35 Best Scholarships for High School Seniors in 2025
What’s Covered:
- Overview of Scholarships
- 35 Best Scholarships for High School Seniors
- Tips For Applying For Scholarships
The final two years of high school are filled with classes, activities, and friends. It’s also time to think about post-graduation and college. As you look at different colleges, you need to consider how you are going to pay for your education. It’s important to think realistically about what your school will offer in financial aid and how you will pay for your share of the cost.
Overview of Scholarships
The difference between scholarships and loans is huge. Scholarships don’t require repayment and loans must be repaid, with interest. Sometimes, student loans are unavoidable. However, you want to ensure that you minimize the amount of student loan debt that you take on.
Start your scholarship search early in your high school career. Create a calendar with deadlines for each scholarship that you will apply for. Add notes for the different requirements for each application, such as an essay, your latest transcript, or financial information. Some scholarships are available for you in your junior year and many deadlines will land in the summer before your senior year.
There are scholarships based on merit and academic performance. Others are most interested in meeting financial needs. Some organizations are looking to support students who are interested in certain fields of study. Others are open to students from the same community or geographic region. Check with your high school guidance office, as they will have information on opportunities that are unique to your school or community.
Your employer may also have a scholarship program. Starbucks, Burger King, and McDonald’s are just a few businesses that support their employees in this way. There’s almost certainly something for every student.
Now, let’s get into some amazing scholarship opportunities.
35 Best Scholarships for High School Seniors
General Opportunities
1. Equitable Excellence Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 (plus a $500 donation to the high school of the winners)
Deadline: January 13
Eligibility:
- High school seniors and current undergraduates
- Demonstration of positive qualities, such as courage and determination, shown in community volunteer work
- U.S. citizen, legal resident, or current resident in the U.S., the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico
Application Requirements: Transcript
The Equitable Excellence Scholarship is awarded to driven and determined students of high character, with recipients coming from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. In addition to a scholarship, recipients are also provided with development opportunities such as mentoring, networking, and skill-building programs.
2. Live Más Scholarship | Taco Bell Foundation
Amount: Up to $25,000
Deadline: January 8
Eligibility:
- Ages 16-26
- Employed in a restaurant position with Taco Bell
- On track to apply to a post-high school or post-secondary program (both two- and four-year programs are eligible)
- Have not previously won a Live Más Scholarship
Application Requirements: A two-minute video describing your passion
The Live Más Scholarship selects winners a little differently from the traditional scholarship competitions. The Taco Bell Foundation is less concerned with academic and athletic excellence and more interested in finding passionate students who blaze their own paths, pursue their dreams, and inspire others. Students who have already been awarded a Live Más Scholarship can apply for a renewal.
3. Too Cool to Pay for School
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Last day of March, June, September, and December
Eligibility: Full-time high school, college, or graduate students
Application Requirements: Complete the short application form
The Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship is Access Scholarships’ contribution to help four lucky students each year cover school-related expenses. The scholarship can be used to cover any education-related expenses, such as tuition, textbooks, housing, and other fees. This scholarship is super quick and easy to enter (no essay required!), making it a great opportunity to apply for each quarter.
4. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $40,000
Deadline: January 3
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen
- A high school senior
- Demonstrated leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within the community, school, and workplace
- Planning on enrolling full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited four-year college or university
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Essay
- Personal statement
- Resume
Sponsored by General Electric (GE) and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, this scholarship is dedicated to honoring the legacy of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. Awarded to skilled and successful students, the scholarship promotes principles important to its namesake: individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride. The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program is looking for students with demonstrated leadership, drive, and citizenship.
See our blog post on the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program for more information.
5. VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Amount: Up to $35,000
Deadline: October 31
Eligibility:
- 9th-12th grade students
- Enrolled in a public, private, or parochial school, or home study program in the U.S., its territories, or its possessions
Application Requirements: Three- to five-minute audio-essay
The VFW works to promote patriotism while investing in future generations, particularly “democracy-loving” high schoolers. Dating back to 1947, the Voice of Democracy Competition is an audio-essay program giving students the chance to express their thoughts through a recorded essay about democratic- and patriotic-themed principles. Essays are judged on three criteria: originality, content, and delivery. Applicants can win awards ranging from $1,000 to $35,000, making this an exciting scholarship opportunity.
