Scholarships For High School Graduates

High school graduation is an exciting milestone, but it also marks the beginning of the journey toward higher education. Scholarships can help ease the financial burden of college tuition, textbooks, and other costs. There are many scholarships available for high school graduates, whether you’re attending a four-year university, a community college, or pursuing vocational or technical training. Here are some of the top scholarships for high school graduates:

1. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to community service.

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• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Coverage: $20,000 scholarship for tuition, books, and fees.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application that includes essays, recommendations, and a transcript.

2. The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is a highly competitive, full-ride scholarship for high school seniors who are from low-income families and have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with a minimum GPA of 3.3.
• Coverage: Full tuition, fees, room, and board, plus other educational expenses.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an application that includes essays, recommendation letters, and a transcript.

3. The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

The Elks National Foundation offers scholarships to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Coverage: Up to $12,000 per year, renewable for four years.
• Application Process: Applicants must complete an application, including essays and financial information.

4. The Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars Program offers scholarships to high school graduates who have overcome significant obstacles and show potential to succeed in college. The program is designed to support students who are often overlooked by traditional scholarship programs.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and have overcome personal challenges.
• Coverage: $20,000 in financial assistance, plus additional resources like mentoring and academic support.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application that includes personal essays and a letter of recommendation.

5. The National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program awards scholarships based on academic achievement. High school juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT, and top scorers are eligible for scholarships.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT and score highly.
• Coverage: Varies, with scholarships ranging from $2,500 to full tuition at select colleges.
• Application Process: Students are automatically considered based on PSAT scores.

6. The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program

The Horatio Alger Association offers scholarships to high school seniors who have shown perseverance in overcoming adversity. The program is especially focused on helping students who are pursuing a career in higher education.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors who have faced significant personal or financial challenges.
• Coverage: Up to $25,000 in scholarship funds.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application, including essays, recommendations, and a transcript.

7. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. This program provides a range of support, including tuition, books, and living expenses.

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• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and significant financial need.
• Coverage: Up to $40,000 per year for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit a detailed application, including essays, letters of recommendation, and a transcript.

8. The Burger King Scholars Program

The Burger King Scholars Program offers scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and academic success. The program aims to support students from a variety of backgrounds.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and who are involved in extracurricular activities.
• Coverage: Up to $50,000 in scholarship funds.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application with personal essays and a transcript.

9. The BigFuture Scholarship by College Board

The BigFuture Scholarship is offered by College Board to students who demonstrate academic achievement and other qualities. The program is designed to reward students who complete the scholarship application steps, such as setting up a profile and researching colleges.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors who create a BigFuture profile on College Board.
• Coverage: $500 to $40,000, depending on the prize.
• Application Process: Students earn entries by completing various steps, such as completing college searches and filling out their profiles.

10. The AXA Achievement Scholarship

The AXA Achievement Scholarship recognizes students who have shown outstanding achievement in academics, community service, and extracurricular activities. It focuses on students who are committed to making a difference in their communities.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership and community involvement.
• Coverage: $2,000 to $25,000 in scholarship funds.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application that includes essays and recommendations.

11. The Comcast NBCUniversal Scholarship

The Comcast NBCUniversal Scholarship is open to high school seniors from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing careers in media and communication. The scholarship encourages students to enter the fields of technology, communications, or media.

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• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in media, communications, or technology-related fields.
• Coverage: Up to $5,000 for tuition and fees.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application and a video essay.

12. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards recognize students for their outstanding volunteer work and community service. The awards are open to high school students who have made a positive impact through their volunteer efforts.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with a history of volunteer work and community involvement.
• Coverage: Up to $5,000 in scholarship funds, plus recognition at the national level.
• Application Process: Students must complete an online application and submit information about their volunteer activities.

13. The Kiwanis Scholarship

The Kiwanis Club offers scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate academic success, leadership skills, and community involvement. These scholarships are typically awarded through local Kiwanis clubs.

• Eligibility: High school seniors with strong academic records and community service backgrounds.
• Coverage: Varies, with awards typically ranging from $500 to $2,000.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an application to their local Kiwanis club.

14. The Dell Scholars Program

Dell Scholars Program offers support for high school graduates who have overcome significant obstacles in their lives. The program supports students who demonstrate the potential to succeed in college despite facing personal challenges.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and have overcome obstacles.
• Coverage: Up to $20,000 in scholarship funds, plus academic and personal support services.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application and provide an essay.

15. The National Scholarship Program by the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)

The RMHC offers scholarships to high school seniors who have been involved in community service and leadership activities. The scholarships are available to students from diverse backgrounds.

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• Eligibility: High school seniors who are involved in volunteer work and community leadership.
• Coverage: Varies by region, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.
• Application Process: Students must complete an online application and submit supporting materials.