Our list of the 100 best college scholarships for high school seniors is intended to guide you toward a wide range of opportunities in the world of private scholarships. These include no essay scholarships as well as offerings for those pursuing specific majors like nursing or education as well as members of minority groups.
At the same time, we want to remind all prospective college students not to spend an excessive amount of time in pursuit of private scholarships, particularly at the expense of more fruitful avenues. In one recent year roughly $234 billion in total student aid was awarded to undergraduate students. The overwhelming majority of student aid comes from the federal government and institutional aid from colleges and universities is the second largest source, accounting for $71 billion; state governments give just $12 billion of total aid. Only 7% of the total aid handed out comes in the form of employer and private scholarships, a number that doesn鈥檛 quite support all of the hype
Focus on Merit Aid Directly from Colleges
In an effort to boost attendance and meet enrollment targets, many colleges have devoted an increasing share of their budgets to attracting desirable students via the offering of merit-based (i.e., non-need-based) financial aid. Using merit scholarships to lure high-achieving or high-scoring students can improve a college鈥檚 ranking and eventually its desirability, ultimately fueling enrollment. And because 鈥渉igh-achieving鈥 and 鈥渄esirable鈥 are relative terms, students don鈥檛 have to be academic superstars to earn merit money. A number of reputable schools now offer sizable merit awards to 鈥淏鈥 students.
Don’t Forget to Fill Out a FAFSA/CSS Profile
For those with significant financial need, the federal government continues to be the largest source of student aid. Each year, roughly 40 billion dollars, money that comes in the form of Pell Grants, work-study programs, and educational tax breaks is awarded to families. Additionally, the feds loan out close to 85 billion with a far more favorable terms than private lenders. That鈥檚 over 125 billion dollars handed out each year for higher education, a sum greater than the Gross National Product of all but 58 countries in the world. The bottom line is that there is a substantial amount of federal money available, so filling out a FAFSA is certainly worth your time.
100 Best College Scholarships for High School Seniors – 2024
No Essay Scholarships
Looking for scholarships that you can apply for in less time than it takes to brush your teeth? Here are some legitimate entities that offer regular no essay scholarships that allow real students to take home cash for college.
1) 国产第一福利影院草草 No Essay Scholarship
国产第一福利影院草草 No Essay Scholarship takes only one minute to enter and can help cut down your college costs. Winners can use the awarded money for any college-related expense from tuition to books to housing. It鈥檚 entirely up to you.
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Niche is giving one student $2,000 to put toward tuition, housing, books or other college expenses 鈥 no essay required.
- Value: $2,000
3)
The Scholarships 360 $10,000 鈥淣o Essay鈥 Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education.
- Value: $10,000
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Takes less than 2 minutes to enter. New winners drawn monthly.
- Value: $2,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Those with an account on this site are automatically entered to win.
- Value: $10,000
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The scholarship will be awarded to the student whose profile is most bold, according to these characteristics. Earnest, Determined, and Moving.
- Value: $25,000
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50 winners per year. You’ll need to sign up for an account. 1/140,000 chance of winning.
- Value: $1,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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All students enrolled in high school or looking to attend college next year who apply by the deadline will qualify for the scholarship. The winner of the scholarship will be chosen based on a lottery system and notified via email.
- Value: $2,000
9)
This $10,000 Unigo Scholarship is open to any applicant who is 14 years of age or older and is a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
- Value: $10,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The $10,000 鈥淣o Essay鈥 Scholarship is available to students who are seeking a postsecondary education, including returning adult learners. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are welcome to apply.
- Value: $10,000
Merit-Based Scholarships – College Scholarships for High School Seniors
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The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Visit our blog on How to Win a Coca-Cola Scholarship for more details. 150 Students are selected for a $20,000 award per year.
- Value: $20,000
12)
Equitable will provide 100 $5,000 annual scholarships that will be renewed to award recipients each academic year for four years, for a total of $20,000 per recipient.
- Value: $20,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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We award $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships to gifted and high-achieving students, 18 years old or under, who have completed a significant piece of work.
- Value: $10,000-$25,000
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Each year, scholarship recipients are selected based on their demonstration of the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.
- Value: $3,200-$25,000
15)
The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2025 competition.
- Value: $1,000-$7,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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This prestigious scholarship program is based on evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, a last-dollar scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income minority students to excel in their coursework, graduate college, and continue to be leaders throughout their lives.
- Value: Full Cost of Attendance
17)
Offers a track for the general public as well as employees.
- Value: $1,000-$50,000
18)
Dream big and apply for full four-year scholarships to over 50 top colleges through QuestBridge.
