Biggest College Schol­ar­ships Top 40 Schol­ar­ships

Higher Education Consultant
B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Gabe is a higher education consultant and former English professor with a doctorate in English from University of Georgia. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Gabe has taught at nearly every kind of institution, from major R1 public universities to small liberal arts colleges to community colleges.
Founder/Senior Editor
B.A., M.Div.
Jeremy Alder has spent over a decade researching and writing about higher education to provided students with the information they need to achieve their goals. He has significant personal experience with career transitions, working as a freelance writer and editor, non-profit director, community organizer, preacher, teacher, retail manager, and carpenter prior to founding College Consensus. Homeschooled from the second grade, Jeremy is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (B.A., Philosophy) and Duke University Divinity School (M.Div.). He currently lives in North Carolina with his wife, five kids, and a Labradoodle named Hank.

Key Takeaways for Students

  • Rising tuition costs have made it difficult for students to afford a college education
  • There are many scholarships available that students may not be aware of
  • Scholarships never have to be paid back, unlike student loans

With so many scholarships available, students might find it overwhelming to find the ones worth applying for. With so many options, how does a student know which scholarship is worth their time? At College Consensus, we’ve worked to compile a list of the biggest scholarships available to anyone. Every scholarship on this list is available to students with minimal restrictions. Students seeking out scholarships offering the most money can start with this ranking of the biggest scholarships available.

Biggest Schol­ar­ships for Black and African-American Students

Biggest Schol­ar­ships for Latino and Hispanic Students

Biggest Schol­ar­ships for LGBTQ Students

RankCareerAwardDeadline
1.Levine Scholars Program$155,000Nov 15
2.Collegiate Inventors Competition$100,000June
3.Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway$100,000Sept 30
4.Leonard Bernstein Fellowship$82,000Nov 1
5.NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program$80,000Mar 26
6.Mary Switzer Research Fellowship$75,000Apr 18
7.Augustana Academic Scholarship$100,000N/A
8.Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship$72,000Mar 14
9.Eastern Michigan University Presidential Scholarship$85,000Fall 2026
10.Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund$60,000Dec 1
11.TEDS Academic Scholarship$60,000Dec 1
12.Burger King Scholarship$60,000N/A
13.Davidson Fellows Scholarship$100,000Fall 2025
14.Elks National Foundation Scholarship$50,000Fall 2025
15.EPP Undergraduate Scholarship Program$45,000Jan 31
16.GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship$40,000TBD
17.Northwestern University Scholarship$40,000N/A
18.NJCU Honors Scholarship$36,000March 15
19.DOE Computational Science Graduate FellowshipFull tuition and $45,000 stipendContact for deadlines
20.Belgian American Educational Foundation Fellowship$30,000Fall
21.Doodle 4 Google$30,000March 21
22.Harry S. Truman Scholarship Program$30,000Feb 4
23.Thomas J. Watson Fellowship$30,000Nov
24.VFW Voice of Democracy Competition$35,000Oct 31
25.AMS Graduate Fellowships$26,000Jan
26.Nez Muhleman/Doris Kallina Scholarship$25,000Mar 5
27.Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society Rolex Scholarship$30,000Jan 31
28.Ray Greenly Scholarship$25,000Nov 8
29.Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship$25,000Jan 8
30.New Mexico Tech Freshman Gold Scholarship$24,000Mar 1
31.Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship Program$24,000Jan 10
32.Loyola University Ignation Scholarship for Academic ExcellenceFull tuitionN/A
33.Hanover College Benjamin Templeton ScholarshipFull tuitionN/A
34.Lycoming College Faculty Scholarships$40,000N/A
35.Boren Scholarships$25,000N/A
36.Dell Scholars Program$20,000Dec 1
37.Greenhouse Scholars Scholarship$20,000N/A
38.Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity$20,000May 15
39.Texas A&M University – Century Scholar Award$20,000Dec 1
40.University of Georgia Foundation Fellowship$24,590Nov 1

Note: Scholarships are presented loosely in order from highest to lowest awards. However, the means of awarding scholarships and grants varies greatly between organizations. If you are interested in a scholarship, please review their requirements and awards in depth on the organization’s website.

