Like other scholarships, federal scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, which can range from financial need (usually determined by completing the FAFSA on the Web), to a student’s chosen major. Federal scholarship awards vary in amount, and can range up to the full amount of a student’s tuition and fees. Federal scholarships may or may not be renewable, depending on the award. Some federal scholarships are awarded by the student’s academic institution, while others are awarded by a federal agency or an organization working in partnership with some branch of the federal government.
Federal scholarships are typically offered by federal agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Transportation, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. Many federal scholarships are designated specifically for students in high-need fields or for students doing coursework relevant to a particular federal agency’s mission. Several major-specific federal scholarships feature either a fellowship/internship or an employment agreement with the awarding agency.
Finding Federal Scholarships
You can find federal scholarships by conducting a scholarship search. Below are a few examples of scholarships sponsored by federal agencies that you can find in our scholarship database. To learn more, click the links below. These are just a few of the awards you might see in your scholarship search results. You can find out about a wide array of scholarship opportunities, including federal scholarships, just by searching for available scholarships on Scholarships.com.
The ACF Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Award Program (Private/Out-of-State Schools) provides financial assistance to address the "gap" in financial aid packages for both students graduating from high school and those continuing their education. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior and must plan to attend an out-of-state college or an in-state private college. You must also be [...] More
The Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship provides scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need who are from rural areas of Massachusetts and attend public institutions of higher education within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year prior to [...] More
The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) provides scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native students attending tribal colleges and universities. The College Fund also provides a limited number of scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited public and non-profit private colleges across the United States. For more information or to apply, please visit [...] More
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is the nation's largest 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs) with financial need. Applicants must register for a free account on the scholarship provider's website to complete the application.
Applicants must be of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity as [...] More
The Bernice Murray Scholarship Foundation was established to honor Bernice Murray's unselfish contributions to improving the lives of Vermonters. The aim of the foundation is to make a difference in the lives of Vermont families, as Bernice Murray helped make a positive difference in the lives of so many human beings during her short life. In order to apply, you must attend an accredited school [...] More
This scholarship was established by the friends, family, and colleagues of Carol Hurley, a VSAC outreach counselor who helped first-generation college-bound students prepare for college. In order to apply, you must be a graduate of one of the following high schools: Randolph Area Vocational Center, Randolph Union High School, Rochester Union High School, Whitcomb High School, Windsor High School, [...] More
Seeing an educational need in their congressional districts, the CBC Spouses Education Scholarship was established in 1988 by the spouses of Congressional Black Caucus members in response to federal cuts in spending for education programs and scholarships, which disproportionately affect people of color. This opportunity awards scholarships to academically talented and highly motivated [...] More
The CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to African-American or Black students who are pursuing a degree in the visual arts. Visual arts include architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production, etc.
Selected applicants will be constituents of a CBC [...] More
The CCU Grant is given to students with financial need. Eligibility and amount vary annually based on need as determined by federal methodology. A student must apply for federal aid to be considered for this award. The CCU Grant is available for students enrolled in the College of Undergraduate Studies. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's [...] More
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is proud to administer scholarships as a service to the greater community. Most of our scholarship programs are for graduating high school seniors. However, a substantial number are available to students currently enrolled in college/university or considering post-graduate study. Eligibility for Community Foundation of the Ozarks' scholarships is most often [...] More
The Betty B. Albright Memorial Scholarship was established in 1991 by her family to commemorate her contributions to the Bakersfield community as a social worker and to acknowledge those traits and qualities that made her special to her friends and family. Through this scholarship, the Albright family seeks to honor the memory of their wife and mother in assisting students who may exhibit [...] More
DCTAG provides up to $10,000 toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public colleges and universities throughout the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rico. DCTAG also provides up to $2,500 per academic year toward tuition at private colleges and universities in the District and private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide.
