27 Easy, No Essay College Scholarships

Updated: February 9, 2022
easy scholarships to apply for

Scholarships are important for most college students; even partial scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education. Many partial scholarships don’t have restrictions on how many you can qualify for, so it’s wise to apply for as many as possible.

While some scholarships have an intense application process, there are plenty of options that are far more accessible. We’ve compiled a list of no-essay scholarships that don’t take more than a few minutes to apply for. Some of these easy scholarships are intended for students at any education level, including any high school student, undergraduate, or graduate student.

Every opportunity on this list has a short application with no essay questions. These scholarships don’t have minimum GPA requirements, and most are open to students at every level: high schoolers, undergrads, and graduate students. Take a few minutes to browse the options and apply for the ones you qualify for. You could end up with a much lower tuition payment and a happier bank account!

The Best Easy Scholarships to Apply for in 2022

Here are a few examples of easy scholarships that students can apply to. Some of these scholarships are open to students at any academic level, including one loan forgiveness award for anyone with student debt. 

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

As students join the Bold.org platform, they get the opportunity to showcase their goals, achievements, and drive to scholarship panels via their student profile. The $25,000 “Be Bold” award is a no-essay award that will be given to the applicant with the boldest profile. For bold.org, the boldest does not mean “best” or “most accomplished.” Instead, bold.org believes that the boldest means to be earnest, determined, and moving. This award will be given to the student whose profile closely matches these characteristics. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is June 1, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $25,050
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: November 30, 2022

Nitro Pay For College No-Essay Scholarship

Nitro is a leading financial aid and loan resource platform, guiding students on everything from FAFSA to best practices for federal and private loans. By applying, students will be automatically registered for Nitro. This sets students up for success in funding their education in the most effective way. This award will be given to the applicants who get the most out of the Nitro platform.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is June 1, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $10,000
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: December 1, 2022

Forget Your Student Debt No-Essay Grant

The Forget Your Student Debt Grant is open to anyone with student debt. Adults who have started their careers and are no longer in school are fully eligible. The only criteria is that you have student debt payments to make. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is June 1, 2022
  • Award Amount: $10,000
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: December 1, 2022

Informed Consumer Scholarship

The Informed Consumer Scholarship will be awarded to one student in any field of study who is interested in making the smartest financial decisions possible as they fund their education. To apply, students will be introduced to a favorite money-saving tool. Applicants who display excellent habits as informed consumers will have a better chance of winning this award. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is June 1, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: February 1, 2023

Verto Semester Abroad Scholarship

With Verto, students can start their college experience abroad in an epic destination while staying on track to graduate in four years. Students can also use their Verto app to gain admission to Verto’s 70+ partner colleges, where course credits will transfer seamlessly. For this award, all high school seniors who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a strong interest in studying abroad are eligible to apply. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is June 1, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: July 1, 2022

Lifelong Learners No-Essay Scholarship

The Bold Lifelong Learners No-Essay Scholarship exists to support lifelong learners that want to acquire a new skill that will be transformative in their lives, whether it be learning to code, digital marketing, writing, or whatever will have a lasting impact on their lives. All students who have a passion for learning are eligible to apply for this scholarship opportunity. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is May 29, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: June 29, 2022

Pay it Forward No-Essay Scholarship

One of the many ways people give back is by paying it forward; giving an act of kindness to someone in hopes that they will carry the torch onward to someone else. To promote kindness and to encourage students to continue paying it forward, the Bold Pay it Forward No-Essay Scholarship will be awarded to one student from any field of study who is committed to pay it forward. 

  • Deadline: The application deadline is May 28, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: June 28, 2022

Women’s History Scholarship

In order to offset the wage gap and help women break into male-dominated fields, such as engineering, government, and tech, it’s critical that women have the necessary resources to follow through on their goals. This award seeks to support female students so they can complete their degrees and go on to promising careers. Any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who identifies as female may apply for this award.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is August 31, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: September 7, 2022

CollegeVine Dream School Scholarship

This award aims to simplify the college application process and help high school students get accepted to their dream colleges. To apply, students will need to sign up with CollegeVine to calculate their chances of getting into their dream school! Students will need to factor their extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more, then they’ll get custom recommendations for how to improve their odds-all for free. By signing up for CollegeVine, students get access to tools that help them discover schools, understand their chances, and get personalized guidance for every step of the admissions process.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is June 1, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: October 6, 2022

WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship

When students find ways to support their community, they contribute to the virtuous cycle of giving that helps individuals and the entire community grow stronger. The WiseGeek No-Essay Community Service Scholarship exists to help current students who go above and beyond to support their school and broader community. This award is open to all students in any field of study.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is August 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winner Announced: September 16, 2022

The Asian American/Pacific Islander Scholarship

Asian American/Pacific Islander scholarship

Asian American and Pacific Islanders students are one of the most diverse and vibrant group of students at U.S. colleges and universities, representing families with roots in more than 50 countries and regions and every socio-economic status. While representation on U.S. campuses continues to grow, many AAPI students need help pursuing a college degree. The bi-annual Asian American/Pacific Islander Scholarship was created to support those dreams and increase diversity at colleges and universities across the U.S.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $750
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

The Hispanic Empowerment No-Essay Scholarship

Hispanic Empowerment scholarship

Students from Spanish or Latin American backgrounds are attending college in greater numbers than ever before, making up more than one-fifth of American college students. Many are among the first in their families to pursue a college degree and more than 60% of the students who identify as Hispanic need some level of financial aid to complete their studies. The Hispanic Empowerment No-Essay Scholarship is meant to encourage students from Hispanic families to attend and stay in college by helping them pay tuition or repay student loans.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $750
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

The First-Generation College Students Scholarship

first-generation scholarship

Being the first in their families to attend college makes first-generation students among the most motivated and dedicated at their schools. Academically prepared and highly talented, they often serve as role models for younger family members. To help prevent financial challenges from dashing the dreams of their parents and grandparents, the First-Generation College Students Scholarship is dedicated to supporting current or aspiring students who are the first in their family to attend college or university.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is Feburary 1, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes

The Psychology No-Essay Scholarship

psychology scholarship

A degree in psychology can lead to a wide variety of careers in mental health and other kinds of counseling, social work, and teaching – careers that impact all of society. So it’s important that the diversity of students who major in psychology reflects the diversity of the communities they will serve. The Psychology No-Essay Scholarship is meant to support and encourage diversity in the profession of psychology. It is open to current or aspiring psychology majors from all backgrounds.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

Entrepreneurship Matters Scholarship

entrepreneurship matters scholarship

Entrepreneurs challenge the status quo, come up with creative solutions to hard problems, and push advances in every field. And while being a successful entrepreneur can lead to being your own boss and having a career you’re passionate about, it can take a lot of hard work to get there. The Entrepreneurship Matters Scholarship is open to bold innovators who want to change the world.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

LGBTQ+ Awareness Scholarship

LGBTQ+ awareness scholarship

For decades, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been denied the rights and opportunities that others enjoy. While there have been advancements in equality, there are still members of the LGBTQ+ community who face prejudice and other challenges. Designed to combat discrimination, the LGBTQ+ Awareness Scholarship is open to all students who identify as members of this community.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

WiseGeek Disability Scholarship

disability scholarship

In many cases, those with mental and physical disabilities are limited not by their conditions, but by discrimination and lack of opportunities. It’s vital to ensure that every individual has equal rights and access to the same academic and professional options. Students of all grade levels and fields of study are eligible to apply for the WiseGeek Disability Scholarship.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

Recent Immigrants Scholarship

recent immigrants scholarship

Immigrants built the United States and have been responsible for some of the country’s most profound accomplishments. Unfortunately, many immigrants still face discrimination and stigmatization, making it harder for them to access the same academic and professional opportunities as those born in the county. The Recent Immigrants Scholarship is intended to support and encourage immigrants to reach their career goals.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

WiseGeek Nurse Appreciation Scholarship

nurse appreciation scholarship

Nurses are essential to the healthcare system, both in the United States and abroad. Despite good job stability and open positions throughout the country, there is a significant shortage of nurses. The WiseGeek Nurse Appreciation Scholarship is designed to encourage students to consider this career by providing financial support to nursing students.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

