With college costing an average of $35,331 per year, there’s no question that affording a degree can seem like an unachievable feat. Fortunately, thousands of companies and organizations offer private scholarships to help deserving students pay for college. And there’s a scholarship for you no matter your GPA, test scores or interests. 

You can find scholarships using The University Network’s Scholarship Search Engine. TUN also works with companies to create, manage and promote paths to higher education through their own scholarships. 

In this article, we highlight the upcoming scholarships for high school seniors that TUN helped create as well as other scholarships that we think present some of the best opportunities out there for high school seniors.

Scholarships Available Only Through TUN

The RIG Future Academy Scholarship

NACON is accepting applications for The Rig Future Academy Scholarship. 

The company will award three $5,000 scholarships this year.

To apply, those interested must write an essay of 300 words or more, or create a 2-minute video and share it on social media, describing how gaming has helped them in academics.

Application Deadline: October 9, 2023

Award: $5,000 each (3 awards)

Eligibility: 

• Must be high school seniors and current undergraduate and graduate students in accredited U.S. colleges and universities
• Must reside in the United States

Click here to apply for the RIG Future Academy Scholarship.

The Providence Real Estate Diversity Scholarship

Providence Real Estate is accepting applications for its Providence Real Estate Diversity Scholarship.

The company is looking to award one $5,000 award this year. 

To apply, those interested must submit an essay of 500 words or more on why they are interested in a real estate career.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2023

Award: $5,000

Eligibility: 

• Must be a high school senior, undergraduate or graduate student in accredited U.S. colleges and universities
• Must identify as Black, Latinx, Asian American, Native American, or Pacific Islander American
• Must reside in the United States
• Must be at least 17 years old
• Must plan to attend a post-secondary institution in the United States in the upcoming academic year when applying
• Must be interested in exploring a career in real estate

According to the eligibility requirements, while residents of Providence Real Estate communities may apply for this scholarship, employees (and/or their dependents) of Providence Real Estate and their affiliates are not eligible for this scholarship. 

Click here to apply for the Providence Real Estate Diversity Scholarship.

The WebXd Scholarship

WebXd is currently accepting applications for its WebXd Scholarship.

The company will award $2,500 to the winner.

To apply, students must write an essay of at least 350 words reflecting on a specific instance where a campaign, website, or social media post resonated with them, inspired them, or challenged them to think differently about a particular subject. 

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

Award: $2,500

Eligibility: 

• Must be a high school senior or  high school graduate who will be enrolled, or a current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled, full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university for the 2024-25 academic year
• Must reside in the United States

Click here to apply for the WebXd Scholarship.

Good Life’s Community Scholarship 

Good LIfe Property Management is currently accepting applications for its Good Life’s Community Scholarship.

The company will award $2,500 to the winner.

To apply, students must write an essay of at least 350 words on any one of five given prompts, all of which are centered around their community. Students can write about what community means to them, the lessons they’ve learned from being part of a community, how their community helped them overcome a challenge, how they discovered community through a team or part-time job they were involved with, or how they have contributed to a community through volunteerism.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

Award: $2,500

Eligibility: 

• Must be a high school senior or high school graduate who will be enrolled, or a current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled, full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university for the 2024-25 academic year
• Must reside in the United States

Click here to apply for Good Life’s Community Scholarship.

Best Scholarships at TUN

Cameron Impact Scholarship

The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a merit-based, four-year, full-tuition scholarship offered annually to 10-15 high school students who’ve “demonstrated excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service.” Winners are selected based on their commitment to positive impact and desire to contribute to the greater good. 

To apply, applicants must fill out an online application, send in two required letters of recommendation, and submit an academic transcript. After reviewing the applications, the selection committee selects 100 candidates for face-to-face interviews. 

