The National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) hosts multiple in-person and virtual college fairs each year! Click HERE to view the list of dates and locations!
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education invites high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors across the state to join our Virtual College Open House Series — a front-row seat to campus life, academic programs, and everything in between. These virtual sessions are your chance to connect directly with college representatives, ask questions, and start shaping your future—without ever leaving home. Whether you're exploring majors or just curious about campus vibes, this is where your college journey begins.
Contact us at sccango@che.sc.gov with any questions.
View the list of dates/colleges and register only for those you want to attend.
Time: All events are held virtually from 5:00 – 5:45 pm.
Spots are limited, so register now and start exploring what’s possible.
Sign up to be an EAGLE for a day! Eagle for a Day gives prospective students a personalized look at life at Winthrop. During this visit, students will explore campus, enjoy lunch in the dining hall, take part in a mock class experience, and meet current students, faculty, and admissions staff. Click HERE to secure your spot for either October 2 or November 6!
ALSO - Winthrop's Fall Open House is October 24. Register HERE if interested!
Campus Tours builds video tours, photorealistic interactive campus maps, mobile walking tours and custom data-driven multimedia applications for education, non-profit and government clients worldwide. Use this link to explore!
Click here to view a spreadsheet that includes links for the college or university, campus tour dates, interview information, off-campus events and virtual tour information!
Explore virtual tours for more than 500 colleges. Tour residence halls, classrooms, dining spaces, recreation facilities, and other campus locations before deciding where to visit in person.
Held in person October 2-3 and November 13-14. Theater Weekend offers prospective student performers, directors, designers, technicians and stage managers a chance to be considered for full- and partial-tuition scholarships by performing a monologue or presenting a portfolio for CWRU Theater faculty. Each year, CWRU’s Theater Department awards four full-tuition scholarships to incoming students who wish to major in theater, and two $10,000 merit scholarships to students who wish to minor in theater, or pursue as an extracurricular. For more information, see CWRU theater scholarships.
Virtual info sessions are held nearly every month, which provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about Trident Technical College, their programs, admissions process, financial aid, and student resources.
Use the link below to register and learn more about our Virtual College Info Session:
https://www.tridenttech.edu/landing/virtualinfosession.html
Though your child is now a young adult, as a caregiver, you still play an essential role in guiding and supporting them as they transition into adulthood. Helping them prepare for and apply to college is a big part of this transition. Learn about the caregiver's role in the college application process, including financial aid, scholarships, deadlines, college visits, and more!
NCAA Initial Eligibility Requirements -Understand academic requirements for NCAA eligibility
NCAA Approved Core Courses - Confirm that you are taking courses that can count toward NCAA requirements
Core-Course GPA Worksheets - Track progress toward Division I or II academic requirements
Register with NCAA Eligibility Center - Review account types and registration requirements
NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student - 2025/2026
Is it your goal to play college sports? It's never too early to start planning! With over 250 schools across the country, the NAIA can help you find the perfect fit for your athletic college career. Click HERE to learn more!
What is Early Decision? Early decision is a binding commitment, meaning those who apply in this round must attend the selected college if they are accepted. You can apply to only one school early decision because of that binding commitment, so experts recommend applying early decision only if you have a clear top-choice school.
What is Early Action? Early action – which usually has a November or December deadline – is similar to early decision, but without the binding agreement. But unlike early decision, students don't have to commit to a school or submit a deposit until May 1. Note that some schools have restrictive early action policies that prohibit students from applying early decision or early action elsewhere. But, again, this type of early action is not binding.
Why Students Might Consider Early Action or Early Decision: Colleges often have higher acceptance rates in the early admission rounds, especially for Early Decision. They also often give priority to students who were accepted early in the housing and roommate selection processes.
How Applying Early for College Affects Financial Aid: Applying early doesn't make sense for every student. One factor early decision applicants need to consider is their financial situation, as students are required to commit prior to knowing their aid eligibility.
Other Factors to Consider Before Applying Early to College: Not every college offers early admissions options, and some offer two deadlines for their early rounds: Early Decision I and Early Decision II, or Early Action I and Early Action II. The first deadline might be in November, while the second is in January, giving applicants time to build their school lists. Experts advise students and families to reach out to admissions officers with questions or for advice on which deadline might be the best fit for them.
Click HERE to learn more!
The Academic Common Market is a tuition-savings program for college students who want to pursue degrees that are not offered by SC public institutions or are at least 51 percent different in curricular content than programs offered in South Carolina. Students can enroll in out-of-state institutions and pay the institution’s in-state tuition rates for more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate programs. The ACM is not competitive or merit-based, but applicants must meet state residency and college admission requirements.
Participating states are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia (Florida and Texas participate at the graduate level only). A student must be accepted into the institution and the desired program on a full-time basis, and must complete the application for Certification of South Carolina Residency to be considered for ACM.
BS in Aerospace/Professional Pilot, Middle Tennessee State University
BS in Dental Hygiene, Georgia Highlands College
BS in Digital Media, East Tennessee State University
BS in Aerospace Administration and Operations/Aviation Management, Oklahoma State University Stillwater
BS in Professional Flight/Flight Management, Auburn University
BS in Integrated Strategic Communication, University of Kentucky
The ACM Program removes the burden of paying out-of-state tuition for parent (s)/guardian(s) if the student wishes to attend college outside of SC.
More information is available on the Academic Common Market website!
Common App is used to apply to multiple colleges at once! Use this link to access checklists for college preparation, a first-year toolkit, and a step-by-step guide to help you use Common App.
On August 1st, the Common Application went live for the 2026-27 admissions season. For students applying to any college(s) using this form, it’s a smart idea to start inputting information as soon as possible. Since most of the writing will need to be pasted in text boxes (not uploaded), it's helpful to know formatting tips! student are encouraged to write outside of the Common App (via Google Docs or Microsoft Word) before inserting it into the application.
Visit College Transitions blog for more information!
Apply to over 50 HBCUs for only $20! You can also search on their site for scholarships. Click the link above to learn more!
There are many search engines you can use when looking at colleges you're interested in!
Campus Tours - CampusTours builds video tours, photorealistic interactive campus maps, mobile walking tours and custom data-driven multimedia applications for education, non-profit and government clients worldwide.
A few are linked below. They offer location, cost, extracurricular activities, and majors!
Note: The BigFuture search through College Board will ask you to create a username/password so they can save your preferences. If you have made a College Board account for the PSAT or SAT, use the same account information!
Use the Big Future Scholarship Search tool to help you find scholarships that can help fund your future!
ScholarshipOWL - Your one-stop scholarship application system.
Scholarships.com - Free to use; vetted scholarships
Fastweb.com - Find scholarships, internships, and college information
Johnson & Wales University - JWU's non-binding Early Action 1 gives first-year fall applicants the opportunity to receive an admission decision and scholarship information early. Students should submit their application and transcript by November 1 and can expect a decision in early December. Register for their Fall Open House (October 24) here! And, check out the JWU Charlotte Campus Visit Grant for incoming first-year students applying for Fall 2027 - complete an in-person visit by December 1, 2026 and you may be eligible for the renewable JWU Visit Grant of up to $5,000 per year.
Sallie No Essay Scholarship (Deadline - end of each month) - Monthly $2,000 scholarship contest. A winner is chosen each month and awarded a $2,000 scholarship to help cover their college expenses. To apply, all you need to do is fill out a few questions on the scholarship application and submit. No essay is required. Apply every month!
SOFI Scholarship (Deadline - end of each month) - Monthly $2,500 scholarship contest. Easy to enter! You'll need your name, email address, and school name. Create a SoFi student account to complete your entry. Once you've created your SoFi student account, it'll be easy to enter monthly!
Big Future Scholarships (Monthly awards) - Earn entries in monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 scholarships by completing steps on BigFuture. Log in to your account, complete steps on your dashboard, and earn entries to win. One step completed = one entry in each monthly scholarship drawing. No essay, no minimum GPA or test score, no citizenship requirements. Just follow the steps for chances to win! The more steps you complete and earlier you start, the more chances you have to win. If you win, your scholarship can be used at any two- or four-year college. If you don’t win, your entry rolls over for the next month. Sophomores - Seniors: Scholarship drawings starting January of your sophomore year until February of your senior year.
