Easy Scholarships to Apply For

Funding your education can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Scholarships are a fantastic way to ease the financial burden, and the good news is that many are surprisingly easy to apply for. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a selection of scholarships with relatively straightforward application processes, covering everything from eligibility criteria to application tips. So, let’s dive in and discover some easy scholarships that could help you achieve your academic dreams.

What Makes a Scholarship “Easy” to Apply For?

Before we explore specific scholarships, let’s define what we mean by “easy.” In this context, an easy scholarship typically involves:

• Minimal Essay Requirements: Some scholarships require extensive essays detailing your life story, academic achievements, and future aspirations. Easy scholarships often require little to no essay writing.
• Simple Application Forms: Complex applications can be overwhelming. Easy scholarships usually have concise and straightforward forms that are quick to fill out.
• Broad Eligibility Criteria: Scholarships with very specific requirements (e.g., for students of a particular major at a specific university) are harder to find and qualify for. Easy scholarships often have broader eligibility, making them accessible to a wider range of students.
• Less Competitive Applicant Pools: While this is harder to determine, some scholarships, especially those with broad eligibility, may attract a larger applicant pool, but the effort required to apply is still relatively low, making them “easy” in terms of time investment.

No-Essay Scholarships: A Great Place to Start

No-essay scholarships are arguably the easiest to apply for since they eliminate the time-consuming process of writing and editing. These scholarships often rely on simple applications, drawings, or even random drawings.

Scholarship #1: Niche No Essay Scholarship

Description: Niche offers a monthly no-essay scholarship. Students can simply create a Niche account and enter the drawing. It’s a quick and easy way to potentially win funding for college.

Eligibility: High school students, college students, graduate students, and parents are eligible to apply.

Award Amount: $2,000

Application Process: Create a Niche account and enter the drawing each month. No essay or GPA requirements.

Deadline: Monthly

Tips for Applying: Make sure your Niche profile is complete and up-to-date. Enter the drawing every month to maximize your chances of winning.

Scholarship #2: College Raptor Scholarship

Description: College Raptor offers a no-essay scholarship available to students attending or planning to attend college. It’s a simple sweepstakes-style scholarship.

Eligibility: Students at least 16 years of age who are attending or planning to attend college.

Award Amount: $2,500

Application Process: Create a College Raptor account and enter the scholarship sweepstakes.

Deadline: Varies – check the College Raptor website.

Tips for Applying: Ensure your College Raptor profile is accurate and complete. Check the website regularly for new scholarship opportunities and deadlines.

Scholarship #3: Sallie Mae $1,000 Monthly Sweepstakes

Description: Sallie Mae offers a monthly sweepstakes where one lucky winner receives $1,000 to put toward college expenses.

Eligibility: Legal residents of the U.S. who are at least 17 years old and planning to attend or are currently attending college.

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Process: Enter the sweepstakes on the Sallie Mae website. No purchase necessary.

Deadline: Monthly

Tips for Applying: Enter the sweepstakes every month to increase your chances of winning. Read the official rules and regulations carefully.

Scholarship #4: Nitro Scholarship Sweepstakes

Description: Nitro offers a scholarship sweepstakes to help students pay for college. You simply need to fill out a form.

Eligibility: U.S. residents 17 years or older who are either a parent of a student or a student who is currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in a degree-granting program.

Award Amount: Varies, often $2,000 or more.

Application Process: Fill out the online form on the Nitro website.

Deadline: Monthly

Tips for Applying: Provide accurate information on the form. Check the Nitro website regularly for updates and new opportunities.

Scholarship #5: ScholarshipPoints $1,000 Monthly Scholarship

Description: ScholarshipPoints offers a monthly scholarship drawing. Students earn points by completing simple tasks on the website, such as taking surveys and reading articles. The more points you earn, the higher your chances of winning.

Eligibility: High school and college students.

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Process: Create a ScholarshipPoints account and earn points by completing tasks on the website.

Deadline: Monthly

Tips for Applying: Be active on the ScholarshipPoints website and complete as many tasks as possible to maximize your points. Log in regularly to check for new opportunities.

