34 No Essay Scholarships to Save Thousands on College
What’s Covered:
- Are “No-Essay” Scholarships Worth It?
- Where to Focus Your Scholarship Search
- 34 No-Essay Scholarships
Scholarships play a large role in many students’ plans for how to pay for college, but completing the applications for some scholarships is time-consuming—especially for students who are busy taking challenging courses and involved with extracurricular activities. Luckily, some scholarships are easier to apply for than others, like the no-essay scholarships listed below.
Are “No-Essay” Scholarships Worth It?
No-essay scholarships are easier to apply for than other, more involved scholarships, so it doesn’t cost you much in time or effort to apply. However, because they’re easy to apply for, they receive a lot of applications, which means more competition and lower odds of winning. It is also less clear how no-essay scholarship recipients are selected without an essay to set your application apart.
If you choose to apply for no-essay scholarships, just know that they are just a part of a strategy for winning awards to college and are best-suited as a supplement to local and more niche scholarships. If you don’t like the idea of writing an essay, look for a scholarship with an equivalent task, like making a video or creating a piece of art instead.
Where to Focus Your Scholarship Search
Outside scholarships garner a lot of attention, but colleges and universities are actually the best place to look for scholarships—schools themselves grant $175 billion in scholarship money annually! It’s also worth noting that college awards are often larger than outside awards; 80% of external scholarships are less than $2,000, which looks great on paper but will only put a small dent in the cost of most colleges.
You have the best chance of winning a merit-based scholarship from a college or university. While super-selective schools with applicants fighting for admission often don’t offer merit-based scholarships—for example, none of the Ivy League colleges do—less selective colleges are often anxious to attract strong applicants. This makes applying to a college where your profile is particularly strong a smart strategy for getting a merit scholarship.
34 No-Essay Scholarships
1. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Students of any education level, school, field of study, and GPA considered
This scholarship is for bold students who are determined to change the world one step at a time. No essay is required to win this eye-popping award. Instead, create a bold profile highlighting your earnestness, determination, and how you’re moving toward your goals for a chance to win.
2. Scholarships360 No-Essay Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: All students—including high school students, community college students, undergraduates, and graduate students
No essay is required to win this generous award. Simply sign up for Scholarship360—a scholarship newsletter—for your chance at $1,000 for college.
3. $2,000 “No-Essay” College Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: All high school and college students
The name says it all: no essay is required to receive this $2,000 college scholarship. Simply create an account for a chance to win this substantial award. A winner is chosen monthly and the money can be used to cover tuition, housing, books, or any other education-related expenses.
4. $2,000 Nitro Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility:
- Age 17 or older
- A parent with a child enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S.
- A student enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S.
- A parent with a high school senior in the U.S.
- A high school senior located with the U.S.
- A student or a parent who has graduated from an accredited undergraduate school and is paying back debt from educational expenses
No essay is needed to win a $2,000 Nitro Scholarship. Applicants only need to complete a short application for this chance to win this award and to take a step to control the cost of college.
5. The Student Loan Hero Smart Money Giveaway
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: Legal U.S. residents in the contiguous U.S. and Washington, D.C., 18 years of age and older
This scholarship wants you to take control of your college finances so you can focus on your future. Entry is easy—just fill out a short online application.
6. College Board “Complete Your FAFSA” Scholarships
Amount: $500
Deadline: October through February
Eligibility: Current high school seniors in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories
The College Board—the organization that administers the SAT—provides scholarships to students for simply filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The College Board will give out 500 awards every month from October through December and 100 awards in both January and February.
7. College Board “Complete Your Journey” Scholarships
Amount: $40,000
Deadline: February
Eligibility: Current high school seniors in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories
Complete the College Board’s six steps of college planning for your chance at one of 25 $40,000 scholarship opportunities. The program is open to students from all financial backgrounds, however, at least half of the scholarships will go to students from families who earn less than $60,000 annually.
8. ScholarshipPoints Scholarship Program
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Quarterly
Eligibility:
- Age 13 or older
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Attending or planning to attend college in the U.S.
No GPA, no essay, and no hassle! To enter for an opportunity to win one of these impressive awards, simply fill out an online application. In addition to the quarterly $10,000 scholarships, ScholarshipPoints also draws three $1,000 scholarships monthly.
