Top 30 Scholarships for Bachelors in USA & their Requirements

June 12, 2025

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the United States is a dream for millions of students worldwide. However, the high cost of education can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help both international and domestic students achieve their academic goals. This comprehensive topic covers the most important scholarship opportunities for bachelor’s degree seekers in the USA.

Types of Scholarships for Bachelor’s Studies in the USA

There are several types of scholarships available for undergraduate students in the U.S.:

Type of Scholarship	Description	Who It’s For	Common Criteria
Merit-Based Scholarships	Awards based on academic excellence, test scores, and talents	High-achieving students with strong academics or skills	GPA, SAT/ACT scores, leadership, extracurricular activities
Need-Based Scholarships	Financial aid based on the student’s or family’s financial status	Students who demonstrate financial need	Family income, financial documents
Athletic Scholarships	Given to outstanding athletes who contribute to university sports teams	Skilled athletes in sports like football, basketball, etc.	Sports performance, team recruitment
Subject-Specific Scholarships	Targeted for students pursuing specific majors or fields	Students in fields such as STEM, arts, business	Enrollment in particular academic programs
Diversity Scholarships	For students from underrepresented groups or unique backgrounds	Minority groups, women in STEM, first-generation students	Ethnicity, gender, background, personal story
External Scholarships	Offered by organizations outside universities, including foundations and governments	International students or those meeting specific external criteria	Varies by sponsor, often merit or need-based

Top Scholarships for Bachelors in USA

The U.S. offers thousands of scholarships every year for international and domestic students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Scholarships can come from various sources including:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based Scholarships for Bachelors in USA reward students with strong academics, test scores, or talents. Maintaining a high GPA and applying early can improve your chances of receiving these scholarships.

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Details	Information
Eligibility	International students from over 155 countries.
Coverage	Tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.
Application Requirements	Academic excellence, a well-crafted Statement of Purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Deadline	Varies by country.

2. Gates Scholarship

Details	Information
Eligibility	U.S. high school seniors from low-income families.
Coverage	Full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and other expenses.
Application Requirements	Academic performance, leadership abilities, and financial need.
Deadline	September annually.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based Scholarships for Bachelors in USA help students who require financial support. You’ll need to provide financial documents like family income statements and meet university requirements to qualify.

3. Federal Pell Grant

Details	Information
Eligibility	U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens with financial need.
Coverage	Up to $7,395
Application Requirements	FAFSA submission is mandatory.
Deadline	June 30 annually.

4. International Student Scholarships at Berea College

Details	Information
Eligibility	International students demonstrating exceptional academic performance and financial need.
Coverage	Full tuition for the first year, with work-study options to cover other expenses in subsequent years.
Application Requirements	High school transcripts, financial documents, and English proficiency test scores.
Deadline	November annually.

Suggested Post: Scholarships for Masters in USA

Scholarships for International Students

Many Scholarships for Bachelors in USA are available specifically for international students. These awards often consider academic merit, leadership, and financial need to support global learners.

5. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Details	Information
Eligibility	International students from specific countries with leadership potential.
Coverage	Full tuition, living allowance, insurance, and travel expenses.
Application Requirements	Proven leadership skills and a strong academic record.
Deadline	Varies by country.

6. East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships

Details	Information
Eligibility	Students from the Asia-Pacific region.
Coverage	Tuition, living stipend, and other educational costs.
Application Requirements	Academic merit and interest in the Asia-Pacific community.
Deadline	December annually.

Talent-Based Scholarships

Talent-based Scholarships for Bachelors in USA support students with exceptional skills in arts, sports, or leadership. Proof of talent is required.

7. Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Details	Information
Eligibility	U.S. high school seniors with leadership, community service, and academic excellence.
Coverage	$20,000.
Application Requirements	Online application, essays, and transcripts.
Deadline	October annually.

8. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Details	Information
Eligibility	U.S. students under 18 with exceptional projects in STEM, humanities, or the arts.
Coverage	$10,000–$50,000.
Application Requirements	Submission of a significant project demonstrating expertise.
Deadline	February annually.

Ethnic-Specific Scholarships

Ethnic-specific Scholarships for Bachelors in USA help students from minority backgrounds, such as Hispanic or African American communities, pursue higher education. These scholarships often require proof of heritage and academic achievement.

9. Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Details	Information
Eligibility	Hispanic heritage students, U.S. citizens, or legal residents.
Coverage	$500–$5,000 based on need and academic excellence.
Application Requirements	FAFSA submission, high school transcript, and proof of Hispanic heritage.
Deadline	February annually.

10. United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships

Details	Information
Eligibility	African American students in the U.S.
Coverage	Varies depending on the scholarship.
Application Requirements	Academic performance, financial need, and community involvement.
Deadline	Varies.

