Over 40 October Scholarship Opportunities to Apply For

Happy October! It’s a great month to apply for some scholarships to help pay for college. Here, you’ll find more than 40 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

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarships: These achievement-based awards are open to high school seniors who are leaders making an impact in their communities. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and attend high school (including home school) in the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select Department of Defense schools. US citizens, nationals, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and humanitarian parolees are all eligible, and 150 recipients will be selected. Awards: Up to $20,000; Deadline: October 2
• Brian J. Boley Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all high school students interested in pursuing a degree to support those with mental illness or addiction. To apply, just explain why you’re pursuing a degree in the mental health field and how you will try to make a difference in the lives of others. Award: $500; Deadline: October 5
• Pivotal Essay Contest: This opportunity is open to high school students ages 13–19 worldwide. Applicants must write an essay on one of three questions about ethics, policy, or artificial intelligence. The top 50 finalists will also receive 10 physical books of their choice from the Pivotal Library. Awards: Up to $15,000; Deadline: October 10
• National Rice Month Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, 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 and upload it to social media. Three prizes are available. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: October 31
• 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 the greatest attributes of our democracy. Winners are also awarded an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC. For the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest, middle schoolers must write a 300–400-word essay on how they are inspired by America. Multiple awards are offered through each contest. Awards: Up to $35,000 (high school); up to $5,000 (middle school); Deadline: October 31

Scholarships for high school and undergraduate students

• 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 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 who are DACA or undocumented students as well as US citizens or permanent residents who have lived in the US for at least four years. Applicants must meet a certain GPA requirement and have high financial need, demonstrated leadership skills, and a commitment to community service. Award: Up to $40,000; Deadline: October 1
• 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)
• 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 high school seniors and full-time students at US technical institutes or in two- or four-year programs (including certificates) for traditional building trades such as carpentry, HVAC, and 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 have caddied for at least two years, a GPA of at least 3.3, and 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
• 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)
• 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 to apply. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 31 (last day of every month)
• 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)

Scholarships for undergraduate students

• Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students enrolled in accredited Culinary Arts 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: $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. A short essay describing your interest in health education and professional goals is required. 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, depending 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 within 500–1,000 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 undergraduate college programs. An essay of 500–650 words is required. 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 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: None; applications accepted on a rolling basis
• Future Business Leaders Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the US. Applicants are asked to reflect on a quote by novelist Edward Cline with an essay of at least 500 words on how honor and a lack of honor affect commerce and law. Award: $1,500; Deadline: October 1
• Lithuanian Foundation Scholarships: 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 $7,500; 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. Up to 50 recipients will be selected. Awards: Up to $12,000; Deadline: October 2
• AOTP Scholarship: Sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, this scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing Occupational Therapy programs. Applicants must have completed at least one full year of coursework related to Occupational Therapy. A short essay, two recommendations, and a program director’s statement are required. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: October 2
• 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. 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 10
• 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. Awards: Up to $4,000; Deadline: October 13
• 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
• Center for Cyber Safety and Education Certification Scholarship: This opportunity is for both US and international students who are also historically underrepresented minority groups in STEM—including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, and Black, Native American, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Hispanic, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiverse students. Ten recipients will each receive an International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) certification education package consisting of a certification exam voucher, textbooks, study guides, practice tests, training, and more. Applicants must plan to take the exam within one year. Awards: Amounts vary; Deadlines: October 16
• 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. 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

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
• AOTF Scholarship: This scholarship is open to full-time students pursuing professional-level Occupational Therapy programs. Applicants must have completed at least one full year of coursework related to occupational therapy and answer a short essay question. More than 50 different scholarships are available with only one application form required. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: October 2
• 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. A total of 32 Rhodes Scholarships are available each year. Award: All expenses paid to attend Oxford; Deadline: October 4
• 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 12
• 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 under the age of 31 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. Awards: Up to $90,000; Deadline: October 26

Scholarships for (basically) everyone

• Dounya Discala Scholarship: This scholarship is open to female high school, undergraduate and graduate students who have overcome adversity. To apply, write about a time when you exhibited tenacity, what challenges you faced, how you persevered, and what the experience taught you. Award: $500; Deadline: October 6
• 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. Awards: $2,000; Deadline: October 15
• Prevounce Preventive Health Scholarship: This opportunity is open to high school seniors, 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 15
• College Jumpstart Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well as trade school, undergraduate, and nontraditional students of any age. There are no age limits, and DACA and international students are also eligible as long as they plan to attend an accredited US institution. A short response to one of three writing prompts is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: October 17 (and April 15)
• 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 23
• 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 altruism and perseverance. Two winners will be selected. Awards: $500; Deadline: October 24
• 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 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: tips for transfer students to overcome anxiety; how to prioritize homework assignments; or how to reward yourself for big or small achievements. First place and one runner-up prize will be awarded. Awards: Up to $1,000; Deadline: October 31
• CollegeXpress Candy Corn Contest: 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 choose a definitive side: Is candy corn tasty or is it trash? You can find a new easy 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.