Happy October! It’s a great month to apply to some scholarships to help pay for college. Here you’ll find more than 40 scholarship opportunities with October deadlines for high school students, undergraduate students, vocational school students, graduate school students, and adult students. Consider applying to some of these great awards before the deadlines pass—some of them are coming up soon!
Scholarships for high school students
- 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 3 (and February 19)
- Evans Scholars Foundation: This scholarship from Western Golf Association is for high school seniors who have caddied for at least two years, have a GPA of at least 3.3, and have limited financial means. Award: Up to $120,000 (covering full tuition and housing); Deadline: October 15
- Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: These scholarship awards are open to high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are leaders making an impact in their communities. Awards: Up to $20,000; Deadline: October 31
- National Rice Month Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Texas (the six main US rice-growing states). Applicants must create a video of three minutes or less about US-grown rice and upload it to social media. Three prizes are available. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: October 31
- Voice of Democracy Scholarship: Sponsored by the VFW, this opportunity is open to high school students in the US who are passionate about democracy. Applicants must write and submit a recorded essay on the topic, “Why is the veteran important?” Winners are also awarded an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC. Awards: Up to $35,000; Deadline: October 31
Scholarships for high school students and current undergraduates
- Employment BOOST Academic Scholarship: High school seniors as well as two-year 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 who’s 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 life in 15 years. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: Accepted year-round on a rolling basis
- Texas Women Empowerment Scholarship: This scholarship is open to female high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students from Texas. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and be pursuing Pre-law, Political Science, Public Health, Medicine, or another related field. Two winners will be selected. Awards: $2,000; Deadline: October 1
- Save a Life Scholarship: Sponsored by the American Academy of CPR and First Aid, this scholarship is open to high school seniors or current college students pursuing careers in either health care or education. Award: $1,500; Deadline: October 1 (and May 1)
- AES Engineering Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors and current college students pursuing any field of study. Applicants must submit a short essay on what success looks like for them in 30 years. Award: $500; Deadline: October 8
- AmericanTrucks Scholarship: This scholarship is open to 18-year-old high school seniors and full-time students at US technical institutes or in two- or four-year programs for traditional building trades such as carpentry, HVAC, and electrical or related fields of study. (Certificate programs are eligible.) Awards: $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)
- Innovation in Education Scholarship: This monthly scholarship is open to high school and college students who write an essay on an innovative project they’ve designed that makes a difference in the lives of others. Applicants must also submit a letter of recommendation, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be a US or Canadian citizen. Award: $500; Deadline: October 20 (same date every month)
- The Golden Door Scholarship: This opportunity is for high school seniors and current undergraduates who are DACA undocumented students. Applicants must have a high financial need as well as demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to community service. Award: Up to $40,000; Deadline: October 23
- CARiD Scholarship: This scholarship is open to US students ages 16–20 who are enrolled in post-secondary education. Applicants must submit a photo inspired by any aspect of the automotive industry. Award: $1,000: Deadline: October 31 (and April 30)
- CME Beef Industry Scholarships: Offered by the National Cattlemen's Foundation, this scholarship program is open to high school seniors and undergraduate students pursuing careers in the beef industry. Ten undergraduate scholarships are available for students pursuing Education, Communications, Production, Research, or any other beef industry–related field of study. Awards: $1,500; Deadline: October 31
- MyMozaic Scholarship: MyMozaic’s monthly scholarship sweepstakes is open to US citizens who are 13 years and older. All you have to do is provide your email to apply. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 31 (last day of every month)
Scholarships for undergraduate students
- Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students enrolled in an accredited Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management program. 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: $500; Deadline: October 1
- Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship: Sponsored by SHAPE America, this scholarship is open to undergraduate students at US colleges and universities majoring in Health Education with a minimum GPA of 3.25. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 15
- ISA with 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. Award: $5,000; Deadline: October 30 (as well as February 28 and April 30; depends on location)
- American Bullion Scholarship: This scholarship is open to full-time undergraduate students in the US who are pursuing any field of study. Applicants must answer an essay question with a maximum of 1,000 words. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 31
- Dyslexia/Auditory Processing Disorder Scholarship: This scholarship is open to US and Canadian students with dyslexia and/or auditory processing disorder who are enrolled in an undergraduate college program. An essay of 500–650 words is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 31
- Emergency Educational Grants from Elks National Foundation: These renewable opportunities are open to undergraduate students who are children of a disabled or deceased Elks member and who demonstrate financial need. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: October 31
- IFA Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships are open to US college sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are studying Business, Entrepreneurship, Franchise Management, and Hospitality. Four different scholarships are available. Awards: Up to $2,500; Deadline: October 31
- International Essential Tremor Foundation: These scholarships are open to high school graduates of any age who have been diagnosed with ET and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Up to four scholarships are available and can be used for supplies, books, or tuition at any accredited institution of higher education, including trade schools. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: October 31 (and May 1)
Scholarships for current undergraduates and grad students
- SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship: With 12 scholarships awarded throughout the year, this opportunity is for full-time students who are pursuing STEM fields. 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: Awarded on a rolling basis
- Dream Big Scholarship: Offered by the company RentLingo, this scholarship is open to all students (including international) ages 18 and up who are attending a college or university. Applicants must write a short essay about their dream job. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: October 1 (and March 1)
- Lithuanian Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students of Lithuanian heritage. Multiple awards are offered, and winners may reapply each year. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: October 1
- AIST Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships are open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students from the US, Canada, or Mexico who are pursuing Engineering Technology in the following disciplines: metallurgy, materials science, chemical, electrical, mechanical, industrial, environmental, computer science, and safety. Awards are preceded by a paid summer internship at a North American steel-producing or steel-related company.