A Better Financial Future Scholarship (Deadline - by the end of each month): Apply monthly! One (1) entry will be selected at random at the end of the Scholarship entry window. The drawings will be performed by an employee of LeverEdge Association, whose decisions are final and binding in all matters related to this Scholarship. The winner(s) will be notified via email.
National Society of High School Scholars Scholarships & NSHSS Foundation Scholarships (Deadline varies by scholarship) - NSHSS Foundation scholarships have been created to help reduce financial barriers for high school students as they prepare for upcoming careers in STEM majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), business, economics, public policy, and environmental science and sustainability. The Foundation seeks to engage these future leaders in order to help fuel the global economy, stimulate innovation and creativity, and yield a strong ethical foundation for decision-making. We seek to support higher education to enable our future leaders to achieve their dreams. NSHSS Foundation scholarships are targeted toward high school or college students, who belong to groups generally under-represented in these careers.
ABR Scholarships (Deadline varies by scholarship) - Scholarships are designed to provide opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed through the award of monetary grants or participation in SABR events, such as the Analytics Conference, Annual Convention, Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference, Frederick Ivor-Campbell 19th Century Base Ball Conference, and the Women in Baseball Conference.Apply now for a SABR Scholarship or learn more about ongoing opportunities on the website.
University of North Carolina Morehead-Cain Scholarship (Deadline Oct. 1) - They are seeking students who embody our four pillars: leadership, character, scholarship, and physical vigor.
The Sports Gear Swag Scholarship - Deadline 10/1/26 - Open to high school seniors accepted to a university program and to students currently enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited U.S. university, college, or school. To be eligible for this award, you must be a legal resident of United States or hold a valid student visa and be at least 18 years of age. Selection is based on a 500-word essay on one of the following subjects:
The Benefits of Playing Sports Competitively
The Importance of Sportsmanship in Competitive Sports
The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Youth Involvement in Sports.
Sparkforce, The FMA Foundation Scholarships - Deadline 10/1/26
SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.
Eligibility Criteria
Must be pursuing a degree or certification in an approved manufacturing-related field
Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a manufacturing-related program for the semester of application
Must be a full-time student (12+ credit hours) or part-time student (6+ credit hours) while working
Minimum GPA requirements: 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for community, trade, or technical college students and 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for university students
ConnectHER Film Festival Scholarship - Deadline 10/1/26
High school students submit original short films focused on critical issues affecting women and girls, including barriers to education, global health, financial independence, poverty, climate justice, refugee issues, and more—highlighting how these challenges disproportionately impact them.
Various award categories, including Judges' Choice, Best Documentary, Best Narrative, Best Animation, People's Choice, Global Impact, and Educating Girls
Top awards include cash prizes up to $5,000
Eligibility Criteria:
Filmmakers must be aged 13 to 25 at the time of submission
Films must be original works and not previously screened at major film festivals
Films must be 3 to 6 minutes in length and subtitled in English
Films must address women's issues within specified themes
American Muscle Student Scholarships (Deadline - 10/15/26 and 6/15/27) - For high school seniors who are pursuing post-secondary education an opportunity to be awarded $2,500 in tuition assistance towards their upcoming semester! This scholarship is ongoing and will be available for both the spring and fall semesters each year. Those students who have exceptional drive and ambition should submit a 700-1500 word essay about who you are and how you plan on using your automotive education to incite positive change and innovation within the custom car industry. Please submit your essays by 12:00PM EST on October 15th for all spring semester applicants and by June 15th for all fall applicants. Winning scholarships will be paid directly to the school as a tuition payment. Winners will be selected by November 15th for all spring contestants and by July 15th for fall applicants.
Niche $40,000 No Essay Scholarship (Deadline Oct 15) - Niche is giving one student $40,000 to help cover tuition, housing, books, and other college expenses — no essay required! High school seniors who apply can also be eligible to receive acceptance (and scholarship) offers from the Niche Direct Admissions® partner colleges.
Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship - Deadline 10/15/26 - designed to support the next generation of changemakers—students who are committed to making a difference in their industries and communities.
