10 Top-Dollar Fall Scholarships for High School Seniors

Fall is a stressful time for high school seniors. With college around the corner, any precious time away from class is spent on applications and test prep, personal essays and campus visits.

Oh, and figuring out how to pay for that looming tuition bill.

The fact is: College is expensive. But scholarships can be a smart way to finance a degree. They’re basically free money, so if you can land one, you’re golden. 

Looking to fight your college-search sticker shock? Here are 10 big-money scholarships accepting applications this fall.

No. 1: ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Giveaway

Award: $10,000

Deadline: Monthly drawing

How to apply: Start by creating a profile.

Eligibility: High school students

ScholarshipPoints awards $10,000 for simply signing up and earning points — no essay or application needed! Earn points by taking surveys, reading articles, interacting on social, and playing games. Each point is an entry to win the scholarship drawing. The more points you earn, the more entries you have to win. There’s a new winner each month and often multiple monthly drawings.

No. 2: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

Award: $40,000

Deadline: October 30, 2020

How to apply: Submit a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation application here.

Eligibility: High school seniors

The Cooke Foundation awards up to $40,000 per year to students based on academic achievement and financial need. Applicants must be high school seniors with financial need. The program also offers personal mentorship on selecting a school, navigating financial aid, and transitioning to college.

No. 3: Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway

Award: $100,000

Deadline: October 17, 2020

How to apply: Create your Dr Pepper profile here.

Eligibility: Students between the ages of 18 and 24

Dr Pepper awards students who dream big and want to change the world. Applicants must be students between the ages of 18 and 24. Enter by creating a profile, describing your goal, and uploading a video submission. The committee will select finalists to throw at a college football conference championship.

No. 4: Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program

Award: $25,000

Deadline: October 25, 2020

How to apply: Click here to submit your application for the Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program.

Eligibility: High school seniors

The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the largest financial aid programs in the country. It assists high school students who have faced and overcome adversity. The national scholarship is awarded to eligible students in all 50 states; Washington, D.C.; and Puerto Rico. In addition to the scholarship award, recipients receive a paid trip to attend the National Scholars Conference in Washington, D.C.

No. 5: Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Award: $20,000

Deadline: October 31, 2020

How to apply: Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program here.

Eligibility: High school seniors

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program recognizes high-achieving seniors who lead and serve. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to making an impact in their schools and communities. Each year, 150 students are selected to receive the $20,000 scholarship.

No. 6: National Eagle Scout Association STEM Scholarship

Award: $50,000

Deadline: October 31, 2020

How to apply: Submit an application for the STEM scholarship here.

Eligibility: High school seniors

Are you an Eagle Scout? This scholarship is for you. The National Eagle Scout Association awards an annual scholarship to high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees. Applicants must be high school seniors, Eagle Scouts, and meet minimum test score requirements.

No. 7: Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition

Award: $30,000

Deadline: October 31, 2020

How to apply: Learn more about the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program.

Eligibility: High school students

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition awards scholarship money for the best response to a yearly prompt. Applicants must submit a three- to five-minute patriotic-themed broadcast script. This year, the recorded essay must respond to the following topic: “Is this the country the founders envisioned?” Get creative for a chance to win big.

No. 8: Regeneron Science Talent Search

Award: $250,000

Deadline: November 12, 2020

How to apply: Read about the talent search rules to get started.

Eligibility: High school seniors

The Regeneron Science Talent Search awards STEM-focused high school seniors. Applicants must conduct independent science, engineering, or math research. Students must then submit a research report (no longer than 20 pages) explaining the experiment and conclusions.

No. 9: Create Real Impact Contest

Award: $10,000

Deadline: November 12, 2020

How to apply: Submit your contest entry here.

Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14 and 22

The Create Real Impact Contest calls on students to speak out about reckless and distracted driving. Applicants must submit a creative entry responding to the topic. The competition has four categories: creative writing, graphic design, music, and video. There will be individual grand-prize winners in each category and four prizes to entrants who receive the most online votes.

No. 10: Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition

Award: $50,000

Deadline: November 15, 2020

How to apply: Submit your application for the Most Valuable Student Competition. 

Eligibility: High school seniors

Each year, the Elks National Foundation rewards 500 national scholarships and 20 top finalists. Scholarships range from $4,000 to $50,000. Applicants must be high school seniors who demonstrate financial need. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement and leadership ability.