Top 30 Scholarships for College Juniors

Discover 30 verified scholarships for college juniors in 2026, sorted by deadline month with award amounts and direct official apply links.

January

1) APIA Scholarship

Why It Slaps: This is one of the strongest scholarships for college juniors of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage because it is built specifically to support students with financial need and leadership potential, not just perfect GPAs. It is also a good fit for juniors who want a scholarship with a well-known national nonprofit behind it and a clean, official application path. For students trying to stack institutional aid with outside scholarships, this one deserves a serious look because it can offer either a one-time award or a larger multi-year package.
Amount: One-time awards of $2,500 and multi-year awards up to $20,000.
Deadline: January 15, 2026.
Apply/info: APIA Scholarship

2) Barry Goldwater Scholarship

Why It Slaps: For juniors in STEM, this is one of the most prestigious scholarships on the board. It is especially valuable for students interested in research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering, because the Goldwater name carries real weight with graduate programs, research labs, and faculty mentors. A college junior with strong research experience should absolutely put this on the shortlist, while also remembering that campus nomination deadlines usually come earlier than the national deadline.
Amount: Up to $7,500 per year for eligible academic expenses.
Deadline: National institution nomination deadline is January 30, 2026; campus deadlines are often earlier.
Apply/info: Barry Goldwater Scholarship

February

3) SWE Scholarship Program

Why It Slaps: Women in engineering, computer science, and related technical fields should keep this one on the radar every year. It is a smart scholarship for juniors because SWE offers a recognized national program, a strong professional network, and awards that can help offset upper-division tuition when coursework gets more specialized and expensive. This is also the kind of scholarship that pairs nicely with internships and chapter involvement, which many juniors already have by this point in college.
Amount: Scholarships generally start at $1,000, with many awards in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.
Deadline: February 2, 2026, for the 2026-27 collegiate/graduate cycle.
Apply/info: SWE Scholarship Program

4) Harry S. Truman Scholarship

Why It Slaps: This is a standout opportunity for juniors who see themselves in public service, government, nonprofit leadership, education policy, or advocacy. The reason it hits so hard is that it is intentionally designed for students who want to make a long-term public impact and then continue into graduate or professional school. If a junior already has leadership, service, and a policy-minded career vision, this scholarship is a very serious resume-maker.
Amount: Up to $30,000 for graduate study.
Deadline: February 3, 2026.
Apply/info: Harry S. Truman Scholarship

5) HSF Scholar Program

Why It Slaps: This is one of the most recognizable scholarship programs for Hispanic students, and it stays relevant for college juniors because the program mixes direct financial support with a wider ecosystem of career services, mentorship, and special access to internships or partner opportunities. Juniors often benefit most from scholarships that do more than cover one bill, and HSF is strong on that front. It is especially worth targeting if you want a scholarship that can support both the money side and the career-building side of college.
Amount: Awards generally range from $500 to $5,000 based on need.
Deadline: February 15, 2026.
Apply/info: HSF Scholar Program

6) SHPE ScholarSHPE

Why It Slaps: Hispanic students in STEM should pay attention to this one because it connects scholarship money with one of the best-known professional organizations in the field. For juniors, that matters a lot: this is the stage when internships, conference exposure, technical networking, and employer visibility start to snowball. Even when the exact award amount varies, the combination of SHPE branding, STEM relevance, and community makes this a high-value application.
Amount: Varies by award.
Deadline: February 16, 2026.
Apply/info: SHPE ScholarSHPE

March

7) NAWIC Founders Scholarship Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

Why It Slaps: Juniors studying construction-related fields should look hard at this scholarship because it is tailored to an industry that values early specialization and professional identity. By junior year, many applicants already have enough major-specific coursework, internships, or career focus to make a competitive case. It is a smart pick for students who want scholarship support from an organization that is directly tied to the construction world rather than a generic scholarship portal.
Amount: Minimum $1,000.
Deadline: March 6, 2026.
Apply/info: NAWIC Founders Scholarship Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

8) SCI America Scholarship Program

Why It Slaps: This is a strong option for juniors whose majors connect to the chemical industry, because it is not trying to be everything for everyone. That niche is exactly why it can be valuable: specialized scholarships often draw a smaller, more relevant applicant pool than broad national awards. Juniors already taking upper-level science, engineering, or industry-related coursework are in a good position to show commitment and make a targeted application here.
Amount: $5,000.
Deadline: March 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Apply/info: SCI America Scholarship Program

9) Point Foundation Access Scholarship

Why It Slaps: This is a strong junior-year scholarship for LGBTQ+ students and allies who want support without needing to wait for graduate school or a final-year-only award. It works especially well for juniors because the award can help cover a single academic term during a stretch when tuition, rent, and internship costs often hit at once. It is also backed by a nationally respected foundation with a clear mission and a direct official application path.
Amount: $1,500.
Deadline: March 12, 2026.
Apply/info: Point Foundation Access Scholarship