9. Christian Connector Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May 31
Eligibility:
- Age 13 or older
- Must enroll for the first time as a full-time student at a Christ-centered Christian college, university, or Bible college
Sign up to receive information about Christian colleges—and for a chance at winning this handsome scholarship award for college. The scholarship is only open to students planning to attend a Christ-centered Christian college, university, or Bible college. The funds are sent directly to the winner’s school of choice.
10. No Essay ‘You Deserve It’ Scholarship
Amount: $2,222
Deadline: December 29
Eligibility:
- Age 16 or older
- Legal resident of the U.S. or its territories (Rhode Island and Michigan applicants are ineligible)
- Enrolled in a qualified high school, college, or university in the U.S.
Sign up for ScholarshipOwl (a scholarship service) and you’re simultaneously registered for a chance to win a $2,222 award. Your odds of winning are about 1 in 140,000—not too bad considering there is no essay required and sign up is quick.
11. CollegeXpress $10,000 Scholarship Contest
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: May 31
Eligibility:
- Age 13 or older
- Legal U.S. resident
- Must enter a CollegeXpress member college as a full-time freshman, transfer, or graduate student for the fall term
Just create a CollegeXpress profile for a chance at $10,000 to use at a CollegeXpress member college. Winners of this no-essay scholarship are selected at random.
12. Annual Catholic College Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: May 31
Eligibility:
- Age 13 or older
- Must enroll for the first time as a full-time student at a Catholic college
Sign up to receive information about Catholic colleges—and for a chance at winning this handsome scholarship award for college. The scholarship is only open to students planning to attend a Catholic college, university, or Bible college. The funds are sent directly to the winner’s school of choice.
13. Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility:
- Age 16 or older
- Resident of the U.S. or its territories
- High school seniors, college students, students who’ve earned a General Education Development (GED), or parent/guardian of an aforementioned person
Sign up to receive emails that provide helpful college tips and useful resources and get entered to win one of 12 annual $5,000 awards. Complete a survey after registering for emails for an additional entry for the scholarship.
14. Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Semi-annually (spring and fall)
Eligibility: Attending an accredited school in the U.S. or accepted to an accredited school and set to begin within six months of application
Show off your creativity for a chance to win this no-essay scholarship. To enter, fill out a short application and either submit a web design or attach a link to a webpage. In addition to a scholarship, winners also receive a critique session with Lounge Lizard’s founder and CCO.
15. Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 3
Eligibility:
- Age 14 or older
- Legal U.S. resident or international student with a student visa
- High school, college, or university student
While you don’t need an essay to win this generous scholarship, you are required to submit an original photo, artwork, or computer graphic for use on the front of a greeting card. Entries are limited to one per person, so send in your best work!
16. Frame My Future Scholarship Contest
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: April 1
Eligibility:
- Legal U.S.resident
- Planning to enroll at a U.S. college or university in the fall
Show how you frame your future through photography, illustration, painting, or mixed media art for a chance at this ample award. Although no essay is required, applicants are asked to submit a brief overview of their piece (no more than 500 characters).
17. Annual Faith-Based College Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: May 31
Eligibility:
- Age 13 or older
- Must enroll for the first time as a full-time student at a faith-based college
Sign up to receive information about faith-based colleges and for a chance at winning this handsome scholarship award for college. The scholarship is only open to students planning to attend a faith-based college, university, or Bible college. The funds are sent directly to the winner’s school of choice.
18. Sallie Mae $5,432 Sweepstakes
Amount: $5,432
Deadline: December 31
Eligibility:
- Legal U.S. resident
Entering for this scholarship is easy, all you need to do is complete an online registration for your chance at this $5,432 award.
19. Ascent Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility:
- Age 18 or older
- Legal U.S. resident or DACA student
- Enrolled at least half-time in a degree program or technical skills training program
Ascent Scholarship giveaways are designed to help students cover school-related expenses such as tuition, books, rent, groceries, parking, and transportation. No essay is required, all you need to do is register for a chance to win one of these awards.
20. The “No Sweat” Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: December 31
Eligibility:
- Age 13 or older
- Legal U.S. resident
- Between 8th and 12th grade
Create an account and complete a portfolio for your chance at this super scholarship which you can use for any educational purpose—from books to summer camp. The more complete your profile is, the better your odds of winning are.
21. Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Quarterly
Eligibility:
- U.S. residents, DACA and undocumented students, and international students currently studying in the U.S.
- Current high school, college, and graduate students
Paying for school is stressful which is why this scholarship is intentionally low pressure. Complete the online registration to enter. Follow Access Scholarships on Instagram for an extra entry. You can use the scholarship for any educational expense—including tuition, textbooks, housing, and technology.
22. Cappex Easy Money Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: Current high school or college student
No need to stress about your GPA or an essay when entering this scholarship contest. Simply answer a few simple questions for your chance at one of these awards.
23. Scholarships4Moms
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 15
Eligibility:
- Age 18 or older
- U.S. legal resident
- Mother or expectant mother
- Enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. or will enroll in one within three months
The Scholarships4Moms award is designed to help mothers meet their educational goals. Founded by a group of moms, who understand how busy moms are, signing up is quick and easy. All you need to do is complete a short entry form.
24. College Survey Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: College undergraduate or graduate student and undergraduate or graduate alumni who graduated within the last four years
All it takes to enter this running for this scholarship is to fill out a college survey on Niche, a ranking, and review website. Your responses are anonymous and are displayed on Niche to help other students to find the right college for them.
25. Easy Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility:
- Age 25 years or younger
- Living in the U.S. or Canada (or a citizen of either country but living abroad)
No GPA requirements or essays are required to participate in this scholarship contest. For a chance to win, you simply must sign up for a campaign, complete it, and take a photo to document your participation. Campaigns are quick and completed in under five minutes!
26. SuperCollege Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: High school, college, or graduate student, or adult planning to go back to school
Just fill out the application and answer a few simple questions about your college plans for the opportunity to win this award. You can use the scholarship to pay for any education-related expenses. For example, tuition, books, computers, or room and board.
27. Debt.com Scholarship For Aggressive Scholarship Applicants
Amount: $500
Deadline: Every other month
Eligibility: Actively applying for scholarships
This scholarship rewards students with the drive to earn scholarships and the willingness to fight for financial independence. In order to win, you need to send confirmations from all of the scholarships you’ve applied to. Also, while there is no essay, you are required to submit a short biographical letter.
28. MyMozaic Monthly Scholarship Contest
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Every month
Eligibility:
- Age 13 or older
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Enrolled in high school or college in the U.S.
Simply create a profile at MyMozaic.com and answer a few simple questions—like your graduation year, your GPA, and the major(s) you’re interested in—for the opportunity to win one of these monthly, no-essay scholarships.
29. WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Jun 1
Eligibility: Current college student
Create a profile at WayUp—a jobsite for college students and recent college graduates—for a chance of winning a $1,000 scholarship. The stronger your profile and the more internships and jobs you apply for, the better your odds are to receive an award.
30. College Ave Scholarship Monthly Sweepstakes
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled in high school or a post-secondary educational institution or are the parent or legal guardian of a person enrolled in a high school or a post-secondary educational institution
Earning this $1,000 simply requires filling out a very short entry and a little luck. Winners are chosen monthly!
31. Give Me Liberty Easy Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen
- High school senior or enrolled in an accredited institution in the U.S.
The intention of this scholarship is to provide every student with an equal opportunity to experience freedom from the burden of tuition and loans. Recipients are selected through a lottery which gives every applicant the same chance of winning—regardless of their academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and essay writing skills.
32. Because College is Expensive Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: Quarterly
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, along with current college students and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school
If you’re planning to attend college you’ll want to look into this scholarship—all it takes is completing a short application to enter for a chance to win. Only one entry per quarter is allowed.
33. Return 2 College Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 31
Eligibility:
- Age 17 or older
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Starting a program of higher education—either undergraduate or graduate—within the next 12 months or are currently full or part-time students
While this scholarship doesn’t require an essay it does ask you to compose three sentences answering the question why are you getting your degree? Have a lot to say? Perfect, more than one entry is allowed, but more than a dozen are discouraged.
34. Project Yellow Light Create a Billboard Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility:
- Legal U.S. residents
- High school juniors and seniors, along with undergraduate and graduate students
Design a billboard to promote safe driving to a broad audience and draw attention to this important topic. In addition to a scholarship, winners may see their design grace a billboard or used on the web and other digital platforms.
