Top 40 Prestigious Scholarships in September 2024

Written by Zach Skillings

Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts.

While every scholarship is special, some are more distinguished than others. The most prestigious scholarships are extremely selective, but offer incredibly high award amounts. Our list contains both undergraduate and graduate scholarships for students based in the U.S. Read on to see if you find a good fit in one of these prestigious scholarships. Good luck!

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The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

• The scholarship requires a fee to apply
• The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
• The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
• Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
• The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
• The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
• The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
• There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
• The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
• There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!

* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Offered by Scholarships360

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Offered by Niche

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Questbridge National College Match Scholarship

Offered by Questbridge

Offered by Questbridge

Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that their dream colleges are financially out of reach? If so, we…Show More

Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that their dream colleges are financially out of reach? If so, we…Show More

Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that their dream colleges are financially out of reach? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Questbridge National College Match Scholarship! Through this scholarship application process, you will be able to apply to the U.S.’s top colleges for free and be considered for early admission, as well as a full, four-year scholarship. If you win and are “matched” with a school, the scholarship will cover the costs of your tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and even travel costs! You nor your parents will be required to pay for college or take out any student loans. Rather, you will be expected to keep up the good work and potentially make a small contribution in the form of federal work-study, summer work, or summer savings. The scholarship process is hosted by Questbridge, “a powerful platform that connects the nation's brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities.” If you’re an academically excellent high school senior from a low-income background, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Offered by Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Coca Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

Offered by Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Offered by Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Are you a college-bound high school senior with a passion for helping others? If so, consider applying for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship! Each year,…Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior with a passion for helping others? If so, consider applying for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship! Each year,…Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior with a passion for helping others? If so, consider applying for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $20,000 to 150 lucky graduating high school seniors who plan on enrolling in a U.S. postsecondary institution for the upcoming school year. The scholarship is offered by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, an organization that serves to invest in promising high school seniors who are dedicated to service and leadership. If this sounds like you and you need some help paying off college costs, we encourage you to apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship!Show Less

BigFuture $40k Essay-Free Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Offered by The College Board

Open to US-Based high school students in the class of 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Open to US-Based high school students in the class of 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Open to US-Based high school students in the class of 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Offered by Elks National Foundation

Offered by Elks National Foundation

Are you a U.S. citizen and high school senior (or the equivalent) planning on enrolling full-time in a postsecondary institution in the U.S.? If so,…Show More

Are you a U.S. citizen and high school senior (or the equivalent) planning on enrolling full-time in a postsecondary institution in the U.S.? If so,…Show More

Are you a U.S. citizen and high school senior (or the equivalent) planning on enrolling full-time in a postsecondary institution in the U.S.? If so, consider applying for the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards 500 (yes, 500!) four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants. The scholarships range from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year - totaling between $4,000 and $30,000 in aid over the course of one’s undergraduate career. If you’re a U.S. citizen currently in your last year of high school with plans to attend a U.S. post-secondary institution full-time, we encourage you to apply for the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship!Show Less

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship

Offered by Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Offered by Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Are you a high-achieving high school senior who will need financial help to attend the college(s) of your dreams? If so, consider applying for the…Show More

Are you a high-achieving high school senior who will need financial help to attend the college(s) of your dreams? If so, consider applying for the…Show More

Are you a high-achieving high school senior who will need financial help to attend the college(s) of your dreams? If so, consider applying for the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship! This prestigious scholarship offers winning applicants up to $55,000 per year. In addition to monetary awards, winners receive college planning support, advising, and networking opportunities. The scholarship is funded by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded more than $222 million in scholarships. The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship typically accepts applications from August until mid-November, each year. If you’re an academically excellent high school senior looking for some financial help to attend college, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Offered by CollegeXpress

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Barry Goldwater Scholarship

Offered by The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation

Offered by The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation

Are you a current college student interested in pursuing a research career in a STEM field? If so, consider applying for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship!…Show More

Are you a current college student interested in pursuing a research career in a STEM field? If so, consider applying for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship!…Show More

Are you a current college student interested in pursuing a research career in a STEM field? If so, consider applying for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship! The scholarship is open to nominated applicants who are college sophomores or juniors studying and conducting research in a STEM field. The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation offers scholarships to STEM students across the country to help ensure that the U.S. is producing enough "highly-qualified professionals" in these critical fields. This particular scholarship serves as a memorial for Barry Goldwater, a former air force officer and senator for 30 years. Recipients of the scholarship receive up to $7,500 to help pay for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. If you are a STEM major passionate about a future research career, we encourage you to apply! Bear in mind that this scholarship runs from the first Tuesday in September to the last Friday in January, every year.Show Less

Golden Door Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Golden Door Scholars

Offered by Golden Door Scholars

Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student who is undocumented or has DACA status? Further, are you pursuing a degree or career in a…Show More

Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student who is undocumented or has DACA status? Further, are you pursuing a degree or career in a…Show More

Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student who is undocumented or has DACA status? Further, are you pursuing a degree or career in a STEM, nursing, or business-related field? If so, you may be eligible for the Golden Door Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards the cost of tuition, room, and board to multiple undocumented/DACA students who demonstrate financial need and are attending a partner school (see full list of partner schools under "Eligibility Information"). Applicants not attending a partner school will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you're an undocumented or DACA student pursuing your first undergraduate degree, and you demonstrate financial need, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Offered by Appily

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

The Rhodes Scholarship

Offered by The Rhodes Trust

Offered by The Rhodes Trust

Are you interested in studying abroad at the University of Oxford? If so, consider applying for the Rhodes Scholarship! The prestigious scholarship is open to…Show More

Are you interested in studying abroad at the University of Oxford? If so, consider applying for the Rhodes Scholarship! The prestigious scholarship is open to…Show More

Are you interested in studying abroad at the University of Oxford? If so, consider applying for the Rhodes Scholarship! The prestigious scholarship is open to students who have completed or are about to complete their undergraduate degree and wish to complete graduate-level study at Oxford. It is offered by The Rhodes Trust, an educational charity that "brings together and develops exceptional people who are displeased with the way things are and have the courage to make a change." Each year, 32 students are selected from around the globe to receive a full-ride scholarship to the university and a monthly stipend that covers living expenses and accommodations. If you are an exceptional student who wants to study abroad and earn a graduate or postgraduate degree in Oxford at no cost, we encourage you to apply! To find out what is specifically requested from applicants from your country, check your eligibility on the Rhodes Trust website.Show Less

Virtual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

Offered by U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

Offered by U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

Are you a high school student wanting to learn a foreign language critical to U.S. national security? If so, consider applying for the Virtual National…Show More

Are you a high school student wanting to learn a foreign language critical to U.S. national security? If so, consider applying for the Virtual National…Show More

Are you a high school student wanting to learn a foreign language critical to U.S. national security? If so, consider applying for the Virtual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)! The Virtual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is open to high school students in the U.S. who want to participate in the virtual, 10-week-long NSLI-Y beginner-level foreign language and culture course. The scholarship is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), which utilizes "educational and cultural exchange" programs to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries in order to develop peaceful relations. If selected, the scholarship will cover the full program costs for recipients. Each year typically consists of separate Fall and Winter NSLI-Y Programs, each of which has its own deadline. If you're a high school student with a passion for foreign languages, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Offered by Bold.org

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Flinn Scholarship

Offered by Flinn Foundation

Offered by Flinn Foundation

The Flinn Scholarship, open to Arizona high school seniors, covers recipients' full cost of tuition, fees, housing, and meals at one of Arizona’s public universities,…Show More

The Flinn Scholarship, open to Arizona high school seniors, covers recipients' full cost of tuition, fees, housing, and meals at one of Arizona’s public universities,…Show More

The Flinn Scholarship, open to Arizona high school seniors, covers recipients' full cost of tuition, fees, housing, and meals at one of Arizona’s public universities, plus study abroad. Each year, about 20 top graduating seniors from Arizona are chosen to learn from amazing faculty, business leaders, and civic innovators and join the vibrant, eclectic community of Flinn Scholarship recipients. If you're an academically impressive Arizona high school senior looking for financial help to attend an in-state public university, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Boettcher Foundation Scholarship

Offered by Boettcher Foundation

Offered by Boettcher Foundation

The Boettcher Foundation Scholarship is open to graduating Colorado high school seniors who have lived in Colorado for their full junior and senior years of…Show More

The Boettcher Foundation Scholarship is open to graduating Colorado high school seniors who have lived in Colorado for their full junior and senior years of…Show More

The Boettcher Foundation Scholarship is open to graduating Colorado high school seniors who have lived in Colorado for their full junior and senior years of high school, and who will graduate from a Colorado high school. Selection is based on academic achievement and intellectual curiosity, leadership, service, and character. This $20,000 scholarship is renewable for four years and can be used at select four-year Colorado universities and colleges (see below for list). Bear in mind that the scholarship is offered in two models, each of which are used by separate universities: the Cost of Attendance model and the Tuition & Fees model. We recommend checking out the Boetther Foundation's website to learn more about each model and other eligibility requirements.Show Less

Blakemore Freeman Fellowship

Offered by Blakemore Foundation

Offered by Blakemore Foundation

Are you a bachelor's degree holder pursuing a career that involves the use of an East or Southeast Asian language? If so, consider applying for…Show More

Are you a bachelor's degree holder pursuing a career that involves the use of an East or Southeast Asian language? If so, consider applying for…Show More

Are you a bachelor's degree holder pursuing a career that involves the use of an East or Southeast Asian language? If so, consider applying for the Blakemore Freeman Fellowship! The Blakemore Freeman Fellowship is open to college graduates pursuing a professional, business, or academic career that will require the regular use of East or Southeast Asian languages. Applicants should have already formally studied their target language for at least three years and be willing to partake in extensive language study in an eligible program during the term of the grant. The scholarship is offered by the Blakemore Foundation, a Washington-based charitable trust dedicated to encouraging the use of Asian languages and increasing the understanding of Asian art within the United States. Every year, the fellowship covers tuition, and awards a stipend for related educational expenses, and basic living and transportation costs for the language programs of each of the winning applicants. If you’re looking for some help to pay off your East or Southeast Asian language program, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

Offered by Lilly Endowment Inc.