10) FEEA Scholarship

Why It Slaps: This one is especially useful for juniors from federal employee families because it acts as a gateway to a large pool of awards through a common application. That setup makes it efficient: one application can unlock many opportunities, which is a big deal for busy juniors juggling advanced coursework, campus leadership, and internships. If you qualify through the federal workforce connection, this is one of the better leverage plays on the list.
Amount: Varies.
Deadline: March 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EDT.
Apply/info: FEEA Scholarship

11) AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs

Why It Slaps: Accounting juniors who plan to pursue CPA licensure should treat this as a priority application. It is one of the better-known accounting scholarships, and junior year is exactly when many students are deep enough into the major to prove commitment while still having significant tuition ahead. The professional alignment is the big advantage here: this award speaks directly to the CPA pathway rather than offering a vague general-business scholarship.
Amount: $10,000.
Deadline: March 15, 2026.
Apply/info: AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs

12) ISC2 Undergraduate Scholarship

Why It Slaps: Cybersecurity juniors are often in the perfect sweet spot for this scholarship: experienced enough to show technical direction, but still early enough to need funding before senior year. That makes this a practical and strategic award at the same time. The cybersecurity field is growing fast, and having a recognizable scholarship tied to cyber safety and education can strengthen both the financial side of college and the professional side of the student profile.
Amount: Undergraduate awards listed at $5,000.
Deadline: March 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Apply/info: ISC2 Undergraduate Scholarship

13) Invictus/Verus Scholarship Program

Why It Slaps: Business, finance, accounting, law, real-estate, and capital-markets students should like this one because it is career-specific in a way that broad scholarships rarely are. For juniors, that is ideal: by now, many applicants have enough coursework and internship interest to tell a focused story about where they are headed. When a scholarship is connected to professional sectors this directly, it can also signal seriousness to future employers and mentors.
Amount: $5,000.
Deadline: March 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Apply/info: Invictus/Verus Scholarship Program

14) PSE Merle T. Lebakken Scholarship

Why It Slaps: Students interested in energy, utilities, power systems, or infrastructure should not skip this one. It is a strong junior-year scholarship because industry-connected awards can be easier to position around your coursework, internships, and career goals than broad merit competitions. If you want money that lines up with a real sector of the economy and a believable post-college path, this is a very practical target.
Amount: $2,500 for two-year programs and $5,000 for four-year programs.
Deadline: March 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Apply/info: PSE Merle T. Lebakken Scholarship

15) American Water Impact Scholarship Program

Why It Slaps: This is a strong value scholarship for juniors in non-medical STEM or business fields, especially if they are looking for larger award amounts from a real corporate sponsor with a defined mission. It stands out because the award is substantial and because the program is tied to fields that connect to utilities, infrastructure, and operations. Juniors who want something more targeted than a generic campus scholarship should put this on the list.
Amount: $10,000.
Deadline: March 31, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Apply/info: American Water Impact Scholarship Program

April

16) Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship

Why It Slaps: This is a strong scholarship for juniors who want support from a civil-rights organization with a long national reputation. The appeal here is not just the money, but the mission: it is designed to back students who are serious about academic progress and long-term opportunity. For many juniors, that mix of prestige, clarity, and direct financial help makes it one of the better April deadlines to chase.
Amount: Generally $3,000 annually for undergraduate recipients.
Deadline: April 1, 2026.
Apply/info: Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship

17) EatRight Foundation Scholarships

Why It Slaps: Nutrition, dietetics, and related students should look closely at this one because it is one of the better-known scholarship hubs in that academic lane. For juniors, it is a particularly smart target because upper-division coursework, supervised learning, and professional preparation often get more expensive at this point. Another plus is range: there are multiple scholarship opportunities under one respected foundation umbrella.
Amount: Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with many in the $1,000 to $2,500 range.
Deadline: April 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT.
Apply/info: EatRight Foundation Scholarships

18) Guild Giving National Scholarship

Why It Slaps: This is a nice scholarship for juniors because the application is straightforward, the award is meaningful enough to matter, and the deadline falls in a crowded month when many students stop looking. That can create opportunity for applicants who stay organized. It is also useful for students who want a general outside scholarship with a direct official application page and no directory detour.
Amount: $1,500.
Deadline: April 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Apply/info: Guild Giving National Scholarship

19) Pathway to Opportunity Scholarship

Why It Slaps: This one works well for juniors because it supports both degree-seeking students and some certificate pathways, which makes it more flexible than many awards in the same deadline window. The funding is solid, and the application sits on a direct official Scholarship America page that is easy to verify. Students trying to lower their remaining college cost without hunting through a hundred small local programs should give this one a real shot.
Amount: $2,500 for two- or four-year degree students; $1,000 for certificate students.
Deadline: April 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Apply/info: Pathway to Opportunity Scholarship

