A common misconception about scholarships is that they’re only for students who exhibit financial need. Most families with middle or higher household incomes assume there are no scholarships their student(s) will qualify for and may never conduct a thorough scholarship search. But this mistake could cost you thousands of dollars. Not only are there scholarships available for students from families with high household incomes, but the awards can be substantial. These private scholarships are referred to as “need-blind” (as opposed to “need-aware,” a financial aid admission policy in which a college takes a student’s ability to pay into consideration).
Need-blind awards are growing in quantity each year as companies, foundations, organizations, and individuals are choosing to honor and recognize students for their achievements, community service efforts, and career ambition—regardless of a student’s socioeconomic status. And since private scholarships are not attached to a specific college or university, they can be stacked on top of awards offered by your educational institution. The goal for all students, regardless of family income, should be to continue acquiring awards until their higher education is complete. Here are just a few examples of private need-blind college scholarships to get your search started.
1. The Cameron Impact Scholarship
This annual four-year, full-tuition scholarship from the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation is merit based, as opposed to need based. The foundation honors 10–15 high school seniors with GPAs of 3.7 or above who plan to have a significant impact on the world. Scholarships of $20,000–$50,000 per year are awarded, with early and regular application deadlines that vary each year. Start working on your applications ASAP, because the foundation says that statistically, "the odds of receiving a finalist interview are typically higher in the Early Pool than the Regular Pool."
2. “Unboxing Your Life” Video Scholarship
Sponsored by packaging materials company Sttark, the "Unboxing Your Life" Video Scholarship is a great opportunity for high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students. All you have to do is create a five-minute video answering questions like, "If you were a carton or box, what would your packaging say?" "How would you brand yourself?" And "what story would your box contain?" Submit a short bio with your intended field of study and education level as well as evidence of US citizenship and proof of education; no financial need or other prerequisites are required! The deadline is September 30 at 11:59 pm ET.
Related: The Ultimate List of Easy Scholarships to Apply for Now
3. PixelPlex Bi-Annual Scholarship
PixelPlex’s Bi-Annual Scholarship is a non-need-based award for enrolled college students who are studying STEM, business, or economics fields. An award of $2,000 is granted twice a year to a student who impresses the scholarship committee with a strong essay, with the check mailed directly to the winner, not the institution. Applicants must be US citizens who are enrolled in a college or university in the United States (or accepted with plans to attend) at the time of application. Deadlines for this scholarship typically fall around June and December, so be sure to check each year so you don't miss them!
4. Music Forward Foundation Scholarships
In partnership with Live Nation, Inherit the Music, and Governors Ball, Music Forward offers five different $10,000 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing majors and careers in music and live entertainment. This program is open to full-time students with long-term goals of working in the entertainment industry, including live event operations, production, music engineering, music business management, customer service, hospitality, concert or venue promotion, sponsorship and advertising, ticketing, e-commerce, artist management, and/or other related fields. Minimum GPAs and essay topics vary for each scholarship, with no financial-based requirements listed. The deadlines for each scholarship fall on March 31 every year.
5. Platt Family Essay Contest
Sponsored by The Lincoln Forum, the Platt Family Essay Contest is designed to reward academic excellence and can be used for any purpose you desire. It's open to full-time undergraduate students from any country attending American colleges and universities; unfortunately, high school students are not eligible. An essay between 1,500–5,000 words on why the 1864 Lincoln-McClellan presidential race was the most crucial in American history is required, with prizes up to $1,000 awarded for first, second, and third place. There is no application for this scholarship; just submit your essay and contact information before August 31.
6. Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarships
Scholarships from Alpha Kappa Alpha are a great opportunity because while some of their awards are need based, some are solely merit based. A variety of opportunities for both members and non-members are open to undergraduate (sophomore and beyond) and graduate students attending accredited institutions full-time with varying GPA requirements and demonstrated community involvement or leadership. All scholarships open in January of each year, with application deadlines of April 15 for undergraduates and August 15 for graduate students.
Related: Easy No-Essay Scholarships You Need to Know About Right Now
Scholarship opportunities exist for every student. Discovering that many scholarships don’t have eligibility criteria based on financial need can be a game changer for many families. Be sure to research and apply for as many scholarships as you can to help pay for college—it’s never too early or too late to start!
Continue your hunt for need-blind scholarships on CollegeXpress using our Scholarship Search tool.
