30 Great Large Scholarships

best large scholarships

A college education can get expensive — that’s why it pays to seek out the best large scholarships. Bigger awards cover more of your costs, so it’s easy to take care of everything from tuition to books. Large scholarships are available for specific fields of study and individual universities; it’s also possible to find options that can be used in the major and institution of your choice. As you’re figuring out the college funding process, these 30 scholarships are a great place to start.

Related resource: The 30 Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees Online

1. Sphinx Competition

Eligibility

  • Play cello, double bass, viola, or violin
  • Meet competition age requirements
  • U.S. resident or valid visa holder

This program, which is presented by the DTE Foundation, is designed to help Latinx and Black musicians get the funding they need for college. It’s open to classical string players; you’ll need to submit a video audition and a repertoire list to be considered for the preliminary rounds. After this process, the top applicants move through a series of live performances, masterclasses, and other events. Finalists appear in a concert near the beginning of the year in Detroit, Michigan. Awards range from $3,000 to $50,000. Submit your preliminary-round materials by October 20th.

Scholarship Website

2. AQHA Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Membership in the AQHA, AQHYA, NYCHA, or NRCHYA
  • History of civic involvement

Given by the American Quarter Horse Foundation on behalf of the family of Amy Bell, this award comes with $12,500 over four years. As the committee considers applicants, they look for young people who have demonstrated a love for the American quarter horse and a track record of service to other people. Ideal candidates have at least three years’ experience in the AQHA, AQHYA, NYCHA, or NRCHYA.

Scholarship Website

3. Augustana University Distinguished Scholars Celebration

Eligibility

  • ACT of 27 or SAT of 1260
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA
  • Admitted to Augustana University with distinction

For students attending Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this award can go a long way toward covering college costs. The smallest award is $60,000; the highest is a full-tuition scholarship for four years. The application process is relatively involved; you’ll need to complete the registration form, attend one of the Distinguished Scholars Celebration Days, and participate in an interview with a faculty member. Gain admission by February 7th and submit your registration by February 10th.

Scholarship Website

4. Berea College Tuition Promise Scholarship

Eligibility

  • Admitted to Berea College
  • Enrolled for classes

The Berea College Tuition Promise Scholarship is one of the best large scholarships in the United States. This award is available to all admitted students; it covers all of your tuition. The goal is to enable students to graduate with minimal debt so they can go on to successful careers. This award does not cover meals, fees, or housing, but you can get financial aid for books. Apply to Berea College by the admission deadline to be considered.

Scholarship Website

5. Boise State University WUE Scholarship

Eligibility

  • 3.2 minimum GPA
  • ACT of 21 or SAT of 1060
  • Non-Idaho resident

The WUE Scholarship is one of Boise State University’s largest scholarships; winners receive $12,886 per year for four years. These awards are open to non-Idaho residents; you’re automatically considered when you apply for admission to BSU. Submit your transcripts and test scores by December 15th or October 1st to enter into consideration. Keep in mind that Pre-Radiological Science, Nursing, Pre-Nursing, and Radiological Science majors are not eligible for this award.

Scholarship Website

6. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Eligibility

  • Aged 13-18
  • Able to peer-review five other submissions by July 10th
  • Able to submit a video in English

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is designed to inspire students to find new and creative ways to think about science. To enter, you’ll need to create a three-minute video about one of the competition’s categories. The judges evaluate videos based on engagement, illumination, creativity, and difficulty. Winners receive $250,000 toward their education; the teacher that inspired the winner gets $50,000 to use as they see fit. Submit your video by June 25th to enter the challenge.

Scholarship Website

7. Cameron Impact Scholarship

Eligibility

  • Minimum 3.7 GPA
  • U.S. citizen
  • Graduating senior
  • Demonstrated track record in extracurriculars, leadership, and community service

The Cameron Impact Scholarship is given by The Bryan Cameron Education Foundation; it inludes full tuition for four years at the university of your choice. Any student is eligible, but students planning a career in public service and majoring in fields related to nonprofit organizations, education, government, and military get preference. This award is merit-based, so financial need is not a factor. The committee recommends that you submit your application as early as possible. Apply by May 22nd for early consideration; the regular deadline is September 11th.