UNC Charlotte sealThe Levine Scholars program is an organization founded by Sandra and Leon Levine. Partnering with the University of North Carolina Charlotte, the Levine family began the Levine Scholars Program as one of the biggest scholarships in the country. Through the Levine Scholars Program, the Levine family accepts applications from people from all walks of life to become beneficiaries of the Levine Scholars Program. Through the Levine Scholars Program, students are awarded a four-year scholarship to the University of North Carolina Charlotte. This includes full tuition, room, board, as well as a grant for summer service projects. The total value of this entire scholarship package is $155,000. This scholarship is awarded to approximately twenty incoming freshmen every single year. Applicants are chosen based off of their academic achievements as well as the positive impacts they’ve had in their own communities.

Amount: Up to $155,000

Key Dates: Nov 15, application deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.59.24 PMThe National Inventors Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to the honoring and celebration of the individuals who have created the inventions that have defined our time and have changed the world.

The National Inventors Hall of Fame sponsors the Collegiate Inventors Competition, a national contest that offers a variety of different scholarship packages to the winners of the competition. One of the biggest scholarships in the country, The Collegiate Inventors Competition has students from across the nation competing to pitch their inventions. Students are given the opportunity to showcase their talents for invention. Chosen by a panel of prestigious inventors, scholarships are awarded to students with the best inventions. The top prize for students competing in the Collegiate Inventors Competition is currently $100,000. Students will be able to apply that money to any school of their choosing.

Amount: Up to $100,000

Key Dates: June deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.57.46 PMOffered by the soft drink company Dr. Pepper, the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway is one of the largest tuition giveaways in the country. Sponsored by Dr. Pepper, the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway has been going on for almost a decade. The Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway contest is open to all students, making it one of the biggest scholarships in the country. To enter for this scholarship, students must submit a Goal to the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway. This Goal can be anything as long as it demonstrates a desire to change the world. Throughout the duration of the contest, students must provide updates showing their steps towards reaching that goal. Throughout the duration of the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway, students will provide a video presenting their pitch for the scholarship. Dr. Pepper will choose twenty total winners, five of which will be awarded a $100,000 scholarship to the university or college of their choosing. The additional fifteen winners will receive prizes ranging from $2,500- $25,000.

Amount: Up to $100,000

Key Dates: Sept 30

4 inch seal pms 294Offered by Brandeis University, the Leonard Bernstein Fellowship is named in honor of composer Leonard Bernstein. The Leonard Bernstein Fellowship offers students $82,000 over four years. As one of the biggest scholarships in the country, the  Leonard Bernstein Fellowship is awarded to a handful of vocalists and instrumentalists. Those who win the Leonard Bernstein Fellowship will also become part of elite vocal and chamber ensembles as well as the opportunity to have access to special private lessons and performance opportunities. The Leanard Bernstein Fellowship is open to any student and requires that students must audition for a position in the program. By gaining a position in the program, students are also earning $82,000 in tuition assistance.

Amount: $82,000

Key Dates: Nov 1 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.51.52 PMPart of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health is an organization dedicated to leading the research and studies needed to make major steps towards promoting the health of the public. The National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship program. Through the National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program, students are given $20,000 per academic year that can be put towards their education. Students are also given paid research training at the National Institutes of Health over the summer as well as paid employment and training at the National Institutes of Health after graduation. This program is open to all students within the United States. Students who earn the National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship can earn up to $80,000 in scholarship to the university or college of their choosing through one of the biggest scholarships available.

