academic records, and essays
Deadline:
- February 25
More Information:
Visit the Dream.US website for more details.
15. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship
Overview:
The Society of Women Engineers offers scholarships to female high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in engineering, technology, or computer science.
Eligibility:
- Female high school senior
- Plan to enroll in an ABET-accredited program in engineering, technology, or computer science
Application Process:
- Online applications including personal information, academic records, and essays
Deadline:
- February 14
More Information:
Visit the Society of Women Engineers website for more details.
16. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Overview:
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes high school students who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer service. Winners receive $1,000 awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Engaged in volunteer service
Application Process:
- Online application including personal information and description of volunteer activities
Deadline:
- November 5
More Information:
Visit the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards website for more details.
17. Niche “No Essay” College Scholarship
Overview:
The Niche “No Essay” College Scholarship is a monthly drawing for a $2,000 scholarship open to high school seniors planning to enroll in college.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Plan to enroll in college
Application Process:
- Simple online entry form
Deadline:
- Monthly
More Information:
Visit the Niche website for more details.
18. College JumpStart Scholarship
Overview:
The College JumpStart Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition offering $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors committed to their education and career goals.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Strong commitment to education and career
Application Process:
- Online application including personal information, essays, and recommendation letters
Deadline:
- October 17
More Information:
Visit the College JumpStart Scholarship website for more details.
19. Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition
Overview:
The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition offers high school students the chance to win scholarships of up to $30,000 for creating audio essays that explore a democratic and patriotic theme.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Enrolled in a public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the U.S.
Application Process:
- Submit a 3-5 minute audio essay on an annual theme
Deadline:
- October 31
More Information:
Visit the Voice of Democracy website for more details.
20. James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship
Overview:
The James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship is part of the Burger King Scholars Program, offering up to $50,000 to exceptional high school seniors based on their academic record and involvement in school and community activities.
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Minimum 3.3 GPA
- Plan to enroll in a 4-year college or university
Application Process:
- Online applications including personal information, academic records, and essays
Deadline:
- December 15
More Information:
Visit the Burger King Scholars website for more details.