Finding the best computer science scholarships can help off-set the rapidly rising cost of higher education. Computer science scholarships give students free money to strengthen their technological skills. According to Kiplinger’s, computer science is the seventh-best college major. Computer science students benefit from an average of $68,800 starting and $113,900 mid-career salary. Job growth for computer science majors is also skyrocketing by 30.4 percent. Affording tuition for this intensive STEM major can be difficult though. Here are 30 great computer science scholarships for students with innovative tech industry goals.
Related resource: 50 Great Affordable Colleges for Computer Science and Engineering
1. PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
- Attend an accredited, four-year university full-time
- Declare a science, technology, engineering, or math major
Established in 2007, PixelPlex is a New York-based blockchain development company that hosts an essay contest to grant its $2,000 Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship. Interested computer science students must submit an 800-word, original essay about an existing problem in the blockchain or artificial intelligence industry. Before the June 5th and December 5th deadlines, applicants must also attach a college acceptance letter, short bio, and recent transcript.
2. KnowBe4 Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be a female U.S. undergraduate or graduate student
- Pursue a computer science degree focused in cybersecurity
- Maintain at least half-time enrollment with a GPA over 3.3
Founded by Stu Sjouwerman in August 2010, KnowBe4 is a fast-growing security awareness training provider that funds the $10,000 Women’s Cybersecurity Scholarship. Recipients also receive a three-month, paid summer internship in Clearwater, Florida. Future information assurance experts must apply before November 25th. Applications are incomplete without unofficial transcripts, recommendation letters, resumes, and five short-answer essays.
3. (ISC)² Cybersecurity Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Enroll full-time or part-time at any U.S. or international college
- Study computer science with a cybersecurity specialization
- Demonstrate academic merit with a 3.3 or better GPA
Given a 2019 Teacher’s Choice Award, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education is a nonprofit that donates $180,000 annually with 60 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000. Qualified candidates can receive the Undergraduate Scholarship, Graduate Scholarship, Women’s Scholarship, or Veteran’s Scholarship. The application period is January 1st to March 16th for submitting transcripts, personal essays, resumes or CVs, and references.
4. 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Be graduating high school seniors in Prince George’s County
- Gain admission to a two- or four-year STEM degree program
- Display academic determination with a minimum 2.5 GPA
Organized in December 2012, the Prince George’s County Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America Inc. sponsors 10 scholarships of $1,000 each to empower African-American students. Chapter mentees and Bowie State University Collegiate 100 chapter members can apply. Computer science majors receive selection priority. Apply before June 10th by submitting an official transcript, two recommendations, and two 300-word essays about career goals.
5. Woodcock Family Education Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Be graduating high school seniors in the Albuquerque Metro
- Exhibit strong math and science credentials for an STEM degree
- Achieve a minimum 3.8 GPA, 30 ACT, or 1400 SAT mark
Since 1981, the Albuquerque Community Foundation (ACF) has bestowed more than $58 million in 30+ funds, including the Woodcock Family Education Scholarships. This $10,000 prize celebrates three outstanding science, technology, engineering, and math students annually. First-year, full-time freshmen from New Mexico must apply before April 4th. Don’t forget the STEM teacher recommendation and 500-word professional goals statement.
6. Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be female or minority students at accredited U.S. universities
- Start the second semester of full-time graduate study
- Maintain a 3.5 or greater GPA for a qualifying STEM degree
Formed in 1946, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) presents the $3,000 Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship each summer. Funding helps students of underrepresented groups pursue STEM master’s majors, including computer science. By May 31st, post-grads must submit a registrar transcript, two recommendations, and a resume. There’s also the $2,500 Undergraduate STEM Major Scholarship available.
7. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be incoming, full-time undergrads at accredited U.S. colleges
- Pass the AP Computer Science course with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Pursue a computer science or computer engineering major
Started in 1958 by Irving Fradkin, Scholarship America is a Minnesota nonprofit that administers $225 million combined yearly in funds like the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship. As one of the biggest computer science scholarships, the program selects up to 100 recipients for four-year, renewable awards worth $40,000 in total. Apply before January 17th by sending the online application, a current transcript, and the most recent IRS Form 1040.
