December is an important month for scholarship searching. While students are preparing for finals and the holiday season, scholarship deadlines continue—and some opportunities can provide thousands of dollars toward college expenses.
At Level Up Habesha, we publish a new scholarship guide every month to help students and families discover educational funding opportunities throughout the year. Our goal is to make scholarship research a regular part of college planning, rather than something students remember only when tuition is due.
This month’s guide focuses on U.S. scholarships, university awards, transfer scholarships, and research opportunities for high school students, undergraduate students, and students pursuing specialized fields.
Each opportunity below includes a direct link to an official university or program website.
Important: Some opportunities are national, while others are limited to a particular university, state, major, or student background. Review the official eligibility requirements before applying.
High School Students
1. Ron Brown Scholar Program
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: $40,000 over four years
Best for: Eligible Black/African American high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and financial need.
The Ron Brown Scholar Program supports academically talented students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service. Selected scholars receive financial assistance, mentorship, leadership development, and access to a professional network.
Applicants must meet the program’s citizenship or permanent residency requirements and plan to attend an accredited four-year U.S. college or university.
Why it stands out: Students who have demonstrated leadership through school, community service, entrepreneurship, or other meaningful activities should consider applying.
2. Hagan Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: Up to $6,000 per semester for up to eight semesters, subject to program requirements
Best for: Eligible high school seniors with strong academic records and financial need.
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship designed to help eligible students graduate from college with less debt. The program also offers financial education and other benefits.
Applicants must meet specific academic, household income, employment, and college enrollment requirements. Students should review the current criteria carefully before applying.
Why it stands out: This is a strong opportunity for motivated students who need financial assistance and are prepared to meet the program’s ongoing requirements.
3. Vanderbilt Ingram Scholars Program
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: Full tuition, required fees, on-campus housing value, and a summer service-project stipend
Best for: High school seniors applying to Vanderbilt University who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to community service.
The Ingram Scholars Program encourages students to combine their future professional careers with meaningful service to their communities.
Scholars develop and implement community service projects and participate in a program emphasizing leadership, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Why it stands out: Students who have founded initiatives, organized service projects, or demonstrated a sustained commitment to solving community problems should explore this opportunity.
4. Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: Full tuition, plus a summer enrichment stipend
Best for: High-achieving high school seniors applying to Vanderbilt University.
The Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, intellectual promise, leadership, and contributions beyond the classroom.
Students must apply for admission to Vanderbilt and complete the separate scholarship application through MyAppVU.
Why it stands out: Students with strong academic records and meaningful extracurricular involvement should review the application requirements early.
5. Lincoln Scholars Program — Centre College
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: Full tuition, fees, room and board, plus additional enrichment benefits
Best for: High-achieving students who demonstrate leadership, character, creativity, and a commitment to the greater good.
Centre College’s Lincoln Scholars Program is a competitive scholarship for students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to something larger than themselves. Applicants may be domestic or international students.
The program includes mentoring, leadership development, and summer enrichment experiences.
Why it stands out: Students who have made a sustained contribution to their communities should consider applying alongside their regular college admission application.
6. Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships — University of Virginia
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Best for: High school seniors nominated through their schools.
The Jefferson Scholars Foundation offers highly competitive scholarships for students entering the University of Virginia.
The Jefferson Scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and citizenship. The Walentas Scholarship is designed for exceptional first-generation, college-bound students.
Students cannot independently apply in the usual manner; eligible schools nominate candidates, and both school officials and nominees must complete the required materials.
Why it stands out: Students interested in UVA should speak with their school counselor early about nomination eligibility.
7. University of Missouri Freshman Scholarships
Priority date: December 1, 2026
Best for: Students applying to the University of Missouri for fall 2027.
Mizzou offers a range of merit-based and competitive scholarships for incoming first-year students. Awards depend on academic achievement, eligibility, and the specific scholarship.
Students must submit their admission application by December 1 for consideration for merit scholarships. Required official materials must be received by December 15 for priority merit consideration.
Why it stands out: Students applying to Mizzou should check the requirements for individual awards, including competitive opportunities such as the Stamps Scholars Award.
8. University of Kentucky Pigman College of Engineering Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years
Best for: Incoming University of Kentucky freshmen pursuing an eligible engineering major.
The Pigman College of Engineering offers a merit-based scholarship for incoming students who meet specified academic and test-score requirements.
