6 Types of Scholarships with Examples

Academic scholarships are essentially financial awards that don't need to be repaid to help cover educational costs. From tuition to books, sometimes even housing, scholarships can significantly lighten the financial load of a college education. For some, scholarships make the difference between attending college or not.

Knowing the different types of college scholarships can open up more opportunities for funding. Why? Because scholarships come in many shapes and sizes. Some reward academic achievement, while others are based on financial need, personal background, or specific fields of study. Understanding these distinctions can help you find the scholarships that fit you best.

Here's a quick rundown of the main types of scholarships:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded for academic, athletic, or artistic excellence.
• Need-Based Scholarships: Given to students with financial need.
• Demographic-Specific Scholarships: Available to students from particular groups, such as women, minorities, or first-generation college students.
• STEM Scholarships: Focused on science, technology, engineering, and math students.
• Institutional Scholarships: Offered directly by universities or colleges.
• Community Service Scholarships: Reward those who have contributed meaningfully to their communities.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding abilities in academics, athletics, or other talents. They're meant to recognize and reward excellence, not based on financial need but on achievement. Colleges, private organizations, and even some government programs offer different scholarships to attract top talent and support students excelling in various fields.

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships focus specifically on students with high academic achievements, such as strong GPAs, high standardized test scores, or exceptional coursework. These college scholarships encourage academic excellence, motivating students to reach their full potential. Often highly competitive, academic scholarships may require an application that includes essays, letters of recommendation, and evidence of consistent high performance in school.

Example: The National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic awards in the United States. It begins with the PSAT test, taken by high school juniors, where top scorers are recognized as semifinalists. From there, students complete additional requirements to become finalists and qualify for scholarships funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and sponsoring organizations.

Athletic Scholarships

Athletic scholarships are offered to students with exceptional athletic skills. These scholarships are typically awarded by colleges and universities looking to recruit talented athletes for their sports teams. Athletic scholarships help athletes pursue higher education while developing their sports careers, often covering a substantial portion or even all tuition costs.

Example: NCAA Scholarships

The NCAA provides scholarships to student-athletes competing in college sports. Through this program, athletes in Division I and II schools may receive funding based on their athletic performance and academic standing. These scholarships can range from partial to full coverage, giving athletes a pathway to both higher education and athletic success.

Artistic Scholarships

Artistic scholarships are designed for students who excel in creative fields such as art, music, dance, or theater. They reward talent and dedication to the arts, helping students refine their skills through formal education. This scholarship type can be highly competitive and may require portfolios, auditions, or artistic presentations as part of the application.

Example: The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is a prestigious program for young artists and writers across the U.S. High school students can enter their artwork or writing for a chance to earn scholarships, national recognition, and exhibition opportunities. This program nurtures the creative skills of students while providing financial support for their educational journeys.

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Leadership Scholarships

Leadership scholarships recognize students who have shown outstanding leadership skills and the ability to make a positive impact in their communities. These scholarships are aimed at future leaders who demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and influence. Colleges, companies, and organizations often offer these awards to inspire young leaders to continue their personal and professional growth.

Example: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a well-known leadership scholarship for high school seniors who display strong leadership skills, academic excellence, and a commitment to community service. Each year, 150 students are chosen to receive this scholarship, gaining not only financial support but also access to a robust alumni network of leaders across the country.

Related: Don't miss out on the best college scholarships for high school seniors.‍

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships provide financial assistance to students who may not have the means to afford college. These different types of scholarships are awarded based on a student's financial circumstances rather than academic or extracurricular achievements. To apply, students typically fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which calculates their financial need. Many colleges, as well as government and private organizations, use FAFSA results to determine eligibility for need-based scholarships.

Example: The Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a federal need-based grant awarded to low-income undergraduate students in the United States. Funded by the federal government, it provides financial support that doesn't need to be repaid, helping students cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA, and awards vary based on financial need and the cost of attending school.

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Demographic-Specific Scholarships

Demographic-specific scholarships are aimed at supporting students from particular backgrounds, helping to make higher education more accessible and inclusive. These scholarships are often designed for students from underrepresented or marginalized groups, such as minorities, specific genders, or first-generation college students. By providing targeted financial support, these scholarships help reduce educational barriers and encourage diversity in academia.

Minority Scholarships

Minority scholarships are awarded to students from racial, ethnic, or cultural minority groups. These scholarships help provide opportunities to students who may face unique challenges in accessing higher education. Many organizations, companies, and educational institutions sponsor these awards to promote diversity and equal opportunity.

Example: The Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program is a highly regarded scholarship for minority students with high academic potential and financial need. This program covers all unmet financial needs, enabling students to focus on their studies without financial stress. Scholars also gain access to mentorship, leadership training, and community support.

Gender-Based Scholarships

Gender-based scholarships are primarily awarded to women, supporting their access to education in fields where they have been historically underrepresented. These scholarships are especially common in STEM fields but can also be found across other disciplines, promoting gender diversity and empowerment through higher education.