Amount: $80,000

Key Dates: Mar 26 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.50.47 PMThe Mary Switzer Research Fellowship is a program run by the Administration for Community Living, a government organization dedicated to focusing attention and resources on the aging American population. Through the Mary Switzer Research Fellowship, individuals who are engaging in scientific research that is related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities are awarded grant money to be used towards their education. Meant for students working towards graduate-level degrees, the Mary Switzer Research Fellowship awards money to all students as long as they are working towards research goals related to the rehabilitation of those with disabilities. Students who are awarded the Mary Switzer Research Fellowship will be awarded $75,000 in tuition assistance.

Amount: N/A

Key Dates: Apr 18 deadline

augustana university 416x416A comprehensive university located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Augustana is committed to offering its students affordable ways to gain an education. The Augustana Academic Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to students at Augustana. Available to any students who are applying to Augustana, the Augustana Academic Scholarship is based upon academic achievement prior to their enrollment in Augustana. Through the selection process for this scholarship, students are examined based on their academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, and other related criteria. If selected for this scholarship, students are awarded between $20- $25k. This scholarship is renewable each year, adding up to a total possible scholarship of $100,000 for the duration of their education at Augustana. Through this scholarship, students are able to gain a great education without risk of incurring massive student debt.

Amount: Up to $100,000

Key Dates: N/A

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.49.19 PMThe Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship is offered to students at Florida Atlantic University. Created by The William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, the Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarships available. Offered to students who have been accepted to Florida Atlantic University, the Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship is a full merit award. Students who are eligible for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship are able to apply for the Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship. Students are selected for this scholarship based off of the following criteria: Leadership, Scholarship, Integrity, Courage, and Vigor. By excelling in those five categories students can prove their worthiness and be selected for the Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship. Students who have been selected for the Henry Morrison Flagler Scholarship are awarded a full-ride to Florida Atlantic University which is worth $72,000.

Amount: $72,000

Key Dates: Mar 14 deadline

Artboard 1 7Offered through Eastern Michigan University, the Eastern Michigan University Presidential Scholarship Competition is available to students across the United States. Having already been admitted to Eastern Michigan University, students who are looking to compete in the Presidential Scholarship Competition must submit an essay as well as undergo a personal interview at Eastern Michigan University. Through a review of the entrant’s essay, academic standing, and extracurricular activities, twenty-one recipients will be determined. Offered annually, twenty-one students will be given a full-ride to Eastern Michigan University which is valued at $85,000 across the four years of their education making it one of the biggest scholarships available.

Amount: $85,000

Key Dates: Fall 2026

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.18.50 PM Based out of Massachusetts, the Ouimet Fund is named to honor Francis Ouimet, one of America’s first professional golfers. Since its founding, the Ouimet Fund has grown to become one of the biggest scholarships available to students. Students who are looking to apply for the Francis Ouimet Scholarship must submit an application that outlines their academic achievements. In order to apply for this application, students must have worked in the golf industry at some point prior to their application. If selected for this scholarship, students can be awarded up to $60,000 for their education. This massive contribution allows students to gain an education without incurring large amounts of debt.

Amount: $60,000

Key Dates: Dec 1 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.17.36 PM Committed to offering students ways to lower the cost of their education, Trinity International University offers students a variety of different scholarship programs. The TEDS Academic Scholarship is open to any students who are interested in pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. Students who win this scholarship will have 100% of their degree costs covered by Trinity International University. The value of this scholarship is equivalent to $15,000 a year which totals out to $60,000 a year overall. This scholarship program affords students the ability to gain a quality education despite their socioeconomic background. By earning this scholarship, students do not need to fear crippling student debt.

Amount: $60,000

Key Dates: Dec 1 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.15.40 PMThe Burger King Scholars program was founded by the Burger King McLamore Foundation. Created in memory of James W. McLamore, the co-founder of Burger King, the Burger King McLamore Foundation is dedicated to helping high school students and families across North America. The Burger King Scholars Program is based on merit and needs. Students who apply for the Burger King Scholars Program are meant to set a Goal that they plan to achieve. According to the Burger King McLamore Foundation, students are selected based on their GPA< work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service. Awarding money to thousands of students each year, the Burger King Scholars program awards amounts ranging from $1000 all the way up to $50,000.

