Can You Get Scholarships While In College? Find Out How

So you’ve landed on campus, finally learned how to make ramen in a coffee pot, and maybe even figured out the maze that is your student portal. But then that tuition bill hits your inbox like a plot twist in a horror movie. You might be wondering, “Wait… is it too late to get scholarships now that I’m already in college? Or is this strictly a high school senior gig?” Good news: it’s not too late. Tons of scholarships are designed specifically for students who are already navigating college life — textbooks, late-night study sessions, and all.

Whether you’re a freshman realising college costs more than your car (and possibly your life), or a junior determined to graduate with less debt dragging behind you like a ball and chain, there are scholarships out there with your name on them. So grab your laptop (or your emotional support coffee), because it’s time to explore how you can still snag free money even while you’re already deep into the college adventure.

Types of Scholarships Available for Current College Students

Whether you’re a high achiever or simply need a little financial boost to make ends meet, there are several types of scholarships open to students already enrolled in college:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: These reward students for academic excellence. If your GPA is strong in college, you may be eligible for departmental or university-wide merit awards.

• Need-Based Scholarships: Designed for students experiencing financial hardship. Some universities reassess aid each year and offer need-based grants or emergency funds.

• Course-Specific or Major-Specific Scholarships: Many academic departments offer scholarships for students in specific majors like engineering, education, science, or the arts.

• Leadership and Involvement Scholarships: If you’re active in student government, clubs, or volunteering, these scholarships reward leadership and civic engagement.

• Identity-Based Scholarships: Targeted toward students from underrepresented communities, such as BIPOC students, women in STEM, LGBTQ+ students, or first-generation college students.

• Private Scholarships: Offered by nonprofits, businesses, churches, and foundations. Many are open to current students and don’t require high GPAs.

• Emergency & Hardship Funds: For students facing unexpected financial difficulty due to family illness, job loss, or personal emergencies.

Who Is Eligible to Apply During College?

The good news? Most scholarships available to current students are open to a wide range of eligibility:

• Undergraduates: Whether you’re in your first or final year, there are scholarships tailored to each stage. Some are even specific to sophomores or juniors.

• Graduate Students: Postgraduate students can access university fellowships, research grants, and professional scholarships.

• Part-Time Students: Some programs don’t require full-time enrollment, especially private scholarships or continuing education funds.

• International Students: Many universities in the UK, US, Canada, and elsewhere offer scholarships to international students already enrolled in programs, though eligibility may vary.

Check the eligibility criteria of each scholarship carefully. Being in college doesn’t exclude you, it may strengthen your application!

When Is the Best Time to Apply for Scholarships in College?

Timing is everything. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you’ll find. Most scholarships for college students follow academic-year cycles:

• January to March is peak scholarship season. Most awards for the upcoming academic year are announced and open during this time.

• Rolling Applications: Many scholarships have no fixed deadline. These can be applied to year-round.

• Semester-Specific Deadlines: Some are only for spring or fall semesters. Make sure you track them using a scholarship planner.

• Emergency Funds: These are usually available at any time through your school’s financial aid office or student services.

Pro tip: Apply at least 6 months before you need the funds. Most scholarships take time to process and award.

Where to Find Scholarships for Enrolled Students

Here’s where most students go wrong: they don’t look beyond what they already know. Use these trusted sources to find hidden gems:

• Your College or University Website: Visit the financial aid page and your academic department’s scholarship section. Many schools offer internal scholarships just for continuing students.

• Faculty Advisors or Academic Counsellors: Ask if your department offers scholarships, awards, or travel grants.

• National and Private Websites:

  • Scholarships.com

  • Niche.com

  • Chegg.com/scholarships

• Local Community Organisations: Look into scholarships from banks, churches, or service clubs in your area.

• Student Clubs and Associations: Ethnic or identity-based clubs sometimes offer funding for conferences, projects, or books.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships While in College

Ready to apply? Here’s how to do it, one step at a time:

1. Update Your Academic Profile
Gather your college transcript, student resume, and course-related achievements. Some scholarships may request proof of enrollment or GPA.

2. Identify What Makes You Stand Out
Are you a minority student? First-gen? A math major with top grades? Use those strengths to narrow down relevant scholarships.

3. Tailor Your Personal Statement
Write a strong personal essay that reflects your goals, challenges, and why the scholarship matters. Make it authentic and focused.

4. Request Recommendations
Ask a professor, advisor, or employer to write a recommendation letter. Give them at least 2–3 weeks’ notice.