- Value: Over $325,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition, impact-driven undergraduate scholarship awarded annually to 10-15 exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and academics.
- Value: Full Cost of Attendance
20)
Open to students who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.
- Value: Up to $55,000
Scholarships for African American Students – College Scholarships for High School Seniors
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Scholarship applications are open to students from eligible HBCUs majoring in STEM, business, and sustainability-related disciplines.
- Value: $5,000 (renewable)
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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This scholarship is awarded annually to students intending to pursue careers as practicing planners who will diversify the profession and who can demonstrate a genuine financial need.
- Value: $5,000
23)
Any BIPOC undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing the performing arts may apply for this scholarship.
- Value: $2,000
24)
This scholarship seeks to support ambitious BIPOC students who are exploring educational and professional STEM opportunities.
- Value: $2,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The Endeavor Design Scholarship is offered in support of creating racial equity in the fields of Sportswear/Active Apparel Design, Fashion Apparel/Accessories Design & Footwear Design.
- Value: $1,865
26)
Any African American high school senior or undergraduate student with a minimum 2.5 GPA who is attending or will attend an HBCU may apply for this scholarship.
- Value: $1,000
27)
PlayStation Career Pathways is a multi-year career readiness program that elevates the next generation of business, creative and technical talent, bridges the opportunity gap, and removes financial barriers to higher education. Pathways Scholars get access to scholarships, mentorships and insider gaming industry expertise.
- Value: Up to $30,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Black/African American undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they have a GPA of 2.8 or higher and have internship or work experience regarding social impact.
- Value: $2,000
29)
Any BIPOC undergraduate student who is pursuing engineering may apply for this scholarship opportunity, but applicants who are enrolled in co-op engineering programs are preferred.
- Value: $7,000
30)
This scholarship seeks to support minority students who need monetary support to pursue higher education at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
- Value: $1,500
Scholarships for Hispanic Students – College Scholarships for High School Seniors
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Any Latinx high school senior student from the state of Washington who has a history of overcoming adversity may apply.
- Value: $5,000
32)
This scholarship seeks to celebrate and reward exceptional Hispanic students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and actively participate in a competitive soccer team.
- Value: $4,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Open to students of Hispanic heritage who are seniors attending a high school in Brownsville, TX; Elizabeth, NJ; or Los Angeles, CA.
- Value: $2,000-$42,000
34)
This scholarship is to help and encourage first-generation, Latino/a, low-income high school students with academic success in pursuing a higher education.
- Value: $2,000
35)
Any high school senior or undergraduate student of Hispanic heritage who is from a single-parent, low-income household and displays academic potential and commitment to community service may apply for this scholarship opportunity.
- Value: $1,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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This scholarship aims to support Latinx students who are pursuing higher education in cybersecurity.
- Value: $5,000
37)
This scholarship is specifically designed to provide support to low-income Hispanic and Latinx students in New York,
- Value: $2,000
38)
Each year, they offer multiple $5,000 scholarships to college students at institutions that are members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
- Value: $5,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Prospanica is proud to offer a select number of scholarships for qualified undergraduate and graduate business students committed to making a positive change through their contributions to society.
- Value: Up to $5,000
40)
Open to Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, and Technology & Engineering.
- Value: $3,500
Scholarships for First-Generation Students – College Scholarships for High School Seniors
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Designed to give first-generation college students a chance to benefit from the life-changing experience of studying abroad.
- Value: $2,500
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The Dorrance Scholarship is a need-based award that aims to instill college-going traditions in future generations of Arizona families.
- Value: $12,000
43)
Students must demonstrate financial need and also show a strong interest in their communities through volunteer work.
- Value:$2,000
44)
The First Generation in College Scholarship is a merit-based, one-time monetary award granted to a flutist currently enrolled in or accepted to attend an accredited college, university or conservatory in the United States.
- Value: $2,000
45)
Golden Door Scholars provides DACAmented & undocumented students with the financial aid and support needed to invest in their education and define their futures.
- Value: $40,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The winning student will be able to clearly demonstrate leadership qualities, commitment to their education, and a capacity to triumph over challenges.
- Value: $2,000
47)
The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship is available to students who are the first in their family to attend a 4-year college or university.
- Value: $5,000
48)
Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. A student鈥檚 residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution.
- Value: Varies
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Applicants must be Hispanic and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States. They need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be an undergraduate attending school full-time in the United States or Puerto Rico.
- Value: $500-$5,000
50)
Applicants must be Alabama residents who are graduating high school seniors, have a minimum 2.3 GPA, and have taken or plan to take the SAT or ACT.