Each year, Stantec awards $200,000 in scholarships to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, arts/architecture, and mathematics (STEAM) fields. This scholarship is open to students from all backgrounds who demonstrate leadership potential, resilience, and a commitment to shaping a better future.
The number of scholarships awarded will be based on the specific needs articulated by applicants, and the award values will be a variable range between $1,500 and $10,000. Additionally, there will be up to 10 paid internships (locations to be confirmed annually) available to applicants.
Clemson University National Scholars Program (Deadline Oct. 22) - National Scholars demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, a wide range of interests and experiences, leadership ability, and the potential to make an impact on their local and global communities. Scholars are selected after a review of Clemson University Undergraduate applications that are completed on or before the Undergraduate Admissions Early Action deadline and Honors College admission applications that are completed on or before Honors Priority application deadlines, followed by interviews and other activities with student finalists during a Scholarship Recruitment Weekend.
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award - Deadline 10/27/26 - for honors 9th - 12th grade students who are active and interested in computing and technology, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, persistence, and future plans. In its 20+ year history, more than 25,000 students have received an AiC Award. The multi-tiered award structure includes Winner, Honorable Mention, and Rising Star designations at National and Regional Affiliate levels, serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, all U.S. overseas military bases, and Canada. Regional Affiliate Award programs are hosted in 79 locations nationwide. The NCWIT AiC High School Award is sponsored by Bank of America, Critical Role Foundation, Jane Street, and Microsoft.
Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship - Deadline 10/31/26 - created to help close the skills gap by supporting men and women who want to learn a trade, show up early, stay late, and take pride in doing a job well done. If you’re pursuing training in the skilled trades–welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, construction, or dozens of other in-demand careers–we want to help you get the training you need without taking on a mountain of debt.
The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition - Deadline 10/31/26 - Open to high school students. To enter, you must record an original three - to five-minute audio essay on the following topic: "What a Veteran Taught Me About America." Award Amount: $35,000
Able Flight Scholarships (Deadline - 10/31/26) - Must be 17 years or older. Above all, candidates must be dedicated to the idea that they, too, can change their lives by learning to fly or training for a career in aviation. Able Flight encourages people with a variety of physical disabilities to apply for a scholarship.
Unigo Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship (Deadline 10/31/26) - Must be 14 years of age or older at time of submission. Hone your survival tactics and imagine what your school or college campus might be like in a zombie apocalypse. Our Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship committee wants to know your plan to avoid the zombies, where you’d hide, and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive. We're giving one successful survivor $2,000 towards his or her college education. Do you think you have what it takes to make the cut? Submit an online written response to the question: The "Imagine that your high school or college has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies, and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you’d hide and the top-five things you’d bring to stay alive." (250 words or less)
American Indian Services Trade Scholarship - Deadline 11/1/26
Each trade program has its own registration requirements and deadlines, it is important that you have completed all registration requirements prior to applying for the AIS Trade School Scholarship. ALL required documents need to be uploaded to the student’s application and are due by the deadline.
Roy G. Post Scholarship (Deadline 11/1/26) - The Roy G. Post Foundation has awarded scholarships to more than 450 undergraduate and graduate students from all around the world. The recipients of the Post Foundation scholarships are a group of extremely accomplished and outstanding & driven students who excel both inside and outside of their academic role. $5,000 for undergraduates. Must be pursuing a two-year, four-year undergraduate, graduate or accredited alternative education program. Must be enrolled or accepted into a program related to the nuclear or radioactive waste industries, including fields such as nuclear engineering, radiation protection, environmental science, environmental engineering, accounting, finance, information technology, or other related disciplines.