20) Actuary of Tomorrow – Stuart A. Robertson Memorial Scholarship

Why It Slaps: Actuarial science and mathematically focused juniors should love this one because it is highly aligned with a very specific profession. That specificity is an advantage, not a limitation, because it narrows the pool to students who have already committed to the path. If a junior has the required actuarial exam progress and wants an award that directly reinforces professional identity, this is one of the best April opportunities out there.
Amount: $2,500 to $10,000.
Deadline: April 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Apply/info: Actuary of Tomorrow – Stuart A. Robertson Memorial Scholarship

21) Scholarship America Essential Visionaries Fund

Why It Slaps: This one stands out because it offers bigger money than many general outside scholarships and is tied to helping students in people-centered fields such as education, counseling, psychology, nursing, and related areas. That makes it especially relevant for juniors who are already on a defined professional track and can explain the impact they want to make. The renewable component also gives it extra value compared with one-and-done awards.
Amount: $5,000 to $10,000, renewable.
Deadline: April 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Apply/info: Scholarship America Essential Visionaries Fund

22) Vanguard Scholarship for Democracy, Justice and Social Change

Why It Slaps: This is a compelling scholarship for female juniors whose studies connect to civic engagement, law, social justice, health equity, environmental work, or community change. It is a strong fit for students who have already moved beyond general interest and can show real direction through coursework, service, research, or leadership. In a list full of broad scholarships, this one is valuable because its mission is clear and its audience is focused.
Amount: Minimum $4,000.
Deadline: April 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT.
Apply/info: Vanguard Scholarship for Democracy, Justice and Social Change

23) Prospanica Scholarship

Why It Slaps: Hispanic and Latino students in business-related pathways should give this one serious attention because Prospanica is a recognized professional organization, not a random scholarship site. For juniors, that professional tie-in matters because it can connect scholarship support with networking and long-term career upside. The award size is useful, the mission is clear, and the deadline sits in a part of the calendar where disciplined applicants can still find strong national opportunities.
Amount: Up to $5,000.
Deadline: April 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Apply/info: Prospanica Scholarship

24) IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Initiative

Why It Slaps: Students aiming at power and energy engineering should see this as one of the more career-smart scholarships on the page. It is not just about tuition help; it is connected to a field with strong workforce demand and a major professional society behind it. For juniors already leaning toward electric power, energy systems, or utility work, this is the kind of scholarship that can fit both the academic story and the career story.
Amount: Up to $10,000 toward education expenses.
Deadline: April 30, 2026.
Apply/info: IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Initiative

May

25) AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarships

Why It Slaps: This is a strong scholarship set for juniors in STEM majors who want support from a longstanding organization with defense, communications, technology, and cybersecurity relevance. A big plus here is that AFCEA runs several clearly defined scholarship options under one umbrella, which makes the application effort more efficient. Juniors with solid grades and a technical major should have this on the shortlist every spring.
Amount: $2,500 for the STEM Major Scholarship, with some AFCEA-linked awards going higher.
Deadline: May 1, 2026.
Apply/info: AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarships

26) HACU Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships

Why It Slaps: First-generation college juniors should look hard at this one because the scholarship is purpose-built for a specific student story that many national scholarships only mention in passing. That focus can work in your favor if you can explain your academic progress, family context, and long-term goals clearly. It is also backed by HACU, which makes it more credible and more relevant than generic “first-gen” scholarship roundups online.
Amount: $5,000.
Deadline: May 15, 2026.
Apply/info: HACU Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships

27) HACU Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarships

Why It Slaps: This is a good scholarship for juniors who want a more focused national opportunity with a manageable deadline and a direct sponsor-backed application route. Because it sits under HACU and a recognizable corporate partnership, it tends to feel more trustworthy than many similarly sized awards floating around search results. It is especially useful for students who want one more solid application in May instead of letting the calendar go quiet after April.
Amount: $2,000.
Deadline: May 15, 2026.
Apply/info: HACU Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarships

28) NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship

Why It Slaps: Retail, merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and business-minded juniors should not overlook this scholarship. The reason it stands out is that it offers a large top award and is tied to a real industry foundation rather than a generic scholarship brand. If a junior is already interested in consumer business, retail leadership, or commercial strategy, this one can add both money and professional credibility.
Amount: Top award of $25,000.
Deadline: May 26, 2026.
Apply/info: NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship

December

29) Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship

Why It Slaps: This is one of the most important scholarships for LGBTQ+ students because it is designed as a deeper-support program rather than just a one-off award. For juniors, that can be especially attractive if senior year and post-college planning are both approaching at once. The major draw here is the combination of financial need-based support and the reputation of the Point Foundation itself.
Amount: Financial award based on need; renewable support is available.
Deadline: Application cycle opens in September and runs through early December.
Apply/info: Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship

30) ASHRAE Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships

Why It Slaps: Engineering juniors with interests in HVAC, building systems, energy efficiency, or the built environment should put this on the December list immediately. It is a great match for upper-level engineering students because by junior year they usually have enough technical coursework to make a strong field-specific case. The award range is also better than many small engineering scholarships, which makes the time investment more worthwhile.
Amount: $3,000 to $10,000.
Deadline: December 1 annually.
Apply/info: ASHRAE Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships