National scholarships and grants
Federal aid and scholarships open to students in any state, checked against official pages. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Show service scholarships (9) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program
up to $55,000/yr for up to 4 years (last-dollar after institutional aid)Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Open now · due November 11, 2026up to $55,000/yr for up to 4 years (last-dollar after institutional aid)
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript + test scores
- For high school seniors
- Needs a 3.75+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: US citizenship not required; must reside in the US or a US territory and attend all four years of high school in the US (or US territory / US military base)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
$37,000/yr stipend + $16,000/yr cost-of-education allowance to the school, for 3 yearsU.S. National Science Foundation
Open now · due October 19, 2026$37,000 a year stipend plus $16,000 a year toward tuition, for three years, for STEM research master's and PhD students
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript
- For undergrads, grad students
- For STEM fields supported by NSF (research-based master's or doctoral programs) students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
$4,000 total ($1,000/yr) for 480 awards; top 20 finalists $30,000 total ($7,500/yr)Elks National Foundation
Open now · due November 12, 2026$4,000 total ($1,000/yr) for 480 awards; top 20 finalists $30,000 total ($7,500/yr)
- What it takes: transcript + school nomination + test scores
- For high school seniors
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: US citizen at time of application (permanent residents NOT eligible)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Boren Awards (Scholarships & Fellowships)
up to $25,000 (25-52 weeks); $12,500 (12-24 weeks); $8,000 (8-11 weeks, STEM undergrads only)Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO), National Security Education Program
Open now · due January 27, 2027Up to $25,000 for long-term language study abroad in regions critical to U.S. interests, in exchange for a year of federal service
- What it takes: essay + recommendation
- For undergrads, grad students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
National Merit Scholarship
National Merit $2500 Scholarship: one-time $2,500; corporate-sponsored: one-time $2,500-$10,000 or renewable $1,000-$10,000/yr; college-sponsored: renewable $500-$2,000/yrNational Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) — private nonprofit (included as quasi-public per task)
Open now · due October 30, 2026$2,500 National Merit Scholarships plus corporate- and college-sponsored awards, entered by taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a high school junior
- What it takes: test scores + essay + recommendation + transcript
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident intending citizenship
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
up to $9,500 per academic year for two years + paid 10-week summer internship ($700/week)National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Education
Open now · due January 31, 2027Up to $9,500 a year for two years, plus a paid 10-week NOAA summer internship ($700 a week)
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript
- For undergrads, transfer students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For NOAA mission fields: oceanic, environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences; math; engineering; remote sensing; computer and information science; physical and social sciences incl. geography, physics, hydrology, geomatics; teacher education students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Barry Goldwater Scholarship
up to $7,500 per academic yearBarry Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation (federally established by Congress)
Open now · due January 29, 2027Up to $7,500 a year for sophomores and juniors headed for research careers in natural sciences, engineering, or math
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + school nomination
- For undergrads, transfer students
- For natural sciences, engineering, mathematics students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Federal Pell Grant
up to $7,395 for 2026-27 (minimum $740)U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid
Open now · due June 30, 2027Up to $7,395 for 2026-27 (minimum $740); doesn't have to be repaid
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
stipend based on host-country cost of living + health benefits; travel and other benefits vary by country (no fixed dollar amount)U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (administered by IIE)
Open now · due October 6, 2026Funded year abroad to study, research, or teach English: cost-of-living stipend, health benefits, and (for most countries) round-trip travel
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or national (permanent residents not eligible)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
$100-$4,000 a yearU.S. Department of Education (campus-based; administered by college financial aid offices)
Apply any time$100-$4,000 a year for undergraduates with exceptional financial need, at participating schools
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
TEACH Grant
up to $3,772 a year after the 5.7% sequester reduction (statutory maximum $4,000)U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid
Apply any timeUp to $3,772 a year (after the sequester cut) if you'll teach a high-need subject at a low-income school; turns into a loan if you don't
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For undergrads, grad students
- Needs a 3.25+ GPA
- For education - high-need fields (math, science incl. computer science, foreign language, bilingual education, English language acquisition, reading specialist, special education) students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Harry S. Truman Scholarship
up to $30,000 for graduate or professional schoolHarry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation (federal memorial)
Due February 2, 2027Up to $30,000 for graduate school for juniors headed for public service careers
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + school nomination + interview
- For undergrads
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or U.S. national from American Samoa (green card holders not eligible)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
QuestBridge National College Match
full four-year scholarship to a partner college (worth $360,000+; tuition, room/board, no loans)QuestBridge
Opens laterfull four-year scholarship to a partner college (worth $360,000+; tuition, room/board, no loans)