Easy Scholarships with Minimal Essay Requirements

While no-essay scholarships are ideal, some scholarships only require short essays or statements. These can still be considered relatively easy to apply for compared to scholarships that demand lengthy and detailed essays.

Scholarship #6: Cappex Easy Money Scholarship

Description: Cappex offers a monthly “Easy Money” scholarship. While it might require a very short response to a question, it’s generally considered an easy scholarship due to the minimal effort involved.

Eligibility: High school and college students.

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Process: Create a Cappex account and answer a short question (often a simple prompt) on the website.

Deadline: Monthly

Tips for Applying: Answer the question thoughtfully and honestly. Keep your response concise and to the point.

Scholarship #7: Unigo $10K Scholarship

Description: Unigo offers a $10,000 scholarship with a unique prompt that requires a short, creative response.

Eligibility: Students 14 years or older who are legal residents of the U.S.

Award Amount: $10,000

Application Process: Submit a short written response (typically 250 words or less) to the prompt on the Unigo website.

Deadline: Varies – check the Unigo website.

Tips for Applying: Be creative and original in your response. Make sure your answer is well-written and proofread carefully.

Scholarship #8: DoSomething.org Scholarships

Description: DoSomething.org offers a variety of scholarships and grants to young people who are taking action on social issues. Many of these opportunities involve completing a simple task or campaign, rather than writing an essay.

Eligibility: Varies depending on the specific campaign, but generally open to young people aged 13-25.

Award Amount: Varies depending on the specific campaign, from $500 to $10,000.

Application Process: Participate in a DoSomething.org campaign and submit proof of your participation.

Deadline: Varies depending on the specific campaign.

Tips for Applying: Choose a campaign that you are passionate about. Follow the instructions carefully and submit all required materials on time.

Scholarship #9: Zinch Weekly Scholarship

Description: Zinch (formerly Chegg Scholarships) offers weekly scholarships. These often involve answering a short question or participating in a quick activity.

Eligibility: High school and college students.

Award Amount: Varies.

Application Process: Create a Zinch profile and participate in the weekly scholarship opportunities.

Deadline: Weekly

Tips for Applying: Keep your Zinch profile up-to-date. Check the website regularly for new scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship #10: Because College Is Possible Scholarship

Description: Offered by the Sallie Mae Fund, this scholarship rewards students who demonstrate persistence and determination in pursuing higher education. The application involves a short essay, but the focus is on overcoming challenges rather than academic excellence alone.

Eligibility: Students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their education and demonstrate financial need.

Award Amount: Up to $2,500

Application Process: Complete the online application form and submit a short essay (typically 500 words or less) detailing the challenges you have overcome and your plans for the future.

Deadline: Varies – check the Sallie Mae Fund website.

Tips for Applying: Be honest and vulnerable in your essay. Focus on your resilience and determination to succeed. Highlight how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational goals.

Easy Scholarships Based on Specific Interests or Activities

Some scholarships are geared toward students with particular interests or participation in specific activities. While these may require some involvement, the application process itself can be relatively simple.

Scholarship #11: The “Frame My Future” Scholarship Contest

Description: Offered by Church Hill Classics, this scholarship encourages students to submit an original image and a short caption describing their future goals.

Eligibility: High school seniors and current college students.

Award Amount: $1,000 (Grand Prize), $500 (Runners-Up)

Application Process: Submit an original image and a short caption (typically 50 words or less) on the Church Hill Classics website.

Deadline: Varies – check the Church Hill Classics website.

Tips for Applying: Be creative and original in your image and caption. Make sure your submission is visually appealing and effectively conveys your future aspirations.

Scholarship #12: Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest

Description: The Gallery Collection sponsors this contest, which awards scholarships to students who create original greeting card designs.

Eligibility: High school and college students.

Award Amount: $10,000 (Grand Prize), $1,000 (Runners-Up)

Application Process: Submit an original greeting card design on the Gallery Collection website.

Deadline: Varies – check the Gallery Collection website.

Tips for Applying: Be creative and original in your design. Consider the different occasions for which greeting cards are used. Pay attention to the quality of your artwork and the overall presentation.

Scholarship #13: Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Description: Offered by Duck Brand, this contest awards scholarships to students who create prom attire out of Duck Tape.