The Diversity in Law Scholarship

diversity in law scholarship

Lawyers form the backbone of freedom and justice in the U.S., and we believe that diversity in the legal sector is the key to protecting the rights of all Americans. Unfortunately, the legal industry is one of the least diverse professional areas in the U.S. We want to support and encourage minority students who are pursuing legal careers. The Diversity in Law Scholarship provides financial assistance to law school students of a racial minority.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

”Fight for Equality” Women in STEM Scholarship

fight for equality women in STEM scholarship

Women are significantly underrepresented in the STEM workforce, and we want to help change that. Diversity in any career field is important, and it’s especially vital in STEM industries where different experiences and perspectives can lead to innovative problem-solving. WiseGeek wants to encourage women to pursue degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math with our ”Fight for Equality” Women in STEM Scholarship.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship

mental health well-being scholarship

While awareness of mental health issues continues to grow in the U.S., it can still be hard for students to find the support they need to deal with emotional challenges, academic pressure, and new responsibilities. It can be especially hard to dedicate time and resources to mental health treatment during college, when schedules and finances are tight. The Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship is designed to help students who have faced these issues.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

Military Appreciation Scholarship

military appreciation scholarship

As Americans, we rely on the men and women in the U.S. military to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. However, it can be easy to forget that serving in the military is a tough job. Service members often have to put their personal goals and educational plans on hold during training and deployments. The Military Appreciation Scholarship is intended to honor, support, and thank those who have chosen to serve. It’s open to current, former, and future members of all U.S. military branches.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes
  • Winners Announced: May 16, 2022

WiseGeek Nursing No-Essay Scholarship

nursing scholarship

Nurses have never been more essential. They care for patients at every stage of life, delivering our babies, easing our pain and getting us back on our feet after illness and injury, and comforting our families in the darkest of times. It is one of the toughest – and most fulfilling – careers anyone can choose. To encourage high school students to pursue a nursing career and help while in school, the WiseGeek Nursing No-Essay Scholarship helps current and aspiring nurses pay for tuition or repay their student loans.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time to Apply: 2 minutes

WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship

community service scholarship

Community service strengthens our society by improving lives, building connections, and tearing down barriers. The volunteers who give so much back to their communities deserve all the support we can give them, including help paying for a college education. The WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship recognizes the invaluable contributions of high school and college students who commit their time and energy to lift up their neighbors and neighborhoods.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes

WiseGeek Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship

cosmetology scholarship

All of us want to look our best for our big events and in our everyday personal and professional lives. The hairstylists, barbers, and estheticians who help us keep our look on point put in thousands of hours of hard work to learn and perfect their craft and to earn the cosmetology licenses they need to work in the beauty industry. Each year the WiseGeek Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship helps a dedicated beauty professional offset some of the costs of that intensive training.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes

WiseGeek Law No-Essay Scholarship

law scholarship

Earning a law degree requires top-notch organizational, analytical, and communications skills – and a lot of help. Most new lawyers come out of school with a significant amount of debt, which can make it harder to launch their hard-earned careers. The Wisegeek Law No-Essay Scholarship is awarded each year to new or aspiring lawyers to help offset some of the costs of pursuing a Juris Doctor degree.

  • Deadline: The application deadline is April 16, 2022.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Time To Apply: 2 minutes

This list is just a sample of some of the free scholarships you can find. As you’re making plans to start or continue your college education, take a few minutes to apply for scholarships. Minimizing the financial stress of college can ensure a better educational experience and give you the foundation you need to achieve your goals.

What qualifies as an easy scholarship?

Generally, easy scholarships have no specific criteria for winning, and they only require minimal effort to apply for. The online application process is quick and simple. Some of these awards can be worth hundreds of dollars, which is a substantial payout for a few minutes of your time. These awards can help students planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in the future, current undergraduate students, and current graduate students looking for ways to pay for college.

No requirement to do anything new

One key aspect of an easy scholarship contest is that it doesn’t require you to do anything new to apply. For awards with no essay, you don’t need to spend hours crafting a paper or a personal statement.

As a high school senior, you may have past work that qualifies for some programs, so you don’t have to do anything else. For example, if you already have 50 hours of community service documented, applying for a scholarship with that criteria doesn’t require you to make any further effort.