Amount: $60,000

Key Dates: N/A

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.14.27 PMThe Davidson Fellows Scholarship was established by the Davidson Institute and is created for some of the sharpest minds in the country. Available to all students under the age of 18, the Davidson Fellows Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate that they are gifted and talented. When applying for the Davidson Fellows Scholarship, students must submit an application that includes a significant piece of work that they have created. This piece of work can fall into the following categories: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and Outside the Box. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards students either a $100,000, $50,000, or a $25,000 scholarship that can be applied to the university or college of their choosing. Those students who are selected are also invited to attend a special celebration in Washington, D.C.

Amount: Up to $100,000

Key Dates: Fall 2025

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.13.47 PMEstablished by the Elks National Foundation, the Elks National Foundation Scholarship program is a merit-based scholarship available to 500 recipients. Every year, Elks National Foundation selects the top 500 students to be recipients of the Elks National Foundation Scholarship. Totaling almost $2.5 million in scholarships, the Elks National Foundation Scholarship selects its recipients based upon their academic standing, their capacity for leadership, and extracurricular and service activities. Students who apply for the Elks National Foundation Scholarship do not need to be members of the Elks. The Elks National Foundation selects 480 runners-up who are awarded $4,000 scholarships. Fourteen fourth-place winners are selected who each received a $20,000 scholarship. Two third-place winners receive a $30,000 scholarship, two second-place winners each receive a $40,000 scholarship, and finally, two first-place winners are selected for a $50,000 scholarship to the college or university of their choosing.

Amount: Up to $50,000

Key Dates: Fall 2025

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.11.26 PMThe EPP Undergraduate Scholarship program is offered to students by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. To apply for the EPP Undergraduate Scholarship program students must have at least a 3.2 GPA and are applying for a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields. Students who are selected for this scholarship will be offered paid summer internships at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association will also provide students with $45,000 in scholarship money for their education. Through this scholarship program students will not only recieve financial support but also get valuable work experience that will translate to their career beyond college.

Amount: $45,000

Key Dates: Jan 31 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.09.33 PMThe GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship is offered to students through a partnership between General Electric and the Reagan Foundation. The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship is open to any students to apply. Students must meet the following requirements: they must demonstrate leadership, integrity, and citizenship through all aspects of their life, strong academic performance, and have been accepted to a college or university. If selected for the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship program, students are rewarded $10,000 each year for a total of $40,000. Through the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship, students are able to lower the cost of their education through generous contributions by General Electric and the Reagan Foundation.

Amount: $40,000

Key Dates: TBD

Artboard 1 6The Northwestern University Scholarship is offered by Northwestern University, one of the region’s best private research universities. The Northwestern University Scholarship is awarded to students as needed. After students have received their final financial aid packages, Northwestern University works with students to help them pay for their schooling. Based on a variety of different financial factors, Northwestern University awards students different amounts of scholarship money to help them pay for their education. One of the benefits of this scholarship program is that it is not based on academic performance. If accepted to Northwestern University, students are all equally eligible for this scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students based on their financial needs. Students can receive anywhere from $250 to $40,000 to put towards the education. This is a very comprehensive scholarship program and is worth students examining.

Amount: Up to $40,000

Key Dates: N/A

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.07.00 PMThe NJCU Honors Scholarship is offered by New Jersey City University, one of New Jersey’s most notable public universities. The NJCU Honors Scholarship accepts all student applications. To apply, students must be accepted to New Jersey City University. To apply for the scholarship, students must submit an application that shows not only their academic achievements but also the extracurricular activities and leadership positions held by that student. If selected for the NJCU Honors Scholarship, students are given priority registration, a dedicated honors faculty, a laptop computer, and university-sponsored international study abroad experiences. Students are also given a completely covered full ride to New Jersey City University. This full-ride scholarship is valued at over $36,000. By offering this scholarship to the brightest students, New Jersey City University is able to ensure that the brightest minds can attend the school without fear of incurring large amounts of student debt. Students who are looking for a quality education without debt should apply for the NJCU Honors Scholarship program.

