As college tuition continues to rise, students from low-income backgrounds face significant financial barriers when it comes to pursuing higher education. However, there are numerous scholarships available specifically for low-income students that can help alleviate the burden of college expenses. In this article, we have compiled a list of 9 scholarships that provide financial aid and support for students from low-income households. These scholarships cover a wide range of academic fields and are offered by various organizations, making it easier for deserving students to access the resources they need to achieve their educational goals.
Greenhouse Scholars Scholarship – Up to $5,000 (renewable for up to 4 years)
Greenhouse Scholars is an educational organization dedicated to empowering student leaders from low-income communities. To become eligible for a Greenhouse Scholars scholarship, students must be a graduating high school senior from Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, or North Carolina at the time of application.
NMF Primary Care Leadership Program (PCLP) – $5,000
The GE-NMF Primary Care Leadership Program provides future healthcare workers with a chance to step into U.S. community health centers, where they engage with mentors in leadership training and team-based activities. Applicants must have proof of U.S. citizenship or a DACA approval letter, be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school or graduate-level nursing or physician assistant program, be a minority student or a socioeconomically disadvantaged student, show leadership traits, and be committed to working in medically underserved communities. Winners receive a $5,000 stipend to cover travel, living, and lodging expenses.
FARE Diversity Scholars Program – $10,000
Established in 2022, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) has partnered with NMF to develop the FARE Diversity Scholars Program. This program is designed to provide students from underrepresented backgrounds with opportunities to deeply engage in food allergy research to build the pipeline of diverse physicians and researchers who are committed to investigating, evaluating, and addressing the socioeconomic factors that impact healthcare access for food allergy patients. Applicants must have proof of U.S. citizenship or a DACA approval letter, be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school or graduate-level public health school located in the U.S., be a minority student or a socioeconomically disadvantaged student, be interested in healthcare delivery to medically underserved communities, and be interested in food allergy research and education.
Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships – Up to $5,000
The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) offers Worldstudio Scholarships that benefit underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students studying photography, illustration, and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the United States. Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA and may be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.
BAFTX Susan Howard Community Service Award – $5,000
The British American Foundation of Texas (BAFTX) offers the Susan Howard Community Service Award to low-income students in Texas and Great Britain who demonstrate active community service and academic achievement. Applicants must be between the ages of 11 and 21. The award honors Susan Howard, the founder of BAFTX.
Alexander Hamilton Scholars Program – $1,000
The Alexander Hamilton Scholars Program is a five-year mentorship program to help underserved high school juniors succeed in college and in their careers. Winners are provided with guidance and support as they move through high school and college and start their careers. Winners are also provided with two $500 cash awards. Applicants must be juniors in high school, show financial need, live in the United States, be college-bound to a U.S. institution, be high-achieving and service-focused, show grit and perseverance, commit to participating in a rigorous five-year program curriculum, and be able to attend New York Leader Week.
2L Diversity Scholarship – $50,000
International law firm Milbank offers the 2L Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to law students who are members of historically underrepresented groups in the legal profession. This includes students who are of a racial or ethnic minority group, are differently abled, or are from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States; be enrolled at an ABA accredited law school with an expected graduation date of spring 2025; possess outstanding academic achievement, leadership ability, and excellent writing and interpersonal skills; and show active involvement in the community. Recipients are given a paid summer internship position and granted a $50,000 scholarship, payable in installments.
Gates Scholarship – Full Cost of Attendance
The Gates Scholarship is annually awarded to minority, college-bound high school seniors from low-income households. This is a “last dollar” scholarship so Gates Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance (includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs) that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by FAFSA or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, be from one or more ethnic minority groups, be Pell-eligible, be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, and meet a minimum GPA requirement of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). Applications open in July each year.
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program – $20,000
The National Institute of Health (NIH) provides undergraduate scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are dedicated to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. Each applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student at an accredited four-year undergraduate institution, be from a disadvantaged background, and have a minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale or rank top 5% of class. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years. In addition to receiving money for college, scholarship recipients are required to train for 10 weeks as paid summer research employees in an NIH research laboratory and work as full-time employees in an NIH research laboratory after graduation.
In conclusion, the journey to finding the perfect scholarship doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re just beginning your search or looking to expand your options, our comprehensive scholarship directory offers a wide range of opportunities catering to diverse academic interests and backgrounds. For a more personalized approach, consider leveraging the power of TUN AI, our innovative tool designed to match you with scholarships uniquely suited to your profile. Start exploring today and take a step closer to securing the financial support you need for your educational journey.