Applicants must apply to the University of Kentucky for fall 2027, select an eligible engineering major, and ensure that required transcripts and test scores are received by the deadline.
Why it stands out: Engineering students should investigate scholarships offered by their intended college or department in addition to general university awards.
9. Mississippi State University Maroon and White Scholarship
Priority deadline: December 1, 2026
Best for: Eligible nonresident students entering Mississippi State University as first-time freshmen.
This competitive scholarship is intended for selected incoming nonresident freshmen who meet the program’s GPA and test-score requirements.
Students must submit the General Scholarship Application and qualifying academic materials by the deadline. The award is renewable for up to four years if students maintain the required academic standing and enrollment.
Why it stands out: Students considering Mississippi State should review this award alongside other university merit scholarships.
10. Middle Tennessee State University Freshman Guaranteed Scholarships
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: Listed annual awards range from $3,500 to $8,000 for eligible students
Best for: Incoming freshmen who meet the university’s academic and test-score requirements.
MTSU offers guaranteed merit scholarship opportunities for qualifying first-year students. Award levels depend on the student’s academic record and standardized test scores.
Students must complete the required admissions process and ensure all required materials are received by December 1, 2026.
Why it stands out: Students who meet the eligibility criteria should check whether they can qualify for a renewable award based on their current grades and test scores.
11. Longwood University Merit Scholarships
Priority deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: Up to $7,000 annually for eligible incoming freshmen under the published merit-award schedule
Best for: Students applying to Longwood University for fall 2027.
Longwood offers renewable merit scholarships for incoming students based on academic achievement. The university’s published scholarship schedule includes awards for students meeting specified GPA thresholds.
Why it stands out: Students should check the university’s current award table to determine which scholarship level matches their academic record.
12. University of Utah Lone Star Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: $15,000 per academic year
Best for: Eligible first-year students who are Texas residents, graduated from a Texas high school, and meet the required GPA criteria.
The University of Utah’s Lone Star Scholarship is a merit award for eligible Texas students entering the university for the first time.
Applicants must complete the admissions process by December 1, 2026, and meet the scholarship’s academic and residency requirements.
Why it stands out: Students outside Utah should not assume university scholarships are limited to residents of the university’s home state.
13. Murray State University Presidential Fellowship
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Best for: High-achieving high school seniors applying to Murray State University.
Murray State’s Presidential Fellowship is a competitive opportunity for incoming freshmen who meet the published GPA and test-score requirements.
Students must be admitted and complete the required application and academic records process by the deadline. Eligible students may be invited to a further selection process that includes essays and interviews.
Why it stands out: Students who are interested in a competitive university scholarship should prepare their application materials early and monitor communications from the school.
14. Missouri S&T Distinguished Scholars Award
Deadline: December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time
Best for: Eligible non-Missouri students entering Missouri S&T as first-time freshmen.
The Distinguished Scholars Award is a competitive scholarship for incoming students who meet the university’s academic, residency, and testing requirements.
Applicants must apply for admission and submit the required application, transcript, and official test scores in time for the deadline.
Why it stands out: Students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics should review institution-specific awards that recognize strong academic performance.
15. Texas Tech University Priority Scholarships
Priority scholarship deadline: December 1, 2026, for incoming freshmen
Best for: Students applying to Texas Tech University for fall 2027.
Texas Tech considers eligible students for scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, academic interest, and other criteria. For some awards, the admission application serves as the scholarship application.
Students should confirm the requirements for their intended program and submit the necessary admission materials before the priority deadline.
Why it stands out: A timely university application can be an important part of scholarship eligibility even when a separate scholarship form is not required.
Undergraduate, Transfer, and Continuing College Students
16. Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
Deadline: December 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
Award: Up to $55,000 per year for two to three years
Best for: High-achieving community college students transferring to a four-year institution.
The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship helps talented community college students complete their bachelor’s degrees with less financial burden.
The award can help cover tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees. Applicants must meet the foundation’s academic, financial need, enrollment, and transfer requirements.
Why it stands out: This is one of the most important opportunities for community college students planning to transfer in fall 2027.
17. Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships
Deadline: December 1, 2026, for the listed scholarship review cycle
Best for: Eligible community college students and Phi Theta Kappa members.