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards (Deadline 11/1/26) - The Youth Awards was founded in 1998 by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Now entering its 27th year, the Youth Awards honors Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Community Service, Education, Engineering, Entrepreneurship & Business, Green Sustainability, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, Public Service & Social Justice, and Technology. Award: varies, up to $4,000
Chic-fil-A Community Scholarship - Deadline 11/3/26 - Chick-fil-A, Inc. grants scholarships to up to 13 community service-minded leaders from across the country who are not directly affiliated with Chick-fil-A, Inc. or a Chick-fil-A® restaurant. These students also demonstrate leadership and academic excellence. In addition to a $25,000 scholarship, Chick-fil-A Community Scholar award recipients are part of an annual cohort of leaders who receive a year of mentoring and professional development.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship - Deadline 11/11/26: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation supports talented musicians from limited financial backgrounds through its scholarship programs and sponsorship of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. The Foundation recognizes that musically talented youth from low-income families often lack the funding for private lessons, master classes, quality instruments, summer programs, and performance experiences. These musicians miss out on the creativity and stimulation that comes from being surrounded by an ensemble of talented peers sharing high music aspirations and being led by inspiring faculty.
Scholarship Details
Award amount: $10,000 scholarship for 20 young musicians each year
Opportunity to perform on NPR and PBS's From the Top
Includes arts leadership training
Elks Most Valuable Student - Deadline 11/12/26 - The Most Valuable Student Competition is open to high school seniors. You must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this award. Selection for this award is based on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Award Amount: $1,000 - $7,500
Empowering Women in Tech (Deadline 11/15/26) - Designli is excited to award a $3,000 scholarship to a female high school, college, or graduate student from the U.S. interested in technology and entrepreneurship. While we have the privilege of working with many amazing female entrepreneurs and are successful in no small part due to the women working within our own company, we recognize that women are underrepresented in the field of technology and want to do our part to change that. Greater diversity of perspectives breeds more innovative ideas, so in our minds, creating more opportunities for women in technology is a no-brainer. In 1,000 words, tell us what motivates and inspires you to pursue a career in technology or as an entrepreneur, and discuss the challenges, benefits, and opportunities for women in technology.
Education Matters (Deadline 11/30/26) - Open to US students who are 14 years of age and older. Submit an online written response to the question: The "What would you say to someone who thinks education doesn't matter, or that college is a waste of time and money?" (250 words or less). The Education Matters Scholarship winner will be notified by email or phone on or around Feb 28th.
AWS Welder Training Scholarship (Deadline 11/30/26) - The current application cycle is open to students attending school or training in the next year. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of an AWS District. View the AWS District and Section Map on the site. Applicant must be planning to attend a trade school, community college, or other facility providing welder training.
Overcoming the Impossible Scholarship (Deadline 11/30/26) - No one can put a price on someone’s life or well-being. The struggle and challenges that surround a traumatic event, like a traffic collision or a personal injury, can leave them in a shadow of themselves. Overcoming that tragedy makes you stronger for yourself and others who hear your story. We are proud to announce the return of our scholarship, the Overcoming the Impossible Scholarship. We want to hear how people face the impossible and how others can learn from their experiences.
Mental Health Education Scholarship Program (Deadline 11/30 and 5/31) - To help raise awareness about the causes, consequences, and treatment of addiction, Seasons in Malibu is offering a $1,500 scholarship to students who are entering college or currently enrolled in a higher education program. The aim of the scholarship is to bring attention to why addiction, in various forms, is becoming more prevalent in our society and how can we address the issue of an increasing number of people dealing with addiction. The scholarship is open to any major who can shed light on this issue. It may be a personal story that you can share or a more researched essay.
American Red Cross - Leaders Save Lives Scholarship - A few requirements include: Student must be currently enrolled in high school, college, university, technical school, trade school, or community college. Applicant must host an American Red Cross blood drive in the United States scheduled between Dec. 15, 2026 – Jan. 15, 2027.
AvaCare Medical Scholarship - Deadline 12/15/26 - Available to students who are pursuing a degree in a medical field. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for this award. Additionally, you must submit an essay, video, or image that describes or represents an act of kindness that inspired you. Preference will be given to students with a physical disability.
Doodle for Google Scholarship (Deadline 12/17/26) - Open to students ages 13 and older. The National winner receives a $55,000 college scholarship, $50,000 in tech for their school, Google hardware, and their Doodle featured on Google for a day. Five National Finalists will receive a $5,000 college scholarship, Google hardware, and swag. Additionally, 55 state and territory winners receive Google hardware and acknowledgment on the Doodle for Google gallery. Submissions can be in any medium, including crayons, clay, found objects, digital art, video, etc. Submissions will be judged based on artistic merit, creativity, and theme communication. Doodles may not be AI-generated. This year's Doodle for Google theme: "My superpower is..." Fun Fact: This year's guest judges are NBA All-Star and philanthropist Giannis Antetokounmpo and National Teacher of the Year Ashlie Crosson.
