“Education is freedom.”
General Scholarship Strategies
Remember this important fact: The bulk of financial assistance is from colleges (institutional aid) - often called merit aid.
There are, though, many thousands of organizations that provide scholarships. Most of those scholarship awards are modest amounts from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Often these take almost the same time and effort as scholarships with higher awards. “97% of students that are awarded (non-institutional) scholarships receive $2,500 or less.” Source
Summary of the process you should follow: Plan, research, and apply early. This is a great task to tag team with parents or family members. Have them research for interesting scholarships, then hand off to the student to check details and write essays, etc.
Be wary of scams! Watch for these warning signs.
A fee is required
“Guaranteed” winners
Requests sensitive information
Unsolicited congratulations (especially if you haven’t applied)
Pressurized language like “Act Now!” or “Time limited offer!”
Watch for poor grammar or spelling
Check with your high school counselor - they often have excellent knowledge of local scholarships
These types of organizations often give scholarships
State scholarships
Religious organizations
Service organizations (e.g. Lions, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
Activity organizations like Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts
Employers of parents or grandparents
Often alumni of colleges will set up scholarships for a specific college. Those can be found on the college website.
Read the qualifying rules carefully. Often it is based on residency, but can be based on many things.
Be prepared
Have current activities list or resume
Check if SAT or ACT scores are required - for the largest scholarships, this is typically required
If applying to multiple organizations, track them on a spreadsheet with due dates, essay requirements, etc.
If you sign up for scholarship search websites that collect your contact data, be prepared for major email or text spamming. They typically make money by selling your contact data to other organizations. If you take this route, consider creating a specific email address just for this.
“You’re off to great places. Today is your first day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
Specific Scholarships With Larger Awards
QuestBridge - Designed for low income families (typically under $65,000 adjusted gross income for a family of four). Many selective colleges participate, including Colorado College. A complicated process but if matched, the student gets a full ride for all four years. We were thrilled to have a student match this year.
The Gates Scholarship - Designed for Pell-eligible underrepresented minorities with 3.3+ GPA.
Daniels Fund - Full cost of attendance at 15 Colorado partner schools, up to $25,000/yr non-partner or out of state schools. Any accredited US school. Household income of (AGI) of $100,000 or less, 3.0+ unweighted GPA, ACT or SAT required.
SMART Scholarship-for-Service (DoD) - Full tuition + $30,000–$46,000 annual stipend + health insurance + summer internships. Open to U.S. citizens pursuing STEM degrees in one of 24 approved disciplines at any accredited U.S. institution, including all Colorado schools. Requires minimum 3.0 GPA and ability to obtain security clearance. Service commitment of one year of DoD civilian employment per year of scholarship. Excellent for low-income students given full coverage plus substantial stipend.
Barry Goldwater Scholarship - Awards $7,500/year for sophomores (2 years) or juniors (1 year) pursuing STEM research careers. Requires institutional nomination. CU Boulder and Colorado School of Mines regularly have recipients.
Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship - Exclusively for Black/African American Colorado residents (minimum 3-year residency) pursuing full-time undergraduate study. No stated minimum GPA or test score requirement; selection considers academic merit, recommendations, personal statement, and financial need (FAFSA required). Finalists participate in a required program in Colorado Springs in June. Can be used at any accredited institution nationwide.
Posse Foundation Scholarship - Oriented for urban students in specific large cities across the US. Open to students of all backgrounds and income levels. Full tuition at assigned partner college or university. Deadlines vary by city with nominations in spring/summer before senior year.
Colorado specific scholarships
Boettcher Foundation Scholarship - $20,000/yr from the foundation plus institutional match (public) or full tuition (private). Typical recipients are in top 2% of their class with 1400 SAT on average. Purely merit based, no financial need consideration.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation - Awards up to $15,000 to STEM students (not pre-med) who are U.S. citizens in their junior or senior year. Students cannot apply directly—faculty nomination required. Participating Colorado schools include Colorado School of Mines, CU Boulder, and Colorado State University. Deadline: March 30.
Puksta Scholars Program - Awards $7,500/year renewable for four years ($30,000 total) plus access to project funding, trainings, and retreats. Limited to Colorado residents with demonstrated financial need and interest in social justice and community engagement. Requires separate application and interview after admission to CU Boulder, CU Denver, CSU, DU or Metropolitan State University. Well-suited for low-income students with service orientation.
ARCS Foundation Colorado Chapter - Awards $6,500/year to outstanding STEM students with financial need at partner schools including Colorado School of Mines, CU Boulder, and CSU. Selected by department heads; applications open in July.
