Top 10 Scholarships in the USA You Need to Know About in 2024

The United States is home to some of the world’s best universities, but attending them can be costly. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available to help ease the financial burden Scholarships USA. If you’re planning to study in the U.S. in 2024, here are 10 scholarships you need to know about to make your dream of higher education a reality.

1. Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized scholarships for international students. It offers full funding for graduate study, research, and teaching assistantships. Established by the U.S. government, the program encourages mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other nations. You can apply for various fields of study, and the scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.

  • Eligibility: Varies by country; usually requires a bachelor’s degree.
  • Amount: Full funding (tuition, living stipend, travel expenses).

2. Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this program provides full funding to outstanding students from low-income families who are pursuing a degree in any discipline. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program aims to increase the number of minority students in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

  • Eligibility: U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident; minority students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
  • Amount: Full tuition, fees, and living expenses.

3. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers 150 merit-based scholarships to high school seniors across the United States. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence, and it is highly competitive.

  • Eligibility: High school seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA.
  • Amount: $20,000 over four years.

4. National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious competition that awards scholarships to high-achieving high school students based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores. Winners receive funding for undergraduate study at accredited U.S. institutions.

  • Eligibility: High school students who take the PSAT/NMSQT.
  • Amount: Varies by award; can range from $2,500 to full tuition.

5. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers scholarships to high-achieving students with financial need. This program supports both undergraduate and graduate students, and the scholarship is one of the largest undergraduate scholarships in the U.S.

  • Eligibility: U.S. citizens or residents, outstanding academic performance, and financial need.
  • Amount: Up to $40,000 per year for undergraduate study.

6. Horatio Alger Scholarship Program

The Horatio Alger Association offers scholarships to students who have faced adversity and overcome significant obstacles. The program is especially focused on helping students from low-income backgrounds.

  • Eligibility: U.S. citizen, financial need, and facing significant personal challenges.
  • Amount: Up to $25,000.

7. Microsoft Scholarship Program

The Microsoft Scholarship Program supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees in computer science and related STEM fields. The scholarship aims to encourage diversity in the tech industry.

  • Eligibility: Must be pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related STEM field.
  • Amount: Varies; can include tuition assistance and paid internships at Microsoft.

8. Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars Program offers scholarships to students who demonstrate perseverance and a desire to succeed, even if their academic performance doesn’t fully reflect their potential. The scholarship is designed for low-income students who are pursuing a degree at a U.S. college or university.

  • Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident; GPA of 2.4 or higher; financial need.
  • Amount: $20,000 over six years, along with a laptop, textbook credits, and other support.

9. Scholarships for Military Families

Various organizations and the U.S. military offer scholarships for military families, including the National Military Family Association (NMFA) Scholarship and the Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship. These programs are designed to support the dependents of active duty and retired military personnel.

  • Eligibility: Dependent of military service member (active duty, retired, or veterans).
  • Amount: Varies by program; can range from $500 to full tuition.

10. Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a highly prestigious scholarship that funds graduate study in fields related to peace and conflict resolution. The fellowship is awarded to students who are dedicated to advancing global peace and understanding.

  • Eligibility: Demonstrated commitment to peace-building, relevant work experience, and strong academic background.
  • Amount: Full funding for a master’s or professional degree at a designated Rotary Peace Center.

Conclusion

Scholarships provide invaluable support to students pursuing higher education in the U.S., offering financial relief and opportunities for academic and professional growth. Whether you’re an international student, a U.S. citizen, or from a military family, there are numerous programs available to help you achieve your academic dreams. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements and deadlines for each scholarship, and take the time to submit a well-prepared application. With the right scholarship, your educational journey can become a reality.