Looking for scholarships to help pay for college? You don’t have to be a STEM major, a student-athlete, or a straight-A student to find scholarship opportunities. Many organizations offer undergraduate scholarships to students pursuing a wide range of academic majors.
Whether you plan to study business, nursing, computer science, education, engineering, psychology, or the arts, these are major scholarship programs worth exploring.
This guide includes opportunities for high school seniors entering college, as well as selected scholarships for students already attending college or transferring from community college.
Important deadline note: The deadlines listed below are for the 2026–2027 scholarship application cycle, primarily for students planning to enroll in college in fall 2027. Scholarship deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility requirements can change each year. If a deadline has passed, save the scholarship and check the official website for the next application cycle. Where a date varies or has not been announced, that is indicated.
Undergraduate Scholarships to Consider
| Scholarship | Award | Who Can Apply? | 2026–2027 Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship | Up to $55,000 per year | High-achieving high school seniors with financial need who plan to attend a four-year college. Any bachelor’s degree major. | November 11, 2026 |
| The Gates Scholarship | Covers the remaining cost of attendance after other aid | Pell-eligible high school seniors who meet academic, citizenship, and other eligibility requirements. | September 15, 2026 |
| Coca-Cola Scholars Program | $20,000 | High school seniors demonstrating leadership, service, and academic achievement. | September 30, 2026 |
| QuestBridge National College Match | Full four-year scholarships at participating colleges | High-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds. Students can pursue a range of majors at partner colleges. | October 1, 2026 |
| Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship | $4,000–$30,000 total, depending on award level | U.S. citizen high school seniors planning to attend college. Selection considers academics, leadership, and financial need. | November 12, 2026 |
| National Honor Society Scholarship | Varies; national awards for NHS seniors | High school seniors who are active members of the National Honor Society. | November 20, 2026 |
| Burger King Scholars Program | $1,000–$60,000 | Eligible high school seniors and other qualifying applicants, including certain employees and their families. | December 15, 2026 |
| Hagan Scholarship | Up to $7,500 per semester for up to eight semesters, plus additional benefits | High-achieving students from eligible public high schools who meet the program’s financial and other requirements. | December 1, 2026 |
| GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship | Up to $40,000 | U.S. citizen high school seniors demonstrating leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship. | January 7, 2027 |
| Horatio Alger Scholarships | Varies by program; awards range from $10,000 to $60,000 | Students who have faced and overcome significant adversity and meet the program’s financial, academic, and citizenship requirements. | February 15, 2027 (seniors); program-specific dates may vary |
| Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship | Up to $55,000 per year for up to three years | High-achieving community college students transferring to an accredited four-year college. Any bachelor’s degree major. | December 9, 2026 |
| Elks Legacy Awards | $4,000 | Children and grandchildren of eligible Elks members who meet the program requirements. | February 1, 2027 |
| Equitable Excellence Scholarship | $5,000, with potential renewal | High school seniors demonstrating ambition, determination, and community impact. | December 22, 2026 |
Additional Places to Find Undergraduate Scholarships
National scholarships are only one part of the picture. Students should also explore:
- College and university scholarships: Merit scholarships, need-based grants, departmental awards, and scholarships for continuing students.
- Community foundations: Local organizations often offer scholarships to students from specific cities, counties, or school districts.
- Professional associations: Industry organizations may offer scholarships to students interested in their professions.
- Employers: Some companies provide scholarships for employees and their dependents.
- Community organizations: Nonprofits, civic groups, and other community organizations may offer educational awards.
Scholarship Application Tips
- Start researching scholarships early, ideally during your junior year of high school.
- Keep a record of your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, employment, and community service.
- Prepare a strong personal statement that explains your goals, experiences, and what makes you a good candidate.
- Ask teachers, mentors, and supervisors for recommendation letters well before the deadline.
- Apply to multiple scholarships. Smaller awards can add up.
- Read the eligibility requirements carefully. Some scholarships require U.S. citizenship, while others accept permanent residents or other eligible students.
Final Reminder
You do not have to rely only on scholarships offered by the college you attend. Outside scholarships can help reduce the amount you and your family need to pay for college.
Save this guide, check the official scholarship websites, and keep track of application dates each year.
Level Up Habesha is committed to helping first-generation students find educational opportunities, access financial resources, and graduate with less student debt.
