In 2025, students have more opportunities than ever to reduce the financial stress of higher education through scholarships. With the rising cost of tuition and living expenses, finding the right scholarship can make a meaningful difference in a student’s academic journey. This article explores some of the top scholarships available in 2025 that are helping students succeed.
1. The Gates Scholarship
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this prestigious scholarship covers the full cost of attendance for outstanding minority students from low-income households. It supports not just tuition, but also books, housing, and other educational expenses.
Eligibility Highlights:
High academic achievement
Demonstrated leadership abilities
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
2. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Foundation annually awards 150 high school seniors with scholarships of $20,000 each. The program honors students who show academic excellence and a strong commitment to community service.
Eligibility Highlights:
U.S. high school senior
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Proven leadership in school or community
3. Dell Scholars Program
Aimed at students who have overcome significant challenges, the Dell Scholars Program provides not only financial assistance but also personalized support services and a laptop.
Eligibility Highlights:
Participation in a college-readiness program
Demonstrated financial need
Minimum 2.4 GPA
4. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship supports high-achieving students with financial need, offering up to $55,000 per year for undergraduate study at any accredited four-year institution.
Eligibility Highlights:
Exceptional academic record
Strong recommendations
Demonstrated unmet financial need
5. National Merit Scholarship Program
This academic competition awards scholarships to students who score highly on the PSAT/NMSQT. Semi-finalists must meet additional academic and endorsement criteria to move forward.
Eligibility Highlights:
PSAT/NMSQT performance
Enrollment in a U.S. high school
Academic achievement
6. Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
The HSF provides merit-based and need-based scholarships to students of Hispanic heritage, ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Eligibility Highlights:
Hispanic heritage
Minimum 3.0 GPA for high school students
Plan to enroll full-time in a U.S. college
7. UNCF Scholarships
The United Negro College Fund manages a wide range of scholarships for African American students pursuing college degrees. Some are based on academic merit, others on financial need or specific areas of study.
Eligibility Highlights:
African American heritage
Enrolled or planning to enroll at an accredited college
Various GPA and field-of-study requirements
8. Google Generation Scholarship
This scholarship supports students pursuing computer science degrees, with an emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups in tech.
Eligibility Highlights:
Pursuing a degree in computer science or related field
Strong academic record
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
9. Burger King Scholars Program
This program awards scholarships to high school seniors, employees, and their family members based on academic performance and community involvement.
Eligibility Highlights:
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Community service experience
Planning to enroll in a post-secondary institution
10. Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Elks Foundation provides scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic performance, and financial need.
Eligibility Highlights:
U.S. citizenship
Enrollment in a four-year college
Competitive application process
Final Thoughts
Securing a scholarship in 2025 requires dedication, research, and timely application submissions. Students are encouraged to start early, keep track of deadlines, and apply to multiple opportunities. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also open doors to mentorship, networking, and academic support—setting students on a path to long-term success.
