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Edited By: Undergraduate Scholarships
Key takeaways:
- The median annual earnings of those with an undergraduate degree is over 59% higher than those with a high school diploma.
- As of 2025, the average annual total cost of attendance at a four-year institution was $27,146 for a public in-state school to $58,628 for a private school.
- Undergraduate scholarships can be given on the basis of need or merit. Need-based scholarships will take the student’s financial situation into account, while merit-based scholarships will look at the student’s academic achievements.
Every year, millions of students in the United States enroll in college for the first time. It’s an exciting time for most, but for many, the cost of attendance looms large. Undergraduate scholarships can help to address these concerns, but finding financial aid can be quite challenging.
Scholarships don't have to be paid back and can be used to cover tuition as well as fees, room, board, and more. Although finding these opportunities can feel just as complicated as getting into college in the first place, Scholarships.com makes this process as easy as possible.
The 25 Best Undergraduate Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025
How to get scholarships for undergraduate students
If you're interested in a scholarship, visit the scholarship provider's official website and read the eligibility section first. This will determine if you meet the basic criteria, which might include factors such as grade level, academic major, financial need, race, or extracurricular activities.
Many schools will require that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for any institutional scholarships, as many of them will require demonstration of financial need. It is important to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, regardless of your financial situation. Many students and their families mistakenly assume they won't benefit from completing the FAFSA and get locked out of the benefits of doing so, only to find out when it is too late.
Oftentimes states have their own scholarship system that requires either the FAFSA or a separate application. Some schools have one singular application that will grant you access to multiple scholarship opportunities, while other schools require a separate application for each scholarship.
The FAFSA has to be completed every year that you want financial aid. FAFSA results can change every year, depending on your and your family’s financial situation.
How to qualify for an undergraduate scholarship
The most basic requirement is submitting your application by the deadline and ensuring you have included everything that is required. If there is a personal statement or other essay(s) required, make sure you adhere strictly to the word/character count and answer the prompt. Follow instructions to the letter and don't turn your application in late.
Most undergraduate scholarships offered by institutions in the United States require that students are U.S. citizens; however, not all scholarships require this. Additionally, it is usually required to have a high school degree, but some scholarships will also accept a GED or equivalent.
Frequently asked questions about undergraduate scholarships
When you create a free account on Scholarships.com and add your demographic information, you will receive a list of scholarship opportunities tailored to you, including general undergraduate scholarships. However, if you prefer to use our directory, you can search for awards in specific categories without making an account.
To apply for undergraduate scholarships, you generally need to be either a high school student or gradu ate planning to attend college after graduation or a current undergraduate student. Although the majority of scholarships target high school seniors, there are plenty of opportunities for students in other grades as well.
One of the biggest myths some high school students believe is that they need to know where they’re going to school to apply for scholarships. However, you don’t always have to be accepted anywhere to apply and even win a scholarship.
Sometimes, scholarship eligibility differs based on where you attend or plan to attend school. For instance, some scholarships are only available for students from certain states or who are attending specific types of universities.
Let’s say you win a scholarship that is only given to students attending a Texas school, but you ultimately decide to go to the University of Southern California. In this case, you’ll have to give up your award. When applying for any kind of scholarship, double-check the guidelines to make sure you understand all the rules and limitations.
Many students attend school part-time or online so they can work, support their families, and take out fewer loans. Although the majority of scholarships for undergraduate students require full-time attendance, some may still accept part-time students.
Additionally, although not specifically for undergraduate students, scholarships for adult students are often geared towards "non-traditional" students such as students who are parents, in school part-time, or above the age of 25.
If you cannot find adequate scholarship funding as a part-time or online student, you can still qualify for federal student loans. Just make sure you do not drop below part-time status so that you remain eligible for federal financial aid.
Brainstorm other unique qualities and experiences you have and try to find awards that suit those characteristics. You can search for scholarships related to your race, ethnicity, or other distinguishing factors. For example, there are many minority, LGBTQ+, and need-based scholarships that may be fitting. Scholarships specific to your state, major, and age can further refine your search and increase your chances.
Other scholarships do not consider an applicant's financial background. For example, The Stamps Scholars Program is open to students with exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. It provides approximately 360 scholarships of up to $90,000 that can be renewed annually.
Scholarships are one of the best kinds of financial aid because they do not need to be repaid at any point. However, scholarships are not always enough to cover all college expenses, and it is sometimes necessary to turn to other types of financial aid. This includes work-study programs, federal and private student loans, or income-share agreements.
You may also be eligible for federal or state grants; however, you will have to complete the FAFSA to be considered. This might also qualify you for subsidized federal loans, which do not accumulate interest while you are in school or during deferment periods.
Completing the FAFSA can make you eligible for more awards through your university or institution. Contact your college’s financial aid department if you have any questions or are having trouble completing the FAFSA.