6. Doodle 4 Google Competition
Amount: $30,000 for the student and a $50,000 technology grant for their school
Deadline: March 7
Eligibility:
- K-12 students
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Enrolled in a U.S.-based school (including homeschool or a school in Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands)
Application Requirements: Unique doodle that includes the letters G-O-O-G-L-E
The Doodle 4 Google Competition gives applicants the opportunity to create one of the doodles that grace Google’s homepage every day. The competition’s themes change yearly and the only requirement for them is that they must include the letters G-O-O-G-L-E. Applicants are encouraged to express themselves through whatever medium they desire—although if you create a 3D doodle, you’ll need to submit it in a 2D format.
7. Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
- Amount: Up to $25,000
- Deadline: N/A
- Eligibility: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student (no citizenship requirements)
- Application Requirements: Original essay between 800 and 1,600 words
Applicants for the Atlas Shrugged Essay contest are tasked with writing an essay about one of three provided topics on Ayn Rand’s novel, Atlas Shrugged. Judges of the contest are looking for clear, articulate writing; well-organized thoughts; and an exceptional grasp of the philosophy underlying Rand’s book.
8. Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 3
Eligibility:
- 14 years of age or older
- High school, college, or university student enrolled in an academic program designed to conclude with a diploma or degree
- Legal resident of one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico
- International students who have a student visa to attend school in the United States are considered legal residents and are also eligible
Application Requirements: Submit a design for the front of a greeting card
Express your artistic side for a chance to win a $10,000 award from the Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship. Submit a photo, artwork, or computer graphic for use as the front of a greeting card that will both wow judges and win votes for the chance to win this generous award.
9. Tall Clubs International (TCI) Foundation Academic Scholarship
Amount: A minimum of $1,000
Deadline: March 7
Eligibility:
- Under 21
- Entering the first year of higher education
- Meet height requirement: over 6′ 2″ for men and 5′ 10″ for women (in stocking feet)
- Sponsorship from a TCI member club
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Essay between 550 and 650 words
- Two letters of recommendation
This scholarship is aimed at students with their heads in the clouds, literally. Men must stand over 6′ 2″ and women 5′ 10″ in their stocking feet to qualify for the scholarship. In addition to meeting the height requirement, applicants must demonstrate merit in fields like academics, athletics, and community service to earn this award.
Beware of stretching the truth about your height—TCI reserves the right to measure it.
10. Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
Application Requirements: Create a Niche account
You can enter for a chance to get a $25,000 scholarship in just minutes without the need to write an essay—all you need to do is create a Niche account for your chance to win.
Scholarships for Academic Merit
11. Cameron Impact Scholarship
Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: May 21
Eligibility:
- High school seniors
- U.S. citizen
- Demonstrated excellence in leadership, activities, and community service or civic affairs
- Planning on enrolling full-time at an accredited four-year college or university
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.7 GPA
- Transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in numerous pursuits—academics, extracurricular activities, and community service—with a desire to make a positive change in their communities and the world. Left intentionally broad, the scholarship welcomes students with the aspiration to make a positive impact in both the private and public sectors, and through any number of professional careers.
A quarter of scholarships are allocated to students pursuing careers in education, nonprofits, government, and the military who have a goal of public service.
12. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Amount: $20,000
Deadline: September 30
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or Humanitarian Parole as defined by the U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial
- Planning to pursue a post-high school education
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Complete an eligibility quiz
- Must provide information on academic performance, leadership, and service
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is awarded to exceptional students with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to make a difference in the world. Coca-Cola Scholars are high achievers and demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to change in their school and community.
13. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Amount: $25,000-$100,000
Deadline: February 12
Eligibility:
- 18 years old or younger
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Application Requirements:
- Created a significant piece of work
- Nominations from two individuals who are not family members
- Available to attend an in-person or virtual awards ceremony
Davidson Fellows are gifted students who experts believe have the potential to make significant contributions to society. These students have completed a meaningful piece of work in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, or “Outside the Box”. This can include the creative application of existing knowledge, a high-impact new idea, an innovative solution with a broad range of implications, or a remarkable performance, just to name a few examples.