The Dell Scholars Program places greater emphasis on a student's determination to succeed than just academic record and test scores. We reward low-income, highly motivated students who are better than their numbers indicate and demonstrate the drive to succeed despite personal obstacles. Students must participate in a Michael & Susan Dell Foundation approved college readiness program in grades 11 [...] More
Each year, an outstanding graduate student in survey statistics is awarded the Edward C. Bryant Scholarship to help support the student's graduate education. Westat established the Edward C. Bryant Scholarship Trust Fund in 1995 to honor its cofounder and chair emeritus. Under Bryant's leadership, Westat, an employee-owned statistical firm established in 1961, has grown into what is now one of [...] More
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who has attained a minimum 2.0 GPA and is pursuing a program of study in a business-related field. Preference will be given to female students with dependent children. Students must show financial need. Along with the application, students must write a 500-word essay defining career and educational goals, and the benefits of a college education. For [...] More
The Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship is administered with the proceeds from a trust fund established through an annual appropriation from the State of Vermont's general fund. In order to apply, you must attend an accredited school located in the state of Vermont and approved for federal Title IV funding (Pell grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans); be currently under the custody of the [...] More
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.) You are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if you are [...] More
The George M. Pullman Educational Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based, need-based scholarship of up to $40,000 over four years, depending on the student's financial need. Scholars who remain in good standing are invited to renew their scholarship during their four years of full-time undergraduate study. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior and Cook County, Illinois resident who [...] More
The Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program (GMSGP) provides funds for participating Massachusetts' institutions of higher education and schools of nursing. At least 100 percent of the funds must be used for direct financial assistance to undergraduate students from Massachusetts so they may attend or continue to attend such institutions.
To receive the Heidelberg University Grant, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have exceptional need and attend Heidelberg University. Heidelberg scholarships and grants are awarded to first-year students and based on their seventh semester high school GPA and standardized tests taken in or before February.
Heidelberg gift aid cannot exceed current [...] More
Current high school seniors and full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates. Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). January 1st through March 1st each year. Late applicants will be placed on a waiting list. All majors are eligible.
You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland [...] More
Fulfilling our educational and vocational goals is one of life's most empowering and impactful objectives. At JFCS, we annually help hundreds of Jewish students achieve these goals by providing them with loans and grants. In order to apply, you must be Jewish and have been a legal and permanent resident of Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, or northern Santa Clara counties for at least two [...] More
The Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund, Inc. seeks to address its educational commitment to the Washington, DC, community by acquiring and utilizing resources to provide scholarships to promising students who are seeking a quality college education, assisting youth in achieving the skills and knowledge required to compete in a rapidly changing technological world, and enhancing the quality of life [...] More
Lebanon Valley College offers full-time students Fellowship scholarships which recognize and reward commitment to work, service, and scholarly achievement. For students receiving a merit scholarship this Fellowship will be in addition to that scholarship. The Multicultural Fellowship (MCF) is limited to those high school seniors and transfer students identifying as African-American, [...] More
Applicants for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation must be the child of an active duty or reserve U.S. Marine, a veteran U.S. Marine who has received an honorable discharge, or who was killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, an active duty or reserve U.S. Navy Corpsman who is serving, or has served, with a U.S. Marine unit, or a veteran U.S. Navy Corpsman who served with a U.S. Marine [...] More
The Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship (MMB) provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who meet scholastic requirements, demonstrate financial need, and attend Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University, or Florida Memorial University. Applicants must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, enroll at Bethune-Cookman University, [...] More
Who may apply: Part-time, degree-seeking undergraduates and students who are simultaneously enrolled in a secondary school and an institution of higher education (dually enrolled students).
How to apply: Part-time undergraduates must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact the financial aid office of the institution you will attend and ask to be [...] More
Applicants must be students under the age of 25 who have resided in an out-of-home placement in Maryland and who are attending a Maryland public two-year or four-year institution. Applicants must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 each year. Contact the financial aid office of the institution you will attend to have the waiver [...] More
The Cash Grant Program is a complementary program to the Need-Based Tuition Waiver Program. It helps needy students by awarding grant money to cover additional charges such as mandatory fees and non-state-supported tuition. Applicants must be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for one year prior to the start of the academic year for which the grant is awarded; be a U.S. Citizen or a [...] More
The Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program was established in recognition of the hardship that a family experiences upon the loss of a parent and or spouse who is killed or missing in the line of public service duty in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This grant program was established to provide educational opportunity to the remaining family members. The Public Service Grant Program is [...] More
The Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG) was established in 1966, P.A. 313 to provide students with increased access and choice to attend Independent non-profit, degree-granting, Michigan postsecondary institutions. MTG is available to undergraduate students and is based on financial need for use at Independent non-profit degree-granting colleges and universities in Michigan. Awards are restricted to the [...] More
Provides support for a student with a history of migrating for employment in agriculture who has successfully completed one year of college to cover expenses beyond what the youth is entitled to in federal/state and other scholarship assistance. This scholarship is designed to assist the youth in obtaining a baccalaureate degree without being encumbered with substantial debt. Applications must be [...] More
NM Student Incentive Grant is for resident undergraduate students with substantial financial need who are attending public and private non-profit institutions in New Mexico. Awards vary from $200-$2,500.