A minimal application process

A minimal application form is one of the hallmarks of an easy scholarship – you shouldn’t need to provide a lot of paperwork or other materials. Most of these awards just ask you for basic information, such as your name. Sometimes can be automatically entered by creating a free profile on the organization’s website.

Some quick and easy scholarships cater to specific groups, such as bachelor’s degree students or those pursuing a culinary career. For these applications, you may need to provide transcripts or other evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements.

The award is available for what you’re already doing

Some scholarship applications that don’t include essays may require you to submit other materials, such as a poem, video, or report about a historical figure. But you may already have something to submit thanks to your current interests and hobbies.

Did you spend your time as a high school freshman writing songs or doing science experiments? You might have everything you need for the application. Look for programs related to your hobbies, and submit your application for the chance to get paid for what you enjoy doing.

A small pool of applicants

Other scholarships give you a better chance of winning through sheer probability. For example, there are over 1.5 million high school students hoping for a shot at the National Merit Scholarship, but many students with spectacular grades and test scores will not end up winning the money.

However, many awards have less competition, even those open to all college students. By applying for these, you have a good shot at winning just based on the fact that you are competing with fewer people.

How to apply to easy scholarships

In most cases, applying is very straightforward:

Get organized

Make a list of all the awards you want to apply for along with their due dates. It’s never too early to plan for college – even high school freshmen can start thinking about scholarship applications.

Make a plan

Because there are so many scholarships, it’s essential to plan your time so you can meet the deadlines of all the programs you want to apply for. By casting a wide net, you have the best chance of getting a lot of your tuition covered.

Use your time wisely

Most awards don’t take long to apply for, so you can get a lot of them done at once. Essay-required programs will probably take more time. It’s best to start with the time-consuming applications first and leave the easy ones for later when your brain is ready for a break.

By the time you’re a grad student, you’ll have a very efficient process for applying for scholarships.

Tips for winning easy scholarships

college students scholarships

Here are some top tips for getting money to cover your education-related expenses.

1. Pay attention to deadlines.

Deadlines for scholarships can vary wildly, though spring is generally considered the “high season.” Keep track of deadlines, so you don’t miss out on any money due to a late application.

2. Read the entire application.

Even if the award you want has a minimal application form, it’s always good to make sure you understand the entire process. You don’t want to waste time applying for scholarships you aren’t eligible for, and you don’t want your application to get rejected because you missed a step when you were filling it out.

3. Keep checking for new opportunities.

Scholarship opportunities pop up all the time, so it’s a good idea to search for new awards every month on the best scholarship websites. Even after you’ve filled out your fall and spring applications, keep an eye open for some “late” awards with deadlines in the summer. Check your school’s scholarship winners page for information on additional opportunities.

4. Apply to as many as possible.

There is no limit to the number of awards you can apply for or get, so it’s good to apply for as many scholarships as possible. This is especially true for easy no essay scholarships with applications that don’t usually take more than a few minutes to complete.

5. Work with a private tutor.

Are private tutors really worth the money? Is it better to study by yourself than take private lessons? What are private tutors doing that you can’t do on your own? These are questions many students ask themselves, especially when they see how expensive private tutoring is. But do not be fooled – private lessons are definitely worth it. They will teach you the skills you need to succeed at GCSE and A-level exams, as well as help you learn more effectively, which is why private lessons are one of the best ways to boost your grades to increase your chances of winning scholarships.

How to avoid scholarship scams

college student

There are plenty of legitimate opportunities available, but there are also some fraudulent sites. Here are some tips for avoiding scholarship scams.

1. Watch for phishing.

Most easy scholarships require you to provide basic personal information: name, contact info, and date of birth. Be wary of sites that ask for a lot of sensitive details, such as old addresses, parental information, and bank account data. These types of questions are usually designed to facilitate identity theft.

2. Don’t pay to submit your application.

Scholarship programs are all about giving money away, not taking it. If you have to pay a fee to submit your application, chances are it’s not a legit scholarship opportunity.

3. Keep your Social Security number private.

While it may seem like you have to write your SSN on a lot of different forms, you shouldn’t need to give it to most scholarship providers. If the application does ask for your Social Security number, be wary.

