
As high school students gear up for college, one of the biggest concerns is often how to pay for tuition and other expenses. College can be expensive, but scholarships can significantly lighten the financial burden. Many scholarships are available to high school students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, or financial need.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top scholarships in the U.S. for high school students who are about to enter college, along with key details about how to apply.
1. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the country. It awards $20,000 to 150 exceptional high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Award Amount: $20,000
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Application Deadline: Typically in October.
How to Apply: Submit an online application including academic transcripts, essays, and recommendations. No test scores required.
Website: Coca-Cola Scholars Program
2. The Gates Scholarship
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Gates Scholarship is designed for high-achieving minority students with financial need. It covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses that aren’t covered by other financial aid.
Award Amount: Full cost of attendance.
Eligibility: High school seniors from minority groups (African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, Hispanic American) with a minimum 3.3 GPA and demonstrated financial need.
Application Deadline: Typically in September.
How to Apply: Submit an application with transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Website: The Gates Scholarship
3. National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the oldest and most widely recognized scholarship programs in the U.S. To qualify, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year of high school. High-scoring students become semifinalists, and finalists receive scholarships based on their academic records, extracurricular achievements, and personal essays.
Award Amount: $2,500 (National Merit) + additional awards from corporate and college sponsors.
Eligibility: High school juniors who score in the top percentile on the PSAT/NMSQT.
Application Deadline: Varies based on when the PSAT is taken.
How to Apply: Based on PSAT scores, followed by an application process for finalists.
Website: National Merit Scholarship
4. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship is a generous program for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. It offers up to $55,000 per year to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs at top universities. Recipients also gain access to mentorship and a network of alumni and scholars.
Award Amount: Up to $55,000 per year.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA and financial need.
Application Deadline: Typically in November.
How to Apply: Submit an online application including academic records, personal essays, financial information, and recommendation letters.
Website: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
5. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation offers the Most Valuable Student Scholarship to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to community service. This scholarship is open to all U.S. citizens, regardless of financial need.
Award Amount: Ranges from $1,000 to $12,500 per year.
Eligibility: High school seniors who are U.S. citizens.
Application Deadline: Typically in November.
How to Apply: Submit an application including academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and essays.
6. Horatio Alger Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Scholarship is aimed at students who have overcome significant adversity and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship helps high school seniors who have faced personal hardships pursue higher education and achieve their goals.
Award Amount: Up to $25,000.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a GPA of 2.0 or higher who have demonstrated financial need and overcome adversity.
Application Deadline: Typically in October.
How to Apply: Submit an application including personal essays and documentation of financial need.
Website: Horatio Alger Scholarship
7. QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
The QuestBridge National College Match connects high-achieving, low-income students with full-ride scholarships to some of the most prestigious universities in the U.S., including Ivy League schools. It’s a great opportunity for students who may not otherwise be able to afford these top-tier institutions.
Award Amount: Full-ride scholarships covering tuition, room, and board.
Eligibility: High school seniors with strong academic records and financial need.
Application Deadline: Typically in September.
How to Apply: Submit an application including academic records, financial information, and personal essays.
Website: QuestBridge
8. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards extraordinary students who have completed a significant project in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, or philosophy. This scholarship recognizes students who have gone above and beyond in their academic pursuits.
Award Amount: $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000.
Eligibility: Students 18 or younger who have completed a significant project in their field of study.
Application Deadline: Typically in February.
How to Apply: Submit an application including details about the project, essays, and recommendations.
Website: Davidson Fellows Scholarship
9. Burger King Scholars Program
The Burger King Scholars Program provides scholarships to high school seniors based on academic achievement, work experience, and community involvement. It's an accessible scholarship that offers a range of award amounts to support college-bound students.
Award Amount: $1,000 to $50,000.
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Application Deadline: Typically in December.
How to Apply: Submit an application including academic records, work experience, and essays.
Website: Burger King Scholars Program
10. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program honors high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and citizenship, as well as academic achievement. The program provides substantial financial support to students who have the potential to become leaders in their communities and fields of study.
Award Amount: $10,000 renewable for up to four years ($40,000 total).
Eligibility: High school seniors with leadership experience, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrated financial need.
Application Deadline: Typically in January.
How to Apply: Submit an application including academic records, essays, and leadership experiences.
Website: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
Conclusion
There are numerous scholarships available for high school students as they prepare for college, offering a wide range of opportunities to lessen the financial burden. From merit-based awards to scholarships for students facing financial challenges or adversity, each scholarship provides a stepping stone toward academic success. Start researching and applying early to increase your chances of receiving these valuable scholarships and securing a bright future.
Let the journey to funding your college education begin today!
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