Grant is for a period of one year and may be renewed on an annual basis or until the student graduates with a bachelor’s degree from an eligible institution.
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. Depending on the academic year in which you begin study, an annual TAP award can be up to $5,165. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.
Student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and be a legal resident of New York State for [...] More
The Aid for Part-time Study (APTS) program provides grant assistance for eligible part-time students enrolled in approved undergraduate studies. Awards provide up to $2,000 per year for part-time undergraduate study at participating institutions in New York State. An APTS award cannot exceed tuition charges.
Student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and be a legal resident of New [...] More
You can apply to the Scholarship Program if you are committed to primary care and accepted to or enrolled in an accredited U.S. school in one of the following primary care disciplines: Physicians (MD or DO), Dentists, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse-Midwives, Physician Assistants or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen (either U.S. born or naturalized) or [...] More
The Vincent Bennett, Jr. Memorial scholarship is awarded annually to an incoming freshman who is the child of a law enforcement officer or firefighter who was killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. This award recognizes financial need as well as academic achievement and candidate must show a strong commitment to service in the community. A declared major is not required, but [...] More
General scholarships provide a maximum award of $5,000 for a single academic year. Awards are based on financial need as well as academic merit and other achievements, such as a demonstrated leadership, outstanding performance in the arts or sports, and/or volunteer activities benefiting the community. The number of scholarships awarded varies from year to year. This scholarship may be renewed [...] More
This program is offered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority through College Foundation Inc., to provide financial assistance to needy North Carolina resident students attending eligible colleges and universities located within the state of North Carolina.
Grants and Scholarships are awarded based on information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [...] More
The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program (OTAG) is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents who attend eligible colleges, universities, and career technology centers in Oklahoma. Awards are approved for full-time or part-time undergraduate students. The application is made through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available through high school counselors, the financial [...] More
The Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG) program is a need-based grant program that awards grants to Oklahoma residents enrolled as full-time undergraduates at qualified Oklahoma not-for-profit, private/independent institutions of higher education.
Applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and report Oklahoma as their state of legal residence and be a [...] More
To qualify for the Oregon Barber and Hairdresser Grant Program, you must be a resident of Oregon who is attending or will attend a licensed school of barbering, hair design, cosmetology or manicure in Oregon that participates in Federal Title IV financial aid programs. You must enroll full-time in a program which is at least nine months long or 900 clock hours. You must have a significant need [...] More
The Paul Tsongas Scholarship is a merit-based program that rewards Massachusetts students with a minimum 3.75 GPA and highly competitive scores of at least 1200 (or the ACT equivalent). Eligible students receive a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at a Massachusetts state university. Permanent legal residents of Massachusetts - for at least one year prior to the opening of the academic year - [...] More
The Richard T. Gates Engineering and Technology Endowed Challenge Scholarship was established to assist worthy and able students in pursuing a bachelor of science degree in engineering or technology. In order to apply, you must have been born in Vermont, have parent(s) who are legal residents of Vermont and currently attend a Windham County high school or Springfield High School. Must seek a [...] More
The Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship is a competitive scholarship for undergraduate or graduate study. Applicant must major in forestry, wildlife or marine science. Recipients must attain a degree in one of these fields at a Louisiana public college or university, or repay the funds, plus interest. If an undergraduate student, have earned 60 or more graded college credit hours and have at [...] More
The Sault Tribe Higher Education Grant Program is for Sault Tribe members attending a Michigan state-supported two- or four-year college or university full-time (12 credit hours or more). Grants are based on unmet financial need as determined by the individual college in which the student is enrolled.
Applicants must be attending a Michigan state-supported two-year or four-year college or [...] More
The Winston-Salem Foundation offers educational aid for college to qualified traditional and non-traditional applicants from charitable funds established by generous supporters of the community. Funds carry both general and specific restrictions.
