Scholarships for High School Seniors

High-achieving U.S. high school seniors graduating in spring 2027 who plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college, have a minimum 3.75 unweighted GPA, and demonstrate financial need (families with annual gross income up to $95,000 considered) may apply via the Common App. Scholarships provide up to $55,000 per year toward tuition, living expenses, books, fees, and required costs at the nation's top colleges and universities. Submit academic recommendations, counselor recommendation, school report, and transcripts through the Common Application. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers the largest undergraduate scholarship for high-achieving students with financial need.

Jewish U.S. residents ages 15 to 19 who volunteer without compensation and currently lead a tikkun olam project may apply for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards from the Helen Diller Family Foundation. Up to 15 recipients each receive $36,000 to support their leadership efforts. Applications should focus on a single project, demonstrate measurable impact, and show a significant contribution in a leadership role. The award recognizes teens tackling challenges from environmental justice to education access. Projects may serve the Jewish community or the broader community.

U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents under age 20 enrolled in high school or junior high with coursework at a high school level may compete in this constitutional oratory contest through local American Legion post, district, and department levels. National finalists receive scholarships of $25,000 for first place, $22,500 for second, and $20,000 for third. Earlier-round winners also earn scholarship awards. Three national-level prizes are awarded. Prepare an original eight- to ten-minute oration on the U.S. Constitution emphasizing citizens' duties and obligations, plus a three- to five-minute assigned topic discourse. Contest rules and local deadlines are set by each department.

Students with strong academics, meaningful community service, and financial need who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school may apply for the Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program. At least thirteen recipients receive $25,000 scholarships annually for tuition, fees, books, and other education-related expenses. Recipients also participate in a one-year leadership and mentoring program. Submit a completed application with transcript, detailed answers about your achievements and service, and a recommender's recommendation before the deadline.

U.S. high school seniors and college students diagnosed with an eligible chronic inflammatory disease who plan full-time enrollment at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational school may apply through Scholarship America. Up to 45 awards are available, with up to $20,000 for bachelor's and graduate recipients and $10,000 for associate-degree recipients. Submit the online application with diagnosis documentation, a transcript, a personal statement on how your disease has shaped your aspirations, and a recommendation letter. The scholarship aims to ease the financial burden for students pursuing degrees while managing inflammatory disease.

Florida high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and residents with an unweighted GPA between 2.30 and 3.59 may apply. Students above 3.59 are ineligible. Scholarships range from $3,000 to up to $20,000 per recipient. The number of awards varies based on annual funding. Apply through the Florida Elks HOPE Scholarship application. Selection weighs leadership through school activities, community service, and citizenship, including students who worked to support family during high school. The C. Valentine Bates Memorial HOPE Scholarship Fund is administered by the Florida State Elks Association.

High school seniors and undergraduate women and non-binary students pursuing STEM degrees at U.S. colleges may apply for the Cards Against Humanity Science Ambassador Scholarship. Five winners each receive a $20,000 tuition stipend. Film a three-minute public YouTube mini-lecture explaining a STEM topic you are passionate about. The video must be scientifically accurate with cited sources, creative, and not a personal statement. An advisory board of women and non-binary STEM professionals reviews submissions and selects finalists.

Rhode Island high school seniors who embody Roger Williams's values may apply to the Rhode Island Foundation for the Carter Roger Williams Scholarship. Up to $20,000 per year is offered, renewable up to three additional years with financial need and satisfactory academic standing. Five awards are granted annually. Submit an essay, transcripts, residency proof, and FAFSA documentation by March 2. The Carter family funded the program to broaden college access for Rhode Island students.

High school seniors in their final year with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate leadership, service, and commitment to positive change in their schools and communities may apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. One hundred fifty students are selected each year to receive a $20,000 achievement-based scholarship. Complete the online application with academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. Finalists participate in an interview. Since its inception, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has provided more than $87 million to thousands of scholars nationwide.

Spouses and dependent children of Georgia public safety officers or public school employees who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty may qualify. School employees must have been victims of on-campus violence. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible permanent residents and Georgia legal residents for at least 12 months. Grants cover the cost of attendance minus other financial aid, up to $18,000 per award year, with a lifetime maximum of $72,000. Recipients must enroll full-time at an eligible Georgia college, university, or technical college. Apply each academic year through GAfutures. Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available.