Need-Based Scholarships For College Students
Need-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their financial need, rather than their academic achievements or extracurricular activities. These scholarships are designed to help students who may not have the financial means to afford the cost of higher education. Below is a list of some prominent need-based scholarships that college students can apply for:
1. Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a federal need-based financial aid program designed to help undergraduate students who demonstrate significant financial need. Unlike a loan, the Pell Grant does not need to be repaid.
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- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens with a demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Coverage: Awards range from $650 to $7,395 per year, depending on financial need and other factors.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to students with exceptional financial need. It is a grant for undergraduates who have the greatest need and are eligible for other federal financial aid programs.
- Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and are eligible for Pell Grants.
- Coverage: Grants range from $100 to $4,000 per year, depending on the availability of funds at the school.
3. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship
This merit-based, need-based scholarship supports high-achieving students with financial need who wish to attend college. The scholarship is aimed at students with a strong academic background but who lack the financial resources to attend college.
- Eligibility: High school seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher who demonstrate financial need.
- Coverage: Up to $40,000 per year for tuition, books, living expenses, and other educational costs.
4. The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive, need-based scholarship that covers the full cost of attending college for high-achieving, low-income students. It is designed to help students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal residents from minority backgrounds, with a GPA of 3.3 or higher and significant financial need.
- Coverage: Full tuition, fees, living expenses, and other costs for up to four years of undergraduate study.
5. Horatio Alger Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Scholarship is awarded to students who have faced and overcome personal adversity. The scholarship helps students pursue higher education and supports those with financial need.
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- Eligibility: High school seniors who have demonstrated perseverance and have a strong academic record, while also exhibiting financial need.
- Coverage: Varies, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.
6. Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) offers a variety of scholarships for students with financial need. The scholarship program is designed to assist students who are high school seniors and demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.
- Eligibility: High school seniors with a GPA of 2.7 or higher, demonstrating financial need, and involved in community service.
- Coverage: Varies, with individual scholarships offering up to $2,000.
7. The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation provides scholarships to U.S. high school seniors who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.
- Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
- Coverage: Up to $50,000 over four years.
8. The National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) Scholarships
NSPA offers a range of need-based scholarships through partnerships with various universities and organizations. Students can search for scholarships based on their financial need, background, and area of study.
- Eligibility: U.S. students who demonstrate financial need, as well as academic achievement and other relevant criteria.
- Coverage: Varies by scholarship, with awards ranging from small grants to full-tuition assistance.
9. Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program is a need-based program that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. It allows students to earn money to help pay for their education.
- Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate or graduate students who demonstrate financial need and meet other eligibility criteria as determined by the FAFSA.
- Coverage: Students are paid hourly for on-campus jobs, and the amount earned is based on the student’s financial need and the availability of funds.
10. FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is designed for undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional financial need, and it is offered by participating colleges.
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- Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students who are eligible for Pell Grants and demonstrate exceptional financial need.
- Coverage: Up to $4,000 per year.
11. The Unigo Scholarship
Unigo offers several scholarships, including need-based awards. These scholarships require students to submit essays or video applications and are based on their financial need and academic potential.
- Eligibility: Varies by scholarship, but generally open to U.S. students who demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Coverage: Varies, with awards typically ranging from $500 to $10,000.
12. Cappex Scholarships
Cappex is an online platform that provides information on various need-based scholarships for students. The site offers a scholarship search tool that allows students to find opportunities based on their academic background, financial need, and other factors.
- Eligibility: U.S. students who meet the eligibility requirements for individual scholarships, which may include financial need, academic achievement, or intended major.
- Coverage: Varies, with individual scholarships offering anywhere from $500 to $5,000.
13. College Board Scholarship Search
The College Board Scholarship Search is a free tool that allows students to find scholarships based on their financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and other factors. It provides access to thousands of scholarship opportunities.
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- Eligibility: Varies by scholarship. Students must create a profile on the College Board website and search for scholarships that match their financial need and other criteria.
- Coverage: Varies by scholarship, with awards ranging from small one-time grants to full-tuition scholarships.
14. GoodCall Scholarships
GoodCall offers a scholarship search tool that helps students find need-based scholarships and grants for college. The site includes various opportunities that can be filtered by factors such as financial need, academic background, and career interests.
- Eligibility: U.S. students who demonstrate financial need and meet the specific eligibility requirements of each scholarship.
- Coverage: Varies by scholarship, with awards ranging from $500 to full tuition.
15. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships
UNCF is dedicated to providing scholarships for African American students with financial need. Through partnerships with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), UNCF provides numerous need-based scholarships for students pursuing undergraduate degrees.
- Eligibility: U.S. African American students with financial need who are attending or planning to attend an accredited HBCU.
- Coverage: Varies, with some scholarships covering full tuition and others offering smaller grants for educational expenses.