Amount: $36,000

Key Dates: March 15 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.05.04 PMThe DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship, offered by the Department of Energy, was created in order to encourage students to choose doctoral degrees that involve the use of high-performance computing. The DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship is open to any student who is anticipating a doctoral education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students who apply for the DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship degree are selected based upon their academic performance in their undergraduate studies. If selected, students receive a stipend of $45,000. They also receive full tuition and required fees during their time with the fellowship. Students are able to stay with the program for up to four years but are required to renew each year. They also receive a twelve-week practicum at one of the twenty-one DOE national laboratories.

Amount: Full tuition and $45,000 stipend

Key Dates: Contact for deadlines

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.03.34 PMThe Belgian American Educational Foundation Fellowship is offered to students who are from the United States and are interested in studying abroad at a Belgian University. Students are selected based on their academic success in their undergraduate studies. A student who is selected is awarded a $30,000 stiped. Students are required to spend at least six months at a Belgian University but to earn the full amount of the Belgian American Educational Foundation Fellowship students are expected to spend a full year in the program. Students are also given health insurance during the period of the Belgian American Educational Foundation Fellowship. For students who are interested in a scholarship for their higher-education and would also like to study abroad should consider the Belgian American Educational Foundation Fellowship as it is one of the biggest scholarships available.

Amount: $30,000

Key Dates: Fall deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.00.55 PM Since starting in 2008, Google has held a contest asking students of all ages to submit new Google Doodle artwork. Through this program, Google has been able to award hundreds of students prizes over the past decade. In order to enter into the Doodle 4 Google competition, students must simply design a Doodle for the Google homepage. From there, Google selects winners from each region and overall winners of the entire competition. Winners are selected based upon their artistic merit, their creativity, and theme communication. Students are categorized into groups based on their age. At the end of the contest, five national finalists will be selected. Four of them will receive a $5000 scholarship. The overall winner will receive a $30,000 college scholarship along with a $50,000 technology package for their school. They will also have their Doodle added to the Google homepage. 

Amount: $30,000

Key Dates: March 21 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 12.00.14 PMThe Harry S. Truman Scholarship is available to any student looking to pursue a graduate degree. Students are selected based on a variety of different criteria. The Truman Foundation accepts approximately 500 to 600 applications for the program each year. Of these applications, approximately 55 to 65 scholarships are awarded. Students are picked based upon academic performance. Other factors include examples of public service. Students can also be nominated by their own campus. If selected for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, students receive $30,000 in financial support for their education as well as access to the network of Harry S. Truman Scholars. By earning this scholarship, students are afforded the opportunity to continue the legacy of President Truman.

Amount: $30,000

Key Dates: Feb 4 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 11.59.05 AMThe Thomas J. Watson Fellowship is a one-year grant scholarship offered to students graduating college. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide these students with funding to spend a year after college to pursue any original projects that they are thinking of outside of the United States. Thomas J. Watson believed that students should experience the world and not jump into the workforce immediately following their college education. If selected for this program, students will be given a $30,000 stipend for the entire year. During this time students will be free to spend their time as they please outside of the United States. The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship will also pay any loan payments on student debt during this period of time. 

Amount: $30,000

Key Dates: Nov deadline

vfwlogoColorThe VFW Voice of Democracy Competition is an annual scholarship offered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Started in 1947, the Voice of Democracy Competition is an audio essay competition. Students are asked to submit a recorded essay that expresses democratic and patriotic ideals. Each year, different themes are assigned to students. Students from across the nation are able to submit their audio essays. Typically, the VFW receives over 40,000 different audio essay submissions for the Voice of Democracy Competition. Just last year, over $2.1 million was awarded to students. The theme for the Voice of Democracy competition this year is: Why My Vote Matters. The student with the best essay earns a $35,000 scholarship that can be applied to the school of their choosing. 