Example: The Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)

The Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) provides financial aid specifically to women survivors of domestic violence, supporting them as they pursue higher education and rebuild their lives. WISP aims to foster economic independence and long-term empowerment for women in difficult circumstances, covering educational expenses to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

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First-Generation Scholarships

First-generation scholarships are intended for students who are the first in their families to attend college. These scholarships acknowledge the unique challenges first-generation students may face, offering financial support and often additional resources, such as mentorship, to help them succeed in higher education.

Example: The Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars Program is tailored for first-generation college students who show ambition, resilience, and financial need. In addition to financial support, Dell Scholars receive access to resources like mentoring, a laptop, and mental health services. The program is designed to help first-generation students overcome barriers and complete their degrees successfully.

Field of Study Scholarships

STEM Scholarships

STEM scholarships are awarded to students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. These scholarships address the growing need for professionals in STEM fields and encourage students to enter these dynamic and high-demand industries. They're often offered by government agencies, tech companies, and universities.

Example: The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

The SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, provides full-tuition scholarships to STEM students who commit to working with the Department of Defense after graduation. This program not only supports students financially but also offers internships, mentoring, and a pathway to employment in STEM fields critical to national security.

Humanities Scholarships

Humanities scholarships are intended for students pursuing degrees in subjects like literature, history, philosophy, and the arts. These scholarships support students in fields that deepen cultural understanding and critical thinking, often provided by academic institutions and private foundations dedicated to the humanities.

Example: The Humanities Scholarship Program

The Humanities Scholarship Program offers awards to students with a passion for humanities disciplines, helping them finance studies in areas like philosophy, history, or the arts. Many universities and private organizations sponsor such scholarships to foster engagement with the humanities, encouraging students to contribute to cultural knowledge and humanistic study.

Business Scholarships

Business scholarships are designed for students pursuing degrees in business administration, management, finance, and related fields. These scholarships support students aiming for leadership roles in the corporate world, encouraging future business leaders to excel academically and professionally.

Example: The Forté MBA Fellowship for Women

The Forté MBA Fellowship for Women is a scholarship program that encourages women to pursue business education and leadership roles. This fellowship provides tuition assistance for women entering MBA programs at partner schools, along with networking opportunities, career resources, and access to a strong community of female business leaders.

Institutional Scholarships

Institutional scholarships are awarded directly by colleges and universities to attract, support, and retain students. These types of college scholarships may be based on merit, financial need, or specific talents and often cover partial to full tuition costs. Institutional scholarships are an important financial aid option for students choosing a particular institution, helping to make higher education more accessible.

University-Specific Scholarships

University-specific scholarships are provided by individual colleges or universities to students enrolled at that institution. These awards are often based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, or specific skills that the university wants to nurture within its community. Many university-specific scholarships are renewable, helping students finance their education throughout their degree.

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Example: The Presidential Scholarship at Boston University

The Presidential Scholarship at Boston University is a merit-based award given to top-performing incoming students. This competitive scholarship provides $25,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, to students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. It recognizes high-achieving students, helping them pursue their studies with financial support from the university.

Departmental Scholarships

Departmental scholarships are offered by specific academic departments within a university to students majoring in that field. These scholarships encourage students to pursue specialized study and are often awarded to students who excel within their department. Departmental scholarships may also include funding for research projects, internships, or conference participation.

Example: ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Scholarship

The ASME Scholarship Program supports students pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering or related fields. Offered by ASME and available through engineering departments at universities, this scholarship provides financial assistance to students committed to engineering excellence. Recipients often gain additional networking opportunities and support from ASME, preparing them for careers in mechanical engineering.

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Community Service Scholarships

Community service scholarships recognize students who have made a meaningful impact through volunteer work and community involvement. These different types of scholarships aim to reward dedication to social change, civic responsibility, and helping others. They're often awarded by nonprofit organizations, schools, and private foundations that value students' contributions to society and seek to encourage future community leaders.

Example: The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a national program honoring students who have shown exceptional commitment to community service. High school students who demonstrate outstanding volunteerism and social responsibility can earn scholarships, as well as recognition at both the state and national levels. This award celebrates young people making a difference and supports them in continuing their educational and community-oriented pursuits.

To Sum Up

Scholarships can be a game-changer as each one brings something unique to the table.

• Casting a wide net means you're more likely to find scholarships that match your unique strengths, background, or academic interests.
• Need-based, merit-based, and community service scholarships each chip away at those college costs, adding up bit by bit.
• Understanding eligibility requirements can save you time and effort, helping you focus where it counts.

Don't limit yourself to just one application. With so many different scholarships for college available—merit awards, school-specific grants, and more—applying broadly increases your chances of securing the funding you need. Start early, stay organized, and go after every opportunity that suits you. And while you're at it, you can always count on our essay help services to keep you confident and on track.