Eligibility: High school students who attend prom wearing attire made out of Duck Tape.

Award Amount: $10,000 (Grand Prize), $500 (Runners-Up)

Application Process: Submit photos and a short description of your Duck Tape prom attire on the Duck Brand website.

Deadline: Varies – check the Duck Brand website.

Tips for Applying: Be creative and original in your design. Pay attention to detail and craftsmanship. Submit high-quality photos that showcase your creation.

Scholarship #14: National Garden Clubs, Inc. Scholarships

Description: The National Garden Clubs, Inc. offers scholarships to students pursuing studies related to horticulture, landscape design, environmental science, and related fields.

Eligibility: Students pursuing studies in horticulture, landscape design, environmental science, and related fields. Specific requirements may vary based on the local garden club offering the scholarship.

Award Amount: Varies depending on the local garden club.

Application Process: Contact your local National Garden Club for application details. Often involves an application form and a short essay or statement of interest.

Deadline: Varies depending on the local garden club.

Tips for Applying: Demonstrate a strong interest in gardening, horticulture, or related fields. Highlight your academic achievements and future career goals.

Scholarship #15: American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Scholarship

Description: The AFSA offers scholarships to high school seniors who complete a multiple-choice online test about fire sprinklers.

Eligibility: High school seniors.

Award Amount: $2,000

Application Process: Read the essay on fire sprinklers on the AFSA website and complete the multiple-choice online test.

Deadline: Varies – check the AFSA website.

Tips for Applying: Read the essay carefully and make sure you understand the information. Take your time and answer the test questions accurately.

Easy Scholarships with Broad Eligibility

Scholarships with broad eligibility criteria are often easier to apply for because they don’t require you to meet highly specific requirements. However, they may also attract a larger applicant pool.

Scholarship #16: Gates Millennium Scholars Program (Now Closed, But Look for Similar Programs)

Description: While the Gates Millennium Scholars Program is no longer accepting new applications, it served as an example of a scholarship with broad eligibility based on academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Look for similar programs with broad eligibility criteria that support underrepresented students.

Eligibility: (Previously) High school seniors from low-income backgrounds with significant academic achievement and leadership potential.

Award Amount: (Previously) Fully funded college education.

Application Process: (Previously) A comprehensive application process that included essays, recommendations, and academic transcripts.

Deadline: (Previously) Varies – typically in the fall.

Tips for Applying: (Previously) While this program is closed, research similar scholarships like the Dell Scholars Program or the Ron Brown Scholar Program.

Scholarship #17: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

Description: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship awards scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors who demonstrate leadership and commitment to their communities.

Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who demonstrate leadership and community involvement.

Award Amount: $20,000

Application Process: Complete the online application form, which includes essays and information about your academic achievements and extracurricular activities.

Deadline: Typically in the fall.

Tips for Applying: Highlight your leadership skills and community involvement. Write compelling essays that showcase your personality and goals. Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors.

Scholarship #18: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

Description: This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who plan to attend the nation’s best colleges and universities.

Eligibility: High-achieving high school seniors with financial need who plan to attend a four-year college or university.

Award Amount: Up to $40,000 per year.

Application Process: A comprehensive application process that includes essays, recommendations, academic transcripts, and financial information.

Deadline: Typically in the fall.

Tips for Applying: Demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to learning. Write compelling essays that showcase your personality and goals. Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors. Highlight your financial need and how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational aspirations.

Scholarship #19: The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Description: The Elks National Foundation offers scholarships to high school seniors based on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.

Eligibility: High school seniors who are U.S. citizens.

Award Amount: Varies, up to $50,000 ($12,500 per year for four years).

Application Process: Complete the online application form, which includes information about your academic achievements, leadership activities, and financial situation. An essay is required.

Deadline: Typically in the fall.

Tips for Applying: Highlight your academic achievements, leadership skills, and community involvement. Write a compelling essay that showcases your personality and goals. Demonstrate your financial need.

Scholarship #20: Ron Brown Scholar Program

Description: The Ron Brown Scholar Program provides scholarships and support to academically talented, community-minded African American high school seniors with financial need.