Amount: $35,000

Key Dates: Oct 31

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 11.36.31 AMThe AMS Graduate Fellowship is one of the ways that the American Meteorological Society works to attract students to the science of meteorology. One of the biggest scholarships available to anyone, the AMS Graduate Fellowship is designed to help first-year graduate students financially. Open to all students who are entering their first year of graduate school, this fellowship is for students who are intending to study atmospheric or related sciences. After completing the application for this scholarship, students who are selected will be given a $26,000 stipend over a nine-month period during their first-year of classes in their graduate. By alleviating the financial strain of a college education, the American Meteorological Society hopes that the AMS Graduate Fellowship will help students to make further advancements in the science of meteorology.

Amount: Up to $26,000

Key Dates: Jan deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 11.29.56 AMThe Nez Muhleman/Doris Kallina Scholarship is named for Doris Kallina and ‘Nez Muhleman two people who have worked hard to promote the game of golf in the state of Texas. Originally a smaller scholarship, the funding for the Nez Muhleman/Doris Kallina Scholarship was combined in 2015 to create one of the biggest scholarships available. With this changing of the scholarship structure, the Nez Muhleman/Doris Kallina Scholarship is now $25,000 to be disbursed to a student over the course of four-years. Students who apply for the Nez Muhleman / Doris Kallina Scholarship must demonstrate a love for the game of golf as well as academic excellence.

Amount: $25,000

Key Dates: Mar 5 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 11.28.48 AMThrough funding provided by Rolex, The Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society has been able to offer three students scholarships every year. Offering scholarships to a student from North America, Europe, and Australasia, the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society has become one of the biggest scholarships available. Students are chosen based on their academic experience and their interest in marine-related fields of study. If selected for the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society Rolex Scholarship, students will receive a $30,000 scholarship as well as the opportunity to work with leaders in underwater fields for an entire year. 

Amount: $30,000

Key Dates: Jan 31 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 11.28.03 AMThe Ray Greenly Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarships available. Offered through the National Retail Federation, the Ray Greenly Scholarship is offered in honor of Ray Greenly, Vice President of Research and Member Services at Shop.org. Managing the digital division of the National Retail Federation, Ray sadly died of cancer in 2005. To honor Ray Greenly, Shop.org and the National Retail Federation began offering the Ray Greenly Scholarship every year. To apply for the Ray Greenly Scholarship, students must demonstrate academic aptitude while also showing interest in field relevant to digital retail. Students will present themselves in front of a panel made up of retail executives and members of the National Retail Federation. If selected, the student will be awarded a $25,000 scholarship to the school of their choosing.

Amount: $25,000

Key Dates: Nov 8 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 11.27.17 AMThe Live Más Scholarship is offered to students through the Taco Bell Foundation. Live Más Scholarship is unlike many scholarships. One of the biggest scholarships available to anyone, the Live Más Scholarship does not concern itself with the academics or extra-curricular activities of different students. The Live Más Scholarship tries to level the playing field by only requiring that students submit a two-minute video that explains their life’s passion. Students are then selected based upon how passionately they explain what they care most about in life. This year, the Taco Bell Foundation is preparing to award students with $3 million in Live Más Scholarship. Students can win scholarships of up to $25,000 through the Live Más Scholarship. They are also able to renew their Live Más Scholarship through an additional program that helps students continue to pay for their education.

Amount: $25,000

Key Dates: Jan 8 deadline

new mexico institute of mining and technology 416x416One of the biggest scholarships available to anyone, the New Mexico Tech University Gold Scholarship offers the most support to students choosing to enroll at New Mexico Tech. Offered to any student enrolling in New Mexico Tech University, the New Mexico Tech University Gold Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship. To apply for the New Mexico Tech University Gold Scholarship students must have achieved a high school GPA of 3.5 and have a National Merit Finalist Certificate. Students will then need to submit an application detailing why they are the best candidate for the New Mexico Tech University Gold Scholarship. If selected, New Mexico Tech will give that student $6,000 a year in scholarships that are renewable for four years totaling a $24,000 scholarship. This level of financial support helps to make the New Mexico Tech University Gold Scholarship one of the biggest scholarships available.