8. APS/IBM Research Internship
Eligibility:
- Self-identify as a woman or underrepresented ethnic minority
- Have finished 30+ college credits for sophomore or junior status
- Carry minimum 3.0 GPAs in accredited STEM programs
Headquartered in College Park since 1899, the American Physical Society offers the APS/IBM Research Internship with 10-week summer stipends of $8,000. Female and minority undergrads connect with IBM mentors for research experience at the Almaden, Austin, or Watson lab. Applications are due February 15th with two faculty recommendations and a list of STEM courses. Priority is given to computer science, electrical engineering, and physics majors.
9. AAAEA Capital Area Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be Arab-American undergraduate or graduate students
- Attend a U.S.-based institution full-time with good standing
- Select a computer science, engineering, or architecture major
Led by Abdallah Adas, the Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects (AAAEA) Capital Area chapter provides a $4,000 scholarship for Washington DC student members. Eligible STEM majors must submit a college transcript, faculty or supervisor recommendation, and list of extracurricular activities. Writing up to 1,500 words about one’s career interests is required by September 15th. Also, check out the National AAAEA Scholarships.
10. Banatao Family Filipino American Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Have at least 50 percent Filipino heritage and California residency
- Enroll as full-time college freshmen with STEM majors
- Demonstrate financial need and merit with GPAs over 3.0
Endowed by Dado and Maria Banatao since 2002, the Asian Pacific Fund (APF) runs the $5,000 Banatao Family Filipino American Scholarship. Each year, five recipients from 20 qualifying California counties share $20,000 for higher education tuition relief. Interested computer science majors apply online via Scholar Snapp until March 2nd. Unofficial transcripts, two recommendations, a resume, and short essay responses are mandatory.
11. Barry Goldwater Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Be full-time sophomore or juniors at participating colleges
- Pursue research careers in science, mathematics, or engineering
- Excel academically with a 3.0 GPA or better
Named for the long-time U.S. Senator in 1986, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation gives up to $7,500 to 300 undergrads yearly. Campus representatives at eligible U.S. universities nominee four exemplary STEM majors, including computer science students, each January. Finalists must submit a Payment Request Form (PRF) before August 1st. Funding is renewable for only one additional year.
12. Betty Stevens Frecknall Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Major in computer science or information technology fields
- Be U.S. citizens or legal residents at accredited colleges
- Have satisfactorily finished at least one full-time semester
Chaired by Nita Adams, CISSP, the Foundation for Information Technology Education has grown since 1997 to deliver seven scholarship funds for $1,000 to $3,000 each. The Betty Stevens Frecknall Scholarship remembers a Navy systems analyst and early Mid-Atlantic DPMA president. Applications are accepted from January 1st to May 31st from aspiring computing Professionals. The William Reaugh Scholarship and John Council Scholarship are similar.
13. Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Be an African or African-American high school senior
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer-related STEM fields
- Exhibit leadership and academic talent with minimum 3.3 GPAs
Valued at $1 trillion, Microsoft is a leading Fortune 100 technology company founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 that gives back with the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships. These great computer science scholarships award $5,000 annually for four years or $20,000 in total. African-American students with a passion for computers can apply through April 10th. Attach two references, a transcript, two 500-word essays, a resume, and a photo.
14. Bill Dull Memorial Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Be graduating high school seniors in the Lowcountry
- Enroll at an accredited, two- or four-year U.S. institution
- Declare an engineering or technology major
Partnered with Mercedes, the Charleston Engineers Joint Council (CEJC) is a South Carolina nonprofit that promotes the STEM disciplines with Bill Dull Memorial Scholarships. Each Spring, the Council honors the Navy veteran and founding member by giving four awards for $4,500. Application packets from students with minimum 3.0 GPAs must arrive by April 24th. A transcript, two-page essay, and sponsorship letter must be featured.
