Fall is here, which means whether you are a high school student or in college, the year is in full swing! It also means there are lots of great scholarships to apply to that have October application deadlines.
As you continue your scholarship search, don’t forget these quick, helpful tips:
Bigger isn’t always better! Lower dollar scholarships tend to be less competitive, therefore they could be easier to win.- Always make sure you read full eligibility requirements so you only apply to those you qualify for.
- Follow directions and complete applications in full.
- If there is an essay, BE AUTHENTIC. Scholarships are using AI detectors to make sure your content is just that — yours.
With these simple tips in mind, check out these scholarships with October deadlines:
8 Scholarships with October Deadlines
1. “BE BOLD” NO-ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: $25,124
- Deadline: October 1
The $25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. This doesn’t mean the “best” or “most accomplished.” Bold means earnest, determined, and moving. Students at any education level, state, field of study, or GPA can apply. Bold.org favors students who apply early.
2. SPORTS GEAR SWAG SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: October 1
Love sports? You could win $1,000 for school expenses by writing a 500-word essay on one of the following topics:
- The Benefits of Playing Sports Competitively
- The Importance of Sportsmanship in Competitive Sports
- The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Youth Involvement in Sports
Applicants must submit the essay as a PDF via email, along with your full name, address, major, phone number, school name, and date of birth. You must be at least 18 years old and enrolled or accepted to a college.
3. THE RESPONSIFY EMPOWERING OTHERS SCHOLARSHIP 2024
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: October 5
Each year, Responsify awards a scholarship to a student who presents an inspiring example of empowerment in a self-reflective essay. To apply, you must write a 1,000 to 1,500-word essay answering the following questions:
- Why is empowering others so important?
- How do you think your major can be used to empower others?
- When was the last time you felt empowered? What inspired this?
You must also complete the application form and provide proof of your enrollment in an accredited U.S. college.
4. SHAREN AND MILA KOHUTE SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: October 14
This scholarship honors Sharen (who lost her battle with cancer before 70) and Mila Kohute (who was lost at 7 months old) by supporting first-generation female students who are committed to pursuing higher education. Applicants must write a 400-600 word essay sharing how someone has impacted their life by helping them discover their full potential.
5. #TRASHBAG SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
- Award: $1,000
- Deadline: October 14
In efforts to raise awareness to the amount of trash seen on college campuses, Usefull has created a scholarship to empower students to take action in their communities.
To enter:
- Follow @usefull.us on Instagram, of course.
- Post a selfie with trash at your college or university.
- Include #trashbag in your post.
- Tag @usefull.us.
- Tag three friends (and your college or university!) in your comment.
- Enter as many times as you want!
6. GETEDUCATED.COM DISTANCE LEARNING SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: October 15
Are you planning to attend college online? If so, you can apply for this scholarship and use the money for any online degree. To apply, you’ll need to submit an application, your most recent transcript, and your most recent FAFSA. You’ll also need to Write a 500-word essay responding to the prompt: “What an Online College Degree Means to Me.”
7. $1,500 KEEP GOING FORWARD NO ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: $1,500
- Deadline: October
Looking for a quick and easy scholarship to apply to? There is only one requirement for this scholarship—that you are moving forward toward something new. If you’ve recently started on a new path or in a new place, apply! This scholarship is open to all students and non-students in any stage of life or field of study.
8. COMBATING CAMPUS ISSUES SCHOLARSHIP
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: October 31
Goldstein and Bashner advocate for the rights of students who experience harm caused by others. Each year, they award a student who shares the same determination and who can articulate a clear vision for solutions to on-campus problems. To apply, candidates must respond to the following prompt in 500 words or less: Outline your approach to raising awareness about the campus challenges you’ve encountered. Share your insights into how our society can create an inclusive environment where survivors feel empowered to tell their personal stories. Candidates must also submit a resume and current transcript.
For thousands of more scholarships to apply to, check out the College Raptor Scholarship Search tool. Don’t let these deadlines pass by—having money you don’t have to pay back can help make paying for college less stressful and more affordable.
| 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 |