Amount: $24,000

Key Dates: Mar 1 deadline

Artboard 1 5The Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship is just one of the ways that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has worked to help support student-athletes. Named to honor the first executive director of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship has been operating since 1988. Since then, the Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship has been in place to help students who would like to continue to pursue their education beyond their undergraduate studies. Every year, the National Collegiate Athletic Association selects both a male and female winner of the Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship. To earn this scholarship, students must demonstrate their academic prowess as well as show that they have been a competing member in NCAA sports. Through a series of interviews and applications, the winner of the Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship is awarded a $24,000 scholarship to be applied to their graduate career.  

Amount: $24,000

Key Dates: Jan 10 deadline

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 11.20.53 AMEstablished in 1912, Loyola University is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. A member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, Loyola University has grown to become one of Louisiana’s premier private universities. One of the ways that Loyola University has been able to provide support to students is through the Ignation Scholarship for Academic Excellence. To earn the Ignation Scholarship for Academic Excellence, students go through a long, multi-step process. If selected, Ignation Scholars are automatically admitted into the Honors Program at Loyola University; receive an on-campus housing allowance; and earn a full-tuition scholarship. This scholarship amount is equal to $24,000 a year that can be renewed yearly. Through this financial contribution, the Ignation Scholarship for Academic Excellence is now one of the biggest scholarships available to anyone. 

Amount: Full tuition

Key Dates: N/A

10398437 124676791807 3005186 nThe scholarship program at Hanover College is quite expansive and it covers both need-based and merit-based scholarships. One of the biggest scholarships available, the Benjamin Templeton Scholarship was created to continue to honor the legacy of the first black student at Hanover College, who would eventually go on to lead the free black community in Philadelphia in the late 1800s. To earn the Benjamin Templeton Scholarship, students must not only demonstrate their academic successes but also show their accomplishments in leadership. Students must demonstrate how they have worked to build strong communities in their high schools and worked to bridge the gaps of race and ethnicity. Every year, Hanover College selects ten students to be the recipient of the Benjamin Templeton Scholarship. Through this scholarship, students receive a full-year tuition as well as access to an on-campus mentor.

Amount: Full tuition

Key Dates: N/A

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 11.18.29 AMOne of the many scholarships offered by Lycoming College, the Lycoming College Faculty Scholarship is one of the biggest scholarships available to anyone. Students interested in the Lycoming College Faculty Scholarship should know that the scholarship is given as a merit-based scholarship. Students are selected for this scholarship based upon their academic performance prior to enrolling in Lycoming College. In order to qualify for the Lycoming College Faculty Scholarship, students must have been in the top 20% of their class or have earned a 3.65 GPA. Students must have also earned at least 1310 on their SAT or a 29 or higher on their ACT. If these requirements are met, students are able to apply for this scholarship. If selected, students are awarded as much as $40,000 in scholarship money for their education at Lycoming College. 

Amount: Up to $40,000

Key Dates: N/A

Screen Shot 2018 05 15 at 11.17.09 AMThe Boren Scholarships are offered as part of the National Security Education Program. Available to all students entering college, the Boren Scholarships are awarded to students who are intending to study languages that are less commonly taught in the world. Hoping to help with the underrepresentation of many Asian, African, Central American, Eastern European, and other foreign cultures, the Boren Scholarship is awarded to students who decide to dedicate their education to learning about other cultures or foreign languages. If selected for the Boren Scholarship, students are able to receive as much as $25,000. This amount of financial support makes the Boren Scholarship one of the biggest scholarships available. 

