Already in college? You can still win scholarships!
One common misconception about scholarships is that students only have opportunities to receive funding during their senior year of high school. That is not true.
There are hundreds of scholarships available to students who are already enrolled in college. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, you may qualify for funding to help pay for tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses.
Some scholarships are open to students across the country, while others are designed for specific majors, academic achievements, financial circumstances, backgrounds, or career goals.
In this guide, we’ll highlight opportunities for current undergraduate students attending U.S. colleges and universities.
Who should use this guide?
- Students currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college.
- Community college students.
- College freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
- First-generation college students.
- Students with financial need.
- Students pursuing specific majors or career paths.
- Students looking for scholarships to help fund their remaining years of college.
Important: Eligibility differs by scholarship. Some require U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, DACA status, or other specific qualifications. Always review the official requirements before applying.
1. National Scholarships for Current College Students
These scholarships are offered by national organizations, foundations, government agencies, and private sponsors. They are worth exploring even if you are already several years into your college education.
| Scholarship | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship America Dream Award | Up to $10,000; potentially renewable | Current undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of full-time college, demonstrate financial need, and meet citizenship/residency and GPA requirements | Typically opens in the fall |
| SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program | Full tuition, annual stipend, summer internships, and post-graduation employment | Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing eligible STEM degrees who meet citizenship and other program requirements | Typically closes in early December |
| Chick-fil-A Community Scholars | Scholarship award; amount varies by program | Students demonstrating community service, leadership, and academic commitment; check current eligibility | Annual application cycle |
| Burger King Scholars Program | Awards vary by category | Eligible high school seniors, Burger King employees, and certain employees’ family members; some categories support students already in college | Annual application cycle |
| NAACP Scholarships | Amount varies by scholarship | Eligible undergraduate and graduate students; requirements vary by award, including GPA, enrollment, and field of study | Varies by scholarship |
| NSHSS College Freshman Scholarship | Amount varies by award | Eligible NSHSS members who are currently enrolled college freshmen | Varies by scholarship |
| NSHSS First Generation Scholarship | Amount varies by award | Eligible NSHSS members who are first-generation students; certain college class years are included | Varies by scholarship |
| BigFuture Scholarships | $500 and $40,000 awards | Primarily high school students completing qualifying college-planning activities; not a general scholarship for students already enrolled in college | Based on high school graduation class |
Important eligibility notes:
- The Scholarship America Dream Award is specifically designed for students who have already completed at least one year of undergraduate study. Applicants must meet its financial-need, GPA, enrollment, and citizenship/residency requirements.
- The SMART Scholarship is a scholarship-for-service program. Recipients receive full tuition, stipends, and internships, but must accept a post-graduation employment commitment with the sponsoring government department.
- BigFuture is included as a clarification because students sometimes mistake it for a continuing-college scholarship. Its standard awards target high school students, not students already enrolled in college.
Official websites:
- Scholarship America: https://scholarshipamerica.org/students/scholarships-for-current-college-students/
- SMART Scholarship: https://www.smartscholarship.org/
- Chick-fil-A: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/community
- Burger King Foundation: https://www.burgerkingfoundation.org/
- NAACP: https://naacp.org/find-resources/scholarships-awards-internships/scholarships
- NSHSS: https://www.nshss.org/scholarships/
- BigFuture: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/bigfuture-scholarships
2. Scholarships for STEM, Engineering, and Technology Students
If you’re studying science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or computer science, there are specialized scholarships that may be available throughout your undergraduate years.
| Scholarship | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barry Goldwater Scholarship | Up to $7,500 per academic year | College sophomores and juniors pursuing research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required | Annual campus nomination deadline is typically in January |
| Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship | Scholarship funding plus a paid summer internship | Eligible second-year undergraduates in NOAA-related fields; U.S. citizenship and GPA requirements apply | Typically January |
| SMART Scholarship | Full tuition, annual stipend, internships, and employment pathway | Eligible undergraduate and graduate STEM students who meet citizenship and service requirements | Typically December |
| Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships | Amount varies by award | Women pursuing eligible engineering, engineering technology, and computer science degrees; collegiate scholarships include students entering sophomore, junior, or senior year | Typically winter |
| National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Scholarships | Amount varies; some awards reach several thousand dollars | Eligible NSBE members studying engineering, technology, computer science, and related disciplines; requirements vary by award | Varies by scholarship |
| SHPE Scholarships | Amount varies by award | Eligible Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers members pursuing STEM degrees; requirements vary by scholarship | Varies by scholarship |
A closer look at a few opportunities:
Barry Goldwater Scholarship
This is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships for students interested in research careers in science, mathematics, and engineering.