15. Center for Women in Technology Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Enroll full-time at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County
- Be female in-state or out-of-state students talented in tech
- Select a computer science, computer engineering, or related major
Celebrating its 20th year, the Center for Women in Technology (CWIT) is a well-funded institute at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County that offers scholarships of $5,000 to $22,000. Female computing majors benefit from full-tuition coverage plus mentoring support, Shriver Center internships, and outreach opportunities. Participants have an average 3.5 GPA and a 90 percent graduation rate. Separate applications must be submitted before January 15th.
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16. Bernard Harris Scholarship Program
Eligibility:
- Be graduating high school seniors at urban member districts
- Intend to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. college
- Demonstrate academic merit and potential for STEM majors
Launched in 1956, the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) is a Washington-based nonprofit composed of America’s 76 largest urban public school systems that serve 8.2 million. Its Bernard Harris Scholarship Program honors NASA’s first Black astronaut to walk in space. Four underrepresented minority scholars receive $5,000 annually for college STEM education, including computer science majors. The online application portal closes on April 6th.
17. Collabera STEM Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be cisgender or transgender women with STEM majors
- Attend an accredited U.S. undergraduate or graduate school
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
Purchased by Hiten Patel in 1997 for $2 million, Collabera is New Jersey’s largest private IT business with over 16,000 employees and community initiatives like the STEM Scholarship. One $2,500 national prize breaks down barriers annually for female students to succeed in science, technology, engineering, or math degree programs. Applications are processed until May 29th with official transcripts, one-page goals essays, and recommendations.
18. Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Qualify for in-state tuition at nonprofit Maryland colleges
- Be juniors, seniors, or graduate students with GPAs above 3.0
- Pursue a computer science degree or certificate for cybersecurity jobs
Located in Baltimore since 1988, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) formed the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship for young computer scientists. The renewable award waives full tuition and fees plus room and board at in-state institutions. Recipients must commit to serving 12+ months full-time at State of Maryland agencies after graduation. Application documentation must be returned before January 31st.
19. NACME Autodesk Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be rising juniors or seniors at NACME member institutions
- Take computer science or computer engineering coursework
- Qualify for a paid summer internship with a 3.0 or higher GPA
Directed by Ford’s Frederiek Toney, the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) has given corporate scholarships to over 24,000 minority undergrads since 1974. The Autodesk Scholarship specifically gives one-time $5,000 prizes to future computing professionals of color. By November 15th, applicants must upload an 800-word autobiographical essay. Computer science majors can claim the Chevron Scholarship and Hearst Family Scholarship too.
20. Edison Scholars Program
Eligibility:
- Live in Edison’s Southern California service territory
- Enter an accredited, four-year college with unmet financial need
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA during eligible STEM coursework
Led by CEO Pedro Pizarro since 2016, Edison International is a public, Rosemead-based energy business worth $41.44 billion that gives great computer science scholarships. The Edison Scholars Program selects 30 incoming college STEM majors for $40,000 awards each year. Qualifying Californians enter via the ScholarsApply portal through December 16th. Priority is given to minority high school seniors from underserved urban areas.
21. Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Be U.S. citizens or legal residents graduating from high school
- Register for full-time bachelor’s enrollment at accredited colleges
- Have financial need and minimum 3.0 GPAs for entering STEM majors
Named for Miles “Lowell” Edwards in 1958, Edwards Lifesciences is a publicly-traded medical tech company in Irvine with $4.3 billion revenue and a charitable foundation. Annually, 12 four-year scholarships worth $10,000 are granted to afford STEM degrees, including computer science. Candidates must reside in Orange County, Salt Lake County, or Puerto Rico. Legal dependents of full-time employees also qualify. Apply between March 17th and May 26th.
22. EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Attend a U.S. college with Minority Serving Institution status
- Be rising juniors in science, technology, engineering, or math majors
- Demonstrate research competency and GPAs above 3.2
Formed in October 1970 under President Richard Nixon, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) utilizes part of its $5.6 billion budget to distribute scholarships. The EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship particularly has a $45,000 two-year value for upper-division students, including computer science majors. Stipends for an 11-week summer internship in Silver Spring are included. The Office of Education seeks applicants until January 31st.