Field-Specific Scholarships

Field-specific Scholarships for Bachelors in USA target students pursuing degrees in areas like STEM, business, or arts. These scholarships reward academic excellence and dedication to a chosen field.

11. Google Generation Scholarship

Details	Information
Eligibility	Students pursuing degrees in computer science, engineering, or related fields.
Coverage	$10,000.
Application Requirements	Resume, academic transcripts, and essays.
Deadline	December annually.

12. Women in STEM Scholarships

Details	Information
Eligibility	Women pursuing STEM degrees at U.S. institutions.
Coverage	Varies depending on the scholarship provider.
Application Requirements	Essays, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Deadline	Varies.

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State-Specific Scholarships

State-specific Scholarships for Bachelors in USA support students based on their residency. These awards help cover tuition and fees for eligible students studying within their home states.

13. Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

Details	Information
Eligibility	Florida high school graduates attending college in Florida.
Coverage	Tuition and fees.
Application Requirements	Florida residency, GPA requirements, and community service hours.
Deadline	August annually.

14. Cal Grant

Details	Information
Eligibility	California residents attending eligible colleges.
Coverage	Tuition and living expenses.
Application Requirements	FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
Deadline	March 2 annually.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many universities offer their own Scholarships for Bachelors in USA to attract talented students. These scholarships often cover full or partial tuition based on academic merit and financial need.

15. Harvard Financial Aid Initiative

Details	Information
Eligibility	Students admitted to Harvard University with demonstrated financial need.
Coverage	Full tuition for families earning less than $85,000 annually.
Application Requirements	FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Deadline	Varies.

16. NYU Scholarship Programs

Details	Information
Eligibility	Admitted students demonstrating academic excellence or financial need.
Coverage	Partial or full tuition.
Application Requirements	FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Deadline	Varies

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Scholarships for Indian Students Planning to Study Bachelors in USA

Indian students have access to several Scholarships for Bachelors in USA that help cover tuition and living costs. Popular options include the Tata Scholarship at Cornell and KC Mahindra Scholarship, which reward academic excellence and financial need. These scholarships make studying in the USA more affordable for Indian students. Applying early and meeting eligibility requirements increases your chances.

17. Tata Scholarship for Students from India – Cornell University

Details	Information
Eligibility	Indian nationals accepted into undergraduate programs at Cornell University.
Coverage	Full tuition, living expenses, and travel cost.
Application Requirements	Demonstrated financial need; must apply for financial aid with the admission application.
Deadline	Same as Cornell’s admission deadline (usually Jan 2).

18. KC Mahindra Scholarship for Indian Students

Details	Information
Eligibility	Indian nationals with excellent academic records applying to foreign universities.
Coverage	Interest-free loan scholarships up to INR 8 lakhs.
Application Requirements	Academic transcripts, admission proof, and letters of recommendation.
Deadline	March annually.

19. JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education

Details	Information
Eligibility	Indian students accepted into any international undergraduate or postgraduate program.
Coverage	Loan scholarships ranging from INR 1,00,000 to INR 10,00,000.
Application Requirements	Indian citizenship, admission confirmation, and excellent academic background.
Deadline	March annually.

20. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

Details	Information
Eligibility	Indian students accepted into any international undergraduate or postgraduate program.
Coverage	Loan scholarships ranging from INR 1,00,000 to INR 10,00,000.
Application Requirements	Indian citizenship, admission confirmation, and excellent academic background.
Deadline	March annually.

21. Education Future International Scholarship

Details	Information
Eligibility	Indian students accepted to top-ranked foreign universities.
Coverage	Between INR 2 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs.
Application Requirements	Minimum 60% in Class 10 and 12, and financial need.
Deadline	Rolling basis.

22. Indian Trust Fellowship – University of Chicago

Details	Information
Eligibility	Indian students admitted to UChicago programs (especially Booth School of Business, also undergrad).
Coverage	Approx. USD 10,000–25,000 annually.
Application Requirements	Academic merit and leadership.
Deadline	Varies per program.

23. Global Study Awards by British Council & ISIC

Details	Information
Eligibility	Indian students with valid IELTS scores planning to study abroad.
Coverage	Up to £10,000 for tuition fees.
Application Requirements	IELTS score, university admission letter, and a motivational essay.
Deadline	Twice a year – June and November.

24. Next Genius Scholarship

Details	Information
Eligibility	Indian high school students planning to pursue UG education in the USA.
Coverage	Full and partial tuition scholarships to partner U.S. universities.
Application Requirements	Online test, interviews, and strong academic record.
Deadline	October–December annually.

25. The Indian Students Scholarship – University of Oregon

Details	Information
Eligibility	Indian students admitted to UG programs at University of Oregon.
Coverage	Partial tuition waiver (up to $30,000 per year).
Application Requirements	High academic performance and need-based support.
Deadline	Same as university application deadline.

26. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

Details	Information
Eligibility	International students (including Indians) with leadership and community service background.
Coverage	Full tuition, room, and board for one student annually.
Application Requirements	Academic transcripts, essay, and demonstrated leadership.
Deadline	December annually.

27. Boston University Trustee Scholarship

Details	Information
Eligibility	International students (including Indians) applying to UG courses.
Coverage	Full undergraduate tuition plus fees for four years.
Application Requirements	High academic achievement and essays.
Deadline	December annually.

28. Clark University Global Scholars Program

Details	Information
Eligibility	International students applying to undergraduate programs.
Coverage	$15,000 to $25,000 per year with potential for $5,000 work-study.
Application Requirements	Academic achievement and extracurricular excellence.
Deadline	January 15 annually.

29. Illinois Wesleyan University Merit Scholarships

Details	Information
Eligibility	International students (including Indians).
Coverage	$16,000 to $30,000 annually based on academic performance
Application Requirements	No separate application needed; automatic consideration.
Deadline	January annually.

30. AAUW International Fellowships (for women only)

Details	Information
Eligibility	Female Indian students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in the USA.
Coverage	$18,000–$30,000 per year.
Application Requirements	Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial need.
Deadline	November annually.

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Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for Bachelors in USA

Each scholarship has its own set of criteria, but common eligibility factors include:

Criteria	Details
Academic Performance	GPA or equivalent scores, standardized tests
Language Proficiency	TOEFL/IELTS or other English language tests
Financial Status	For need-based scholarships
Nationality	Some scholarships are only for international students or specific countries
Extracurricular Involvement	Leadership roles, community service, sports
Admission Status	Admission to a U.S. university (often required)
Essay or Statement of Purpose	Personal goals and how the scholarship helps
Letters of Recommendation	Academic or professional referees

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

Securing a scholarship can be highly competitive, especially when applying to prestigious universities in the United States. To boost your chances, keep these practical tips in mind:

Begin Your Search Early

Start looking for scholarship opportunities and preparing your applications well ahead of deadlines, ideally, at least one year before you plan to enroll.

Focus on Academic Excellence

Strive to maintain high grades throughout your high school years and perform well on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, as many scholarships reward academic achievement.

Write a Powerful Personal Statement

Use your personal statement to tell your story authentically. Share your goals, experiences, and unique qualities that differentiate you from other candidates.

Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation

Request recommendations from individuals who know you personally and can speak confidently about your strengths, character, and potential.

Showcase Leadership and Involvement

Highlight your participation in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, or arts programs, especially where you have taken on leadership roles.

Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Increase your opportunities by applying to various scholarships rather than relying on just one or two.

Provide Clear Financial Information When Needed

If applying for need-based scholarships, submit accurate and thorough financial documents to demonstrate your eligibility.

Review Applications Carefully

Double-check your application to ensure it is complete, well-organized, and free of any spelling or grammar errors. A clean and professional application reflects your seriousness and attention to detail.

Conclusion

Securing scholarships for bachelors in USA is a valuable way to significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education. With over $2 billion awarded annually in scholarships across American universities, thousands of students benefit from merit-based, need-based, athletic, and diversity scholarships each year. By starting early, maintaining strong academics, and applying strategically, international and domestic students alike can unlock these opportunities to pursue quality education in the USA. Remember, scholarships not only provide financial support but also open doors to exceptional academic and personal growth experiences.

FAQs

Can international students apply for need-based scholarships in the USA?

Yes, many universities and external organizations offer need-based scholarships specifically for international students pursuing bachelors in the USA, but eligibility and required documentation vary widely.

Are athletic scholarships available for international students in the USA?

Yes, international students with strong sports skills can apply for athletic scholarships, especially if recruited by college sports teams.

How important is English proficiency for securing scholarships for bachelors in USA?

English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS are often mandatory to prove your ability to succeed academically and may be a criterion for many scholarships.

Can scholarships cover living expenses in addition to tuition?

Many scholarships for bachelors in USA cover full or partial tuition as well as living costs, health insurance, and even travel expenses.

Do I need to apply separately for scholarships after university admission?

Some scholarships require a separate application, while others automatically consider admitted students based on their admission file and academic merit.

Mohit Kumar

Mohit Kumar is passionate about helping students achieve their dream of studying abroad. As part of the Successcribe team, he offers expert advice on university admissions, scholarships, visa processes, and more. With a background in education counseling, Mohit simplifies complex details to make the journey easier for students.Always learning, he stays updated with certifications from Google and LinkedIn Learning. When he's not guiding students, Mohit enjoys exploring the latest trends in global education and finding new ways to make studying abroad more accessible.