Amount: $25,000

Key Dates: N/A

Artboard 1 4The Micheal & Susan Dell Foundation helps students with the cost of their college educations was the Dell Scholars program. One of the biggest scholarships available to anyone, the Dell Scholars program is a series of scholarships awarded to students based upon their desire to to complete a degree program. While most scholarship programs focus on the GPAs and other academic indicators of their applicants, the Dell Scholars program works with all types of students in order to help them gain a college education. Through the Dell Scholars program, students are given the ability to work with a series of mentors and other resources in order to help them succeed in their college education. Students who are selected for the Dell Scholars program will receive $20,000 in scholarship money for the college or university of their choosing. 

Amount: $20,000

Key Dates: Dec 1 deadline

Artboard 1 3The Greenhouse Scholars scholarship has helped many students afford their education. Available to all students in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina, the Greenhouse Scholarship program is available through both merit and need. When applying for the Greenhouse Scholars program students must show that they possess leadership skills while also having a GPA of over 3.5. Students also must show that they are in financial need, meaning that they are from a family with an income of under $80,000. If selected for this program, that student will become a Greenhouse Scholar, giving them access to mentors and other resources. Students will also be awarded $20,000 in scholarship money for the college or university of their choice. 

Amount: $20,000

Key Dates: Multi-step application process – Sept-Mar

mfsbannerThe Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity is offered by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. . One of the biggest scholarships available to anyone, the Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity is not awarded based upon academic merit. It is offered to students who can demonstrate that they are creative problem solvers and innovative thinkers. To apply for this students must fill out an application and demonstrate that they are innovative problem solvers and creative thinkers. Any student from New York City or Connecticut is allowed to apply for this scholarship as well as students from other states as long as those students commit to studying in New York City or Connecticut. Selecting three to six applicants, each student is awarded up to $20,000 in scholarship money for their education.

Amount: $20,000

Key Dates: May 15 deadline

Artboard 1 1 Century Scholars program is available to all students within the state of Texas. Partnering with 110 different under-represented high schools throughout the state of Texas, Texas A&M University has created this program to help students who are at the top of their classes pay for their college education. Recognizing that there are many smart students within Texas that are wary of enrolling in college due to the cost, Texas A&M University has created this program to help alleviate those concerns. If selected for the Century Scholars Program, students will receive $5,000 in scholarship money each year totaling to $20,000 in scholarship money. They will also be given $1,000 to put towards a study abroad experience sponsored by Texas A&M University.

Amount: $20,000

Key Dates: Dec 1 deadline

Artboard 1The Foundation Fellowship is offered to students through the University of Georgia. Available to any student at the University of Georgia, students apply for The Foundation Fellowship based upon their academic performance and other activities prior to their enrollment at the University of Georgia. Students are selected by a committee and chosen to be the recipients of The Foundation Fellowship. If selected, Georgia residents will receive a $12,000 scholarship and students who are non-residents of Georgia are given a $19,760 scholarship. Through this scholarship money, students are able to drastically reduce the cost of their education. Not only are they receiving a much cheaper education, but they are getting it at one of the best universities in the southern United States. 

Amount: $24,590

Key Dates: Nov 1 deadline

Honorable Mention: The Thiel Fellowship is run and operated by Peter Thiel, the technology investor and entrepreneur. Known for starting PayPal in 1998, Peter Thiel has been integral in the development of many major Internet companies. Peter Thiel has provided funding to companies like Airbnb, SpaceX, Yelp, LinkedIn, and more. 

The Thiel Fellowship is not a college scholarship. In fact, it a scholarship for students who skip college! Students who win the Thiel Fellowship enter a two-year program that gives young people access to the Thiel Foundation’s network of investors, scientists, and founders. Students who win the Thiel Fellowship are given $100,000 to spend however they’d like as well as a two-year program to help them develop their own new product, company, or service.

Amount: $100,000

Key Dates: N/A 

Biggest Schol­ar­ships for Black and African-American Students

Biggest Schol­ar­ships for Latino and Hispanic Students

Biggest Schol­ar­ships for LGBTQ Students

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