23. ESA Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Be women and/or minority undergrads with U.S. citizenship
- Pursue bachelor’s degrees in computer or video game arts full-time
- Achieve 2.75 or higher GPAs at accredited, four-year schools
Formalized in 2007, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation offers computer science scholarships for those specializing in the $43.4 billion digital gaming market. Each Spring, thirty $3,000 scholarships go to 15 high school seniors and 15 current undergrads. Interested students must file between February 1st and April 26th. The Foundation also launched scholarships for eSports competitors in January 2020.
24. Google Lime Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be undergraduate or graduate students with documented disabilities
- Demonstrate passion for computer science or engineering
- Maintain strong academics full-time at a U.S. or Canadian college
Publicly traded since August 2004, Google is a major Big Four tech company valued at $160 billion that empowers the next generation with great computer science scholarships. The Google Lime Scholarship presents $10,000 each year to college students with physical, learning, visual, hearing, and emotional disabilities. Log into the Lime Network before December 5th to apply. Don’t forget the required resume, four essays, and recommendation form.
25. Perryman Family Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Be U.S. citizens enrolled at accredited colleges or trade schools
- Declare majors in technology, engineering, mathematics, or metals
- Register full-time with 12+ semester credits and GPAs over 2.99
Growing a $3.4 billion endowment since 2008, the James T. and Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on distributing STEM scholarships. Perryman Scholars receive up to $25,000 or 97 percent tuition coverage annually. Preference is given to residents or students within a 150-mile radius of Houston, Pennsylvania. After the February 28th deadline, selected finalists must complete a phone or online interview.
26. Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be freshmen or sophomores at accredited, four-year U.S. colleges
- Declare STEM-focused majors like computer science or engineering
- Prove financial need and academic merit with a minimum 2.5 GPA
Chaired by Marillyn Hewson in Bethesda, Lockheed Martin is an esteemed Fortune 100 defense company founded in 1995 that draws $59.81 billion revenue and funds an STEM Scholarship. For 2019-20, Lockheed Martin provided 200 scholars with $10,000 apiece for tuition at 89 universities nationwide. First-generation, LGBTQ, disabled, and minority students are given preference. Complete the Scholarship America application online by March 12th.
27. Samsung@First Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Enroll full-time at a public, four-year university in California
- Be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or master’s students in STEM subjects
- Demonstrate a love for technology and a 3.0 or better GPA
Endowed for $13.5 billion in Mountain View, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) is a donor-based nonprofit that administers nearly 500 funds like the Samsung@First Scholarship. Since 2007, this program has delivered up to $15,000 to three annual recipients. The highest priority is given to Bay Area residents with computer science and software engineering majors. Applications are due April 3rd with an 850-word personal essay and the FAFSA form.
28. SBB Research Group STEM Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Be currently enrolled, full-time in higher learning
- Select qualifying STEM majors from biology to computer science
- Show professional potential with an outstanding GPA over 3.5
Created in 2010 by CEO Dr. Sam Barnett, SBB Research Group LLC is a Chicago-based investment management firm that supports college students with its STEM Scholarship. This one-time $5,000 award is one of the best computer science scholarships in the Midwest. Before August 31st, entrants must upload a 500-word essay about their future technical ambitions. Interns and immediate family members of the company’s employees are ineligible.
29. NESA STEM Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Reach the rank of Eagle Scout with 21+ merit badges
- Be graduating high school and pursuing collegiate education
- Pick a STEM-related field, such as computer science or math
Started as the Knights of Dunamis in 1925, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America that’s led by president Frank Tsuru. Each Fall, the STEM Scholarship presents a whopping $50,000 to one exemplary Eagle Scout. Recipients can attend any accredited U.S. institution, excluding military academies. The deadline is October 31st for sending an application, the personal statement, and a reference letter.
30. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or younger
- Exhibit exceptional talent in select STEM or humanities categories
- Have completed a significant piece of work that benefits society
Established by Bob Davidson in 1999, the Davidson Institute is a Reno-based nonprofit that runs a Fellows Program for gifted students who score in the 99.9th IQ percentile. Annually, three college scholarships are awarded for $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000. Qualified applicants select from the program’s seven project categories, including technology. Aspiring computer science majors can apply through February 10th with two nomination forms.
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