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript
- For high school seniors
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: Any high school senior currently attending high school in the US, plus US citizens and permanent residents living abroad; international students living outside the US are not eligible
- Usual timing: annual; opens late summer, application due Oct 1 (11:59pm PT); rankings due Oct 15, finalists Oct 21, Match Requirements Nov 1, Match Day Dec 1
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Davidson Fellows Scholarship
$100,000, $50,000, or $25,000 (one-time)Davidson Institute
Opens later$100,000, $50,000, or $25,000 scholarships for students 18 or under who have completed a significant piece of work
- What it takes: essay + school nomination + portfolio
- For high school seniors
- For Science, Technology, Engineering students
- Who can get it: US citizen or permanent resident residing in the US (or military stationed overseas)
- Usual timing: annual; application opens in the fall and closes mid-February (2026 deadline was Feb 18, 2026, 11:59pm PT); the 2027 application 'will open in the Fall of 2026' [next: ~2027-02 (typical)]
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Burger King Scholars Program
$1,000 to $60,000 (most general-track awards $1,000 or $5,000; up to three $60,000 James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarships)Burger King Foundation
Opens later$1,000 to $60,000 one-time scholarships for high school seniors and Burger King employees and families; three $60,000 James W. McLamore WHOPPER awards
- What it takes: transcript
- For high school seniors, undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: living in the US, Puerto Rico, Guam, or Canada (WHOPPER $60,000 award: US or Canadian citizens)
- Usual timing: annual; opens Oct 15, closes Dec 15 or when 30,000 community applications are received, whichever comes first; results by email in May; funds paid to the school in August
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
up to $40,000 for a computer science degree (unmet need up to $10,000 per year, for four years) + paid summer internship at AmazonAmazon
Opens laterup to $40,000 ($10,000/yr for four years, based on unmet need) + paid Amazon internship
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For high school seniors
- Needs a 2.3+ GPA
- For computer science, computer engineering, software engineering students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: Authorized to work in the US (US citizen, permanent resident, or Employment Authorization Document holder)
- Usual timing: annual; next cycle not yet announced as of 2026-10-05 (page says 2025-2026 applications are closed); historically opens in the fall/winter of senior year
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Horatio Alger National Scholarship
$25,000 (105 scholarships at $25,000 each)Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
Opens later$25,000 (105 National Scholarships) for high school juniors facing adversity and financial need
- What it takes: essay + transcript
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: US citizen
- Usual timing: annual; high school junior application period Dec 1 - Mar 1 (year not printed on page; next window expected Dec 1, 2026 - Mar 1, 2027)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship
up to $25,000 per award (2026 awards included $25,000 scholarships; up to $14.5 million total in 2026)Taco Bell Foundation
Opens laterPassion-based scholarship for ages 16-26 — no GPA or test scores; awards up to $25,000; up to $14.5 million awarded in 2026
- What it takes: essay + video
- For high school seniors, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: legal resident of 50 US states/DC (or legal dependent of active-duty US military)
- Usual timing: annual; last cycle ran Oct 14, 2025 - Jan 6, 2026 (5pm PT), winners notified ~Apr 21, 2026; 2027 dates not yet seen [next: ~mid-Oct 2026 open, ~early Jan 2027 close if the pattern holds]
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
APIA Scholarship
$2,500 one-time up to $20,000 multi-yearAPIA Scholars (Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholars)
Opens later$2,500 one-time up to $20,000 multi-year
- What it takes: essay
- For high school seniors, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: US citizen, national, or permanent resident; also citizens of Marshall Islands, FSM, and Palau
- Usual timing: annual; opens Nov 15, closes Jan 15 (5pm ET); notifications Apr 15; distribution summer (2027-28 cycle: Nov 15, 2026 - Jan 15, 2027)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
$20,000 one-timeCoca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Opens later$20,000 one-time
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript + interview
- For high school seniors
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- Who can get it: US citizen, national, permanent resident, refugee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or humanitarian parolee
- Usual timing: annual; opens Aug 3, closes Sep 30 at 5pm ET; Semifinalists notified end of October, Phase 2 due November, finalist interviews late Jan/early Feb, Scholars Weekend April
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
$10,000 renewable for up to three additional years — up to $40,000 totalRonald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute (with GE)
Opens later$10,000 a year, renewable up to $40,000 total, for high school seniors who show leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship
- What it takes: essay + transcript + recommendation + interview
- For high school seniors
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: US citizen
- Usual timing: annual; last cycle (2026) opened Oct 13, 2025 and closed Jan 5, 2026 at noon CST, recipients notified by Apr 30; 2027 dates not yet posted (page offers 'Notify Me for 2027') [next: ~early Jan 2027 if the pattern holds]
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
up to $5,000; plus up to $3,000 Critical Need Language Award and up to $1,000 STEM Supplemental AwardU.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (administered by IIE)
Opens laterUp to $5,000 to study or intern abroad for Pell Grant recipients, plus up to $3,000 for a critical-need language and up to $1,000 for STEM
- What it takes: essay
- For undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or national
- Usual timing: Two cycles a year. Fall cycle: opens mid-August, student deadline Oct 1 (closed for 2026). Spring cycle: opens mid-January, student deadline late February (Feb 25, 2027, 11:59pm PT; advisor certification by Mar 4, 2027)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Carson Scholars Fund
$1,000 (one-time)Carson Scholars Fund (founded by Ben & Candy Carson)