Awards: Up to $12,000; Deadline: October 3
- Black Students in Tech Grant: This opportunity is open to Black college students or recent graduates in any major and at any education level who are pursuing or plan to pursue a career in the tech industry. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 11
- Fulbright US Student Program: This is an extremely prestigious program open to senior college students, graduate students, and young professionals with up to five years of professional study or experience in their field. The award covers all expenses, including travel and a living stipend for open study/research, serving as an English Teaching Assistant, or in public health or National Geographic storytelling. Awards: Vary by country; Deadline: October 12
- BEA Scholarships: These scholarships are open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in broadcasting and media. Eight different awards are offered. Awards: Up to $4,000; Deadline: October 14
- Binkley Toys Scholarship: Offered by CustomPlushToys.com, this scholarship is open to students who have proof of enrollment at a college or university and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must submit an example of their exceptional qualities of leadership and academic achievement as well as a letter of recommendation. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 15
- Alma Exley Scholarship Program: This scholarship is open to BIPOC undergraduate juniors and seniors as well as graduate students pursuing a Teaching degree at a college or university in Connecticut. Award: $5,000 minimum; Deadline: October 31
- CREW Chicago Scholarship: This scholarship is open to female undergraduate juniors and seniors as well as graduate students pursuing careers in real estate, construction, urban planning, or other related fields who have an interest in building a future in commercial real estate in the Chicago area. This year, graduate students can submit an additional essay to be considered for the $25,000 Debbie Frank Legacy Fund Scholarship. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: October 31
- Janie Moore Greene Scholarship: This scholarship is open to admitted or currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students pursuing programs in Photography. Applicants must submit five images and write a short essay about their inspiration to pursue this field as well as their interest in nature photography, if applicable. Award recipients must also submit a video presentation. Award: $2,000; Deadline: October 31
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 who’ve completed 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. There's a total of 32 Rhodes Scholarships available this year. Award: All expenses paid to attend Oxford; Deadline: October 3
- 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, and multiple awards are available. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: October 13
- ASNT Fellowship Grant: This award is open to master’s and doctoral students pursuing science or technology research. Applicants must submit a research proposal with their application. Up to five awards are given each year, pending merit and the number of submissions. Awards: $20,000 (cash); Deadline: October 15
- Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship: This scholarship from SHAPE America is open to graduate-level students attending US colleges and universities who are majoring in Health Education with a minimum 3.0 GPA . Applicants must submit a narrative essay. Award: $1,000: Deadline: October 15
- Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans: This scholarship is open to New Americans, immigrants, or children of immigrants under the age of 31 who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. Awards: Up to $90,000; Deadline: October 27
Scholarships for (basically) everyone
- NSCA Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships sponsored by the National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation are open internationally to high school seniors, undergraduates (including community college), and graduate students pursuing a career in the strength and conditioning field. Various related majors may apply. Award: $2,000; Deadline: October 15
- Prevounce Preventive Health Scholarship: This opportunity is open to undergraduates and graduate students pursuing careers in health care, medicine, nursing, or public health in the US. Applicants must write a short essay, and two scholarships are available for each level of education. Awards: $1,000 (undergrad), $1,500 (grad); Deadline: October 15
- Sphinx Competition: This scholarship is open to Black and Latinx classical string players who are US citizens. 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. Awards: Up to $50,000; Deadline: October 20
- Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students age 14 and older and asks applicants to write a short essay of 250 words or fewer about the five things they’d bring to stay alive in a zombie apocalypse. Award: $2,000; Deadline: October 31
- 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 following topics: Post-COVID Education: Trends & Issues; How to Handle Social Media Addiction; or Your Advice for College Freshmen. First-place and runner-up prizes will be awarded. Awards: Up to $1,500 Deadline: October 31
- #WeBelongInCollege Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors, college students, and graduate students at both two-year and four-year institutions, including trade schools. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents or have undocumented/DACA status. Fourteen awards are available. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: October 31
- CollegeXpress Scary Stories Scholarship: New and existing CollegeXpress users are eligible for this random drawing starting October 1. To enter, just complete your free CX registration and answer the following question in one sentence: What’s your favorite scary movie, book, or legend? You can find a new mini scholarship contest every month in the Featured Scholarships section of CollegeXpress.com. Award: $1,000; 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.
