20 Scholarships Every College Student Should Know About

The cost of higher education is a significant burden for many students and their families. Scholarships can play a vital role in easing this financial strain by providing an avenue for students to focus on their studies rather than their debts. While some scholarships are widely known, there are numerous others that are often overlooked. Below is a list of 20 scholarships that every college student should be aware of.

Academic Scholarships

1. National Merit Scholarship: Awarded based on PSAT scores, this is one of the most prestigious academic scholarships in the U.S.
2. Horatio Alger Scholarship: For students who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
3. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This scholarship awards high-achieving students with a strong commitment to community service.
4. Gates Millennium Scholars Program: Aimed at minority students with financial need, this program covers full tuition and other expenses.

STEM Scholarships

1. SMART Scholarship: Provides full tuition for students majoring in STEM fields in exchange for service in the Department of Defense.
2. Siemens Math, Science, and Technology Award Scholarships: For high school students who have excelled in math and science competitions.
3. Google Scholarships: Various scholarships are available for students majoring in computer science or engineering.

Scholarships for Women

1. AAUW Scholarships: The American Association of University Women provides scholarships for women pursuing higher education.
2. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: For women pursuing careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science.

Scholarships for Minority Students

1. United Negro College Fund (UNCF): Provides numerous scholarship opportunities for African American students.
2. Hispanic Scholarship Fund: For students of Hispanic heritage, offering a range of scholarships based on merit and need.
3. Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund: Supports Asian and Pacific Islander American students with financial need.

Scholarships for Community Service

1. Bonner Scholars Program: Offers financial assistance in exchange for community service commitments.
2. DoSomething.org Scholarships: Encourages social change through various community service projects, rewarding participants with scholarships.

Unconventional Scholarships

1. Duck Tape's Stuck at Prom Scholarship: Awards scholarships to students who create the best prom attire made entirely from duct tape.
2. Zolp Scholarships: Oddly specific, this scholarship is open to Catholic students with the last name Zolp.

Scholarships for Unique Talents and Hobbies

1. John Lennon Scholarships: For talented songwriters and composers.
2. Tall Clubs International Scholarship: If you're a woman over 5'10" or a man over 6'2", this unique scholarship might be for you.
3. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarships: Awarded to students who promote vegetarianism in their schools or communities.
4. The Freethinker Essay Contest: For students who identify as agnostic, atheist, or secular, and who can express their views eloquently in an essay.

Research for Other Scholarships

While this list provides a good starting point, it's crucial to do your own research to find scholarships that fit your specific needs and talents. Many organizations and companies offer scholarships related to specific fields, hobbies, or community service activities. Your school's financial aid office is also a valuable resource for scholarship opportunities.

In the quest for a debt-free college education, every little bit helps. Scholarships may require an investment of time in the application process, but the potential payoff is worth it. So start early, apply widely, and don't overlook smaller scholarships; they can add up to a significant amount. The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of reducing the financial burden of your education.