Opens later$1,000 college scholarship for students in grades 4-11 with a 3.75+ GPA and service — by educator nomination
- What it takes: school nomination + essay + recommendation + transcript
- Needs a 3.75+ GPA
- Who can get it: attends accredited K-12 school in the US
- Usual timing: annual; nomination forms out mid-October, educator nomination deadline mid-December, student application + recommendation deadline mid-January, results in March (2026-27: Oct 19, 2026 / Dec 16, 2026 / Jan 13, 2027 / March 2027)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Cameron Impact Scholarship
full tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college or university, for four yearsBryan Cameron Education Foundation
Opens laterFull tuition, fees, and books for 4 years at any accredited US college (about 15 awards a year)
- What it takes: recommendation + transcript + interview
- Needs a 3.7+ GPA
- Who can get it: US citizen (full citizenship required)
- Usual timing: annual; opens Feb 1 for high school juniors, closes May 1 or at 3,000 completed applications, whichever comes first (Class of 2028: Feb 1 - May 1, 2027); finalist interviews in fall, recipients announced in December
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
covers program tuition, travel, housing, and meals (no dollar amount published)U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (implemented by American Councils)
Opens laterFully funded summer of intensive language study abroad (tuition, travel, housing, meals) in one of nine critical languages
- What it takes: essay + transcript
- For undergrads, grad students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or national at the time of application (permanent residents not eligible)
- Usual timing: Annual; application opens in the fall and closes in November (2027 application 'will open shortly' as of Oct 5, 2026); summer program
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
McDonald's HACER National Scholarship
$1 million in total scholarships supporting up to 100 students (individual amounts not stated on the official page)McDonald's USA
Opens laterShare of $1 million in scholarships for up to 100 high school seniors, based on academics, community impact, personal statement, and financial need
- What it takes: transcript + recommendation + interview + FAFSA
- For high school seniors
- Needs a 2.8+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: legal US resident, US citizen, or DREAMer/DACA recipient
- Usual timing: annual; application window typically opens in the fall and closes in early-to-mid February; the 2027 window is not yet posted (page says 'application period is now closed') [next: ~2027-02 (typical)]
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
The Gates Scholarship
Full cost of attendance not covered by other aid and the Student Aid Index (last-dollar, full ride)Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Opens laterFull cost of attendance not covered by other aid and the Student Aid Index (last-dollar, full ride)
- What it takes: FAFSA + essay + interview
- For high school seniors
- Needs a 3.3+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: US citizen or permanent resident
- Usual timing: annual; opens Jul 15, closes Sep 15; semifinalist phase Dec-Jan, finalist interviews March, selection April, awards Jul-Sep (2027 cycle: Jul 15 - Sep 15, 2026)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
$40,000 total ($10,000/yr x 4)Ron Brown Scholar Fund / CAP Charitable Foundation
Open now · due December 1, 2026$40,000 total ($10,000/yr x 4)
- Who it's for: Only some students qualify. The official page explains who.
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + transcript + interview
- For high school seniors
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: US citizen or permanent resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
up to $5,000 per year (or the cost of attendance, if less)U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (administered by each state's child-welfare agency)
Apply any timeUp to $5,000 a year toward college or training for current and former foster youth
- Who it's for: Current or former foster youth (eligible from age 14; or adopted / kinship guardianship from foster care after age 16)
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
UNCF Scholarships (general program)
varies by program (October 2026 examples: one-time $2,000 to $10,000); more than $62 million awarded annuallyUNCF (United Negro College Fund)
Apply any timehundreds of separate scholarships; amounts vary by program (current examples $2,000 to $10,000); $62M+ awarded each year
- Who it's for: Only some students qualify. The official page explains who.
- What it takes: FAFSA + essay + transcript
- For high school seniors, undergrads, grad students
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: varies by program (not stated as a general rule on the official pages)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Bureau of Indian Education Higher Education Grant
varies by tribe and need (federal listing range $100-$300,000; average $30,000)U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Education (administered by tribes and tribal organizations)
Check datesNeed-based grant for members of federally recognized tribes going to an accredited college, applied for through your tribe
- Who it's for: Member of a federally recognized Indian tribe
- What it takes: FAFSA + membership
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
$7,500Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation (federal agency)
Opens later$7,500 for sophomores and juniors going into environmental, Tribal public policy, or Native health care careers; up to 65 awards in 2027
- Who it's for: Only some students qualify. The official page explains who.
- What it takes: essay + recommendation + school nomination
- For undergrads
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
- Usual timing: Annual; online application available ~Oct 9; faculty reps register students by early March; application due early March (Mar 4, 2027, 11:59 p.m. MST); results ~late April
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
HSF Scholar Program (Hispanic Scholarship Fund)
$500-$5,000 one-time (based on need); $30M+ awarded annuallyHispanic Scholarship Fund
Opens later$500-$5,000 one-time (based on need); $30M+ awarded annually
- Who it's for: Only some students qualify. The official page explains who.
- What it takes: FAFSA + transcript
- For high school seniors, undergrads, grad students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: US citizen, permanent resident, or DACA
- Usual timing: annual; last cycle opened Jan 5 and closed Feb 15, 2026 (finalist phase March, selection June, awards fall); 2027 cycle dates not yet posted as of 2026-10-05
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.