Did you know that all those hours you spent having fun riding those awesome waves could actually earn you some money towards college? If you are a surfing enthusiast, this is great news for you. After all, what could be better than getting paid to have fun?
All of the surf scholarships listed below are awarded to surfers who want to fund their college education.
ISA Individual Scholarship Program
Amount: $100—$1,000
Deadline: TBD for 2020
This is one of the more prestigious scholarships for surfers. Dedicated to a better surfing future, the International Surfing Association earmarks a total of $20,000 every year for surf scholarships. Each recipient may receive anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on their specific needs.
To qualify for this surf scholarship, the National Surfing Federation must recommend you. You must also be below 18 years of age, enrolled in school, and demonstrate financial need.
SEA Scholarship
Amount: $3,500
Deadline: May 15, 2020
The Surfer’s Environmental Alliance offers two $3,500 scholarships to eligible applicants. Students focusing on Environmental Studies / Sciences as their major are eligible to apply for the Environmental Studies Scholarship and those focusing on coastal engineering as their major qualify to apply for the Benjamin J. Keiser Memorial Scholarship.
In addition to pursuing a major in either Environmental Studies / Sciences or Coastal Engineering, you must be currently enrolled in or entering a 2 or 4-year college or university, and have a minimum 3.2 GPA. As part of your application, you will also have to submit two essays – a 1,000–word essay on the importance of pollution-free oceans and a 500–word essay highlighting your personal goals, career plans and participation in community activities.
Marsh Scholarship Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline: July 1
The Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) offers the Marsh Scholarship to its members in honor of the Marsh family and Mike Marsh. The scholarship helps its members afford their higher education. Interested students, besides being an ESA member, must submit their transcript and a letter of recommendation, as well as a 500-word essay about your future goals.
Buddy Pelletier Surfing Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 1
The Buddy Pelletier Surfing Founding Scholarship offers financial assistance to members of the East Coast Surfing Community who wish to get a college education. Three applicants who submit the most compelling essay on how their higher education will benefit the surfing community receive a $1,000 scholarship. All surfers living on the East Coast are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The funds go directly to the winners’ colleges.
Ambassadors of Aloha Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: September 15 – November 24
Resident Hawaiian high schoolers and undergraduates have the chance to apply for the Ambassadors of Aloha Scholarship. Students must participate in a water sport to qualify, which includes surfing, and must show records of competing and that they will continue to participate in the sport in college. Additionally, the scholarship looks for leadership qualities and involvement in the community.
Interested students must submit a completed application, along with a personal statement, a transcript, two letters of recommendation, an athletic resume, a photograph of themselves, and tax returns.
And when scholarships aren’t enough, you’ll need to find the right student loan for you. With College Raptor’s free Student Loan Finder you can compare lenders and rates side by side.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
|
|
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
