Choosing a college major is an important step, but figuring out how to pay for that degree is just as important.
Many scholarships are designed specifically for students pursuing certain academic fields and career paths. Whether you’re studying engineering, nursing, business, accounting, computer science, agriculture, architecture, or the arts, there may be funding opportunities available to you.
This guide highlights scholarships and organizations that undergraduate students should explore based on their intended major.
Who this guide is for: U.S. high school seniors planning to attend college and current undergraduate students. Some scholarships have additional citizenship, residency, GPA, membership, or geographic requirements.
Deadline note: Deadlines below refer to the 2026–2027 application cycle where published. Some organizations operate annual or multiple application cycles, and others have not announced their next deadline. Save this guide and check the official scholarship websites for updated dates.
1. Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology
If you’re interested in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, or related STEM fields, explore these opportunities.
| Scholarship / Organization | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Scholarships | Varies by scholarship | NSBE members pursuing engineering, computer science, mathematics, and related STEM degrees. Opportunities for incoming and current college students. | Varies by scholarship; 2026–2027 GPA verification window runs through February 26, 2027 |
| NACME Scholarships | Varies; NACME supports more than $5 million in scholarships annually | Eligible Black, Indigenous, and other underrepresented students pursuing engineering or computer science at participating institutions. Citizenship, residency, and partner-school requirements apply. | Varies by scholarship |
| Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships | Varies by award | Women pursuing engineering, engineering technology, and eligible related degrees. Opportunities include incoming first-year and continuing undergraduate students. | Collegiate applications: February 1, 2027; incoming first-year interest form: March 31, 2027 |
| Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) | $40,000 over four years | High school seniors planning to attend an eligible HBCU and major in an approved STEM field. | Annual cycle; check official application calendar |
| NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship | Up to $40,000 in scholarship and internship support | U.S. citizen undergraduate sophomores studying eligible NOAA-related STEM or social science fields. Includes a paid summer internship. | January 31, 2027 |
| NSHSS Innovation in Technology Scholarship | Varies | Eligible NSHSS high school and college members interested in technology and innovation. | Check the 2026–2027 scholarship calendar |
2. Nursing and Healthcare
Students pursuing nursing and healthcare-related degrees should explore scholarships offered by nursing associations, healthcare foundations, and professional organizations.
| Scholarship / Organization | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA) Undergraduate Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Eligible nursing students pursuing associate, bachelor’s, or graduate nursing degrees, with financial need and qualifying U.S. residency and citizenship status. | January 8, 2027 |
| Certiphi-AACN Scholarship | Three awards totaling $15,000 | Pre-licensure nursing students enrolled at eligible AACN member schools. | November 1; verify the current cycle |
| Scrubin Uniforms-AACN Scholarship | Varies | Nursing students enrolled at AACN member schools with the required Scrubin Uniforms affiliation. | December 1; verify the current cycle |
| ASRN Presidential Scholarships | $10,000 | Eligible full-time nursing students with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Some awards consider financial need. | February 1, 2027 |
| Bonnie Fang Foundation Nursing Scholarship | $5,000 | Eligible nursing students with financial need and at least a 3.5 GPA. Restricted to qualifying residents and nursing programs in specified California and Nevada counties. | December 15, 2026 |
3. Business, Accounting, Finance, and Entrepreneurship
If you’re pursuing business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, hospitality, or entrepreneurship, consider these programs.
| Scholarship / Organization | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DECA Scholarships | Several awards of $1,000–$2,000 | High school and college DECA members planning to study entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality, management, or marketing. | January 11, 2027 |
| AICPA Foundation Scholarships | Up to $10,000 for selected undergraduate scholarships | Accounting students planning to pursue CPA licensure. Specific awards have different eligibility requirements. | Varies by award |
| AICPA/PCPS George Willie Student Scholarship | $10,000 | First-generation college students with financial need who aspire to become CPAs and pursue public accounting. | Check current AICPA application calendar |
| NSHSS + DECA Scholarship | Three awards of $1,000 | Eligible NSHSS-member high school juniors and seniors who are DECA members and plan to study marketing, finance, hospitality, or business. | January 8, 2027 |
4. Agriculture, Environmental Science, and Natural Resources
Students interested in agriculture, environmental science, conservation, forestry, and natural resources should also explore funding from professional associations and government programs.
| Scholarship / Organization | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarships | Varies | Eligible Texas 4-H members pursuing college degrees. Some awards are associated with specific academic interests. | Annual cycle; check the current application calendar |
| NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship | Up to $40,000 in scholarship and internship support | Eligible U.S. citizen undergraduates studying NOAA-related fields, including environmental science, marine science, and related disciplines. | January 31, 2027 |
| NSHSS Sustainability Scholarship | Varies | Eligible NSHSS high school and college members interested in sustainability and environmental issues. | Check the current scholarship calendar |
5. Architecture, Art, Design, and Creative Fields
Students pursuing architecture, graphic design, visual arts, and other creative disciplines should explore these opportunities.
| Scholarship / Organization | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architects Foundation Scholarships | Varies by program | Students pursuing architecture and related accredited programs. Some awards have specific eligibility requirements. | Varies by scholarship |
| NSHSS Visual Arts Scholarship | Varies | Eligible NSHSS high school and college students interested in visual arts. | Check the current scholarship calendar |
| NSHSS STEAM Scholarship | Varies | Eligible NSHSS students graduating in 2027 or later who plan to study science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics. | Application opens November 19, 2026 |
6. Education, Teaching, and Social Sciences
Students interested in becoming teachers, educators, psychologists, social workers, or working in related fields should look into scholarships through their colleges and professional organizations.
| Scholarship / Organization | Award | Who Can Apply? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teach.org Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources | Varies by program | Students exploring teaching and education careers. Check individual state and institutional opportunities. | Varies |
| College and Departmental Scholarships | Varies | Students pursuing education and related fields at participating colleges and universities. | Varies by institution |
7. Other Fields Worth Exploring
Not every scholarship is tied to a specific major. Some professional associations offer awards to students interested in particular careers.
Consider searching for opportunities in:
- Law and political science: Pre-law associations, public service organizations, and university programs.
- Journalism and communications: Journalism foundations, media associations, and professional organizations.
- Psychology: Psychology associations and university departments.
- Public health: Public health associations, health foundations, and university programs.
- Aviation: Aviation associations, pilot organizations, and aerospace foundations.
- Hospitality and tourism: Hospitality associations, hotel groups, and tourism organizations.
8. Where to Find More Scholarships for Your Major
Here are useful starting points for finding scholarships that match your academic interests:
- College Board Scholarship Search
- NSHSS Scholarships
- NACME Scholarships
- Society of Women Engineers
- AICPA Scholarships
- Your university’s financial aid office and academic department
Tips for Finding Scholarships by Major
- Search using both your major and career goal. For example, search for accounting scholarships and future CPA scholarships.
- Join relevant professional associations as a student when membership is affordable and useful.
- Ask your academic department about scholarships reserved for students in your program.
- Look for internships that also provide scholarship funding.
- Check eligibility requirements, including citizenship, residency, GPA, and school enrollment.
- Apply to scholarships throughout college, not just during your senior year of high school.
Final Thoughts
Your major can open doors to scholarship opportunities that many students never think to search for. Don’t limit yourself to general scholarships. Look at professional associations, industry organizations, foundations, and the academic department at your college.
Save this guide and revisit it as you progress through college.
Level Up Habesha — helping first-generation students find resources, make informed decisions, and build successful careers.
