January Scholarship Opportunities to Apply For

It’s a new month and a new year! That means a lot of new opportunities to win money for college. And we have just the list for you to bookmark as you look for new scholarship opportunities.

The scholarships listed below all have deadlines in January and are organized by grade level and chronological order according to application deadline. Start by finding the scholarship categories that apply to you and work on the ones with the closest due dates first. Good luck and Happy New Year!

Scholarships for high school students

• GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program: Sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, this is an incredible renewable scholarship opportunity open to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces. Applicants must be US citizens; attend high school within the United States (including any US territories or commonwealths); and plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four-year US college or university. Numerous awards will be granted and are renewable for four consecutive years. Awards: $10,000; Deadline: January 5

• National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors who are US citizens planning careers of service to the United States in local, state, or federal government. Along with a letter of recommendation, high school transcripts, test scores, and a résumé, applicants must submit a one-page essay on why they’re planning a career in government service, including any inspiration to be derived from the leadership of George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware. Multiple scholarships are offered, and winners are required to attend the Scholarship Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Washington Crossing Inn. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 15

• John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: This scholarship contest is open to US high school students attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; US students under the age of 20 enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or US territories; and US citizens attending school overseas. Applicants must write an essay between 700–1,000 words describing an act of political courage by a US elected official who addressed an issue at the local, state, or national level and served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Multiple awards are offered, including first and second place, five finalists, and 10 semifinalists. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 12

• Opportunity Scholarship: This is an amazing opportunity for high school seniors who are undocumented or have DACA from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Applicants must be planning to attend a college or university in the Opportunity Scholarship network and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. This renewable scholarship will cover all tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals at an Opportunity Partner College for a bachelor’s degree. Award: Up to $100,000; Deadline: January 31

• Ronald Reagan Presidential Scholars Program: This opportunity is open to high school seniors from Ventura County, California, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who plan to enroll at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the upcoming academic year. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, character, communication skills, academic achievement, and commitment to the local community. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 31

Scholarships for high school and undergraduate students

• National FFA Scholarship Program: Members of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation may apply for these scholarship opportunities, which can be used for trade school, vocational certificates, and two- or four-year degrees. Applicants must be senior FFA members in high school or FFA alumni in college. Just one completed application is required for all listed opportunities totaling nearly $2.5 million, though some scholarships have state restrictions. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadlines: January 15

• Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation Education Scholarships: This opportunity is open to female students who’ve been accepted to or are enrolled in an accredited collegiate program. Applicants must have North American citizenship, a 3.0 GPA or higher, and a passion for a career or advancement in the automotive, mobility, or related industries. While AWAF members and their family are encouraged to apply for these scholarships, students who are not affiliated with the organization are also welcome to apply. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: January 16

• APIA Scholars Program: High school seniors enrolling in college and current undergraduate students who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander are eligible for these one-time and multi-year awards. Applicants must be able to describe their ethnicity, heritage, or ancestry in relation to the countries, territories, or lands in Asia or the Pacific Islands. You must also be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States; citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible to apply. Awards: Up to $20,000; Deadline: January 15

• The Homer Fund Orange Scholars Scholarship Program: If your parent or guardian works at The Home Depot, you need to apply for this scholarship! It’s open to current high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors planning to enroll as full-time undergraduates in the fall. Applicants must be a dependent of a full- or part-time hourly associate of The Home Depot and its subsidiaries, The Home Depot Canada, or The Home Depot Mexico at the time of application. Up to 1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. Awards: Up to $2,500; Deadline: January 20

• Jet Future Business Leaders Scholarship: This award is open to graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled college students who are interested in pursuing business careers. Applicants must be US citizens or residents and write an essay between 250–500 words on a major life challenge or obstacle, lessons learned, and how these experiences will provide a unique perspective for business. Finalists will be chosen by Jet and then voted for by a public poll. Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 1

Scholarships for undergraduate students

• NJCPA Scholarships: This opportunity is open to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well as second-year community college students at New Jersey schools who are interested in pursuing graduate-level programs in Accounting. A 500-word essay on what you have learned and experienced so far in the field is required. Applicants are also judged on academic performance and an interview. Awards: Up to $6,500; Deadline: January 7

• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarships: Students at community colleges seeking to complete their degrees at four-year colleges or universities are eligible for these awards regardless of their area of study. US citizenship is not required, but candidates must have attended an accredited two-year institution in the United States. Awards: Up to $55,000 per year; Deadline: January 7

• Samuel Huntington Public Service Award: Graduating seniors from accredited US colleges are eligible to apply for this scholarship if they exhibit an interest in pursuing public service anywhere in the world. The stipend must be used in the year following graduation before the winner pursues graduate school or their career. Applicants must submit a project proposal in 1,000 words or fewer and three letters of recommendation, among other materials. Award: $30,000 for a one-year service project ($15,000 to start, another $15,000 after six months); Deadline: January 9

• NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship: College athletes who excel academically, are in their final year of intercollegiate athletics, and plan to pursue grad school are eligible for one of these scholarships. It's awarded three times a year, corresponding with each sport season, with 21 awards for men and 21 awards for women available to put toward an accredited graduate program. Fall deadline sports include men's cross-country, football, soccer, and water polo as well as women's cross-country, equestrian, field hockey, rugby, soccer, triathlon, and volleyball. Awards: $10,000; Deadline: January 5 (as well as March 21 and May 23)

• American Society of Civil Engineers Scholarships: The ASCE offers a variety of scholarships to undergraduate college students. Applicants must be current ASCE Student Members in good standing and enrolled in an ABET-accredited or equivalent program in Civil Engineering or a related field. Students may apply for as many scholarships as they wish, but they must meet the criteria for each one and submit completed applications (with essays) individually. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: January 15

• Boren Scholarships for Undergraduates: The Boren Awards offer funds for American undergraduate students to study abroad in world regions critical to US interests. Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad (from eight to 52 weeks). Prospective applicants should reach out to the Boren Awards campus representative at their institution for guidance. Awards: Up to $25,000; Deadline: January 28

Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students

• SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship: All students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate STEM programs full-time at a college or university are eligible for this scholarship during the winter quarter, including international students. Applicants must submit an essay of 500 words or fewer on their most significant STEM experiences and how they will use STEM principles to improve the world. A total of 12 scholarships are available throughout the year, with three awarded each quarter. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: Applications accepted from December 1–February 28

• Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grants: The Explorers Club offers support for researchers and explorers from around the world while also providing them with 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 are available throughout the year for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and immediate post-doctorate students who are interested in scientific exploration. Award: Up to $25,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted on a rolling basis

• Margaret McNamara Education Grants: These educational grants are awarded to women who intend to work in or with a developing country to improve the lives of women and children. Applicants must be full-time, registered students, at least 25 years old, and from eligible countries. Awards: Up to $15,000; Deadline: January 15

• Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program: This program is open to women who have served or are serving honorably in the US Army, US Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Women who are lineal descendants of a woman who has served honorably in the Army are also eligible. Applicants must be pursuing a certificate, two-year, four-year, or graduate program in a STEM field. A short essay (two pages or fewer) is required, and multiple scholarships are available. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: January 21

• Emerging Black Architects Scholarship: Sponsored by ZGF Architects, this opportunity is open to students entering their final year of an accredited Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning & Design, or Landscape Architecture degree program. Applicants must include an advanced-level design project of up to five pages, a short description of the project, an essay, and a letter of recommendation. Work with a partner is accepted, but individual projects are highly preferred. Recipient is eligible for an optional paid internship. Awards: $10,000; Deadline: January 16

• AIAA Scholarships and Graduate Awards: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronauts offers scholarships to sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduates as well as graduate students. Applicants must be pursuing a program in one of the STEM fields (may be more specific depending on the award) and may apply for up to three scholarships or graduate awards. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 31

• Cancer for College Scholarships: These scholarships are open to cancer survivors who are attending trade, two-year, four-year, or graduate school programs. Recipients may reapply for a scholarship every year that they are in school. Awards: $5,000 with a few specialty scholarships that are higher; Deadline: January 31

• EnergyRates.ca College Scholarship: Open to students enrolled in an American or Canadian post-secondary institution, this is a non-fixed scholarship that requires applicants to submit an essay telling the committee where they see the future of the energy industry going. Essays must be no more than 500 words and written in English or French. Award: $500; Deadline: January 31

Scholarships for graduate students

• NVMA Centennial Scholarship Foundation: Various scholarships offered to veterinary students from Nebraska who are pursuing Veterinary Medicine as well as licensed practitioners who are members of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. Awards: Up to $4,500; Deadlines: January 1 (and September 1)

• The American Friends of Capodimonte (AFC) Fellowship Scholarship: This fellowship is open to students who hold a PhD in Art History (specializing in Early Modern European Art, preferably Italian Renaissance and/or Baroque Art) not received before May 30, 2022. Pre-doctoral candidates may apply if the PhD degree will be awarded before commencement of the fellowship. Applicants must be US citizens and have a working knowledge of spoken and written Italian. Award: $38,000 per year, in addition to housing or a housing stipend; Deadline: January 15

• Garden Club of America Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship: Any graduate-level student who is enrolled at a US institution and interested in studying or researching pollination decline may apply for this award as long as they are a US citizen or permanent resident. Applicants must submit their research study objectives, including title, site, timeline, description, priority area, written proposal, and budget. Award: Up to $4,000; Deadline: January 17

• AMS Graduate Fellowships: Sponsored by the American Meteorological Society, these fellowships are open to US citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are pursuing graduate studies in Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Mathematics, Oceanography, and Physics. Recipients will receive a stipend for a nine-month period in the academic year as well as partial travel support to attend the AMS Annual Meeting. Awards: Up to $26,000; Deadline: January 23

• Boren Fellowships for Graduate Students: In an effort to promote linguistic and cultural immersion, these fellowships are offered to graduate students to travel and study abroad for research and language study in world regions critical to US interests. Award recipients from the previous four years are allowed to apply again if they remain eligible. Awards: Up to $25,000; Deadline: January 21, 2026 