It is particularly valuable for students planning to pursue graduate school or research careers. Students cannot simply apply independently: they must be nominated through their college or university.
Official website: https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
The NOAA Hollings Scholarship is designed for students interested in environmental science, oceanography, atmospheric science, engineering, computer science, and other disciplines supporting NOAA’s mission.
It combines financial support with a professional summer internship. Eligible students include certain community college and transfer students who are applying to a four-year institution.
Official website: https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/hollings-scholarship
Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
SWE offers scholarships for women pursuing engineering, engineering technology, and computer science degrees. Its collegiate scholarship program includes students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year.
Students should check whether their academic program meets the accreditation and other requirements.
Official website: https://swe.org/scholarships/
National Society of Black Engineers Scholarships
NSBE provides scholarship opportunities to eligible student members pursuing engineering, technology, and related fields. Its scholarship database allows students to search by major, academic classification, region, and residency status.
Official website: https://nsbe.org/scholarships/
SHPE Scholarships
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers offers scholarships to eligible student members pursuing STEM degrees. Students should review individual awards for membership, academic, and residency requirements.
Official website: https://shpe.org/
3. Scholarships for Business, Accounting, and Finance Students
Students pursuing accounting, finance, business administration, economics, and related degrees should explore professional associations and industry-sponsored scholarships.
| Scholarship / Resource | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| AICPA Foundation Scholarships | Amount varies; many awards provide several thousand dollars | Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing accounting and meeting individual scholarship requirements | Varies by scholarship |
| NABA Scholarships | Amount varies by award | Eligible student members pursuing accounting, finance, business, and related fields | Varies by scholarship |
| DECA Scholarships | Amount varies by award | Eligible DECA members pursuing business-related education; some awards are limited to specific student classifications | Varies by scholarship |
| Forté Foundation Scholarships and Fellowships | University-specific scholarships and fellowship opportunities | Women applying to or attending participating MBA programs; eligibility depends on the university and program | Varies by school |
| The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management | Fellowship support for eligible MBA students | Applicants admitted to participating MBA programs who meet the organization’s eligibility criteria | Varies by admissions cycle |
AICPA Foundation Scholarships
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Foundation offers multiple scholarships for students pursuing accounting education and the CPA pathway.
Students should explore its scholarship directory and review the individual requirements. Some awards target specific academic years, financial circumstances, or accounting career interests.
Official website: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/article/aicpa-scholarships-can-support-your-accounting-education
NABA Scholarships
The National Association of Black Accountants supports students pursuing careers in accounting, finance, and business through scholarships, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Official website: https://nabainc.org/
DECA Scholarships
DECA offers scholarship opportunities for eligible members interested in business, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and related fields.
Official website: https://www.deca.org/
Forté Foundation
Forté supports women pursuing business leadership and MBA education through scholarships, fellowships, career resources, and university partnerships.
Official website: https://www.fortefoundation.org/
4. Scholarships for First-Generation College Students
First-generation college students may qualify for scholarships designed to support students whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree.
These opportunities may consider financial need, academic performance, leadership, community involvement, and personal experiences.
| Scholarship / Resource | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship America Dream Award | Up to $10,000; potentially renewable | Current undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of college and demonstrate financial need | Typically fall |
| NSHSS First Generation Scholarship | Amount varies | Eligible NSHSS members who are first-generation high school seniors or college students in specified class years | Varies |
| TIAA First-Generation Scholarship | Amount and eligibility vary by current program | First-generation college students who meet the sponsor’s enrollment and other requirements | Check current program |
| College and university first-generation scholarships | Varies by institution | Students enrolled at participating colleges who meet institutional criteria | Varies by school |
| Local community foundation scholarships | Varies | Students from specific communities, counties, or regions who meet local eligibility requirements | Varies |
A tip for first-generation students: Ask your college’s first-generation student office, student success center, or financial aid office about scholarships specifically reserved for continuing first-generation students.
