Scholarships for Current College Students
Yes, You Can Still Win Scholarships While You’re in College
Many students believe scholarship opportunities end once they begin college. Fortunately, that’s not true. If you’re already enrolled in college, there are still many scholarships for current college students, college scholarships, transfer student scholarships, and college funding opportunities available throughout your academic career. Whether you’re attending a two-year college, four-year university, or returning to school as an adult learner, you may still qualify for scholarships that help reduce college costs and student loan debt.
The scholarship search doesn’t end after high school—it simply changes.
How to Find Scholarships for Current College Students
Many of the same scholarship search strategies used in high school continue to work in college. Start by looking for opportunities that match your background, interests, major, career goals, leadership experience, and community involvement.
Here are several places to begin your search:
- Search for community foundation scholarships in both your hometown and the community where you attend college.
- Explore professional associations and organizations related to your major or career field.
- Look for scholarships offered by employers, civic organizations, religious organizations, nonprofits, and national associations.
- Continue applying for local, regional, and national scholarships throughout each year of college.
- Check with your college’s financial aid office, academic departments, and scholarship office for institutional and departmental awards.
Remember, scholarship opportunities exist for students with a wide range of academic backgrounds—not just those with perfect grades.
Learn More Scholarship Search Strategies
If you’d like a step-by-step approach to finding more scholarships while you’re in college, explore these resources:
- Chapter 18, “Scholarships for Current College Students and Transfer Students,” in Winning Scholarships for College
- Online scholarship classes led by Marianne Ragins
- The Free Scholarship Search section of this website or view this short video for additional information about getting college money.
- The book, Scholarships for Current College Students
- The Scholarship Monthly Planner, updated yearly with scholarship deadlines and planning tips
- Join us on Facebook and Instagram to be alerted about new scholarships and other helpful information.
Scholarship Opportunities for Current College Students
The scholarships below provide a great starting point for your scholarship search. These awards are generally open to students in a variety of majors and fields of study.
Because scholarship deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility requirements may change, always verify the most current information with each sponsoring organization before applying.
Continue Your Scholarship Search Throughout College
The most successful scholarship winners don’t stop applying after their freshman year. New scholarship opportunities become available throughout college, and many students overlook them simply because they assume it’s too late. With the right scholarship search strategies and consistent effort, you can continue finding scholarships, reduce out-of-pocket college expenses, and graduate with less student loan debt.
Start searching today—you may be surprised by how much scholarship money is still available.
| Scholarship/Award | Scholarship/Award Amount | Deadline | Administrator/Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship America Dream Award | Up to $15,000 | December | Scholarship America |
| “Leading the Future” Scholarship | Varies | Early March | The Scholarship Workshop LLC |
| National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Educational Foundation | Varies | Varies | NACA Educational Foundation |
| Ragins/Braswell National Scholarship | Varies | Late April | The Scholarship Workshop LLC |
| Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway | $10,000 to $100,000 | Varies from mid October to mid December | Scholarship America |
| CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program | Up to $18,000 per school year | Mid October | Central Intelligence Agency |