Scholarship Website

8. Colorado Christian University Dean’s Scholarship

Eligibility

  • 3.4 GPA or higher
  • ACT of 22 or SAT of 1110
  • Meet student aid eligibility requirements
  • First-time freshman

Given by Colorado Christian University, the Dean’s Scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen who meet specific requirements. If you receive this award, you’ll get $13,000 per year for four years. The university requires recipients to maintain a 3.2 GPA to qualify for renewal. For this award, as well as the President’s and Trustee’s scholarships that follow, the eligibility requirements are not set in stone; if you have an exceptionally high GPA or test score, it can compensate for a lower score in the other area. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application; just apply for admission and submit the FAFSA by April 1st.

Scholarship Website

9. Colorado Christian University President’s Scholarship

Eligibility

  • 3.6 GPA or higher
  • ACT of 24 or SAT of 1190
  • Meet student aid eligibility requirements
  • First-time freshman

The President’s Scholarship is another merit-based award for first-time freshmen.This award comes with $15,000 per year for four years. It renews each year as long as you maintain a 3.3 GPA or higher. Apply for admission and submit the FAFSA by April 1st to enter into the running for this award.

Scholarship Website

10. Colorado Christian University Trustee’s Scholarship

Eligibility

  • 3.8 GPA or higher
  • ACT of 28 or SAT of 1320
  • Meet student aid eligibility requirements
  • First-time freshman

The Trustee’s Scholarship is the largest of the merit-based awards at Colorado Christian University. Winners receive $17,000 per year for up to four years. This scholarship renews as long as you maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. To be considered, apply for admission and submit the FAFSA by April 1st.

Scholarship Website

11. The Combat Anti-Semitism Venture Creative Contest

Eligibility

  • 13 years or older

If you’re planning to create a social start-up, the Combat Anti-Semitism Venture Creative Contest can give you up to $50,000 to get the project off the ground. To qualify, your start-up must offer a meaningful way to fight anti-Semitism. You can apply as an individual or with a team, but one main contact must be listed on the application form. Have more than one idea? Multiple submissions are allowed. Submit your application by July 1st.

Scholarship Website

12. Corvias Foundation Scholarship for Children of Active-Duty Service Members

Eligibility

  • Graduating high school senior
  • 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Planning to attend an accredited four-year institution

Each year, the Corvias Foundation hands out up to $50,000 to students with parents who are active-duty service members at one of the foundation’s accepted U.S. military installations. The maximum award is $12,500 per year; in addition, winners get access to a support system to help them get through the educational process. Gold Star Children are also encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Website

13. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Eligibility

  • 18 or younger
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Completed significant work in one of the competition topic areas
  • Able to attend awards reception with at least one parent

Earn $10,000 to $50,000 for college with the Davidson Fellows Scholarship, which is awarded by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. The scholarship committee looks for applicants who have new ideas, creative applications, exceptional performance, or other extraordinary accomplishments in their chosen category. The application goes through an initial review, with top candidates passing through to a judging panel. Apply by February 10th.

Scholarship Website

14. Eastern Michigan University Presidential Scholarship

Eligibility

  • Admitted to EMU as an incoming freshman
  • GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • ACT of 25 or SAT of 1200

This extremely competitive scholarship gives the winners a full-ride scholarship for four years of study at Eastern Michigan University. To apply, you’ll need to be admitted to EMU; you must also register for the scholarship in August. After that, the university will send a request for additional materials.

Scholarship Website

15. University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident OR
  • Citizen of a country in Asia, the Pacific, or Russia
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0

This scholarship is targeted to graduate students pursuing a master’s doctoral degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. It’s an all-inclusive award, covering housing, books, fees, and tuition. You’ll also get financial support for health insurance, meals, and other expenses. The committee gives preference to students who have shown an interest in the Asia-Pacific region. Winners live together at the East-West center to build community and strong relationships. Apply by December 1st and submit all supplementary materials by January 10th.