4. Avoid companies that offer to “find” opportunities for you.

Along with fake awards, there are also fraudulent companies that make money by selling unnecessary scholarship “services.” There are no legitimate organizations that have access to programs you can’t find on your own. Don’t pay a fee to any company that says it can find and apply for “secret” scholarships that you can’t access yourself.

Frequently asked questions about easy scholarships

easy scholarships for college students

Find answers to some of the most common questions about easy college scholarships.

How many scholarships should I apply for?

There is no limit to the number of awards you can apply for, so it’s wise to submit as many applications as possible. Maybe set aside time for a monthly scholarship application session.

How can I improve my chances of winning easy scholarships?

The best way to improve your chances of winning scholarships is to apply! There are countless prizes out there for eligible students. The more you can apply for, the better your chances of winning some of them.

Are no essay scholarships legit?

Yes. There are plenty of legitimate scholarships without essays. Some awards are as simple as a random drawing.

Are there any drawbacks to applying for easy scholarships?

One potential downside to applying for a no essay scholarship is that you may not end up winning it. However, if the application is simple, you don’t have to worry about wasting time, even if you don’t end up winning.

In many cases, easy scholarships award less money than programs with detailed application requirements. If you have a limited amount of time, use it to apply for a wide range of opportunities.

What is the best strategy for applying for easy scholarships?

Organization and efficiency are two critical strategies for applying for scholarships. Once you have an idea of all the easy scholarships you want to apply for, make a list of the due dates so you can prioritize which ones to go for first.

Websites make it easy to use your time efficiently – with just a few clicks, you can apply for a lot of no essay scholarship awards quickly. Sometimes, you can create a free account to apply for scholarships automatically.

How easy is it to get a scholarship?

It depends on the scholarship contest. To get a full-ride athletic or academic scholarship, you need to be at the top of your game or your class. However, scholarships without essays are easier to get because you don’t have to ace standardized tests or break state football records.

How to find easy scholarships?

The internet is the best source of information on free money for college. Along with the awards you can find through an online search, it’s worth looking at a few other potential sources:

  • Your employer
  • Your parents’ employers
  • Your church or religious community, especially if you plan to attend a Bible college
  • Your chamber of commerce
  • Local charities or community organizations

You can also contact your university directly to see if they have any scholarships for high school seniors, current college students, or graduate students. Use the library to get information on local scholarship winners, like high school athletes or musicians.

Are scholarships taxable income?

In most cases, scholarship money is tax-free. According to the IRS, there are only a few circumstances when you need to include scholarship funds in your gross income:

When you use the money for incidental expenses, such as travel and equipment
If you pay for room and board with the money
If the money comes from teaching, research, or other services that you must perform to keep the scholarship

Generally, scholarship funds are tax-free if you use them to pay tuition at an accredited college or university.

What’s the difference between a grant and a scholarship?

Both grants and scholarships are “gift” types of financial aid, which means that you don’t have to pay them back (unlike student loans). However, while scholarships are usually based on merit, most grants are awarded based on financial need.

When to apply for scholarships?

There are three application “seasons”: fall, spring, and summer. Most programs with fall deadlines are for the following school year. For example, a scholarship with a deadline of October 31, 2021, would most likely provide money for the 2022-2023 school year. High school seniors planning to attend college next year should start looking at scholarships in the fall.

Spring is the most crucial time for high school students to look for scholarships – most of these awards have a deadline of May 31. The money applies to the school year starting in the fall.

Additionally, there are some scholarship programs with deadlines over the summer. While these can provide money “immediately” (for the upcoming school year), the application process can feel rushed, especially for students getting ready for their freshman year.

In general, it’s best to apply for scholarships as soon as possible. High school juniors can use the spring and summer before their senior year to start researching the available programs. Current college students can continue to apply for new awards each year.

How many scholarships can I get?

There’s no limit to the number of scholarships you can get. The more gift money you receive, the less student debt you need to take on. However, if you are planning to use financial aid to pay for school, getting a lot of scholarship money can impact the amount of aid you qualify for. If this happens, it shouldn’t affect how much you have to pay for school – it just means that the financial aid money is replaced by the scholarship funds.

Are scholarships just for high school seniors?

No, there are many scholarships for students at any education level, including undergraduate and graduate students. There are also many easy scholarships for high school students that are juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.