Offered by Lilly Endowment Inc.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is an incredible, full-ride scholarship opportunity that is exclusively available to undergraduate Indiana residents who have graduated from an…Show More

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is an incredible, full-ride scholarship opportunity that is exclusively available to undergraduate Indiana residents who have graduated from an…Show More

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is an incredible, full-ride scholarship opportunity that is exclusively available to undergraduate Indiana residents who have graduated from an Indiana high school. More than just a scholarship, this program aims to elevate the educational standards in Indiana and promote the invaluable contributions of community foundations. As a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, you'll be encouraged to connect with fellow scholars and state leaders, fostering collaboration to enhance the quality of life in Indiana. Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity to pursue your dreams while making a positive impact on Indiana! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Project GO Scholarship

Offered by Project GO

Offered by Project GO

Are you an ROTC student who wants to improve your language skills, regional expertise, and intercultural communication skills? If so, consider applying for the Project…Show More

Are you an ROTC student who wants to improve your language skills, regional expertise, and intercultural communication skills? If so, consider applying for the Project…Show More

Are you an ROTC student who wants to improve your language skills, regional expertise, and intercultural communication skills? If so, consider applying for the Project GO Scholarship! The Project GO Scholarship is open to ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) and PLC (Marine Platoon Leaders Class) students planning to improve their language skills, regional expertise, and intercultural communication skills. Applicants must also be willing to remain in ROTC or PLC for the duration of their program. The scholarship is sponsored by the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO), a branch of the U.S. Department of Defense that provides strategic direction, supports policy development, and provides oversight for the Military Departments and Defense Agencies on present and future requirements related to language, regional expertise, and culture. The DLNSEO also offers a portfolio of programs that provide language support for the Department. Recipients of the DLNSEO's Project GO Scholarship are awarded the full expenses to cover living costs and accommodations for their program. If you’re an ROTC or PLC member passionate about intercultural communication, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Jump ahead to…

• How to win prestigious scholarships
• Frequently asked questions about prestigious scholarships
• Additional scholarships to explore

How to win prestigious scholarships

If you’re looking into the most prestigious scholarship opportunities, you probably have been successful throughout high school. Odds are you have good grades and test scores that should help you to qualify for these opportunities. That’s great news, but remember, it’s only one part of the application. We’ve put together some tips to help you succeed in the other aspects of prestigious scholarship applications.

Remember, grades aren’t everything

When you submit your application, odds are that your transcript and/or GPA will be included in it. If you have a strong GPA, this is great news for your application. But remember – your GPA speaks for itself; use the rest of your application to highlight the other great things about you.

Try sitting down and making a list of all the things you’re proud of that you’ve accomplished. The accomplishments can range in formality, from winning an academic award to helping teach your younger sibling to read. Make use of this information to highlight your value beyond the number listed in your transcript! Many students earn great grades and test scores; you have to use your application to showcase what makes you unique.

Do your research

One great way to craft a successful scholarship application is to do some research on the mission of the organization offering the scholarship. Tailor each application to the organization you’re applying to. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel each time, but even some minor tweaks to your resume and essays can help make you stand out to the reviewer.

For example, if an organization focuses on working with youth, you should use your essay to discuss the time you volunteered at a summer camp rather than your winning science fair project. Showing that your interests align with theirs is always a great idea.

Apply far and wide

It’s extremely difficult to earn a prestigious scholarship; by nature, they are some of the hardest opportunities to earn out there. Even with a great application, stellar grades, and great test scores, odds are you’ll be rejected by more than a few opportunities.

Remember – a lot of the application process comes down to luck. You could write the best application in the world, but if the reviewer is having a bad day or not paying attention when they read it, you might not make it. On the flipside, if you write about an experience working as a cashier for a summer and your reviewer did the same thing in high school, they might champion your application and ensure you receive the scholarship.

You miss every shot you don’t take, and you lose every scholarship you don’t apply for! The more often you apply, the higher chance there is that you’ll win one of these prestigious scholarships. And don’t let the rejections get you down; the best thing to do is always to go out and keep trying.

Write great essays

Scholarship essays are a very particular form of writing, and it’s worthwhile to accustom yourself to this style in order to write effectively. We’ve put together guides on how to write an essay about yourself and how to start a scholarship essay to help you out. Here are a few additional guides that should come in handy:

• How to write a winning scholarship essay
• How to write a scholarship resume
• How to respond to a “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” prompt
• Tailoring your writing to a 250 or 500 word limit
• “Show, Don’t Tell” essay primer

Frequently asked questions about prestigious scholarships

What GPA do I need to win a prestigious scholarship?

There is no set GPA needed to win a prestigious scholarship. Each opportunity sets its own limits, and many have no formal GPA limit. Check out our list to browse your options!

Where can I find the most prestigious scholarships?

Our list compiles many of the most valuable prestigious scholarships. Also be sure to check in with your high school counselor to see if there are any local scholarships worth applying for!

Additional scholarship categories to explore

• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• Top community service scholarships
• Easy scholarships to apply for
• Top scholarships for women
• Top full ride scholarships

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