14. National Elks Foundation Most Valuable Student (MVS)
Amount: $4,000-$30,000
Deadline: November 12
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Essays
Applicants work through the ranks of local, district, and state levels to be considered for the Most Valuable Student (MVS). The Foundation selects the top 500 students from these applications for the national semi-finalist competition. The top 20 students are invited to participate in a Leadership Weekend and receive $30,000 scholarships, while the remaining 480 applicants earn a $4,000 scholarship.
15. Carson Scholars
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility:
- Grades 4th-11th
- Demonstrated humanitarian qualities through community service
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.75 GPA
- Nomination
Over the years, more than 12,000 Carson Scholars have received a scholarship recognizing their academic excellence and commitment to their communities. In addition to a financial award, Carson Scholars also receive an Olympic-sized medal and trophy celebrating their accomplishments.
Opportunities for Students with Significant Financial Need
16. Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
Amount: Up to $52,000
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility:
- U.S citizen
- Family gross income of $65,000 or less
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Certification Form completed by a high school counselor
Horatio Alger scholarships are awarded to promising young students from low-income families. A number of targeted scholarships are endowed by members of the Horatio Alger Association at several different universities and colleges. Some are also aimed at specific fields of study.
17. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Amount: Up to $55,000 per year
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Intend to enroll in a four-year college
- Cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.75
- Demonstrated unmet financial need—applicants with a family annual gross income up to $95,000 are considered
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- School report
- One counselor recommendation
- Two academic recommendations
The Cooke College Scholarship Program offers scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. JKCF Scholars join a nationwide community with ongoing personal and professional support and development opportunities. Recipients can use their scholarship funds to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees.
18. Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $10,000 per semester
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- In need of financial assistance
- Planning to attend a four-year college
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.75 GPA and/or in the top 5% of graduating class
- Score of 28 or higher on the ACT (or at least 1240 on the SAT)
- Teacher recommendation
The Engebretson Foundation Scholarship is aimed at high-achieving, academically talented students with financial need. One winner is chosen annually to receive a $10,000 per semester scholarship.
19. Dell Scholars Program
Amount: $20,000, a laptop, textbook credits, and emergency funds
Deadline: December 1
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in an approved college-readiness program, like College Possible or Upward Bound
- Planning to attend an accredited university or college
- Demonstrated financial need
- Pell Grant eligible
Application Requirements: Minimum 2.4 GPA
This program is for students with “grit, potential, and ambition” to strive for a college degree. Dell Scholars are also provided with wrap-around support for academic success, financial matters, and teletherapy professional counseling.
20. The Gates Scholarship (TGS)
Amount: Full cost of attendance
Deadline: September 15
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Plan to enroll in a four-year degree program at an accredited university or college
- Pell Grant eligible
Application Requirements: Minimum 3.3 GPA
This prestigious scholarship helps high-achieving students from low-income households realize their academic goals. Scholarship winners are chosen based on their academic record, demonstrated leadership, and qualities like emotional maturity, motivation, and perseverance.
Opportunities for First-Generation Students
21. Colgate-Palmolive Haz la U Educational Grant Program
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: November 3
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Hispanic heritage (includes Spain, Brazil, and the Philippines)
- Planning to enroll in an accredited institution of higher education
Application Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA
This scholarship program is designed for Hispanic students who have maintained academic excellence throughout high school, participated in community service, and demonstrated leadership. Colgate-Palmolive offers this program in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation in support of higher education for Hispanics.
22. Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
Amount: N/A
Deadline: March 14
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Planning to enroll in an accredited four-year higher education institution
- Demonstrated financial need
- First-generation college student
- Planning to study: Transportation Management, Math, Science, Engineering (any field), Architecture, Environmental Design, Pre-Med, Psychology, or Spanish Language/Literature
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Teacher/advisor letter of recommendation (optional, but highly recommended)
This scholarship seeks to support first-generation, underrepresented college students studying in select fields. The intent of the award is to help students who are passionate about pursuing higher education overcome barriers—like lack of resources and hardships encountered in their communities—and achieve successful futures.