Autism Scholarship Contest (Deadline 12/18/26) - The Kelly Law Team is delighted to announce that it will be sponsoring a contest for the award of an educational scholarship. This aspect of the firm’s involvement with the community has been ongoing since 2015, and for the fifth time the scholarship will be awarded to a person diagnosed with autism (also known as autism spectrum disorder, or ASD). Eligibility for the scholarship is quite simple. An applicants must (a) be citizens of the United States, (b) diagnosed with autism, (c) who would like to further their education beyond the secondary school (high school) level. We do not require that an applicant be enrolled in any educational institution or program when the application is submitted. We also reserve the right to ask you for verification of your ASD diagnosis.
Unigo $10,000 Scholarship (Deadline 12/31/26) - Open to students ages 14 and older. Submit an online written response to the question: "Would you rather be smart, funny or rich? Why?" (250 words or less). The Unigo $10K Scholarship winner will be notified by email or phone on or around March 31st.
Top 10 List Scholarship (Deadline 12/31/26) - Submit an online written response to the question: The "Create a Top Ten List of the top ten reasons you should get this scholarship." (250 words or less). With so many awards based on grades and extracurricular activities, this unique scholarship gives you the chance to show what's truly special and different about you. Get creative, be serious, or tug at their heart strings. Whatever you do, you only have ten reasons to convince them, so make each one count.
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest: Deadline 12/31/26 (2nd round) - Regions Bank awards quarterly scholarships of $8,000 each to the student with the best video or written essay. The topic of students' written or video essays must be about an individual they know personally who lives in their community; the essay must address how the individual has inspired the applicant and helped them build the confidence they need to achieve their goals.
Age 16 or older
Have at least one 1 year (or at least 18 semester hours) remaining before college graduation
If you are not yet in college, begin your freshman year of college either the semester following application or the year after
Minimum GPA of 2.0 and good academic standing
Not a previous winner of a Regions Riding Forward Quarterly Contest
LawnStarter Lawntrepreneur Scholarship (Deadline 12/31/26) - The Lawntrepreneur Scholarship is our way of funding tomorrow’s top entrepreneurs. Maybe you sowed the seeds of your entrepreneurial spirit by starting a lawn care company in high school. Maybe you’re planning on building the next big landscaping company. Either way, if you've got the entrepreneurial bug in you, then we want to help fund your dream. We’re fixing the large and disorganized lawn care industry, and we’re willing to grant $1000 to any student we believe has the potential to change the world through entrepreneurship. If you are interested in starting your own business, we'd love to hear from you.
Healthcare Leaders Scholarship (Deadline 12/31/26) - The Nurse.org $1,500 Healthcare Leaders scholarship is offered to students entering, or currently pursuing, an educational program related to nursing or medicine. Applicants must be US citizens, at least 17 years of age, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Automotive Women's Association Scholarship (Deadline 1/2/27; awarded quarterly) - Scholarships are awarded to female with North American citizenship and a passion for a career or advancement in the automotive, mobility and its related industries. To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants should be already accepted to or enrolled in an accredited collegiate program, with a 3.0 or higher GPA and a citizen within North America. We accept applications throughout the year.
John Lennon Award (Deadline 1/15/27) - Annual competition open to student songwriters and composers of contemporary musical genres including alternative, pop, rock, indie, electronica, R&B, and experimental. Established in 1997 by Yoko Ono in conjunction with the BMI Foundation, this prestigious award honors the memory of John Lennon and supports talented emerging songwriters. Three scholarships totaling $20,000 are awarded each year for the best original songs submitted to the competition.
