College education is an essential stepping stone for many students, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Scholarships are a great way for students to fund their education without incurring massive student loans. In 2023, numerous scholarships are available to students of all backgrounds and educational levels. These scholarships can help reduce the financial burden of tuition, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits.
In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best college scholarships in 2023, covering a wide range of fields, interests, and eligibility criteria. By applying for these scholarships, students can make their dream of a college education more affordable and attainable. So, let’s dive in and explore the best opportunities that 2023 has to offer!
Year-Round Scholarships
These scholarships are available throughout the year, offering students multiple opportunities to apply and secure financial aid. The combined value of these scholarships is $4,500.
1. Courage to Grow Scholarship
- Deadline: End of each month
- Available to: High school juniors and seniors or college students
- Amount: $500
The Courage to Grow Scholarship encourages students to demonstrate their dedication and determination by applying for financial aid each month. Applicants must submit an essay of 250 words or less explaining why they deserve the scholarship.
2. Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship
- Deadline: March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, and Dec. 31
- Available to: High school, college, and graduate students
- Amount: $1,000
The Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship selects its winner through a random drawing. Students can reenter for a new drawing every quarter, making it an easy opportunity to secure financial aid.
3. Debt.com Scholarship for Aggressive Scholarship Applicants
- Deadline: The first of every other month
- Available to: Anyone who can provide proof that they’ve applied for multiple college scholarships and submits a short letter about themselves
- Amount: $500
The Scholarship for Aggressive Scholarship Applicants rewards students for their persistence in applying for various scholarships. The goal is to promote financial independence and encourage students to fight their way to a debt-free education.
4. SmarterCollege Scholarship
- Deadline: The last day of every month
- Available to: Students 17 years of age or older who are high school seniors, college students, or college graduates paying back student loans
- Amount: $2,500
The SmarterCollege Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship awarded to one winner each month. Students can enter every month, increasing their chances of winning financial aid.
Scholarships with a May 2023 Deadline
These scholarships cater to students in various fields, including film archiving and the number five. The combined value of these scholarships is $5,500.
5. Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA) Sony Pictures Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31, 2023 (opens February 2023)
- Available to: Graduate-level students with at least a 3.0 GPA and a commitment to the preservation of moving images
- Amount: $4,000
The AMIA Sony Pictures Scholarship provides financial aid to students committed to preserving moving images. Applicants must submit an essay of fewer than 1,000 words describing their major field of study, interest in archiving moving images, relevant experience, and career goals.
6. Fifth Month Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31, 2023
- Available to: Students 14 and up
- Amount: $1,500
The Fifth Month Scholarship challenges students to write a letter to the number five. In the letter, applicants should explain why the number five is so important in 250 words or less. Both serious and humorous entries are encouraged.
Scholarships with a June 2023 Deadline
These scholarships focus on food and the culinary arts, the ocean, easy money, prom, and empowering women. The combined value of these scholarships is over $25,000.
7. Stuck at Prom Scholarship
- Deadline: June 8, 2023 (opens March 30, 2023, at noon ET)
- Available to: Students 14 years old and up in high school
- Amount: $10,000 in the Dress category and $10,000 in the Tux category, $500 (eight runners-up)
The Stuck at Prom Scholarship challenges students to create and wear their prom attire made entirely of Duck brand duct tape. Applicants must submit at least one photo of themselves wearing their duct tape creation to be eligible for the scholarship.
8. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest
- Deadline: June 13, 2023
- Available to: Students 11 – 18 years old from around the world
- Amount: up to $1,500
The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest invites students to create a piece of art, write an essay, produce a film, or perform an original piece on the topic “The Funny Thing About Climate Change.” Applicants should explore the connection between climate change and its impact on the ocean.
9. GoFoodservice Scholarship
- Deadline: June 15, 2023
- Available to: High school seniors planning to attend college in the fall or current culinary arts students
- Amount: $500
The GoFoodservice Scholarship is available to students pursuing a career in the culinary arts or other hospitality professions. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay describing their interest in culinary arts and what they hope to bring to the industry.
10. National Potato Council Scholarship
- Deadline: June 24, 2023
- Available to: Graduate students actively involved in research to help the potato industry
- Amount: $10,000
