Scholarships for High School Seniors

U.S. high school seniors in their final year who have not previously entered the competition may submit original STEM research to the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation's oldest pre-college science competition. The top award is $250,000. The top 300 scholars each receive $2,000, and 40 finalists receive at least $25,000. Nearly 2,600 students enter annually. Submit a research report, essays, recommendations, and transcripts following official rules between June 1 and November 5. Regeneron STS identifies and inspires promising young scientists across critical scientific fields.

Global sustainability competition for high schools in six world regions. Student-led school teams propose a scalable project addressing health, food, energy, or water challenges to be implemented within 12–24 months. Winning schools receive up to $150,000 USD to fund the proposed solution (at least 80% must go to project costs); finalist schools receive $25,000. The 2026 cycle closed June 22, 2026; the next cycle typically opens in January with submissions due the following June.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation's Gifted Tuition Scholarships support exceptionally talented music students with a passion for Latin music who have financial limitations. Applicants must be 17-25 years old and admitted to start or continue a four-year bachelor's degree in music at the accredited institution of their choice in the fall. Three Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $120,000 each are awarded, covering tuition and housing over four years of full-time study, plus wrap-around services from the foundation. Recipients must maintain strong academic standing each semester. Apply online with two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and a university acceptance letter; materials may be in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Applications open in December and closed April 10 for the 2026 cycle.

The Heald Scholarship is Illinois Institute of Technology's primary automatic merit award for domestic first-year undergraduates. Every eligible applicant is considered upon admission without a separate scholarship form. Awards range from eighty thousand to one hundred twenty thousand dollars over four years of full-time undergraduate study, applied toward tuition. Illinois Tech replaces the Heald award with a higher institutional scholarship if a student qualifies for a named full-tuition program such as Camras or Duchossois. Recipients must maintain good academic standing and full-time enrollment to renew the scholarship each year through degree completion.

World's largest pre-college science and engineering competition for high school students in grades 9–12. Finalists qualify by winning a top prize at a Society-affiliated local, regional, or state science fair, then compete at the annual ISEF finals. More than $7 million in grand and special awards is distributed annually, including a $100,000 top prize and category awards from $600 to $6,000 plus dozens of sponsor special awards.

National civics competition for grades 6–8 combining a short-answer community-improvement essay application, live regional quiz bees, state finals, and a National Championship in Washington, D.C. The national champion receives a $100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings plan; second and third place receive $25,000 and $15,000 cash. Regional and state rounds also award smaller cash prizes. Students apply free through the online portal in participating states.

The Widener Presidential Scholarship provides international undergraduate applicants at least $25,000 per year, or $100,000 over four years, as an exclusive merit award for first-year international students. No separate application is required beyond completing the Widener admission application; recipients are automatically considered alongside other international merit and talent scholarships. The award supports full-time study toward a first bachelor's degree and stacks conceptually with other Widener international awards such as the Global Engagement and #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarships where eligible. International students may also apply for honors and band talent scholarships separately. Contact the International Admissions Office for award packaging details.

Partnership scholarship covering required direct costs for eligible Metro Nashville Public Schools graduates admitted to Vanderbilt through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or the QuestBridge National College Match. Recipients must qualify for a Federal Pell Grant or have parental adjusted gross income of one hundred thousand dollars or less and must apply for need-based aid via the CSS Profile and FAFSA. The award covers tuition, fees, housing, and meals for up to eight semesters plus a six-thousand-dollar summer stipend after the second or third year for internships.

The Richmond Scholars Program is the University of Richmond's most prestigious academic merit award for incoming first-year students. Up to twenty-five new Spiders receive full tuition, housing, and food each year, renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment including study abroad. Scholars also receive priority registration, faculty mentors, dedicated advising from the Office of Scholars and Fellowships, and eligibility for a one-time enrichment grant. All first-year admission applicants who submit a complete application by December 1 are automatically considered; finalists may be invited to faculty interviews in February with selections finalized by March 1.

Premier Honors College scholarship for exceptional incoming undergraduates who pursue academic excellence, service, and transformative learning. Selection covers tuition minus any merit scholarship received through Admissions, a book allowance, course-related fees for eight semesters, housing, and meals in the Honors Residential College, plus funding for study abroad, mission, and research experiences. Applicants complete a separate Getterman application in goBAYLOR with a three-minute video essay, Honors College program admission, and in-person finalist interviews in January.