5. Scholarships for Students with Financial Need
Some scholarships are designed to help students who have financial barriers to completing their degrees.
These opportunities may require FAFSA information, household income documentation, proof of financial hardship, or a personal statement.
Explore:
- Scholarship America Dream Award
- University and college need-based scholarships
- State grant and scholarship programs
- Community foundation awards
- Employer-sponsored scholarships
- Scholarships through professional and community organizations
Students should also complete the FAFSA each year to determine eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and other financial aid.
Official FAFSA website: https://studentaid.gov/
6. Don’t Forget Your Own College’s Scholarships
One of the most overlooked sources of scholarship money is the college or university where you are already enrolled.
Many colleges offer scholarships specifically for continuing students. These awards may be available to students who have completed one or more semesters and are continuing into the next academic year.
Examples include:
- Continuing student merit scholarships
- Department-specific scholarships
- Major-specific awards
- Scholarships for students with financial need
- Leadership and campus involvement awards
- Research scholarships
- Scholarships for students with high GPAs
- Scholarships for students who have overcome challenges
- Alumni-funded scholarships
- Scholarships for students pursuing specific career paths
For example, the University of California, Davis, has a continuing undergraduate scholarship application that welcomes eligible domestic, international, AB540, and undocumented students. The University of Tennessee also offers a continuing undergraduate scholarship application that matches students to a range of college and departmental awards.
What should you do?
- Visit your college’s financial aid website.
- Search for “continuing student scholarships.”
- Search for scholarships within your major or academic department.
- Contact your academic advisor.
- Ask whether your college has a general scholarship application that matches you with multiple awards.
- Check whether scholarships are renewable or require a new application each year.
Don’t assume that your college will automatically notify you about every scholarship you qualify for.
7. Where to Find More Scholarships
You don’t have to rely on one scholarship website. Build a list of organizations and resources that regularly offer funding.
| Resource | What You Can Find | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarship America | National scholarships for current college students, including two-year and four-year students | https://scholarshipamerica.org/ |
| CareerOneStop | Scholarship search tool supported by the U.S. Department of Labor | https://www.careeronestop.org/ |
| Federal Student Aid | FAFSA, federal grants, and financial aid information | https://studentaid.gov/ |
| College Board BigFuture | Scholarship search and college-planning resources; check eligibility for current college students | https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ |
| NAACP | Scholarships, awards, and internships | https://naacp.org/ |
| NSBE | Engineering and technology scholarships | https://nsbe.org/ |
| SWE | Scholarships for women in engineering and technology | https://swe.org/ |
| AICPA | Accounting scholarships and financial support | https://www.aicpa-cima.com/ |
| NABA | Accounting, finance, and business scholarships | https://nabainc.org/ |
8. Tips for Winning Scholarships While in College
1. Don’t wait until senior year.
You can apply for scholarships throughout your undergraduate education. Make scholarship research part of your routine each semester.
2. Maintain a strong GPA.
Many scholarships have minimum GPA requirements. Some require a 3.0, while competitive academic awards may require higher grades.
3. Get involved on campus.
Leadership positions, student organizations, volunteer work, research, and internships can strengthen your applications.
4. Join professional organizations.
Organizations related to your major often offer scholarships, networking, mentoring, and career opportunities.
5. Build relationships with professors.
You may need recommendation letters. Professors who know your academic work and interests can write stronger recommendations.
6. Reapply when allowed.
Some scholarships allow students to apply every year as long as they continue meeting the requirements.
7. Check your college’s scholarship portal.
Some schools have one general application that matches students with dozens or even hundreds of institutional scholarships.
8. Keep your application materials ready.
Prepare your resume, unofficial transcript, personal statement, recommendation contacts, and a list of extracurricular activities.
Final Thoughts
Your scholarship journey does not end when you graduate from high school or start college.
Whether you’re a freshman just getting started, a sophomore exploring your major, a junior preparing for internships, or a senior getting ready to graduate, there may still be funding available to help you complete your degree.
The key is to keep searching, stay organized, and apply consistently.
Save this guide, share it with your college friends, and remind them: you can still apply for scholarships after starting college!
Level Up Habesha — Helping first-generation students access opportunities, graduate debt-free, and build successful careers.
