15 Amazing Scholarships for High School Students To Help You Pay For The College of Your Dreams

Paying for college can feel like an impossible and insanely expensive task. Here are 15 scholarships for high school students to consider.

Navigating the path from high school to college can be exciting and a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to figuring out how to pay for everything. That's where scholarships come in—they're a great way to make college more affordable and turn your dreams into reality. Scholarships aren't just for the straight-A students; there are opportunities for athletes, community service champions, artists, and pretty much anyone with a unique talent or story.

Whether you're just starting to look into scholarships for high school students or trying to perfect your applications, this guide has got you covered. Your dream college is closer than you think, and with the right scholarships, you can get there without emptying your wallet.

Finding and applying to scholarships for high school students does take some effort, though. It means doing your research, understanding what each scholarship is looking for, and putting together strong applications. But don't worry—it might seem challenging, but with the right tips and resources, it's totally doable.

Here's a breakdown of the different kinds of scholarships you can apply for, some insider tips on making your applications stand out, and awesome resources to help you find the best opportunities.

This post is all about scholarships for high school students.

Scholarships for High School Students

Merit-Based Scholarships

1. National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program awards students based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvement. Winners receive scholarships ranging from $2,500 to full tuition. This prestigious scholarship opens doors to additional financial aid opportunities and recognition from top universities.

To apply, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year and score within the top 1% of test-takers in their state. nalists are selected based on their academic record, school recommendation, SAT scores, and personal essay.

2. Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program provides full-tuition scholarships to outstanding minority students with financial need. It covers undergraduate and graduate education, fostering academic and professional growth with comprehensive support services.

The application includes a series of essays, letters of recommendation, and documentation of leadership activities and community service.

Requirements:

• must be high school seniors
• African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American
• cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher
• demonstrate significant financial need, as determined by the FAFSA or state aid forms.

3. Coca-Cola Scholars Program

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers $20,000 scholarships to high-achieving students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to community service. This highly competitive scholarship not only provides significant financial aid but also connects recipients to a network of alumni and leadership development programs.

The application process includes submitting a detailed online application that highlights academic achievements, leadership roles, community service activities, and employment history. Applicants must also write several essays that showcase their leadership qualities and impact on their community.

Requirements:

• must be current high school seniors
• minimum 3.0 GPA

4. Ron Brown Scholar Program

The Ron Brown Scholar Program provides $40,000 scholarships to academically talented African American high school seniors with leadership potential and a commitment to public service. This scholarship offers not only financial aid but also mentorship and professional development opportunities.

The application process includes submitting an online application, several essays, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also provide information about their extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service involvement.

Requirements:

• must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• must be high school seniors and excel academically

5. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

The Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship awards up to $50,000 to high school seniors based on academic performance, leadership, and financial need. Recipients benefit from financial support and opportunities for personal growth through the Elks' extensive community service programs.

The application process includes submitting an online application that details academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and employment history. Applicants must also write an essay and provide letters of recommendation.

Requirements:

• students must be U.S. citizens
• high school seniors planning to attend an accredited U.S. college or university

Need-Based Scholarships

6. Pell Grant

The Pell Grant, a federal aid program, provides up to $7,395 per year to students based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. It significantly reduces the financial burden of college tuition and does not need to be repaid, making higher education accessible to more students.

Eligibility is based on the student's SAI, the cost of attendance at their chosen college, and their enrollment status (full-time or part-time). The Pell Grant is awarded primarily to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or professional degree.

Requirements:

• must complete the FAFSA form, which assesses their financial situation and determines their Students Aid Index (SAI)

7. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship offers up to $40,000 per year to high-achieving students with significant financial need. It covers tuition, living expenses, and books, supporting recipients through their undergraduate studies and beyond with advising and networking opportunities.

The application process includes submitting an online application, several essays, and letters of recommendation.

Requirements:

• must be high school seniors
• minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate significant financial need
• must also have standardized test scores in the top 15% (SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1200 or above and/or ACT composite score of 26 or above)

8. Horatio Alger Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Scholarship awards up to $25,000 to students who have faced significant obstacles and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also connects recipients with a supportive community and resources to succeed in college and their careers.

The application process includes submitting an online application that details their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service involvement. Applicants must also write an essay describing the significant challenges they have faced and how they overcame them.

Requirements:

• must be U.S. citizens who are high school seniors
• minimum GPA of 2.0
• must also demonstrate critical financial need, defined as an annual family income of $55,000 or less

9. Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars Program provides $20,000, a laptop, and textbook credits to students who need financial assistance and have overcome significant challenges. It also offers ongoing support and resources, including academic coaching and financial planning, to ensure recipients' success in college.

The application process includes submitting an online application, several essays, and letters of recommendation. Applicants must also provide information about their college readiness program involvement, academic achievements, and financial situation.

Requirements:

• must be high school seniors participating in an approved college readiness program
• minimum GPA of 2.4
• demonstrate financial need

10. QuestBridge National College Match

The QuestBridge National College Match program connects high-achieving, low-income students with full scholarships to top colleges. This scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and other expenses, making elite education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and providing lifelong benefits through a supportive alumni network.

Applicants must complete the QuestBridge application, which includes submitting several essays, letters of recommendation, and financial information. They must also provide standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) and high school transcripts. Finalists are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and financial need.

Requirements:

• must be high school seniors
• demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need

Random/Unique Scholarships

11. Tall Clubs International Scholarship

The Tall Clubs International Scholarship offers $1,000 to students who meet specific height requirements (5'10" for women, 6'2" for men). It provides financial support to tall students and celebrates their uniqueness.

They must submit an online application that includes their height measurements, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles. The application also requires several essays and letters of recommendation. Finalists are selected based on their applications and may be invited for an interview.

Requirements:

• students must be high school seniors
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

12. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship awards $2,000 to students who submit a creative essay about surviving a zombie apocalypse. This quirky scholarship encourages imaginative thinking and offers financial aid to the winner.

They must submit an essay of 250 words or less that describes their plan for surviving a zombie apocalypse, including details about their survival skills, strategies, and any tools or resources they would use. The application also requires several essays and letters of recommendation. Essays are judged based on originality, creativity, and writing skill.

Requirements:

• students must be 14 years or older
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

13. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship provides up to $10,000 to students who promote vegetarianism in their schools and communities. It supports young advocates of vegetarianism with financial aid and recognition.

They must submit an online application that includes their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles. The application also requires several essays describing their promotion of vegetarianism, including details about their advocacy efforts, community service activities, and any projects or initiatives they have undertaken.

Requirements:

• students must be high school seniors
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

14. Make Me Laugh Scholarship

The Make Me Laugh Scholarship provides a $1,500 award to students who submit a humorous short essay about a funny incident or event. This scholarship brings a lighthearted approach to the application process and offers financial support to the winner.

Applicants need to submit a video or written essay that demonstrates their comedic talents and originality. The video should be no longer than 1-2 minutes, while the essay should be no more than 500 words. Both submissions should focus on humor that is engaging, clever, and well-crafted. The application process also involves several essays and letters of recommendation that highlight the applicant’s creative abilities and academic achievements. Entries are judged based on humor, creativity, and overall presentation.

Requirements:

• high school seniors or college students
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

15. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship

The Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship offers a $10,000 prize to students who design and submit an original greeting card. Open to all high school and college students, this contest provides recognition and financial aid to young artists and designers.

hey must submit a design for an original greeting card, along with an artist statement describing their creative process and vision. The application also requires several essays and letters of recommendation. Entries are judged based on originality, creativity, and overall aesthetic appeal.

Requirements:

• students must be high school or college students
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

This post is all about scholarships for high school students.

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