Scholarships for (basically) everyone

• Employment BOOST Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is open to US high school seniors as well as two- and four-year college students with a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Applicants may be pursuing any major, but one of two scholarships will be given to a student pursuing Business or STEM fields. An essay of 500–1,000 words is required. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis

• Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship: This contest asks students to submit a video of up to two minutes that addresses three questions about their passions and plans to make a positive change in their community. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States between the ages of 16–26 who are enrolled or are planning to enroll at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, vocational/technical program, or trade school. Employees of the Taco Bell Foundation and franchises are not eligible but can apply to the Employees Scholarship Program, which has the same deadline. Award: Up to $25,000; Deadline: January 6

• Go City Education Scholarship: Eligible applicants must be enrolled at a university in the US, UK, or Canada and be a citizen, permanent resident, or student visa holder in one of those countries. To apply, students must write a short description (under 280 characters) of the attraction they’d most like to visit. One student receives a $4,000 cash prize plus four sightseeing passes to explore attractions in their chosen city. Award: Up to $4,000; Deadline: January 9

• Pride Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships are open to LGBTQ+ students and allies of any age who face systemic barriers to educational access and have been impacted by systemic discrimination and oppression. High school seniors, current college students, and those attending community college, certificate programs, vocational/technical/trade programs, grad school, law school, or medical/dental/veterinary school are all eligible. Applicants must reside in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington and plan to attend an accredited institution. You must also demonstrate leadership, commitment to community service, and financial need. One application qualifies students for over 60 scholarships. Awards: Vary by scholarship; Deadline: January 9

• Leaders Save Lives Scholarship: This scholarship contest from the American Red Cross is more of a challenge and is open to high school and college students, including those enrolled at trade schools or community colleges. Applicants must organize a blood drive during designated time frames. Depending on how many pints you collect, you’ll earn varying gift card awards and entries into scholarship drawings. Awards: Up to $200 (gift card award) and $2,500 (scholarship drawing); Drive time frames: December 15–January 15 (as well as June 1–August 31)

• 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 have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be a US or Canadian citizen. Award: $500; Deadline: January 20 (same date every month)

• Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all high school (including homeschooled), undergraduate, and graduate students who are US citizens or legal residents, with no age limits. Applicants must submit a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: Instead of spending time with technology, I'd rather... Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 30

• DAR Scholarships: Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, these opportunities are open to US citizens regardless of gender. Multiple scholarships are awarded to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Applicants must write a statement of 1,000 words or fewer about their career objectives, among other requirements. Awards: Amounts vary; Deadline: January 31

• ASNT Foundation Scholarships and Grants: The ASNT Foundation offers several different scholarships and grants to help build the next generation of nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals. Cash awards are available for professionals seeking continuing education and training, undergraduates pursuing Engineering degrees with an active interest in NDT, and students currently enrolled in NDT-related coursework leading to associate degrees or post-secondary certificates at US universities, colleges, technical schools, or companies whose primary workforce is education. Faculty grants and student travel grants are also available. Applicants must submit an essay as well as a letter(s) of recommendation. Multiple awards are offered in each category. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 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: January 31 (last day of every month)

• I Have a Dream Scholarship: Students ages 14 and older who plan to enroll or are already enrolled in a college or trade school are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be US citizens and submit a response to the question “What do you dream about?” in 250 words or fewer. Award: $1,500; Deadline: January 31

• eQuality Scholarship Collaborative: Open to Northern and Central California high school seniors, individuals planning to attend college or trade school, community college transfer students, and medical/graduate students, these scholarships require applicants to demonstrate service to the LGBTQ+ community. California residents of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible. Awards: Amounts vary; Deadline: January 31

• Injury Recovery Scholarship: Current high school senior, vocational students, college students, and graduate students enrolled at two- or four-year post-secondary institutions for the upcoming spring semester are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must be legal US residents and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. A 750-word essay on the psychological impact of injuries and holistic approaches to recovery that address both physical and mental well-being is also required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 31

• 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 applicants to submit a short essay of 500 words or fewer. Award: $2,000; Deadline: January 31 (last day of every month)

• Right to Work Essay/Video Contest: The National Institute for Labor Relations Research sponsors this contest with up to 10 winners each month. Applicants must write an essay or submit a video explaining the right-to-work principle and how it benefits individuals in the United States. This contest is open to all students attending US high schools, colleges, and graduate schools, with checks mailed to the winners. Awards: $100; Deadline: January 31

• CollegeXpress $5,000 New Year Sweepstakes: New and existing CollegeXpress users are eligible for this random drawing starting January 1. To enter, just complete your free CX registration (or log back in) and answer the following question in just a few words: What’s one exciting goal you want to achieve in 2026? You can find a new easy scholarship contest every month in the Featured Scholarships section of CollegeXpress.com. Award: $5,000; Deadline: January 31

 Now that's a lot of scholarships! Keep all your applications and deadlines organized by downloading our free Scholarship Search Spreadsheet Template.