Phi Theta Kappa offers multiple scholarship opportunities, including awards that support academic achievement, transfer to four-year institutions, and specific educational or career paths.
The December 1 review deadline applies to the listed scholarship opportunities. Students should check the official page for individual requirements, membership rules, and the next review dates.
Why it stands out: Community college students should investigate honor-society scholarships alongside transfer-specific awards.
18. Pauahi Foundation Postsecondary Scholarships
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Supplemental materials deadline: January 15, 2027
Best for: Eligible students who meet the criteria for individual Pauahi Foundation scholarships.
The Pauahi Foundation offers postsecondary scholarships with varying eligibility criteria. Depending on the specific award, requirements may involve educational background, ancestry, residency, financial circumstances, or intended field of study.
Applicants should review the individual scholarship descriptions carefully and submit all required supporting documents by the relevant deadlines.
Why it stands out: This is a good reminder that some scholarship programs administer multiple awards under one application.
19. University of Tennessee UT Promise
Deadline: December 15, 2026, for eligible high school seniors entering fall 2027
Award: Last-dollar scholarship assistance for eligible students, subject to program requirements
Best for: Eligible Tennessee students attending a University of Tennessee campus.
UT Promise helps eligible students with financial need cover tuition and mandatory fees after other gift aid is applied.
High school seniors planning to enroll in fall 2027 must complete the required application and admission steps by the program’s deadline. Other student groups have different application timelines.
Why it stands out: Students should investigate state and university affordability programs, not just private scholarships.
20. University of Colorado Boulder Scholarship Application
Application opens: December 1, 2026
Most deadlines: February 15–March 15, 2027
Best for: Incoming, continuing, transfer, and eligible graduate students at CU Boulder.
CU Boulder’s general scholarship application provides access to multiple merit-based, need-based, college-specific, and campus-program scholarships.
The application opens in December for the 2027–2028 academic year, but most individual awards have later deadlines.
Why it stands out: Students should add this application to their December to-do list even though most awards are not due until the following spring.
21. Boise State University Nonresident Scholarships
Priority deadline: December 15, 2026, for fall 2027
Best for: Eligible nonresident students applying to Boise State University.
Boise State offers merit-based scholarships for eligible nonresident students. Some awards are automatically considered based on the student’s admission application and academic qualifications.
Applicants must ensure all required admission materials are received by the university’s priority deadline.
Why it stands out: Students planning to attend college outside their home state should compare university merit awards as part of their college affordability research.
Major-Specific Scholarships and Competitions
22. Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Award: Up to $3,000
Best for: Eligible students preparing for careers teaching physics at the high school level.
The American Association of Physics Teachers offers scholarship support for students preparing to teach physics. Eligible applicants include high school seniors entering a teacher-preparation program and undergraduate students pursuing this career path.
Why it stands out: Students interested in teaching should explore funding offered by professional associations in their intended field.
23. American Society of Civil Engineers — Inland Empire Section Student Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time
Award: $1,500 for first place and $500 for second place
Best for: Eligible students interested in civil engineering and infrastructure.
The ASCE Inland Empire Section’s student scholarship competition asks applicants to describe an infrastructure challenge that inspires them and explain how they hope to contribute to a solution.
The application uses a video submission format. Because this is a local section opportunity, students should check the official rules to confirm geographic and eligibility requirements.
Why it stands out: Students pursuing engineering should look for scholarships offered by local professional chapters as well as national organizations.
24. Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Best for: Eligible Massachusetts students with qualifying golf-course employment experience.
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund provides educational funding to eligible students who have worked at golf courses in qualifying roles, such as caddying or working in golf-course operations.
The application requires essays, recommendations, transcripts, and other supporting materials.
Why it stands out: Work experience can open scholarship opportunities that students may not find through general scholarship searches.
Applications Opening in December
Not every important scholarship has a December deadline. Some applications open during December but have later deadlines, so students should prepare early.
25. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship
Application opens: December 1, 2026
Application deadline: February 5, 2027
Best for: Eligible graduating high school seniors.
The Jimmy Rane Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for eligible students pursuing higher education. Applicants must meet the foundation’s current eligibility requirements and submit all required materials by the February deadline.
Why it stands out: Students can use December to review the requirements, prepare essays, and request recommendations before the application closes.
26. University of Michigan Community College Summer Research Fellowship
Application information: Check the official page in December for the 2027 application
Best for: Michigan community college students interested in summer research.