Application deadline: Application for Class of 2023 opens in February 2022

Award: 4-year, full-tuition (10-15 awards)

Eligibility: 

• Must have minimum GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be a high school senior planning to an accredited four-year institution full time
• Must show excellence in extracurricular activities, exhibit leadership skills, and actively participate in community service

Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarships are annual awards offered to high school seniors who, in addition to being all-stars in the classroom, are committed to making a significant impact in their schools and communities. Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 students with $20,000 scholarships. Over the past 32 years, the Foundation has provided more than $73 million to students pursuing degrees in higher education. 

To apply, applicants must submit an application that asks for information about courses, grades, extracurriculars, finances, class rank, and awards. 

Application deadline: Application for the 2023 Coca-Cola Scholars Program opens in August 2022

Award: $20,000 (150 awards)

Eligibility: 

• Must be a graduating high school senior in the United States on track to attend an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must not be a child or grandchild of a current Coca-Cola employee or a former employee receiving benefits

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Formerly known as the AXA Achievement Scholarship, the Equitable Excellence Scholarship is  annually awarded to students who “work hard to make a positive and lasting impact in their communities and beyond.” Hundreds of scholarships, ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 are awarded each year to students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

To apply, those interested must fill out an application, write an essay, and submit a letter of recommendation. First and foremost, judges will look at applicants’ essays and recommendation letters to gauge their social impact accomplishments and goals. However, applicants will also be evaluated on their academic records, leadership skills, participation in school and community activities, and work experience. 

Application deadline: December 17, 2021 or upon receipt of 10,000 applications, whichever is first

Award: $2,500, $10,000, or $25,000 

Eligibility: 

• Must be a graduating high school senior in the U.S. on track to attend an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident in one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., or Puerto Rico

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Each year, Davidson Fellows Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving high school students who have completed a significant piece of work in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, philosophy, or “outside the box,” that the judges think is meaningful and could positively contribute to society. 

To apply, applicants must first send in a detailed form outlining their projects. Applicants will also need to find two non-family-members to “nominate” their projects. Although the scholarships go to students under the age of 18, the judges are looking for works that are at the college graduate level. 

Application deadline: February 9, 2022

Award: $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 awards 

Eligibility: 

• Must be under 18 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be able to prove that your project is original 
• Must be able to attend, with at least one parent or guardian, the awards reception in Washington, D.C.

Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program

The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program rewards student-athletes who show exceptional academic abilities and strong leadership skills in sports, in their schools, and in their communities. Applicants don’t have to be MVPs or valedictorians, but they must be role models who positively impact the lives of those around them. 

Judges evaluate applicants based on moral character, academic integrity, community involvement, ambition, and diversity, among other factors. All 20 winners receive $20,000 to help fund their education. 

Application deadline: December 17, 2021

Award: $20,000 (20 awards)

Eligibility: 

• Must be a graduating high school senior in the United States on track to attend an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
• Must be involved in high school sports, intramural sports, or community-based sports
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must not be employed by Foot Locker or the immediate family member of a Foot Locker employee

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarships are annual awards that go to high school seniors who show “exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship.” Each year, the Foundation awards numerous students with $10,000 scholarships that can be renewed up to three additional times for a total of $40,000. The money can be used for any education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, and board. 

To apply, all students have to do is fill out an application. Those who are selected as semifinalists, however, will have to send in a recommendation letter and additional documentation to verify transcripts and parents’ tax returns. 

Application deadline: January 6, 2022

Award: Up to $40,000 

Eligibility: 

• Must demonstrate attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be a high school senior in the United States planning to attend an accredited four-year institution

Gucci Changemakers North America Scholarship Program

Gucci, the luxury fashion brand, offers annual scholarships to diverse students interested in fashion who need extra money to pay for college. The scholarships awards are based on unmet financial need, and are open to students interested in design, marketing, art, film, communications, fashion law, merchandising, and other fashion-related fields. 

Special consideration will go to students who are currently attending or plan to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and those who currently live in or go to school in one of Gucci’s 12 “Changemaker Cities,” which include Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. 

