Need-Based Scholarships: What You Need to Know

Paying for college can feel overwhelming but need-based scholarships exist to help students and families who need financial support the most. Discover how to obtain need-based scholarships and find a list of currently open applications.

What are Need-Based Scholarships?

Need-based scholarships are awarded to students and families who can demonstrate financial need. The scholarship application process usually requires proof of income or financial hardship through documents like the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), tax returns, or financial aid award letters. Unlike merit-based scholarships that focus on academic achievement or special talents, need-based scholarships prioritize helping students who may not be able to afford college without financial assistance. These scholarships for low-income students can cover tuition, fees, books, and sometimes even living expenses.

Who Qualifies for Need-Based Scholarships?

To qualify for need-based scholarships, a student must submit their FAFSA. Some scholarship providers may require prior-year tax information from the student's parents or legal guardians. Your eligibility for need-based scholarships is typically determined by: • Aid eligibility calculated from your FAFSA • Household income and family size • Cost of attendance at your chosen school • Special circumstances like unemployment, medical expenses, or multiple siblings in college The good news? Many middle-class families demonstrate financial need when college costs exceed what they can reasonably afford. Completing the FAFSA is an essential first step to accessing scholarships based on financial need.

Types of Need-Based Scholarships

There are a variety of need-based scholarships available from different sources. Such as the following:

Federal Need-Based Scholarships

The federal government offers need-based grants like the Pell Grant, which provides up to $7,395 per year to eligible undergraduate students. Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants) offer additional support to students with exceptional financial need.

State Need-Based Scholarships

Many states offer need-based scholarships and grants to residents attending in-state colleges. These programs vary by state but can provide thousands of dollars in aid. Check your state's higher education agency for available programs.

Nonprofit and Private Need-Based Scholarships

Private organizations, foundations, and nonprofits offer need-based scholarships to support students from specific communities, backgrounds, or fields of study. These scholarships for students with financial need often have additional eligibility requirements beyond financial need.

College and University Need-Based Scholarships

Most colleges and universities offer institutional need-based aid to admitted students who demonstrate financial need. These awards can be the most generous, sometimes covering full tuition for qualifying students. It's important to understand that financial aid and scholarships are not the same thing. Both terms can often be used incorrectly. Students apply for need-based scholarships and are asked to prove their need for financial support. Federal and state financial aid cannot be given if a student has not submitted their FAFSA and meets the qualifications to receive financial aid.

Financial-Need Scholarships and Grants Currently Open

Below are need-based scholarships currently accepting applications. Be sure to check deadlines and eligibility requirements carefully.

Oregon Opportunity Grant

Deadline: Rolling Award Amount: $900 - $7,500 The Oregon Opportunity Grant is available to students of all ages who are pursuing their first associate or bachelor's degree at an eligible public or private institution. To be eligible for this award, you must demonstrate financial need, have been a resident of Oregon for at least one year, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and be enrolled on at least a half-time basis (six credit hours).

GHF Emerge Scholarship

Deadline: Rolling Award Amount: $1,000 The GHF Emerge Scholarship is available to students interested in pursuing a career in Nursing. You must demonstrate financial need and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen to be considered for this award.

Boundless Opportunity Scholarship

Deadline: Rolling Award Amount: Varies The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship is open to non-traditional students residing in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. You must demonstrate financial need, academic promise, strength of character, leadership potential, a well - rounded personality, and willingness to give back to the community to be eligible for this award.

CIA Assistance Grant

Deadline: Rolling Award Amount: $1,000 - $5,000 The CIA Assistance Grant is available to students in a degree program at Culinary Institute of America. You must demonstrate financial to be eligible for this grant.

Alice Belkin Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: Rolling Award Amount: $4,000 The Alice Belkin Memorial Scholarship is available to graduate students at UCLA. You must be from an underrepresented cultural, racial, linguistic, geographic or socioeconomic background. You must have an interest in international relations and globalization and have at least a 3.0 GPA. You must demonstrate financial need and be a US citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for this award. A statement of interest and two letters of recommendation are required with your application.

The Gates Scholarship

Deadline: Deadline Passed – Check back for the 2025 scholarship details. Award Amount: Full-Tuition The Gates Scholarship is available to African - American, American Indian / Alaska Native, Asian / Pacific Islander American, and / or Hispanic American high school seniors. You must have a minimum 3.3 GPA and be Pell-eligible to be considered for this award.