What better time than New Year’s to seek out a boost to your finances by applying for college scholarships? With the new year comes new opportunities for students to earn money for college, and the scholarships available this coming year focus on a wide range of interests. Review our list below and make sure to read the details in full and apply on time.
Making Waves Scholarship for Women
How to Apply: Write a 250-word essay about a female figure, either from history, current events, or in your personal life, who inspired you most on your educational journey and explain how her experiences, achievements, values, or guidance have influenced your own academic or personal goals.
Eligibility: Open to women enrolled in high school, college, technical/vocational school, or graduate school during the 2025-26 academic year
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Website: https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/making-waves-scholarship-for-women/
Citizens Bank Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application.
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old and enrolled or intending to enroll at least half time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate postsecondary institution
Amount: Grand prize of $15,000, monthly prizes of $2,500, and quarterly prizes of $2,500
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Website: https://www.citizensbank.com/student-lending/scholarship.aspx
Frame My Future Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit an original entry of your own artwork, photo, essay, or video depicting what you hope to achieve in your personal and professional life after college.
Eligibility: Open to any legal U.S. resident who will be a full-time student at a U.S. college or university in the 2026-27 academic year
Amount: Four awards are available: one $5,000 scholarship, two $2,000 scholarships, and one $1,000 scholarship
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Website: https://www.diplomaframe.com/contests/frame-my-future-scholarship.aspx
CardsDirect Future Designer Scholarship
How to Apply: Design a holiday card with original artwork, photographs, or computer graphics.
Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old and already accepted or enrolled in a postsecondary institution
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Website: https://www.cardsdirect.com/scholarship
College Here I Come Scholarship
How to Apply: Write a 250-word essay on a meaningful activity or project you’ve pursued in the last two years, whether it is community involvement, a personal passion project, or a self-directed learning experience.
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors planning on enrolling in community college, career training programs, or four-year colleges/universities in the fall of 2026
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 31, 2026
Website: https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/college-here-i-come-essay-scholarship-for-high-school-seniors
Please note, most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. Scholarships are one of many sources of funding for college, including savings, current income, and federal and private loans. To learn about the variety of ways to pay for college, visit our Paying for College webpage.