Scholarship Website

16. Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate student at a U.S. college or university
  • Complete at least 12 credit hours per semester

The Most Valuable Student Scholarships are awarded to 500 students every year. Given by the Elks National Foundation, they offer up to $12,500 per year for four years. To continue receiving the funds, you must be attending school full-time. In addition to the scholarship, the top 20 finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to a Leadership Weekend event in Chicago. During this weekend, each person goes through an interview with a panel of judges; this interview helps determine the final winners. All finalists receive awards of at least $20,000. Submit your application by November 5th.

Scholarship Website

17. University of North Georgia Military Scholarship (UNGMS)

Eligibility

  • Resident of Georgia
  • Get a nomination from a state legislator in your congressional district
  • Accepted as a freshman Cadet at the University of North Georgia
  • Meet the Army National Guard standards for enlistment
  • Willing to enlist in the Georgia Army National Guard

If you’re thinking of joining the National Guard while you attend the University of North Georgia, this scholarship is a valuable opportunity. It provides $85,000 or more over four years and covers all of your costs, including meals, housing, tuition, books, fees, and uniforms. Winners are commissioned as officers after graduation, so they qualify for the GI Bill and other military benefits. Apply by February 15th.

Scholarship Website

18. Hope College Presidential Scholarship

Eligibility

  • 3.8 GPA or higher
  • 28 ACT or 1300 SAT
  • Admitted to Hope College

When you apply to Hope College, you’re automatically in the running for the Presidential Scholarship. This award is merit-based; it’s given based on your high-school GPA and test scores. If you qualify, you’ll get $13,000 or more every year for four years. These funds are included in your financial aid package. Apply by the Hope College deadline, and update all of your academic records by February 1st.

Scholarship Website

19. Ohio Dominican University International Academic Achievement Scholarship

Eligibility

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • International undergraduate student
  • Accepted to Ohio Dominican University

If you’re attending Ohio Dominican University as an international student, you can apply for the International Academic Achievement Scholarship. It provides $15,000 every year toward tuition, as long as you meet the renewal criteria. All majors are included in this scholarship, which is based on your academic performance. Apply to ODU to be considered for this award.

Scholarship Website

20. McLamore Family Foundation James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship Award

Eligibility

  • U.S. or Canadian citizen
  • High school senior or graduated from high school in the last three years in the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico
  • GPA of 3.3 or higher
  • ACT of 25 or SAT of 1220 or higher
  • Significant work experience

Given by the McLamore Family Foundation, this award includes up to $50,000; it’s given to three winners and is distributed over four years. When they evaluate applications, the scholarship committee considers your leadership in athletics, extracurriculars, or community service. Academic achievements also play a part in the selection process. Apply by December 15th.

21. Lee University Marcus Lamb Scholarship

Eligibility

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • New or returning student at Lee University

Created by Lee University alumni Marcus Lamb, this award provides $200,000 to a single recipient. The application is simple; all you need to do is write a short essay following the competition’s prompt. To access the application, you’ll need to submit an interest form and an admissions officer will get in touch with details and deadlines.

Scholarship Website

22. Brandeis University Leonard Bernstein Fellowship

Eligibility

  • Admitted to Brandeis University
  • Instrumentalist or vocalist

One of the most competitive programs at Brandeis University is the Leonard Bernstein Fellowship. Each year, a few students are given the award, which includes $20,500 per year for four years, membership in the university’s top musical ensembles, private lessons, and special opportunities to perform. You don’t need to be a music major to apply, but many Leonard Bernstein Fellows are; winners are expected to take a range of music courses, including a year of music theory and two semesters of music history. To increase your chances, submit a musical portfolio with your application. There is no separate application; simply complete the university’s Common Application.

Scholarship Website

23. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Levine Scholars Program

Eligibility

  • High school senior applying to The University of North Carolina as a freshman
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Excellent academic record
  • Demonstrated experience toward program goals of service and leadership
  • Nominated by high school counselor

Each year, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte accepts 20 students into the Charlotte Levine Scholars Program. Every Levine Scholar gets a full-ride scholarship that covers room, board, tuition, and a service-project grant. In addition to the financial award, winners have the opportunity to participate in four exciting summer programs; this includes an internship and an international program. Successful candidates are dedicated to civic engagement and service. Your counselor must nominate you by October 8th.