Colorado Instutition specific scholarships
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Colorado School of Mines offers several full-tuition named scholarships with separate application requirements through their General Scholarship Application (deadline: March 1).
Grewcock Presidential Scholarship stands as Mines' flagship award: full tuition and mandatory fees plus leadership programming funding, totaling $80,000–$168,000 over four years. Funded by a $30 million gift from Kiewit Corporation Chairman Bruce Grewcock (Mines '76), only 10 recipients are selected annually through a competitive essay and interview process. No specific GPA requirement, but emphasis is on character and leadership potential.
Harvey Scholarship Program covers full tuition and mandatory fees (after COF for Colorado residents), approximately $20,000/year for residents or $42,000/year for non-residents, renewable for eight semesters. Requirements include maintaining 3.0 GPA and attending monthly enrichment luncheons through the PASCAL Center.
E-Days Scholarship provides full resident tuition for four years (~$80,000 total) exclusively to Colorado residents. Selected by student committee based on high school credentials and a competitive essay, with a 2.5 GPA maintenance requirement.
Starzer Service Scholarship awards $5,000–$10,000 annually (renewable) with preference for Colorado residents and service-oriented leaders. The Bliss Scholarship specifically targets first-generation college students with wraparound support and advising.
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Monfort Scholarship is CSU's premier full-ride award: full tuition, fees, room and board stipend, and book allowance totaling approximately $25,000–$30,000+ annually. Eligibility requires Colorado residency and placement in the top 5% of graduating class (or #1–2 in classes under 40), plus demonstrated leadership and outstanding character.
The application process requires admission by February 1, completion of the Colorado State University Scholarship Application (CSUSA) by March 1, plus two additional letters of recommendation postmarked by March 1. The program has expanded to specifically target students with demonstrated financial need—excellent for low-income high achievers.
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President's Leadership Class (PLC) serves as the umbrella for several named scholarships. The Ruyle Family Scholarship provides $10,000/year for four years ($40,000 total) specifically for Colorado residents who are underrepresented, first-generation from rural areas, or members of federally recognized Indian tribes. Female students are especially encouraged to apply. Requires separate PLC application with a February 15 deadline.
FirstBank Scholars awards $4,000/year for four years ($16,000 total) to PLC members considering both merit and need. The Tim Pestotnik Scholarship provides $2,500 to two recipients annually, specifically targeting PLC students with high demonstrated financial need (nomination-based, no separate application).
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UCCS website with various scholarships.
Kane Family Foundation Scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and books for up to four years, worth approximately $60,000 total. Funded by Wanden and Andy Kane of Fountain, Colorado, eligibility requires Colorado residency, 3.5+ high school GPA, consistent extracurricular involvement, and typical placement in top 10% of class. Deadline is February 1 through the UCCS Scholarship Application.
Chancellor's Leadership Class Scholarship provides $4,000/year for four years ($16,000 total) for high school seniors with minimum 3.5 GPA demonstrating leadership potential and service commitment. Application deadline is February 1, followed by finalist interviews in March.
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College scholarship website.
Barnes Scholarships (Otis A. and Margaret T. Barnes Trusts) cover full tuition worth approximately $65,000+/year (~$260,000 over four years) for STEM majors including chemistry, biochemistry, biology, environmental science, geology, physics, psychology/neuroscience, mathematics, and computer science. Requires U.S. citizenship, strong math/science coursework, and a separate Barnes Interest Form with 600–800 word essay plus additional STEM faculty recommendation. Financial need is considered. Deadline: January 4.
El Pomar Scholarship covers full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board) worth approximately $80,000+/year (~$320,000 total). Limited to Colorado residents who qualify for need-based aid and demonstrate interest in public policy or nonprofit careers with significant community service. Requires El Pomar Interest Form, resume, essay, additional recommendation, and virtual interview for finalists. Deadline: January 18. This is exceptionally well-suited for low-income students interested in public service.
Woman's Educational Society (WES) Scholarship awards up to 37% of tuition (~$24,000/year) for students aligned with gender equity values. U.S. citizenship required; need-based aid eligible students specifically encouraged. Requires 500–700 word essay on furthering gender equity. Deadline: January 18.
QuestBridge National College Match provides a full four-year scholarship worth $325,000+ at Colorado College (partner since 2013). This is specifically designed for high-achieving, low-income students with household income typically under $65,000. Requires the complete QuestBridge application, separate from Common App, with a deadline in late September/early October. This is among the nation's premier opportunities for academically advanced low-income students.
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General webpage.
