15 Scholarships to Help You Pay for College Privately

finding, Scholarships that perfectly match your needs can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are various platforms like Going Merry, Scholarships360, and Fastweb, where students can create a free profile, explore different scholarships, and find personalized matches based on criteria such as ethnicity, location, activities, academic performance, and career interests.

Another useful tool is Scholly, a scholarship matching service that can be accessed via web or mobile app. It helps students identify scholarships, keep track of deadlines, and monitor the status of their applications. Scholly, now owned by Sallie Mae, is free to use, making it a valuable resource for students seeking financial aid.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education offers numerous resources to help students explore grants from various sources, including federal and state agencies. Checking with individual colleges for potential scholarships is also recommended, as some schools provide awards based on specific criteria or require separate applications.

Scholarships360.org founder Will Geiger emphasizes that students should invest their time in scholarships that align with their strengths. He advises reaching out to scholarship providers or consulting school counselors for guidance on how scholarships are assessed. Below, we highlight 15 private scholarships that are worth considering to help fund your college education.

1. The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is awarded annually to 300 outstanding high school seniors from minority backgrounds who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and financial need. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, after taking into account the expected family contribution and other financial aid.

2. National Merit Scholarship Program

Each year, approximately 7,600 high school seniors are awarded National Merit Scholarships based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores and other criteria. In addition to the main awards, some colleges offer additional scholarships to National Merit finalists who designate the school as their first-choice institution. Some employers also provide scholarships to the children of their employees, so it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for these opportunities.

3. Coca-Cola Scholars Program

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers $20,000 scholarships to 150 high school seniors each year, recognizing students for their academic achievements, leadership skills, and community service. In addition to the large awards, smaller scholarships are also available through this program.

4. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship

The Society of Women Engineers provides over $1 million in scholarships annually to women pursuing careers in engineering, computer science, or engineering technology. With more than 250 scholarships available worldwide, this program offers a significant opportunity for female students interested in these fields.

5. Google Scholarships

Google offers a variety of scholarships aimed at increasing diversity in computer science. For instance, the Google Lime Scholarship provides $10,000 to students with disabilities who are pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or related fields Other scholarships are available for underrepresented minorities and women in tech.

6. Microsoft Scholarships

Microsoft also offers several scholarships, including the Women Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to seven women or non-binary students pursuing technology-related careers. The HOLA Scholarship also offers $85,000 in scholarships to Hispanic students pursuing careers in the tech industry.

7. Skechers Foundation Scholarship

The Skechers Foundation awards over $200,000 in scholarships each year, considering factors such as athletic performance, academic achievement, financial need, and leadership qualities. When applying for these scholarships, students are encouraged to focus on specific experiences that showcase their leadership abilities in their essays.

8. Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars Program offers $20,000 in financial aid, along with a laptop and textbook credits, to low-income students who have overcome significant challenges in their lives. Applicants must have participated in a college readiness program, as this scholarship is directed toward those who have proven their determination and resilience.

9. Horatio Alger Association Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association provides several scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those pursuing career or technical education. The National Scholarship offers up to $25,000 to 105 high school juniors, while career and technical scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000.

10. Gene and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

The Gene and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship awards $1,000 to students of all ages, including high school freshmen through seniors, adult learners, and graduate students. Funded by the authors of educational books, this scholarship is available to a wide range of students pursuing higher education.

11. UNCF Scholarships

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) awards over $100 million in scholarships each year to African-American students pursuing various fields of study. Several scholarships are available for students interested in STEM fields, as well as those aspiring to become entrepreneurs.

12. Most Valuable Student Scholarship by the Elks National Foundation

The Elks National Foundation offers scholarships to 500 high school seniors based on academic performance, leadership, and financial need. Scholarships range from $4,000 to $30,000, with 20 finalists receiving the top prize of $30,000.

13. Boren Scholarships

Boren Scholarships are designed for students interested in national security careers and studying less commonly taught languages, such as Arabic, Swahili, or Hebrew. These scholarships provide funding ranging from $8,000 to $25,000 for students studying abroad for a semester, summer, or up to a year.

14. Cooke College Scholarship Program

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers scholarships of up to $40,000 per year to high-achieving students with financial need.Along with its college scholarships, the foundation also provides scholarships for community college students looking to transition to a four-year university.

15. James Beard Foundation National Scholars Program

The James Beard Foundation awards $20,000 scholarships to students pursuing careers in food-related fields, such as culinary arts, agriculture, and sustainability. This prestigious scholarship is one of several offered by the foundation to support the next generation of food professionals.

Although these scholarships differ in eligibility, award amounts, and application procedures, each offers crucial financial support for students pursuing higher education. Geiger recommends that students thoroughly research each scholarship, grasp the selection criteria, and customize their essays to address specific prompts. By applying for a variety of scholarships, both large and small, students can enhance their chances of securing the financial assistance needed for college

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