- Value: $20,000
Scholarships for Women in Stem – College Scholarships for High School Seniors
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Engineering and Technical Science Achievement Scholarship provides financial assistance to women who are working on an undergraduate degree in a field of engineering or technical science are eligible to apply.
- Value: Awards Vary
52)
They hope to encourage women to pursue computer science, engineering, and technical studies, and to become leaders in these fields.
- Value: $7,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The 鈥淰irginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship鈥 is dedicated to a female candidate majoring in engineering, math, or biological or physical sciences.
- Value: $4,000
54)
Women who are pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree and are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- Value: $3,000
55)
The Women at Microsoft Scholarship is dedicated to supporting high school senior women and non-binary individuals who are targeting a career in STEAM fields.
- Value: $20,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Awarded to a female undergraduate student majoring in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field, excelling in her studies, and demonstrating significant potential.
- Value: $2,500
57)
- Value: $4,000
58)
Our scholarship program encourages talented female students (high school seniors and current college/university students) to continue their higher education and ultimately help Michigan become the No. 1 state for girls and women in technology.
- Value: $1,000-$5,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate mathematics or related fields degree program at a 4-year, 2-year, vocational, or technical institution in the United States OR a graduating high school senior who has plans to study mathematics or related fields.
- Value: $1,000
60)
This scholarship program is designed to encourage women to pursue careers in currently underrepresented fields and industries.
- Value: $7,500
Scholarships for Native American Students – College Scholarships for High School Seniors
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Cherokee Nation scholarships are available for eligible tribal citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation reservation and contiguous boundaries or citizens who are eligible for the Pell grant and live outside those areas. Eligible high school juniors and seniors may also qualify for concurrent college classes.
- Value: Awards vary.
62)
Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who demonstrate financial need for an award.
- Value: $4,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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This program provides a wide variety of higher education grants, scholarships and incentives to Chickasaw college students each semester.
- Value: Up to $4,500
64)
Their goal is to provide quality services to the Hopi people by enhancing a full range of educational opportunities.
- Value: Varies
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Catching the Dream has three separate scholarship programs, the MESBEC, NALE, and TBM program.
- Value: $500-$5,000
66)
The American Indian College Fund has a close relationship with the . Students attending TCUs are eligible for all the different merit-based scholarship programs we offer.
- Value: $2,000-$3,000
67)
Providing elevated opportunities for high achieving, community involved Native college students with leadership experience through empowering them with an impactful scholarship experience designed to support their success in higher education.
- Value: Up to $6,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Many awards may be determined based on merit, while some are restricted for students who demonstrate financial need or for students applying from specific geographic regions.
- Value: Varies
69)
Be enrolled with your respective Tribe, either federally recognized or non-federally recognized Native Nation, from the continental US or Alaska and possess a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Value: Varies
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The AIS Scholarship program is to help undergraduate Native American students with financial support to attend college, maintain enrollment, and graduate.
- Value: Varies
Scholarships for High School Seniors – Education Majors
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The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching.
- Value: $4,000
71)
The ESA Foundation has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships and continues to award numerous scholarships annually. You do not have to be an ESA member to apply for a scholarship, and our application process is 100% online.
- Value: Varies
72)
The James F. Reville Scholarship is presented to an individual who intends to pursue a career related to the field of intellectual or other developmental disabilities such as behavioral sciences, social work, nursing, healthcare administration and management or psychology.
- Value:$3,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Pennsylvania Scholarship Program offers early learning professionals a debt-free higher education, supporting them while they work to become stronger teachers and earn thriving wages.
- Value: Up to $4,500 per semester
74)
Open to any incoming freshman or current student majoring in education.
- Value: $1,000
75)
The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program is a competitive scholarship for recent high school graduates with a passion for teaching and a history of high academic achievement, community service, and active involvement in extracurricular activities while in high school.
- Value: $10,000 (renewable)
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The Middle Class Scholarship is for undergraduates and students in California pursuing a teaching credential with family income and assets up to $217,000.
- Value: Varies
77)
The AAPT Board of Directors offers scholarships for future high school physics teachers. Undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula and high school seniors entering such programs are eligible.
- Value: $3,000
78)
The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship provides high-achieving high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in education the opportunity to earn a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 each year for four academic years. In exchange, students agree to teach for five years at an eligible Indiana school or repay the corresponding, prorated amount of the scholarship.
- Value: $10,000 (renewable each year)
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Every year, the American Montessori Society awards teacher education scholarships to aspiring Montessori teachers in support of their professional growth.
