Cities aren’t the only places that could put you in the spotlight. Many homegrown American figures came from small towns and fly-over states. Coming from small town USA doesn’t make your dreams any smaller, or your goals any less desirable. The gateway for many rural folks’ success is enrolling in college.
The problem? College is expensive. But expensive doesn’t mean unattainable.
If you’re from a town no one’s heard of or spent your childhood working on your family’s farm with hopes of attending college, you’re in luck! Many rural scholarships dedicate themselves to making college more financially accessible for students living in the lesser-populated areas of America.
Let’s explore some rural scholarships that may help you pave the way for your career!
1. Foundation for Rural Services Scholarship
Amount: $500-$7,000
Deadline: Applications open in November
As the name suggests, the organization offering the scholarship targets students who grew up in a rural community and plan on returning to one after graduation. If you’re going to college in the city, you can still apply for these great opportunities. One of these scholarships awards $5,000 to four students who will be majoring in a STEM or medical field. There are also two $1,500 scholarships available, one $5,000 scholarship, and one $7,000.
To be eligible, you must meet a few requirements. You must…
- Be a graduating high school senior
- Be a US citizen
- Have a minimum of a C grade point average
- Be accepted into a two or four-year college/university/vocational school
- Have an NTCA-Rural Broadband sponsor.
Some of these scholarships have additional requirements. There are several named scholarships through this foundation that are worth exploring!
2. Hagan Scholarship Foundation
Amount: up to $7,500
Deadline: December 1
Aiming to fill the gap in the unmet financial needs of students, the Hagan Scholarship Foundation (HSF) offers up to $7,500 of aid per semester. Freshmen can also earn $1,000 for essential college items and supplies. Additionally, there is an $8,000 study abroad scholarship if their sophomore year GPA is at least 3.5!
To apply, you have to:
- come from a town with a population of 50,000 or fewer.
- be a US citizen and a resident of one of their 20 eligible states.
- have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- score a 23 or higher on the ACT / 1,200 or higher on the SAT.
- complete the FAFSA and work 240 hours before your freshmen year.
3. America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: January 11
Farmers play an integral and proud role in America, and there are various lucrative opportunities within agriculture. Future Farmers of America and the Bayer Fund team up to recognize that and encourage future agricultural leaders by helping fund their college education. There may be many requirements to be considered for this scholarship.
To meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you must:
- be a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior.
- be less than 23 years of age at the time of applying.
- be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- plan to attend post-secondary school in the United States.
- be a full-time student who is actively attending classes.
- attain 2 Farmer endorsements.
- be an FFA Member.
4. Future Farmers of America
Amount: $500-$8,000
Deadline: January 11
The Future Farmers of America Organization has ample scholarship opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture or a related field. The best part? One completed application puts you in the running for all scholarship opportunities the FFA provides! Requirements vary for each opportunity, so make sure you include as many requirements as possible for your best chances of receiving awards. The reward amount also varies depending on which award it is and who is sponsoring it.
This is not an exhaustive list of rural scholarships. Contact your local schools, libraries, or state to learn about regional or state-specific scholarship opportunities. Also, browse scholarship options that are geared toward your field of study. There are endless opportunities before college and beyond it. Don’t let your finances hold you back from reaching your highest potential.
Keep your heart set on your dreams, and keep your eyes peeled for scholarships that can help you make that dream a reality.
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Want to find more rural areas scholarships? Use our free Scholarship Search tool to help fund your degree. You never know what amount of free money may be waiting for you!
Use College Raptor to discover personalized college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, potential financial aid from schools around the US, and more—for FREE!
| 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 |
