Happy October! It’s a great month to apply for some scholarships to help pay for college. Here, you’ll find multiple scholarship opportunities with October deadlines for middle school, high school, undergraduate, community college, vocational school, graduate, adult, and nontraditional students. Consider applying to any awards that you’re eligible for before the deadlines pass—some of them are coming up soon!
Scholarships for high school students
- National Rice Month Scholarship: Rice, camera, action! This scholarship is open to high school seniors from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas–the six main rice-growing states in the country. Applicants must create a video of three minutes or less about US-grown rice, upload it to YouTube or Vimeo, and share it on social media (Please note, TikTok videos may only be uploaded via Vimeo). Three prizes are available. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: October 15
- Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Scholarships: Sponsored by the VFW, these essay contests are open to middle and high school students in the US who are passionate about our country. Voice of Democracy applicants must write and submit a recorded essay on this year’s theme. For the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest, middle schoolers must write a 300–400-word essay on the year’s theme. Multiple awards are offered through each contest. Awards: Up to $35,000 for high school applicants and $5,000 for middle school applicants; Deadline: October 31
Scholarships for high school and undergraduate students
- Employment BOOST Academic Scholarship: High school seniors as well as two- and four-year college students in the US with a GPA of 3.6 or higher are eligible for this award. One scholarship is awarded to an applicant pursuing any major or currently undecided, and a second scholarship will be given to a student pursuing a business or STEM field. Applicants in any major must submit an essay on the poem “Howl,” while Business and STEM applicants must submit one on how technology will change their lives in 15 years. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis
- The Golden Door Scholarship: This opportunity is for high school seniors, current undergraduates, and college transfers from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The award covers funding for a four-year degree at a Golden Door Scholars regional partner school. Applicants must have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.2, demonstrated financial need, and be willing to relocate to and enroll full-time in a preferred bachelor’s degree program. Awards: Up to $40,000; Deadline: October 31
- Web Design Scholarship: Sponsored by the company Lounge Lizard, this scholarship is open to high school seniors who plan to enroll in college within six months of the application as well as current college students in the US. You must submit a web design file for consideration. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 2 (and February 18)
- AES Engineering Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors and current college students pursuing any field of study. Applicants must submit a 500–1,000-word essay on this year’s question. Award: $500; Deadline: October 8
- AmericanTrucks Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors and full-time students at US technical institutes, two- and four-year colleges with programs in Construction Management, secondary votech schools, or tuition-bearing apprenticeship programs in traditional building trades such as carpentry, HVAC, electrical, or related fields of study. A 750–1,500-word essay is required. Award: $2,500; Deadline: October 15 (and June 15)
- ExtremeTerrain Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors and undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Environmental Studies, Environmental Research, Land Use, Earth & Atmosphere Studies, Sustainable Land Management, Parks & Recreation, or Sustainable Agriculture Systems. An essay of 700–1,500 words is required. Award: $2,500; Deadline: October 15 (and June 15)
- Evans Scholars Foundation Scholarships: This opportunity from the Western Golf Association is for high school seniors and first-year college students who've caddied for at least two years and have a GPA of at least 3.3 as well as limited financial means. Applicants must submit a two-page personal essay, among other required documents. Award: Up to $120,000 (covering full tuition and housing); Deadline: October 15
- ISA by World Strides Scholarships: Multiple opportunities are available for studying abroad or opting to travel during a gap year. Students can have immersive experiences in Australia, England, New Zealand, South Korea, and Spain. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: October 30 (as well as February 28 and April 30, depending on location)
- 1st Financial Bank Financial Goals Scholarship: This is a monthly scholarship open to US residents who are 18 or older and planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a college degree program. This is a random drawing, but it does require you to submit a short essay of 500 words or fewer. Award: $2,000; Deadline: October 31 (last day of every month)
- CARiD Scholarship Program: Here’s a fun no-essay scholarship opportunity for students ages 16–20 who are enrolled in post-secondary education for the upcoming semester. Applicants must create a photo inspired by any aspect of the automotive industry—for example, your first car, custom modifications you've made, something that makes your vehicle unique, or the coolest vehicle you've ever seen. Photos can be cropped, spliced, or edited but must be relevant to automobiles. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 31 (and April 30)
Scholarships for undergraduate students
- Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students enrolled in accredited Culinary or Hospitality Management programs. Applicants must write an essay, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit a letter of recommendation, among other requirements. Two scholarships are offered annually. Awards: Up to $500; Deadline: October 1
- Price It Here Scholarship Program: If you’re currently enrolled full-time at a US college or university (or planning to enroll this fall) and pursuing Business, Business Management, Advertising, Sales, Marketing, or related fields, this scholarship is for you. There’s no GPA requirement, but applicants must submit an essay of 500 words or fewer. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 1