23. The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship
Amount: N/A
Deadline: March 14
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- Planning to enroll in an accredited college or university
- Demonstrated financial need
- First-generation college student
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Minimum SAT score of 1250 (or ACT score of 25)
- Personal statement
- Two reference letters
This scholarship for potential first-generation college students is open to high school students who’ve demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding service to their communities. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on factors ranging from their qualifications to their financial need.
24. TELACU College Success Program
Amount: $500-5,000
Deadline: June 30
Eligibility:
- First-generation college student
- Demonstrated financial need
- Enrolled or intend to enroll in a four-year college or university
Application Requirements: Minimum 2.5 GPA
The TELACU College Success Program provides scholarships to first-generation college students. Priority is given to students pursuing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) majors, as well as students from California, Illinois, New York, and Texas.
25. NSHSS First Generation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 20
Eligibility:
- High school seniors and undergraduates in their freshman, sophomore, and junior years
- First-generation college student
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Transcript
- Academic resume
- Essay
- Recommendation letter
This scholarship provided by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) recognizes first-generation college students for their academic records and leadership activities. Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded.
Opportunities for Students of Color
26. Ron Brown Scholarship
Amount: $40,000
Deadline: December 1
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- African American
- Academically excellent
- Community service participation
- Demonstrated financial need
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- Two essays
This scholarship program provides awards for academically gifted African Americans who are active within their communities. Applicants should have demonstrated an interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship—the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures, and ethnicities.
27. McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship
Amount: $5,000-$100,000
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- U.S. resident or a DREAMer/DACA recipient
- Under 21 years old
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 2.8 GPA
- Transcript
- Personal statement
- Letter of recommendation
- List of community service projects
- FAFSA
This scholarship program provides 30 college-bound students of Hispanic heritage with awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Recipients are selected based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.
28. APIA (Asian Pacific Islander) Scholars
Amount: $2,500-$20,000
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility:
- Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity, heritage, or ancestry
- Citizen, national, or permanent resident of the U.S
- Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible
- Planning to enroll or continue in an accredited undergraduate program in the U.S.
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Essay
- Letter of recommendation
This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students of Asian or Pacific Islander descent to receive valuable funds for college. APIA Scholars works to support underserved APIA students through their scholarships—a special focus is given to students who live at or below the poverty line, students who will be the first in their family to attend college, and students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education. Strong applicants will have also demonstrated leadership and community service.
29. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars
Amount: Up to $35,000 over four years
Deadline: January 23
Eligibility:
- High school seniors
- U.S. citizen
- Excellent academic performance
- Dedication to community service
- Plan on attending a four-year, accredited college or university in the U.S.
- Demonstrated financial need
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Four essays
- Standardized test scores
- Household information
The Jackie Robinson Foundation goes beyond sponsoring scholarships—it helps to guide minority students through the process of higher education. JRF Scholars have access to many benefits, including networking and mentorship, internship and employment opportunities, an annual conference, and year-round programming.
30. Partnership with Native Americans | American Indian Education Fund Scholarship
Amount: Up to $2,000
Deadline: April 4
Eligibility:
- Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian
- All future undergraduate students in a two- or four-year college, university, vocational, or technical school are encouraged to apply
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Personal summary
- Tribal enrollment card/documentation
- There is an essay of no more than four, double-spaced pages typed in 12-point font
The American Indian Education Fund believes that “education is one of the most important cornerstones of self-sufficiency and quality of life.” With that in mind, the AIEF works to end the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, literacy programs, and school supplies to Native American students. A GPA between 2.0 and 3.5 is desirable—as is an ACT score of 14 or above—however, all current or future undergraduate students are encouraged to apply.