Puksta Scholars Program awards $7,500/year renewable for four years ($30,000 total) plus access to project funding, trainings, and retreats. Limited to Colorado residents with demonstrated financial need and interest in social justice and community engagement. Requires separate application and interview after receiving DU admission. Well-suited for low-income students with service orientation.
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tuition Scholarship covers full standard tuition (~$55,000/year, $220,000 total) for enrolled members of the Cheyenne & Arapaho of Oklahoma, Northern Cheyenne of Montana, or Northern Arapaho of Wyoming. Awarded automatically upon providing tribal enrollment number on Common Application.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Major National Scholarships
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Sponsor - Bryan Cameron Education Foundation (est. 2015)
Award - Full tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college/university
4-Year Value - $80,000–$240,000+ depending on institution
Deadline - Early: May 21; Final: September 3 or when 3,000 applications received
Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship, minimum 3.7 unweighted GPA, and graduating high school senior status. Selection emphasizes excellence in leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities over pure academics—making this ideal for well-rounded students who want to make an impact. This is a merit-based program with no financial need requirement.
Additional benefits include annual Awards Ceremony attendance, mentorship, and connection to a network of Cameron Impact Scholars. Only 15 students are selected annually from approximately 3,000 applicants.
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Sponsor
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation (est. 1986)
Award
$20,000 one-time scholarship
4-Year Value
$20,000
Deadline
September 30 (application opens August 1)
Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, current high school senior status, minimum 3.0 GPA, and attending school in the U.S. or select DoD schools. Selection focuses on leadership in school and community, service orientation, and sustained commitment to making a positive impact. This is an achievement-based (not need-based) scholarship.
Additional benefits include lifetime membership in the Coca-Cola Scholars network, mentoring through a Coach program, leadership summits every five years, and career connections. 150 scholars are selected annually from over 100,000 applicants. This is one of the most prestigious and competitive corporate scholarships.
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Sponsor - Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (est. 2004)
Award - $20,000 flexible scholarship plus comprehensive support
4-Year Value - $20,000+
Deadline - February 15 (application opens December 15)
Eligibility requirements include participation in an approved college readiness program (AVID, KIPP, Upward Bound, etc.) during grades 11 and 12, minimum 2.4 GPA, Pell Grant eligibility, and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. The program targets low-income students who are "better than their numbers indicate" and demonstrate grit, potential, and ambition in overcoming personal obstacles.
Additional benefits include a laptop, Chegg textbook credits, free teletherapy services, academic advising, career coaching, and a Scholars Resource Network for financial and personal support. Funds can be used for tuition, graduate school, loan repayment, or study abroad. 500 scholars are selected annually. This is the single best scholarship for students who have overcome adversity.
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Sponsor - Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans (est. 1984)
Award - $25,000 (National); $10,000 (State); plus targeted scholarships
4-Year Value - $10,000–$25,000 depending on program
Deadline - Juniors: March 1; Seniors: February 15
Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship, enrolled full-time as a high school junior or senior, minimum 2.0 GPA, critical financial need (typically $55,000 or less adjusted gross income preferred), and demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming significant adversity. Unlike other scholarships, this program specifically values students who have faced and overcome major life obstacles.
Additional benefits include an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. for the National Scholars Conference. The Association administers over 70 scholarship programs including state-specific and targeted institution scholarships. One application considers you for all eligible programs. This is the largest need-based scholarship program focused on adversity.
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Sponsor - Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (est. 2000)
Award - Up to $55,000 per year (last-dollar after institutional aid)
4-Year Value - $100,000–$220,000
Deadline - November 12 (via Common App)
Eligibility requirements include completing four years of high school in the U.S., minimum 3.75 unweighted GPA, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, or IB), maximum family income of $95,000 (median recipient income is ~$34,000), and demonstrated leadership and persistence. This is the most academically rigorous need-based scholarship.
Additional benefits include comprehensive college advising, graduate school funding eligibility, internship stipends, conference travel stipends, and access to a network of 3,600+ Cooke Scholars and Alumni. Selection requires demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and persistence in addition to financial need. Approximately 70 new scholars are selected annually. This is the nation's largest private undergraduate scholarship.
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General Scholarship resources
Immigrants Rising - Transforming Lives Through Education
College Resource Books
Listed below are great resources, but are often limited to several hundred schools. They are available at most public libraries.
Fiske Guide To Colleges
Edward B. Fiske
The Best 389 Colleges
Robert Franek with David Soto, Stephen Koch, Aaron Riccio and Laura Rose
Colleges Worth Your Money
Andrew Belasco, Dave Bergman and Michael Trivette