Top 7 Scholarships and Grants for College Students in 2023

Top 7 Funding Opportunities for College Students

Securing financial aid through scholarships is one of the most accessible ways to fund higher education. While many require detailed applications and essays, some are straightforward and have minimal eligibility criteria. These simple scholarships offer frequent opportunities since they often have no restrictions, allowing students to apply monthly. When searching for college funding, it's important to consider both ease of application and eligibility requirements to maximize your chances of success.

This article highlights seven prominent scholarships and grants available for students seeking financial support for college.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grant
The AAUW provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $12,000 to women holding a bachelor’s degree who are pursuing further professional credentials or graduate studies. Priority is given to women working in non-traditional fields and those who are U.S. citizens enrolled at accredited colleges, either online or on-campus. An application fee of $35 via PayPal is required, and additional details can be found on their official website.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The 2023 Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship open to high school seniors graduating in 2022-2023. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, community service, and academic excellence. The program offers a $20,000 award and is accessible through their official website starting August 2022. Only U.S. high school seniors planning to attend an accredited college are eligible.

Because College Costs Matter Scholarship
This $500 scholarship is perfect for undergraduates, high school seniors, or juniors planning to start college within two years. No specific eligibility is required—just be a U.S. citizen planning to enroll soon. Selection is by random monthly drawing, with the winner contacted directly and announced on their site. Limit one entry per person.

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
UNCF offers numerous scholarships, fellowships, and internships annually, supporting over 10,000 students. It is a leading provider of minority scholarships, with programs like the Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarships awarding between $35,000 and $85,000 for students in biotechnology and biosciences. Many students from low-to-moderate income backgrounds benefit from UNCF support.

Alexia Foundation Student Grant
This grant awards $1,500 to full-time students studying photography or related media at accredited institutions. Originating in honor of a Syracuse University student killed in 1988, the program seeks applicants committed to promoting global peace through art, with a portfolio of compelling images and limited professional experience required.

Dell Scholars Program
Sponsored by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, this program supports students from low or middle-income families, often the first in their family to attend college. The award exceeds $20,000 and includes comprehensive support to help students complete their degrees. Since inception, over 4,800 students have benefited from this initiative, overcoming challenges through its combined scholarship and mentoring approach.

Gates Millennium Scholars
Each year, around 1,000 students receive the Gates Millennium Scholarship, managed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Average awards were approximately $13,000 between 2000 and 2014, supporting minority students to access higher education. The program is part of a broader $1.6 billion commitment to increase college access for underserved populations.