Opportunities for Student-Athletes
31. Sara Scholarship
Amount: $2,500 per year—renewable for four years for a total of $10,000
Deadline: April 30
Eligibility:
- Female high school seniors
- Demonstrated financial need
- Active engagement with the sport of golf as a hobby, as a member of a team, working as a caddy, or at a golf course
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.3 GPA
- Standard application
- Transcript
- Personal essay
- Letter of recommendation
- Student Aid Report (SAR)
Established in 2012, the Sara Scholarship was founded in memory of Sara Sheehan through the Henry & Sara Sheehan Foundation. This scholarship grants awards to high-achieving female high school seniors who demonstrate financial need, excellence of character, a passion for golf, and a plan to pursue a college degree.
32. Lindsey Vonn Foundation Scholarships
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 31 and October 31
Eligibility:
- Female
- Ages 10 to 18
- Passion and promise in a sport
- Demonstrated financial need
Application Requirements:
- Letter of recommendation
- Essay about you and your sport (students are encouraged to create submissions that will stand out)
The Lindsey Vonn Foundation provides scholarships, programs, and mentorship in order to support future generations by helping them pursue their passion, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals. Unlike academic scholarships, these awards are aimed at funding activities outside of the classroom—including athletics as well as enrichment activities in music, art, and creative outlets, ranging from cooking to coding.
33. United States Tennis Association
Amount: Up to $15,000
Deadline: May 1
Eligibility:
- Involved in community service or volunteering
- Demonstrated financial need
Application Requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
- Student Aid Report (SAR)
There are several endowed scholarships available through USTA and students are encouraged to apply to all those for which they are eligible to receive. Priority is given to students who participated in National Junior Tennis and Learning organizations.
34. DYB Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: At one time played in a Dixie Youth Baseball franchised league
Application Requirements:
- School report
- SAT or ACT score
This generous scholarship is open to anyone who played in the DYB (Dixie Youth Baseball) league—an organization similar to Little League that’s popular in the Southeast. Scholarships may be used for tuition, room and board, or school supplies and equipment.
35. FMC Skaters Scholarship
Amount: N/A
Deadline: May 1
Eligibility:
- High school senior
- New England resident who skated at an FMC arena
Application Requirements:
- Transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Essay
- SAT or ACT score
For more than three decades, FMC has provided scholarships to skaters from their arenas—whether hockey players, figure skaters, or recreational skaters. Award recipients are chosen based on their excellence both on and off the ice—factors considered range from academic performance to community service to leadership.
36. (Bonus) CollegeVine Scholarships
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Quarterly
Eligibility: high school student and U.S. resident
Application Requirements: create a free CollegeVine account or fill out chancing profile if you already have an account.
CollegeVine provides a quarterly, no-essay scholarship of $2,000. All you have to do is sign up for a free account, which allows you to see your chances of acceptance at 1,600+ schools, get your essays reviewed by a peer, ask questions in our community forum, and more. If you already have an account, just make sure your chancing profile is filled out.
Awards will be paid out directly to students to help them cover any educational costs. Learn more about the CollegeVine scholarships.
Tips For Applying For Scholarships
More work = fewer applicants
The more work applying for a scholarship is, the smaller the applicant pool will likely be. Scholarships involving video production, such as the Live Más Scholarship, or a well-thought-out essay, like the Dell Scholars Program, all demand a healthy amount of hard work, which keeps the competition at bay.
Apply to a mix of larger and smaller awards
All the above scholarships are relatively well-known, so they will still be incredibly competitive even if they involve a lot of work. Don’t limit yourself to applying for huge national awards—look for local groups who may have smaller awards, but also smaller pools of candidates.
Research past winners
Scholarship committees tend to have an idea of “what they’re looking for.” To present yourself in the best light, research past winners to get a better sense of what scholarship committees want to see. Most scholarship pages will have a section dedicated to past winners, what their application was like, and where they are now. If not, you can always Google the name of the scholarship and “past winners.”
How to Calculate Your Odds of Acceptance
In addition to determining how much you’ll pay for college, you may also be wondering how you stack up at your top choice schools. To answer that question, check out CollegeVine’s free chancing engine.
This tool takes into account just about every element of your application (other than your interview, letters of recommendation, and essays, which aren’t quantifiable), including your grades, course rigor, SAT/ACT scores (if you have them), and extracurriculars, to give you personalized odds of acceptance at all of your top choice schools. You’ll also receive suggestions for how to boost your odds!