Applicants must be residents of Forsyth County, NC, have achieved a current cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 and [...] More
The purpose of the S.C. Need-based grant is to provide additional financial aid to South Carolina's neediest students. To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The financial aid office on each eligible S.C. public college campus administers the S.C. Need-based Grant program, determines the students' eligibility to receive grant funding, and the exact [...] More
Starbucks believes in the promise and pursuit of the American Dream. While more than 70 percent of our U.S. partners (employees) are students or aspiring students, we know that only half of Americans who begin college today will actually finish, largely due to financial and work/life barriers. Starbucks is proud to join with an academic institution that recognizes the need for innovation to offer [...] More
The Winston-Salem Foundation offers educational aid for college to qualified traditional and non-traditional applicants from charitable funds established by generous supporters of the community. Funds carry both general and specific restrictions.
Applicants must be residents of Forsyth County, NC and have achieved a current cumulative unweighted grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0. Must [...] More
The Taigh (a Gaelic term for "home or dwelling") Scholarship was established to inspire and encourage residents of Peacham, Vermont, to pursue a post-secondary education. In order to apply, you must attend an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding (Pell grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans); reside in Caledonia County (preference given to applicants who are residents of Peacham [...] More
The TEACH Grant Program provides grants to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching. You must be enrolled as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program and meet certain academic achievement requirements (generally, scoring above the 75th percentile on one or more [...] More
The Texas Public Educational Grant Program is a need-based financial aid program available to students at Texas public colleges or universities. To apply, you must complete the FAFSA.
Applicants must be Texas residents, non-residents, or foreign students who are able to show financial need and must register for the Selective Service unless exempt from this requirement. Each institution may set [...] More
The purpose of the Timothy J. Penny State Public Service Fellowship is to provide MnSCU students with the financial opportunity to grow as public servants through participation in state or local government internships. Two state fellowships and two federal fellowships will be given out to students for legislative internships or an internship in Minnesota at a state agency.
The Truman D. Picard Scholarship is dedicated to the support of Native American students pursuing higher education in natural resources. Applicants must submit a letter of application, resume, three letters of recommendation and evidence of validated enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Corporation, as established by the U.S. government (i.e. a photocopy of an enrollment [...] More
The Loan Repayment Program is one of several Navy enlistment education incentive programs designed to pay federally guaranteed student loans (up to $65,000) through three annual payments during a Sailor's first three years of service. The loan must be entered into before going joining the military. This program is currently only available to eligible personnel in the delayed entry program who [...] More
The Vermont Chafee Education and Training Scholarship was established for youths aging out of foster care who are likely to experience difficulty transitioning from foster care to adulthood. The mission of this program is to help young adults prepare for and enter training/educational institutions after high school. In order to apply, you attend an accredited school approved for federal Title IV [...] More
The Vermont State Grange created this scholarship because it recognizes the importance of education to rural America. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist grange members with obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree. In order to apply, please attend an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding; demonstrate academic achievement (minimum 3.5 GPA); and demonstrate [...] More
The West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program distributes monetary awards to qualified undergraduate students who require financial assistance to attend an approved educational institution located in West Virginia or Pennsylvania. Grants may be renewed until the course of study is completed, but may not exceed an additional three years beyond the initial award. You are eligible if you: are a [...] More
Awards under this program are made to Wisconsin residents who are at least 25% Native American and are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a degree or certificate programs at the University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, independent colleges and universities, tribal colleges, or proprietary institutions based in Wisconsin. Awards are based on financial need with a limit of [...] More
Democratic presidential candidate Senator Elizabeth Warren is proposing the elimination of existing college student loan debt for millions of Americans; over 42 million individuals. [...]
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's engineering school will soon be called the "Grainger College of Engineering" after receiving another $100 million gift from The Grainger Foundation. The Grainger donation is the largest amount ever gifted to a public university to rename a college. [...]
Thirteen parents and one coach charged in the "Operation Varsity Blues" college cheating scandal will plead guilty in accordance with plea agreements. While elite parents implicated in the admissions scandal cheated to help their children get into college, there is a growing concern about how students, in general, may be cheating their way through college; specifically by buying ghostwritten essays online. [...]