- Value: Varies
80)
The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers was designed to encourage and support Texas’ most promising students to pursue a career in teaching through one of the state鈥檚 best university-based teacher preparation programs.
- Value: $8,000-$10,000 per year
Scholarships for High School Seniors – Nursing Students
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To further advance emergency nursing, the ENA Foundation proudly offers educational scholarships annually. Offerings include academic scholarships, available to members and nonmembers seeking to further their education with degrees ranging from associates to doctoral degrees.
- Value: Varies
82)
The National CPR Association invite you to join our Healthcare Training Scholarship Plan to aid you in your endeavors to become a qualified professional in your chosen field.
- Value: $3,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Be a current, enrolled student pursuing a healthcare or allied healthcare career at an accredited program recognized by the student鈥檚 state. Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent). Self-identify as a person from an underrepresented population in the healthcare field.
- Value: $5,000 (renewable for four years)
84)
The Philippe Forton Scholarship aims to honor Philippe by supporting high school seniors pursuing nursing in post-secondary education.
- Value: $2,500
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
85)
The Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship is designed to encourage enrollment in LPN or RN nursing programs by Kansans committed to practicing in Kansas. Recipients sign an agreement/promissory note with the State of Kansas to practice nursing at a specific facility one year for each year of scholarship support.
- Value: $4,500 (renewable each school year)
86)
Pennsylvania nursing students at all levels of study are eligible to apply, provided they are matriculated in an accredited nursing school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by the upcoming Fall semester. This includes students in their final year of high school who plan to pursue a nursing degree.
- Value: Varies
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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Hurst Review and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) are partnering to offer this scholarship program that recognizes and rewards entry-level nursing students for outstanding academic performance. All applicants must already be enrolled in an AACN member institution and maintain at least a 3.2 grade point average in their current program or last school attended.
- Value: $2,500
88)
The applications will be evaluated on a weighted scale using the following categories, listed with the areas of highest emphasis first: Personal statement, financial need, volunteer/community service history, professional associations, reference letter, academic status, honors/awards, resume, certifications, and workload.
- Value: $1,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The Jane Delano Nursing Student Scholarship which promotes nursing as a career and encourages new nurses to get involved with the Red Cross. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year.
- Value: $3,000
90)
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) awards 10 competitive $5,000 scholarships to qualified Alaska Native and American Indian students. This scholarship is open statewide
- Value: $5,000
Scholarships for High School Seniors – Psychology Majors
91)
For a high school senior majoring in social work, therapy, or psychology and planning a career in mental health or suicide prevention.
- Value: $2,750
92)
This scholarship aims to provide assistance to students in Missouri who are dedicated to supporting individuals grappling with addiction. It is open to students entering professions aimed at aiding individuals during their most challenging moments. Eligible fields include nursing, counseling/mental health, social work, and related careers.
- Value: $2,500
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
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The Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships help defray the direct educational costs (e.g., tuition, institutional fees, required textbooks) of exceptional Psi Chi undergraduate students.
- Value: $3,000
94)
Each year, their Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships award $5,000 to seven outstanding undergraduate psychology students who demonstrate financial need.
- Value: $5,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
95) Inez Beverly Prosser Scholarship for Women of Color
This scholarship serves as a mechanism to empower women of color to complete their educational journey and pursue an advanced degree in psychology, and take a step toward supporting representation and impact of women of color in psychology, this scholarship will help defray the direct educational costs.
- Value: $3,000
96)
A college scholarship program for undergraduate students committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research.
- Value: $20,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
97)
To be considered for the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant you must be a Maryland resident. If you are a dependent student, your parent must also be a Maryland resident. You must also enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university each semester.
- Value: $4,000
98)
Scholarships are available to students with a 3.0 and an interest in becoming a traveling nurse.
- Value: $1,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors (Continued)
99)
Supports Lutheran students pursuing undergraduate degrees and seminarian and post-graduate students that will prepare them for ministry (such as pastor, pre-seminary and deaconess studies, deaconess, director of Christian education, or special-needs teacher),
- Value: $3,000
100)
Applicants are evaluated on their leadership, work experiences, and passion to transform the bilingual speech-language pathology field.
- Value: $7,000-$9,000
College Scholarships for High School Seniors – Additional Blogs of Interest
- 26 Most Expensive Colleges in 2024
- Automatic Scholarships Based on SAT/ACT Scores
- Best Scholarships for California Scholarships
- Most Common Scholarship Interview Questions
- How to Win Merit Scholarships
- National Merit Scholarship PSAT Score Cutoff by State
- How to Write a Scholarship Essay
