Every year, hundreds of millions in scholarship money goes unclaimed because students don't apply. Here are the top opportunities for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Major National Scholarships
- Coca-Cola Scholars: $20,000. 150 awarded annually. Deadline: October 31.
- Gates Scholarship: Full ride. For Pell-eligible minorities. Deadline: September 15.
- Elks Most Valuable Student: Up to $50,000. 500 awards. Deadline: November 5.
- Regeneron Science Talent Search: Up to $250,000. For STEM students. Deadline: November 12.
Easy-to-Win Scholarships
Many smaller scholarships ($500-$2,000) receive fewer than 100 applicants. Local community foundations, Rotary clubs, and professional associations offer thousands of these. Check with your school counselor and sites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com.
Tips to Win
Apply to at least 20 scholarships. Customize each essay — generic applications rarely win. Start early, meet every deadline, and follow instructions precisely. Even small scholarships add up — ten $1,000 scholarships equals $10,000.
