Scholarships for high school students help you fund education-related expenses without relying entirely on personal savings or loans. You can use scholarship funding to support tuition, books, academic programs, competitions, and skill-building opportunities. Many scholarships are merit-based, while others focus on leadership, community involvement, or specific academic interests. Some programs also provide mentorship or long-term academic support alongside financial aid.
Why is securing a scholarship a great opportunity?
Securing a scholarship allows you to focus more on learning and skill development rather than financial constraints. Scholarship funding can support advanced coursework, academic enrichment, or college preparation. Many programs also recognize consistency, discipline, and long-term academic commitment. Some scholarships offer access to networks, advising, or structured guidance.
To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of 13 scholarships for high school students.
1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Stipend: Up to $20,000
Application Deadline: September 30
Location: United States
Eligibility: Graduating seniors with a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework
This highly competitive, merit-based scholarship selects 150 graduating seniors each year from a national applicant pool of tens of thousands. Evaluation centers on sustained leadership, measurable community impact, and academic consistency rather than financial need. Recipients receive a $20,000 award for use at any accredited U.S. college. Beyond funding, scholars join a national alumni network that includes structured leadership development and ongoing engagement opportunities. The program is widely recognized and emphasizes documented initiative over passive participation.
2. The Gates Scholarship
Stipend: Full cost of attendance (varies by student)
Application Deadline: September 15
Location: United States
Eligibility: US high school seniors who are Pell-eligible with a minimum CGPA of 3.3
The Gates Scholarship covers the full cost of attendance not already met by other aid, including tuition, housing, fees, books, and transportation. It is awarded to high-achieving, Pell-eligible seniors with strong academic records and demonstrated resilience. Scholars receive multi-year funding as long as they maintain academic progress. In addition to financial coverage, recipients gain access to academic advising and professional development resources throughout college. The program is designed to remove financial uncertainty for high-performing, low-income students.
3. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Stipend: $10,000 – $100,000
Application Deadline: February 18
Location: United States
Eligibility: US students who are 18 years old or younger
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards students who complete a substantial independent project demonstrating depth, originality, and advanced subject mastery. Applicants submit research papers, portfolios, or technical work across STEM, humanities, or creative disciplines. Awards range from $10,000 to $100,000, with evaluation focused heavily on intellectual rigor and contribution rather than grades alone. Projects are judged by subject-matter experts.
4. Regeneron Science Talent Search
Stipend: Awards up to $250,000
Application Deadline: November 6
Location: United States
Eligibility: High school seniors attending school in the US and its territories
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is one of the most prestigious research competitions for high school seniors in the U.S. Applicants submit original scientific research, including data analysis, methodology documentation, and written reports. Finalists are selected to present their work to professional scientists and compete for awards totaling up to $250,000. Evaluation emphasizes scientific reasoning, originality, and independence of work. It is structured as a research competition rather than a traditional GPA-based scholarship.
5. QuestBridge National College Match
Stipend: Full four-year scholarships (college-specific)
Application Deadline: September 30
Location: United States
Eligibility: High-achieving, low-income US high school seniors; more details here
QuestBridge connects high-achieving, low-income seniors with partner colleges that offer full four-year scholarships. Students apply through a centralized application and may be “matched” with one of dozens of selective institutions. Matched scholarships typically cover tuition, housing, meals, and required fees. The process includes ranking colleges and participating in an early admissions-style selection system. The program focuses on expanding access to highly selective institutions.
6. Equitable Excellence Scholarship
Stipend: $20,000 over 4 years
Application Deadline: December 18
Location: United States
Eligibility: Current high school seniors residing in one of the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, who plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year; must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate initiative and measurable impact in their communities. Awards are granted to seniors who can document leadership, resilience, and goal-directed action. Applicants submit written responses outlining how they have addressed challenges or created change. Funding supports postsecondary education expenses. Selection prioritizes applied leadership rather than purely academic metrics.
7. Horatio Alger Scholarships
Stipend: Varies depending on scholarship
Application Deadline: March 1
Location: United States
Eligibility: Varies depending on scholarship
The Horatio Alger Scholarship supports students who have faced and overcome significant personal adversity. Awards range from $10,000 to $60,000, depending on the specific scholarship category. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic commitment, and integrity. The program includes access to a national alumni network and support resources. Emphasis is placed on documented resilience and long-term perseverance.
8. Dell Scholars Program
Stipend: $20,000 plus academic support resources
Application Deadline: February 15
Location: United States
Eligibility: High school seniors participating in an approved college readiness program who plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college or university, are Pell Grant eligible, and have at least a 2.4 GPA
The Dell Scholars Program provides $20,000 in funding along with technology support and ongoing academic advising. Eligibility requires participation in an approved college readiness program and demonstrated financial need. Selection focuses on grit, academic persistence, and evidence of overcoming obstacles. Scholars receive multi-year support focused on college completion rather than enrollment alone.
9. National Merit Scholarship Program
Stipend: Varies by award type
Application Deadline: PSAT-based qualification
Location: United States
Eligibility: Grade 11 (via PSAT/NMSQT)
This scholarship is awarded based on PSAT/NMSQT performance during junior year, followed by an application and advancement process. Students who meet score thresholds become semifinalists and may advance to finalist status. Awards vary and may be funded by colleges, corporations, or the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Recognition is tied primarily to standardized test performance. The program functions as both an academic honor and a scholarship pathway.
10. Burger King Scholars Program
Stipend: $1,000 – $60,000
Application Deadline: December 15
Location: United States
Eligibility: High school seniors living in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam or Canada with a CGPA of 2.0 and plan to enroll at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school.
Funded by the Burger King Foundation, this scholarship awards grants ranging from $1,000 to $60,000 to graduating seniors. Selection considers academic performance, work experience, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Both Burger King employees and non-employees may apply under different award categories. Funds can be used at accredited postsecondary institutions. The program distributes thousands of awards annually.
11. Ron Brown Scholar Program
Stipend: $40,000 over four years
Application Deadline: December 1
Location: United States
Eligibility: Current high school seniors who are Black/African American and are US citizens or permanent residents
The Ron Brown Scholar Program awards $40,000 over four years to high-achieving Black seniors demonstrating leadership and community service. Selection includes multiple rounds of review and interviews. Scholars must maintain academic progress to continue receiving funding. The program also provides access to networking and leadership development opportunities.
12. Cameron Impact Scholarship
Stipend: Full tuition and education-related expenses (varies)
Application Deadline: May 1
Location: United States
Eligibility: US high school seniors who maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.7 (unweighted)
The Cameron Impact Scholarship provides full tuition and education-related expenses at the recipient’s chosen institution. 15 students are selected annually through a multi-stage application and interview process. Selection centers on leadership, community impact, and academic performance. Awards are renewable for four years provided academic standards are maintained. The program focuses on long-term leadership trajectory.
13. VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship
Stipend: Awards up to $35,000
Application Deadline: October 31
Location: United States
Eligibility: US students in grades 9–12
This scholarship competition requires students to submit a recorded audio essay addressing a civic or democratic theme. Entries are judged at local, state, and national levels. Top national awards reach up to $35,000, with many smaller awards distributed regionally. Evaluation emphasizes clarity of argument, originality, and understanding of civic principles. It is structured as a speech-based competition rather than a traditional academic scholarship.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source – Coca Cola Scholars Foundation