Dolly Parton Songwriters Award (Deadline 1/15/27) - A prestigious annual competition designed for aspiring songwriters across the nation. Established in 2015, originally as the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship, this award offers a generous grant of $20,000 for up to two individuals. The grant supports various professional expenses, including study, instrument purchase, recording costs, and more, extending beyond just tuition costs. It welcomes original song entries in genres like Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, or roots.
DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship (Deadline 1/31/27) - This award ($11,500) recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
Jet Future Business Leaders Scholarship (Deadlines January and July) - Jet Insurance Company invests in the future business leaders of America. This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled college students who are interested in pursuing a career in business.
Appily $5,000 Scholarship-Deadline 2/28/27 - This school year, the Meet Appily Scholarships award four $5,000 scholarships—one each for students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Students simply create a free Appily account to apply. No essays, transcripts, or recommendation letters required.
Science Without Borders® Challenge (Deadline 3/1/27) - An international art contest that teaches students about important ocean science and conservation issues. The Challenge is free to enter, open to primary and secondary school students 11-19 years old. Art competition focused on ocean conservation. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age category (11-14 years and 15-19).
Life on Purpose Scholarship (Deadline 3/1/27) - Scholarships provided for college tuition and expenses to students who demonstrate an interest in developing their unique potential in and beyond the classroom and using their talents to foster the well-being of themselves and others. This scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years ($10,000 per year) pending all requirements are met. Eligibility includes: must be a high school senior planning to enroll in a 4-year institution, have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0, submit ACT or SAT scores, and demonstrated interest in fostering personal and community well-being.
Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship - Deadline 3/8/27 - Contest is open to students who are at least 14 years of age. To enter, you must submit an original design for a Christmas card, holiday card, birthday card, or all - occasion greeting card. All designs or photographs must be the original work of the applicant.
Be the Boss Scholarship (Deadline 3/15) - A scholarship for women who want to be the boss! To apply, complete the online application and send a link to your business plan for a business. Include 2-3 sentences (or more, if you need to) on Problem, Solution, Market Opportunity / Competition, Business Model, Go-To-Market Plan and Team.
Kochar & Co. Scholarship (Deadline 3/31/27) - To be eligible for the "Kochhar & Co. Scholarship" a student must: 1)Be attending college or university on a full-time or part-time basis no later than September 2027; 2)Have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or greater during their last academic year; 3)Submit an answer to the essay question no later than 11:59 PM EST on the day of the deadline; 4)Be a resident of US or Canada. Note that you can be enrolled in any field of study. Essay question: In under 1000 words, please answer only ONE of the following questions: 1) "What are the three most important things that an Accountant does for a Company?" OR 2) "What are the three most important things that an Accountant does for an Individual?"
Americans Against Gun Violence National HS Essay Contest (Deadline 4/18/27) - Americans Against Gun Violence is pleased to announce that our National High School Essay Contest is now open for student entries. We’ll be awarding at least $15,000 in total scholarships again this year distributed among 12 winners, with the option of giving additional awards, as we’ve done in most past years, if there are more than 12 outstanding essays.
AGL Over the Rainbow Scholarship (Deadline 5/1/27) - The Blooming Artist Award is an annual scholarship gifted to a high school fine arts student who continues their education at a college level, who exhibits a love for their craft and a dedication to their community. Each applicant must submit the following: A short video (three minutes) or sample of your highlighted performances or artwork; A resume of your musical, theatre, art, or chorus background; Up to three letters of reference from teachers or mentors; and A copy of the acceptance letter from the college you will be attending in the fall. If timing makes this impossible, a listing of your applications with plans to attend. The number of recipients will vary.
Mental Health Education Scholarship Program (Deadline 11/30 and 5/31) - To help raise awareness about the causes, consequences, and treatment of addiction, Seasons in Malibu is offering a $1,500 scholarship to students who are entering college or currently enrolled in a higher education program. The aim of the scholarship is to bring attention to why addiction, in various forms, is becoming more prevalent in our society and how can we address the issue of an increasing number of people dealing with addiction. The scholarship is open to any major who can shed light on this issue. It may be a personal story that you can share or a more researched essay.