The University of Michigan’s Community College Summer Research Fellowship provides a paid, 10-week research experience for eligible community college students interested in transferring to the University of Michigan or another institution.
Research opportunities span fields including engineering, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Why it stands out: Students can gain research experience and explore academic interests before transferring to a four-year institution.
December 2026 Deadline Calendar
Use this calendar to organize the main dates in one place.
| Deadline | Opportunity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 1 | Ron Brown Scholar Program | Eligible high school seniors |
| Dec. 1 | Hagan Scholarship | Eligible high school seniors |
| Dec. 1 | Vanderbilt Ingram Scholars | Students applying to Vanderbilt |
| Dec. 1 | Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship | Students applying to Vanderbilt |
| Dec. 1 | Lincoln Scholars Program | Students applying to Centre College |
| Dec. 1 | Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships | School-nominated UVA applicants |
| Dec. 1 | Mizzou freshman scholarship consideration | Incoming University of Missouri students |
| Dec. 1 | University of Kentucky engineering scholarship | Incoming engineering students |
| Dec. 1 | Mississippi State Maroon and White | Eligible incoming freshmen |
| Dec. 1 | MTSU freshman guaranteed scholarships | Eligible incoming freshmen |
| Dec. 1 | Longwood merit scholarship priority date | Incoming Longwood students |
| Dec. 1 | University of Utah Lone Star Scholarship | Eligible Texas students |
| Dec. 1 | Murray State Presidential Fellowship | Eligible incoming freshmen |
| Dec. 1 | Missouri S&T Distinguished Scholars Award | Eligible incoming freshmen |
| Dec. 1 | Texas Tech priority scholarships | Incoming freshmen |
| Dec. 1 | Phi Theta Kappa scholarship review | Eligible community college students |
| Dec. 1 | Pauahi Foundation postsecondary scholarships | Eligible applicants |
| Dec. 1 | Barbara Lotze Scholarship | Future physics teachers |
| Dec. 1 | ASCE Inland Empire Section scholarship | Eligible civil engineering students |
| Dec. 1 | Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund | Eligible students with golf-course work experience |
| Dec. 9 | Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship | Community college transfer students |
| Dec. 15 | UT Promise | Eligible Tennessee students |
| Dec. 15 | Boise State nonresident scholarship priority date | Eligible nonresident applicants |
| Dec. 1 opening | CU Boulder general scholarship application | Eligible CU Boulder students |
| Dec. 1 opening | Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship | Eligible high school seniors |
Important: University application deadlines, scholarship application deadlines, priority dates, and nomination deadlines are not always the same. Follow the official link for each opportunity to confirm exactly what must be submitted and when.
How to Use This List
You do not need to apply for every scholarship.
Instead:
1. Start with your student level.
Are you a high school senior, undergraduate student, community college student planning to transfer, or graduate student?
2. Match opportunities to your circumstances.
Consider your intended major, financial need, academic record, location, work experience, activities, and career goals.
3. Check whether the scholarship is national or institution-specific.
Some opportunities accept applicants from across the United States, while others require enrollment at a particular university or eligibility through a local organization.
4. Prepare early.
Request recommendation letters, gather transcripts, and begin essays before deadlines. Some scholarships also require school nominations or supplemental materials.
5. Track every application.
Record the scholarship name, official website, deadline, award amount, eligibility, application status, and any follow-up requirements.
Keep Checking Back Each Month
Scholarship searching should not be a once-a-year activity.
Level Up Habesha publishes a new scholarship guide every month to help students and families discover funding opportunities throughout the academic year.
Some months feature more opportunities for high school students. Others may have more transfer scholarships, graduate fellowships, research funding, or awards for specific fields of study.
The important thing is to keep looking, stay organized, and apply to opportunities that match your goals.
Save this page, share it with a student who may benefit, and make scholarship research part of your regular college and career planning.
Final Takeaway
December is not about applying for every scholarship you find. It is about identifying the opportunities that fit your goals and giving yourself enough time to submit strong applications.
Whether you’re preparing for college, planning to transfer, or pursuing a specialized field, start with the scholarships that match your circumstances.
Your scholarship search should be ongoing—not something you remember only when tuition is due.
Level Up Habesha — helping students and families find resources to move forward with education and career goals.