Application deadline: January 6, 2022

Award: Up to $20,000 

Eligibility: 

• Must be a U.S. citizen, refugee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or Humanitarian parolee
• Must be a high school senior or currently enrolled undergraduate student attending an accredited two-year community college or four-year college or university
• Must express interest in a fashion field
• Must be a person who is African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, or a member of an Indigenous Population

The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is a highly-selective award granted to minority high school seniors from low-income families who are at the top of their respective graduating classes. Each year, 300 students receive the award, which pays for the entire cost of attendance that has not already been covered by financial aid or expected family contribution. 

In addition to providing funding, the Gates Scholarship will make sure that students receive further support so that they have access to the resources and services they need throughout college.

Application deadline: September 15, 2021

Award: Full cost of attendance (300 awards)

Eligibility: 

• Must be a high school senior
• Must be Pell-eligible
• Must be African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale

Horatio Alger Scholarship Award

The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is designed to help high school seniors who have experienced significant adversity afford a college education. The need-based scholarship is awarded to students who come from families with an adjusted gross family income of less than $55,000 per year. 

To apply, those interested must submit an extensive application that must include a number of documents that highlight academic performance and family income. 

Application deadline: March 15, 2022

Award: $25,000 (106 awards)

Eligibility: 

• Must be a high school senior in the United States planning to an accredited institution immediately after graduation
• Must be on track to attend an accredited four-year institution (students may start at an accredited two-year institution)
• Must come from a household with a gross annual income of less than $55,000
• Must “be involved in co-curricular and community service activities”
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must “display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity”

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is available to high-achieving high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and aim to attend and graduate from one of the nation’s top institutions. 

In addition to providing students with up to $40,000 per academic year, this highly competitive scholarship program helps students navigate the college admissions process. Scholarship recipients receive personal guidance to help them select a college and maximize financial aid. Once they are in college, recipients are connected with a community of scholars and alumni who can help position them for a successful career. 

Application deadline: November 18, 2021 

Award: Up to $40,000 per year

Eligibility: 

• Must be a high school senior in the United States planning to an accredited four-year institution immediately after graduation
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Must come from a family with a gross annual income of less than $95,000

Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship

The fast-food giant Taco Bell runs a unique scholarship program that rewards students for being passionate. Those who apply aren’t measured on what they’ve accomplished in the classroom, on the court, or on the field. Instead, they’re awarded for their unique skills, talents, and ambition. This year, Taco Bell is awarding $7 million in scholarships. 

To apply, all interested students have to do is create a two-minute-long video describing their passion and how they will use it to make a difference. Grades, essays, and test scores do not matter. 

Application deadline: January 11, 2022

Award: From $5,000 to $25,000 

Eligibility: 

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be between 16 and 26 years of age
• Must be on-track to apply for or enrolled in an accredited post-high school/post-secondary educational program
• Taco Bell employees are not eligible to apply (restaurant employees can apply to the Live Más Scholarship for Restaurant Employees Program)

Must have not previously received a Live Más Scholarship (previous winners may apply to the Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program)

CIA Undergraduate Scholars Program

The CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program is a financial-needs-based scholarship and employment opportunity for high school seniors and undergraduate college students. Winners will be granted an annual scholarship worth up to $18,000 per year, be hired as CIA interns, and earn a salary. 

To apply to this competitive program, those interested must submit a detailed application that includes family financial documents, academic transcripts, a resume, and an acceptance letter from a four-year college or university. 

Application deadline: Application is closed – please check back for future dates

Award: Up to $18,000 per year, internship and salary 

Eligibility: 

• Must be 18 years of age by date of application
• Must come from a family with a gross annual income of less than $90,000
• Must have a score equal to or greater than a 1,000 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT
• Must be accepted to or enrolled at an accredited four-year institution and take 12 or more credit hours per semester
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Must be able to work at least one 90-day summer internship prior to graduation
• Must be willing to work for the CIA after graduation

How to find scholarships

The scholarships listed above are just some of the best scholarships we’ve found for you. There are many other scholarships out there for high school seniors.

