Starting your senior year is exciting. It is the last step before college or university. This is the time to apply for scholarships that can help pay for your studies. Scholarships can reduce your financial stress and help you focus on your education. Here are some great options for the class of 2026.
Pizza Hut Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: 9/5/25
Award: $500 – $5,000
This scholarship is for students aged 17 to 26. You need at least a 2.5 GPA. A 1,000-word essay is required. You must also show financial need and join a 14-week mentorship program.
Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Deadline: 9/15/25
Award: $250,000
This challenge is for students aged 13 to 18. You need to create a two-minute video explaining a big idea in physics, math, or life sciences. You will also review five other student videos. Your video can be animation, documentary, or any style you like.
The Gates Scholarship
Deadline: 9/15/25
Award: Full tuition
This is for high school seniors with financial need. It is open to African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students. A 3.3 GPA is required.
Fastweb’s $1,250 Your Future is Now Sweepstakes
Deadline: 9/30/25
Award: $1,250
This is a sweepstake for Fastweb members. You only need to answer one multiple-choice question. There is no wrong answer, and you can enter daily until the deadline.
Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway
Deadline: 9/30/25
Award: $2,500 – $100,000
Open to students aged 18–24. You must create a Pepper Perks account and upload a 60-second video. The video should explain your academic or personal goals. Finalists will compete at a football championship game.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Deadline: 9/30/25
Award: $20,000
This scholarship is for high school seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA. Home-schooled students can also apply.
Atlas Class $1,000 Scholarship
Deadline: 9/30/25
Award: $1,000
Students aged 14 and older can apply. You must post a photo or video holding the book “How to Hack College” on Instagram. In the caption, answer what you learned from the book.
Sustainability Essay Contest
Deadline: 10/17/25
Award: $1,000
Open to high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must write an essay on a topic related to sustainable construction.
Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition
Deadline: 10/31/25
Award: $35,000
This is for high school students. You must record a three to five-minute audio essay on the topic: “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
Elks Most Valuable Student Competition
Deadline: 11/12/25
Award: $1,000 – $7,500
This is for U.S. citizen high school seniors. Selection is based on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
Greenhouse Whole Person College Program
Deadline: 11/13/25
Award: $5,000
For high school seniors in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, and North Carolina. A 3.5 GPA and community involvement are required.
Hagan Scholarship
Deadline: 12/1/25
Award: $15,000
Open to seniors with a 3.5 GPA and financial need. You must enroll in a four-year college and work 240 hours before the fall semester.
G2 Overachievers Student Grant
Deadline: 12/15/25
Award: $15,000
For honor roll students aged 13–19. Submit a 1,000–2,000-word handwritten essay explaining how you or someone you know makes a difference.
Huntington Learning Center College Scholarship Sweepstakes
Deadline: 12/31/25
Award: $4,000
Open to high school students aged 14 and older. You must opt-in to text messages or send a mail-in entry. Rhode Island residents cannot apply.
Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Deadline: 1/12/26
Award: $100 – $1,000
For high school students. Submit a 700–1,000-word essay about a U.S. elected official who showed political courage after 1917.
The Christophers High School Poster Contest
Deadline: 2/12/26
Award: $100 – $1,000
Create a 16″ x 20″ poster that shows how one person can make a positive change. Include the words: “You can make a difference.”
Create-a-Greeting Card Scholarship Contest
Deadline: 3/9/26
Award: $10,000
Students aged 14 and older can design a greeting card. It can be for Christmas, holidays, birthdays, or other occasions.
Shell High School Senior Student Scholarship
Deadline: 3/15/26
Award: $2,500
For high school seniors planning to study engineering or geosciences. Strong math and science skills are needed.
Posse STEM Program
Deadline: Varies
Award: Full tuition
For high school seniors in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York. You must be nominated by your school or community group.
American Legion National Oratorical Contest
Deadline: Varies
Award: $20,000 – $25,000
For junior high and high school students under 20. You must write and present an oration on the U.S. Constitution.
FAQs
How can I apply?
Follow the instructions for each scholarship.
Can I apply for more than one?
Yes, you can apply to many.
Do I need a high GPA for all?
No, some need a 2.5 GPA, others 3.0 or higher.
Are these only for U.S. students?
Most are, but check each one.
Is there a fee to apply?
No, these scholarships are free to apply.