Eligibility: Academically talented, community-minded African American high school seniors with financial need.

Award Amount: $40,000 ($10,000 per year for four years).

Application Process: A comprehensive application process that includes essays, recommendations, academic transcripts, and financial information.

Deadline: Typically in the fall.

Tips for Applying: Demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to your community. Write compelling essays that showcase your personality and goals. Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors. Highlight your leadership skills and your commitment to making a difference in the world.

Local Scholarships: Don’t Overlook Your Community

Local scholarships are often overlooked but can be less competitive than national scholarships. Check with your high school guidance counselor, local community organizations, and businesses for scholarship opportunities specific to your area.

Scholarship #21: High School-Specific Scholarships

Description: Many high schools offer scholarships to their graduating seniors based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need.

Eligibility: Graduating seniors from the specific high school.

Award Amount: Varies depending on the high school and the scholarship.

Application Process: Contact your high school guidance counselor for information about available scholarships and application procedures.

Deadline: Varies depending on the high school.

Tips for Applying: Talk to your guidance counselor about available scholarships and eligibility requirements. Follow the application instructions carefully and submit all required materials on time. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

Scholarship #22: Community Foundation Scholarships

Description: Community foundations offer scholarships to students who live in or attend school in a specific geographic area.

Eligibility: Students who live in or attend school in the geographic area served by the community foundation.

Award Amount: Varies depending on the community foundation and the scholarship.

Application Process: Visit the website of your local community foundation for information about available scholarships and application procedures.

Deadline: Varies depending on the community foundation.

Tips for Applying: Research community foundations in your area and identify scholarships that you are eligible for. Follow the application instructions carefully and submit all required materials on time. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

Scholarship #23: Local Business Scholarships

Description: Many local businesses offer scholarships to students who live in their community or are employees or dependents of employees.

Eligibility: Varies depending on the business and the scholarship.

Award Amount: Varies depending on the business.

Application Process: Contact local businesses in your area to inquire about scholarship opportunities.

Deadline: Varies depending on the business.

Tips for Applying: Research local businesses in your area and identify those that offer scholarships. Contact the businesses directly to inquire about scholarship opportunities and eligibility requirements. Follow the application instructions carefully and submit all required materials on time.

Tips for Maximizing Your Scholarship Success

Applying for scholarships is a numbers game. The more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances of winning. However, simply applying isn’t enough. Here are some tips to maximize your success:

• Start Early: Begin your scholarship search early in your high school career. Many scholarships have deadlines that fall months before college application deadlines.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of scholarships you’re interested in, their eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application materials. A spreadsheet can be helpful.
• Proofread Carefully: Even for no-essay scholarships, ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos. This demonstrates attention to detail.
• Tailor Your Applications: Even if the essay requirements are minimal, try to tailor your application to the specific scholarship. Show that you understand the organization’s mission and values.
• Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your applications. Be honest about your experiences and aspirations.
• Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers, counselors, or family members. They can provide valuable feedback on your applications.

Where to Find Even More Easy Scholarships

The scholarships listed above are just a starting point. There are countless other scholarships available. Here are some resources to help you find even more opportunities:

• Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, Chegg, and Niche offer comprehensive scholarship databases that you can search based on your interests, academic background, and other criteria.
• College Websites: Check the financial aid pages of the colleges you’re interested in. Many colleges offer scholarships to their students.
• High School Guidance Counselors: Your high school guidance counselor is a valuable resource for finding local and national scholarships.
• Professional Organizations: Many professional organizations offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in their field.
• Employer Tuition Assistance: If you or your parents work, check with your employer to see if they offer tuition assistance programs or scholarships.

Don’t Give Up!

The scholarship application process can be time-consuming, but it’s worth the effort. Every scholarship you win reduces the amount of money you’ll need to borrow for college. So, keep searching, keep applying, and don’t give up on your dream of a debt-free education.

A Final Word on Scam Scholarships

Be wary of scholarships that require you to pay a fee to apply or that ask for your social security number or bank account information upfront. These are often scams. Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for.

Good luck with your scholarship search! With a little effort and perseverance, you can find the funding you need to achieve your educational goals.