5. Organise and Apply Early
Create a spreadsheet of scholarships, deadlines, and requirements. Submit all documents ahead of schedule to avoid technical issues.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for College Scholarships

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Ignoring Internal Scholarships: Many students overlook awards offered by their own university or department.

• Missing Deadlines: Deadlines sneak up fast, use calendar reminders and trackers.

• Applying to Too Few Scholarships: Cast a wide net. Apply to 10 or more to increase your odds.

• Using One Generic Essay: Tailoring your personal statement to each scholarship makes a big difference.

• Overlooking Smaller Awards: A $1,000 scholarship may not sound like much, but a few of those can cover books, food, or travel.

Real Examples of Scholarships You Can Apply for in College

Here are a few scholarships currently open (or expected to open) in 2025 for enrolled students:

• Dell Scholars Program – For students who’ve overcome hardship; provides $20,000, a laptop, and support services.

• Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation – For students with leadership in service and academics.

• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship – Open to students transferring from community colleges.

• Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation – For women with financial need pursuing a degree.

• UNCF and NAACP Scholarships – Dozens of scholarships for Black students.

• University-Specific Awards – Like the Berkeley Undergraduate Prize, UCLA Leadership Awards, and Oxford Academic Achievement Bursaries.

Keep in mind: Each year, new scholarships are launched, so stay plugged in.

FAQs: Common Questions About College Scholarships

Can I get a full-ride scholarship while in college?
Yes, but they’re rare. Most are partial, but several private foundations and universities do offer full awards for exceptional students.

Will scholarships affect my financial aid?
They might. Some scholarships reduce your loan amount, while others can impact need-based aid. Always check with your financial aid office.

Can I reapply every year?
Yes! Some scholarships are renewable; others can be re-applied for annually.

Are scholarships taxable?
If used for tuition and fees, usually not. If used for housing or travel, a portion may be taxable. Consult your university or tax advisor.

Can you get scholarships while in community college?

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The beauty of community college scholarships is that you don’t have to fit one mold to qualify. You could be:

• A first-year or second-year student

• Enrolled full-time or part-time

• A returning adult or single parent

• A DACA recipient or undocumented student (state-dependent)

• An international student attending a U.S. community college

Each scholarship will have its own eligibility rules, but there’s something out there for almost everyone.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships While in Community College

Here’s a simple plan to boost your chances:

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
Even if you don’t think you qualify for federal aid, the FAFSA is often required for other scholarships and need-based aid.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents
This includes transcripts, proof of enrollment, resume, and any previous awards or activities.

Step 3: Write a Strong Personal Statement
Explain your goals, your need for the scholarship, and how it will impact your future. Make it personal and genuine.

Step 4: Request Letters of Recommendation
Ask professors, mentors, or counsellors who know your work ethic. Give them time and context.

Step 5: Apply Early and Often
Track deadlines in a spreadsheet. Some scholarships close months before the term begins, so don’t delay.

Optional: Prepare for interviews. Some higher-value scholarships may require a quick Zoom or in-person meeting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming you don’t qualify: Always check the criteria; you might be the perfect fit.

• Waiting too long: Scholarships have early deadlines.

• Overlooking internal funding: Community college foundations give out thousands annually.

• Using a generic essay for all applications: Tailor each one for best results.

• Ignoring “small” scholarships: Even $500 can pay for books or transit.

Best Scholarships for Community College Students in 2025

Here are some of the top awards you should consider this year:

• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
  Up to $55,000/year for high-achieving community college students transferring to 4-year universities.

• Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship
  $1,000 awards for Phi Theta Kappa members who show academic promise and leadership.

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
  Scholarships for Latinx students pursuing any major; open to 2-year and 4-year college students.

• Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships
  Many community colleges offer awards for members of this honor society.

• Dream.US Scholarships
  For undocumented students attending partner community colleges and universities.

• Dell Scholars Program
  $20,000 plus support services for students with financial need and grit.

• Local Foundation Scholarships
  Check your community college’s foundation or endowment. Most students overlook these!

Conclusion

Getting a scholarship in college isn’t just possible, it’s often overlooked. Students assume the window has closed once classes start, but the truth is, new doors are opening every semester. Whether it’s a $500 departmental grant or a full-ride for academic excellence, there are countless funding opportunities just waiting to be claimed.

The best part? You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be persistent. Start with one application, one essay, one deadline. The money is out there, and someone is going to win it why not you?

Let your scholarship journey start now, right where you are.