When compiling our top picks for last-minute scholarships, we put the most weight on the application deadline and how easy it is to apply. We also took into consideration factors like scholarship amounts and eligibility requirements.
The Red Cross offers this scholarship as an incentive program to bring in more blood donations. To qualify, you have to host a Red Cross blood drive. After the drive, the Red Cross enters your name into a lottery to win one of its 10 scholarships. How much you qualify for depends on how many pints of blood you collected at your drive.
Lower collection amounts are eligible for one of the six $1,000 scholarships, while higher amounts can get you entered for one of the two $1,500 or $2,500 scholarships. Winners are selected on January 21, 2023.
Each year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) awards five $1,000 scholarships to college students. Unlike other scholarships based on academic merit or need, this award goes to randomly selected applicants.
To apply, all you need to do is fill out a quick online form. You’ll find out if you win within two weeks of the deadline.
The Secular Student Alliance offers four scholarships to student members who are in college or about to enter. These include:
Apply for all four of these scholarships through the Secular Student Alliance website.
The Hasbrouck Family Association is a historical organization that specializes in Huguenot history in the US. It offers four scholarships to students who are the decedents of or studying Huguenot immigrants to the US. These include:
Walk Safe Long Island, a pedestrian safety organization, offers two scholarships of $1,000 and $2,000 to students who submit the best short video about New York State traffic laws for pedestrians. It should also describe why pedestrian and traffic safety awareness is important for Long Islanders to understand.
Members of the Walk Safe Long Island coalition will select winners, who will receive their scholarship after attending an award ceremony in September.
K-9 Carts is a company that makes products like wheelchairs and slings for pets with a disability. Each year, it offers one scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a degree program related to veterinary medicine. To enter, you must make a short YouTube video highlighting your volunteer work or community service and write an essay on a veterinary-related topic.
Didn’t qualify for enough scholarships to cover your full cost of attendance? Here are a few other options to consider:
A last-minute scholarship probably won’t cover your entire cost of attendance. But it can help reduce how much you have to borrow if you suddenly need more funding when classes are about to start. Find more free aid by reading our A-to-Z list of college scholarships.
Where does the scholarship money go if I win?
Most scholarship programs send the funds directly to your school, though it depends on the program. If you aren’t sure, reach out to the scholarship administrator to learn how funding works. In some cases, your school will give you a check for any funds left after you’ve covered your bill — but not always.
How do I actually win a scholarship?
That depends on the scholarship program. Typically, you’ll need to have good grades and a strong essay to win a scholarship — though that’s not always the case. Many are geared toward specific types of students based on factors like your area of study or where you’re from, so make sure you meet the requirements before you apply.
Can I get a full-ride scholarship at the last minute?
Probably not — most full-ride scholarships are highly competitive, and you typically need to apply far in advance to be considered.
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