Did you know that about 1 in 8 college students in the U.S. receive private scholarships? With numbers like that, it’s clear these scholarships can make a real difference in covering tuition and other costs.
Private Scholarships for High School Students
Thinking about college costs and feeling the stress? Private scholarships might be your ticket to a less expensive college experience. These are awards funded by private groups, like companies and foundations, who want to help students just like you succeed. Here’s the lowdown on private scholarships in the U.S.
Diverse Opportunities
Private scholarships come in all shapes and sizes, catering to every interest and talent out there. Love art? Crazy about science? A star athlete? Or maybe you’re all about community service? No worries—there’s likely a scholarship that fits you like a glove. With over $7.4 billion in private scholarships awarded annually, there's plenty of opportunities out there. Some focus on grades, others on leadership, or even financial need.
Tips for Success
Let's face it: snagging a private scholarship can be a bit competitive, but with the right strategy, you can totally shine. Start early because the early bird catches the worm, and with around 1.7 million private scholarships out there, you'll want plenty of time to find the perfect ones. Stay organized to avoid missing deadlines—use a calendar or an app to stay on top of things. Tailor your application to each scholarship by highlighting your achievements and experiences that align with what they're looking for. Make sure to gather strong recommendations from teachers, coaches, or mentors who really know your strengths. Finally, your personal statement is your chance to show off who you are, so make it personal, passionate, and unique.
If you are interested in national scholarships then visit this website. Now here is the list of top 20 private scholarships of high school students.
1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
About the Scholarship
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious private scholarships available to high school students. It recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and community service. Each year, 150 students are selected as Coca-Cola Scholars, receiving financial awards and opportunities for personal development and networking.
- Award Amount: $20,000
- Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- How to Apply: Applications are submitted online through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website, typically opening in August.
2. The Gates Scholarship
About the Scholarship
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority high school seniors. The scholarship covers the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and other personal costs, beyond what financial aid and the family can provide.
- Award Amount: Full cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid
- Eligibility: Open to high school seniors from at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American.
- How to Apply: Applications can be submitted via The Gates Scholarship website, with the process opening in July.
3. AXA Achievement Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The AXA Achievement Scholarship provides scholarships to students who have demonstrated ambition and self-drive, as evidenced by outstanding achievement in school, community, or work activities. This scholarship supports students who set and achieve goals that improve their lives and communities.
- Award Amount: $2,500 to $25,000
- Eligibility: Open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or legal residents.
- How to Apply: Applications are available online through the AXA Foundation website, typically starting in September.
4. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
About the Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation 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.
- Award Amount: Up to $40,000 per year
- Eligibility: Open to high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited four-year college. Minimum GPA of 3.5 required.
- How to Apply: Applications can be submitted through the Common App along with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's additional application requirements.
5. Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and financial need. It is open to all high school seniors and does not require a membership with the Elks Lodge.
- Award Amount: $1,000 to $12,500 per year
- Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors pursuing a four-year degree at an accredited U.S. college or university.
- How to Apply: Applications can be submitted through the Elks National Foundation website, usually beginning in September.
6. Burger King Scholars Program
About the Scholarship
The Burger King Scholars Program assists employees, employees' spouses or domestic partners, employees' children, and high school seniors in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada in continuing their education.
- Award Amount: $1,000 to $50,000
- Eligibility: High school seniors must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be active in their community through volunteering, sports, clubs, or religious organizations.
- How to Apply: Applications are available through the Burger King Scholars Program website.
7. The Dream.US National Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The Dream.US National Scholarship is designed to help immigrant youth who have DACA or TPS status achieve their dream of a college education. The scholarship is aimed at students who have financial need and have demonstrated the determination to succeed in a rigorous college environment.
- Award Amount: Up to $29,000 for a bachelor’s degree
- Eligibility: Open to students with DACA or TPS status who came to the United States before November 1, 2015.
- How to Apply: Applications can be submitted via The Dream.US website, typically opening in November.
8. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards students who have completed significant work in mathematics, science, literature, music, technology, or philosophy. It recognizes innovative work with the potential to make a positive contribution to society.