Scholarship Website

24. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Individual Fellowships

Eligibility

  • Doctoral degree or four years of full-time research experience

If you’re pursuing research, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Individual Fellowships are a valuable source of funding. There are two categories: European Fellowships and Global Fellowships. The award covers all of your costs for travel, family, and living while you’re abroad. In addition, you may be able to get additional funding for networking, training, and the research project itself. To apply, you’ll need a research proposal written in tandem with the host institution or organization and a CV. This fellowship is given by the European Union. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as space allows.

Scholarship Website

25. George Mason University Mercatus Center PhD Fellowship

Eligibility

  • Accepted into the PhD program in economics at George Mason University
  • Planning a career in academia

Exceptional economics doctoral students at George Mason University can apply for the Mercatus Center PhD Fellowship. It provides $200,000, which is spread out over five years. In addition to covering all of your tuition cost, this award includes a monthly living stipend and the opportunity to be a research assistant. The application process requires you to write a cover letter, submit a CV, write an essay, answer questions, and provide a 10-page writing sample. You can apply for the fellowship before your GMU application has been processed, but final decisions are contingent on your acceptance.

Scholarship Website

26. George Mason University Mercatus Center MA Fellowship

Eligibility

  • Accepted to the MA program in economics at George Mason University

If you’re thinking of getting a master’s degree in economics at George Mason University, it’s well worth your time to apply for the Mercatus Center MA Fellowship. Winners get $80,000 for the two-year program, which includes a monthly stipend for living, tuition support for nine credits each semester, and the opportunity to research with other scholars and staff members in the Mercatus Center. You’ll also get a variety of opportunities to further your career, including co-authorships, research projects, and other events in the area of public policy. Given the value of the award, the application is lengthy; expect to submit a cover letter, essay, short essays, and a 10-page writing sample. Apply by February 1st.

Scholarship Website

27. Minnesota Indian Scholarship

Eligibility

  • One-quarter or more American Indian
  • Resident of Minnesota
  • Enrolled at an accredited educational institution in Minnesota
  • Demonstrated financial need

Each year, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education offers the Minnesota Indian Scholarship to help students with Native American ancestry pay for college. As an undergraduate, you can get up to $4,000 per year over five years; as a graduate student, you can get $6,000 per year for up to five years. The application process is relatively easy; all you need to do is fill out a two-page form and complete the FAFSA. The priority application deadline is July 1st.

Scholarship Website

28. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Accepted or enrolled at an accredited four-year institution in the U.S.
  • Undergraduate student
  • 3.3 or higher GPA or in the top five percent of your class
  • Status of “exceptional financial need”

The National Institutes of Health offers the UGSP to students who are pursuing an education with the intent to work in social science, behavioral, or biomedical health-related research. Awards are given to students who come from disadvantaged situations, and include up to $20,000 per year for up to four years. This scholarship can be used for tuition, expenses, and living expenses. Winners also participate in a 10-week lab experience at an NIH research lab; after graduation, they’re expected to work for one year as a full-time employee for each year that you received the UGSP scholarship. Apply by March 18th.

Scholarship Website

29. National Library of Medicine Associate Fellowship Program

Eligibility

  • Master’s degree in library or information science
  • U.S. or Canadian citizen

For students pursuing a career in health services research or at a health science library, the Associate Fellowship Program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Successful applicants win a full year of postgraduate training that takes place at the National Library of Medicine. If you like, you can continue on to a second year of training. In addition to the experience, winners receive $57,510, health insurance funding, $1,500 to help with relocation, and funding for conferences. Applications open in September, and the deadline is January 25th.

Scholarship Website

30. QuestBridge National College Match

Eligibility

  • Meet income requirements and academic criteria
  • U.S. citizens or permanent resident or student attending high school in the U.S.
  • Graduating senior
  • Planning to enroll in college as a freshman

The QuestBridge National College Match program is designed to help low-income students apply to and pay for an education at the best universities in the country. This unique program combines the college and scholarship application; in the process, it affords participants special consideration at partner universities. If you win, you get a ful-ride scholarship that’s worth more than $200,000. It covers tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, and travel costs. Applications are due by September 26th.

Scholarship Website

You may also like: The 45 Most Affordable Graduate Programs Online

Find more excellent scholarships here.