Leon Harris/Les Nichols Memorial Scholarship (Not yet open) - Open to students who plan to pursue an associate's degree in applied science in aviation electronics (avionics) at the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology campus in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The applicant must not be currently enrolled in the avionics program at Spartan. Scholarship winners will be announced in April. Award Amount: $35,000
ASC Scholars Program (Not open yet) - U.S. high school senior and undergraduate minority students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and plan to enroll full time are eligible for this award. Students must be planning to pursue a career in the chemical sciences and majoring in an appropriate chemical science field.
John & Elsa Gracik Scholarship (Not open yet) - This award is for U.S. citizens who will be undergraduates enrolled full time in an ABET-accredited or substantially equivalent mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology or related baccalaureate program in the United States in the upcoming academic year. Students must demonstrate scholastic ability and financial need.
Hispanich Scholarship Fund General Scholarship Program (Not yet open) - Scholarships awarded through this program are available on a competitive basis to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, community college transfer students, and graduate students who are of Hispanic heritage. The applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
American Postal Workers Union Scholarship (Not open yet) - U.S. citizens who are high school seniors planning to pursue a postsecondary occupational education (vocational/technical) program are eligible for this $3,000 award. Students must be the child or grandchild, including stepchild or legally adopted child, of an active member, Retirees Department member, or deceased member of the American Postal Workers Union.
#LiveLikeMarlie Scholarship (Not open yet, deadline possibly around April) - The #LiveLikeMarlie Scholarship honors students across York County who embody the values that defined Marlie’s life: kindness, compassion, humility, inclusivity, and responsibility. This award supports students who lead with heart and strive to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.
101 Scholarship (Class 101 Scholarship) (Not open yet, deadline possibly around March) - Since 2017, Class 101 has sponsored the 101 Scholars Program, giving students nationwide the opportunity to compete for $3,000 to help them make college more affordable. This year, four scholarships will be awarded to applicants who demonstrate excellence in leadership, community involvement and academic achievement.
This list is not exhaustive, but it's a great start! Click here for the online version.
Click the image or HERE to be directed to Scholarships and Grants for SC Residents
Scholarship: A money-based award specifically designated for education-related expenses. Eligibility for scholarships varies by program, and awards may be based on merit, talent, or academic performance.
Grant: A gift aid awarded to students often based on financial need. Grants are often awarded from state and federal governments, nonprofit organizations, and schools.
Loan: Money that you borrow with the expectation that you will pay it back within a deadline laid out by your lender.
For more information, read Understanding Types of Financial Aid.
FAFSA Opens October 1st! Visit the Federal Aid YouTube Channel for helpful playlists to guide you through FAFSA completion. When you complete the FAFSA, you may be asked to invite additional members of your family to provide their financial information. This resource explains the FAFSA process, including who must provide information and what happens after submission. Note that states and colleges have different FAFSA deadlines. Check colleges’ financial aid pages for deadlines. Use this resource to find your state FAFSA deadline. Each state also has local resources to help complete the FAFSA.
SC Student Loan Corporation - Paying for college can feel complicated, but starting early can make the process much more manageable. Jonathan Rhodes of the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation shares practical advice for students and families in this article and video, from completing the FAFSA and searching for scholarships to understanding the true cost of college and making a plan to pay for it.
Writing the "Community College Essay" - Students applying to college this year will inevitably confront the community essay. In fact, most students will end up responding to several community essay prompts for different schools. For this reason, you should know more than simply how to approach the community essay as a genre. Rather, you will want to learn how to decipher the nuances of each particular prompt in order to adapt your response appropriately. This blog will tell students about:
What is the community essay?
How to break down community essay prompts
How to write your first community essay
How to adapt your community essay
What to avoid while writing
Community essay examples & analysis
The "why-this-major" essay is rarely a commitment to a major. It's a way for admissions officers to see what a student is interested in, how they've already pursued it, and how they'd use the college's resources. This guide walks through researching, structuring, and adapting it.
Check out the Top 25 Undergraduate Engineering Programs!
Because colleges don’t all ask for grades the same way, it pays to know exactly what each school wants before you hit submit. Click on this report to find a table that covers 365 colleges and shows, at a glance, whether they ask for an official transcript, a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), self-reported grades in the Common App, and/or a Secondary School Report/School Profile from your counselor.