- Award Amount: $10,000 to $50,000
- Eligibility: Students under 18 who have completed a significant piece of work in one of the specified fields.
- How to Apply: Details and application forms can be found on the Davidson Fellows website.
9. Ron Brown Scholar Program
About the Scholarship
The Ron Brown Scholar Program awards college scholarships to African American high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to public service, leadership, and academic excellence.
- Award Amount: $40,000 ($10,000 annually for four years)
- Eligibility: Open to African American high school seniors who excel academically, show leadership potential, and participate in community service activities.
- How to Apply: Applications are available via the Ron Brown Scholar Program website.
10. Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program recognizes high school seniors for their commitment to community service, academic achievement, and leadership.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Open to high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who demonstrate financial need, and are involved in community service.
- How to Apply: Nominations and applications can be submitted via the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation website.
11. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
About the Scholarship
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship.
- Award Amount: $10,000 annually, renewable for up to four years
- Eligibility: High school seniors who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and citizenship.
- How to Apply: Applications are available online through the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program website.
12. Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program
About the Scholarship
The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program awards scholarships to student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and strong leadership skills in sports and their communities.
- Award Amount: $20,000
- Eligibility: High school seniors who are entering an accredited four-year college in the upcoming fall and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- How to Apply: Applications can be submitted via the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes website.
13. The Siemens Foundation Competition
About the Scholarship
The Siemens Foundation Competition is the nation’s premier science research competition for high school students. It offers students the opportunity to win college scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.
- Award Amount: Up to $100,000
- Eligibility: High school students undertaking individual or team research projects.
- How to Apply: Applications and project submissions are accepted via the Siemens Foundation website.
14. Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship is awarded to young innovators, creators, and dreamers who have a passion for building a better future.
- Award Amount: $5,000 to $25,000
- Eligibility: Open to students aged 16-24 who submit a video sharing their passion.
- How to Apply: Applications and videos can be submitted through the Taco Bell Foundation website.
15. John Lennon Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The John Lennon Scholarship is an annual competition that recognizes young songwriters. Established in 1997 by Yoko Ono in conjunction with the BMI Foundation, it awards scholarships to aspiring music students.
- Award Amount: Up to $20,000
- Eligibility: Open to students between the ages of 17 and 24, who are currently enrolled in a college or university in the United States.
- How to Apply: Applications are available on the BMI Foundation website.
16. VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The Voice of Democracy Scholarship is an audio essay contest designed to foster patriotism by allowing students to voice their opinion in a three- to five-minute essay based on an annual theme.
- Award Amount: $1,000 to $35,000
- Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9-12.
- How to Apply: Application and submission details are available through the VFW website.
17. Optimist International Essay Contest
About the Scholarship
The Optimist International Essay Contest is an opportunity for students to write about their own opinions regarding the world they live in, and receive recognition for their efforts.
- Award Amount: $2,500
- Eligibility: Open to students under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2024.
- How to Apply: Applications and additional information are available on the Optimist International website.
18. Google Science Fair
About the Scholarship
The Google Science Fair is an international competition that encourages students to pursue their curiosity and explore STEM fields through innovative projects.
- Award Amount: Scholarships, travel opportunities, and various prizes
- Eligibility: Students aged 13 to 18 from around the world.
- How to Apply: Information and applications can be found on the Google Science Fair website.
19. The American Foreign Service Association Essay Contest
About the Scholarship
The AFSA Essay Contest encourages students to research and write an essay on a topic related to American diplomacy. It helps foster an understanding of the importance of diplomacy and the Foreign Service.
- Award Amount: $2,500 and a trip to Washington, D.C.
- Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9-12.
- How to Apply: Applications and further details are available through the AFSA website.
20. Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
About the Scholarship
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honors middle and high school students for their outstanding volunteer service. It's one of the largest youth recognition programs in the U.S.
- Award Amount: $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.
- Eligibility: Open to students in grades 5-12 who have engaged in community service activities within the past year.
How to Apply: Applications are available through the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards website.