If you know which colleges you’re interested in, check with them to see what they offer. They may offer either merit- or need-based scholarships or both. You can usually find most of the information by clicking on their “financial aid” page. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to email or call their financial aid office.

There are also outside scholarships — like the ones listed above — that are sponsored by companies, organizations, foundations and individuals as a way to give back to their communities. The awards can cover your entire tuition or a portion of it. Some scholarships have a GPA requirement or are based on financial need, while others embrace a cause or emphasize community involvement, athletic achievement, diversity, passion, and much more. For example, the Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship supports STEM education for female students. The home furnishings company MacKenzie-Childs, which finds inspiration for its designs by observing nature, offers the Black Lives Matter Scholarship for Design, which requires applicants to submit an essay about where they find inspiration.

So, how do you find outside scholarships like these?

Start your search with TUN’s Scholarship Search Engine to find scholarships that are ideal for you. You can search by grade level, GPA, major, state of residency, scholarship name, or deadline month. You can also browse through our featured scholarships, some available only through TUN, and a collated list of scholarships for specific groups of students, including scholarships for high school students, Hispanic high school seniors, women in STEM, female students, Black students, Black female students, Asian American students, and international students. 

To keep on top of new scholarships as they are offered, be sure to join the TUN Community. We will let you know about scholarships that you qualify for. 

You should also check with your high school to see if they have a list of scholarships. Your guidance counselor may have the list or point you to someone who can help you. They may also be in the know about scholarships sponsored by local stores or organizations.

Your family is yet another good source of scholarships. Your parents or guardians may work for a company that offers scholarships for dependents of employees. 

If you work while in high school, you may also qualify for an employee scholarship. For example, Taco Bell has an exclusive scholarship program that’s available only to its restaurant employees. McDonald’s also offers scholarships to eligible employees.

When to apply for scholarships 

To be considered for a scholarship, you must meet the deadline. 

So, start your research for scholarships early and note down the deadlines of the scholarships you’re interested in.

Use a spreadsheet to keep track of the scholarships. Grouping them by deadline will help you focus on what’s due next.

Pay attention to what’s required of you. For example, if you need a recommendation letter, you should request one way ahead of time so you have one by the time you apply. If an essay is required, start writing weeks before so you have an essay you can be proud of before the due date.

Aim to send in your application at least a few days before the due date. This way, you avoid the risk of getting sidelined by technical glitches, tests, heavy homework load, or illness. 

How to win scholarships 

Scholarships, especially ones with high awards, can be very competitive. In some cases, you may be competing against thousands of students. 

So, how do you increase your chances of winning a scholarship?

First, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and submit all the information required of you, including recommendation letters, transcripts, and resume.

Second, try to distinguish yourself from the other applicants. Your essay, if that’s required, is what makes you unique so let your personality and creativity shine through. How do you do that? 

You can achieve that by “showing instead of telling,” according to Sarah Chomette, an eAdviser with the College Advising Corps.

“When answering a creative prompt or inputting your personal statement, it’s important to provide the reader with a story instead of just telling them about your goals and accomplishments,” she said. “That can be kind of boring and it makes you get lost in the crowd.”

A successful essay must include four major components, Chomette explained. First, make sure that you convey your personal values. Second, be open and honest to help the reader feel a connection with you. Third, let the reader know why your story is important. Fourth, your writing must show that you put time and effort into it. 

If a scholarship asks for a video or infographic instead of an essay, the same principle applies.

To summarize, always put thought and effort into your whole application and submit your best work. There should be no obvious errors or typos. And if you need to submit a recommendation letter, reflect on who knows you best and whose recommendation would help your application the most. 

Jackson Schroeder contributed to this article.