- John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate students of African American descent who are currently enrolled in a nonprofit CIDA- or NASAD-accredited Interior Design program or an NAAB-accredited Architecture program in the US. Applicants must submit a three-to-five-minute video on how the power of design has already impacted their lives and how they’ll proactively leverage their design careers to positively impact their future clients and community. Up to two recipients will be selected. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: October 4
- Chadwick D. McNab Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate students majoring in or planning to major in Computer Science and related technology fields. Applicants must write about a project they worked on that they are passionate about and share how working in technology inspires them. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 14
- Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship: Sponsored by SHAPE America, this scholarship is open to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors at US colleges and universities enrolled in school-based Health Education programs. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and write a short essay describing their professional goals and interest in health education. The award can be used in any way you desire. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 15
- American Bullion Scholarship: This scholarship is open to full-time undergraduate students in the US who are pursuing any field of study. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States or hold a valid US student visa. An essay of 500–1,000 words is also required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 31
- Dyslexia/Auditory Processing Disorder Scholarship: This scholarship is open to US and Canadian undergraduate students with dyslexia and/or auditory processing disorder. A 500–650 word essay on “Living With Dyslexia” or “Living With Auditory Processing Disorder” is required. The winning student’s essay will also be featured on Gemm Learning’s blog. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 31
Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students
- SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship: With 12 scholarships awarded throughout the year, this opportunity is for full-time undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors plus graduate students who are pursuing STEM fields. (First-year students are eligible for the winter and spring application cycles.) Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and write a short essay about their most significant STEM experiences. This scholarship is open to students worldwide and there are no age restrictions. If chosen, you must accept the award by email within one week of being notified. Award: $2,500; Deadline: None; applications accepted on a rolling basis
- Sports Gear Swag Scholarship: There are no GPA requirements or application forms for this opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must be 18 years or older, legal residents of the United States (or valid student visa holders), and currently enrolled in or accepted to a full-time undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited US university, college, or school. A 500-word essay on competitive sports is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 2
- Lithuanian Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships are open to full-time undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students of Lithuanian heritage. Applicants may be US citizens or permanent residents pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the US; from Lithuania and pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Lithuania, the US, or elsewhere abroad; or by exception only, from Lithuania and seeking a bachelor’s degree in Lithuania meeting donor-directed fund designations. Multiple awards are offered, and winners may reapply each year. Awards: Up to $7,500; Deadline: October 1
- Fulbright US Student Program: This extremely prestigious program is open to senior college students, graduate students, and young professionals with up to five years of professional study or experience in their field. Awards cover all expenses–including travel and a living stipend— for open study/research, serving as an English Teaching Assistant, or working in public health or National Geographic storytelling. Awards: Vary by country; Deadline: October 8
- AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarships: These scholarships are open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students from the US, Canada, and Mexico who are majoring in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Environmental/Sustainability Science, or Industrial Safety at North American universities. Awards are preceded by a paid summer internship at a North American steel-producing or steel-related company. Up to 50 recipients will be selected. Awards: Up to $12,000; Deadline: October 6
- BEA Scholarships: The Broadcast Education Association is awarding more than $30,000 worth of scholarships to junior and senior undergraduates as well as graduate students pursuing careers in broadcasting and media. Applicants must be enrolled at a BEA member institution to be eligible. Two recommendation letters are required, along with other materials. Awards: Up to $4,000; Deadline: October 16
Scholarships for graduate students
- AWWA Academic Achievement Award: Offered by the American Water Works Association, these scholarships are open to graduate students writing master’s theses or doctoral dissertations on water supply. First and second place are awarded for each category. Awards: Up to $3,000; Deadline: October 1
- Rhodes Scholarships for the United States: Established in 1902, this is the oldest international scholarship program open to students ages 18–24 from the United States and US territories who’ve completed (or are about to complete) an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.7. The program enables students to study at Oxford University by covering tuition, all fees, and a living stipend. A total of 32 Rhodes Scholarships are available each year. Award: All expenses paid to attend Oxford; Deadline: October 1
- Ludo Frevel Crystallography Scholarship: This scholarship program is open to graduate-level students pursuing crystallography-related fields. Applicants must submit a research proposal with their application. Multiple awards are available. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: October 9
- Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship: This scholarship from SHAPE America is open to graduate-level students attending US colleges and universities for Health Education with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit a short essay on their interest in health education and future professional goals. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 15
- Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans: This opportunity is open to New Americans, immigrants, or children of immigrants ages 31 and older who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. Each fellowship supports one to two years of graduate study in any field and any advanced degree-granting program in the United States. Applicants must submit relevant transcripts, a résumé or CV, two essays, and three to five recommendations. Awards: Up to $25,000 per year; Deadline: October 30
Scholarships for (basically) everyone
- Horror Writers Association Scholarships: The Horror Writers Association offers a variety of awards that can be used to assist in the professional development of horror writers. The Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship is awarded to a writer who identifies as a woman, while the HWA Scholarship is awarded to a writer of any identity. Diversity Grants, the Dark Poetry Scholarship, the Dennis Etchison Young Writers Scholarship, and several other contests are also offered. Awards: Up to $2,500; Deadline: October 1
- The Explorers Club Student Grants: The Explorers Club offers support for researchers and explorers from around the world while also providing a platform to illuminate their findings. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be pursuing fieldwork in biological sciences, archaeology, anthropology, paleontology, earth sciences, ecology, or astronomy. Other scholarships and grants with various or rolling deadlines are available throughout the year for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and immediate post-doctorate students who are interested in scientific exploration. Awards: Varies; Deadline: October 8
- NSCA Foundation Scholarships: The National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation offers a multitude of scholarships that are open internationally to high school seniors, undergraduates (including community college), and graduate students pursuing careers in the fields of strength and conditioning. Various related majors are eligible to apply. Grades, essays, recommendations, and more criteria will be considered, and funds can be used toward a variety of educational purposes, including expenses like textbooks, tuition, and opportunities that contribute to professional growth. Awards: $2,000; Deadline: October 15
- Prevounce Preventive Health Scholarship: This opportunity is open to undergraduates and graduate students pursuing education and careers in health care, medicine, nursing, or public health in the US. Applicants must write an essay under 650 words on a prompt based on their education level. Awards: $1,000 (undergrad), $3,000 (grad); Deadline: October 17
- Innovation in Education Scholarship: Sponsored by LA Tutors, this monthly scholarship is open to high school, college, and graduate students who write an essay on an innovative project they’ve designed that makes a difference in the lives of others. Applicants must be US or Canadian citizens and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Award: $500; Deadline: October 20 (same date every month)
- Sphinx Competition: This national competition is open to Black and Latino/a classical string players (including violin, viola, cello, and double bass) who are US citizens or hold a valid US visa. The Junior Division competition is open to musicians under the age of 17, and the Senior Division is open to musicians up to the age of 30. A video audition, current biography, and high-resolution headshot are required. All semifinalists and finalists have access to scholarships and fine instruments. Awards: Up to $50,000; Deadline: October 20
- Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students of any age who are passionate about community service and are pursuing (or plan to pursue) a degree, certificate, or trade school in a field they’re passionate about. Applicants must explain how they embody selflessness and include examples of when they helped someone in need. Two winners will be selected. Awards: Up to $500; Deadline: October 15
- Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students ages 14 or older who are legal US residents. Applicants must write a short essay of 250 words or fewer on their plans for a zombie apocalypse, where they would hide, and five things they’d need to survive. Award: $2,000; Deadline: October 31
- MyMozaic Scholarship: This monthly scholarship sweepstakes is open to US citizens who are 13 years and older. All you have to do is provide your email address to apply. Selection is based on the quality of your MyMozaic profile, including documents, photos, videos, and followers. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 31 (last day of every month)
- Sallie Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes: Sallie Mae offers an easy scholarship contest that both students and parents can enter each month. It’s open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or any US Territory who are age 17 or older at the time of entry. Award: $2,000; Deadline: October 31 (last day of every month)
- Annual Video Contest Scholarship for Students: Sponsored by IvyPanda, this contest is open to high school, college, and university students from any country. Applicants must record an original short video on one of the provided topics. First place and one runner-up prize will be awarded. Awards: Up to $1,000; Deadline: October 31
- CollegeXpress Brains or Bust Sweepstakes: New and existing CollegeXpress users are eligible for this random drawing starting October 1. To enter, just complete your free CX registration (or log back in) and let us know if you think you'd survive a zombie apocalypse. You can find a new easy scholarship contest every month in the Featured Scholarships section of CollegeXpress.com. Award: $2,000; Deadline: October 31
This list wasn’t long enough, you say? You’re looking for even more scholarships to apply for?! No problem! You can find them right here with our Scholarship Search tool.
