Scholarships with no GPA requirement
By Vincent Elliott · Published · Updated
A low or average GPA doesn't shut you out of scholarship money. Here are the open scholarships that state no GPA minimum, and the ones that accept a 2.5 or even a 2.0.
What "no GPA requirement" really means
When we say a scholarship has no GPA requirement, we mean the sponsor's application doesn't state a minimum. It doesn't mean grades are ignored. Many of these awards are decided on an essay, a project, community service, leadership or financial need instead, and some committees will still look at your transcript. Where a sponsor does ask for a transcript, the card says so.
If your GPA is on the lower side, lean into what the application does judge. A strong essay, a clear story about what you have done outside class, or a short project can carry an application that grades alone would not. Our guide to a strong application covers how.
Open scholarships with no stated GPA minimum (308)
Sorted by deadline, soonest first. Use the effort score on each card to find the ones that take the least work for the money.
- Fashion Scholarship FundAmount varies
Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF)
This combines a case study competition with scholarship money for undergrad and grad students in fashion design, merchandising, or business, and there's a separate track for community college students too.
Apply by Oct 12, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - ANNA ScholarshipsAmount varies
American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA)
Nursing students and practicing nurses working toward further education in nephrology nursing can apply for these scholarships and awards.
Apply by Oct 15, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Blood Cancer United Scholarship for Blood Cancer SurvivorsAmount varies
Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)
Students who've been diagnosed with a blood cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, can apply, judged on academic achievement and a personal essay.
Apply by Oct 15, 2026 - PayrollOrg Money Matters Scholarship$1,000–$5,000
PayrollOrg (formerly American Payroll Association)
PayrollOrg gives out one $5,000 scholarship and two $1,000 scholarships to students ages 17-25 attending or planning to attend college in the U.S. or Canada. Winners are picked based on personal essays rather than any specific major.
Apply by Oct 16, 2026 - Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarship$1,500–$25,000
Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Awards range from $1,500 to $25,000, but you have to be working as a Chick-fil-A Team Member at a franchised, company-owned, or affiliated restaurant when you apply. It's not open to the public, but the money can go toward any accredited college, university, or vocational school.
Apply by Oct 27, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - NCWIT Aspirations in Computing AwardAmount varies
National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)
Young women, and gender-diverse and non-binary students in grades 9-12 pursuing computing and technology, can earn National or Regional Affiliate Winner, Honorable Mention, or Rising Star recognition, opening doors to further scholarships, internships, and community. There's no fixed cash award at the high school level; the prize structure and perks vary by year and region.
Apply by Oct 27, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - U.S. Bank Student ScholarshipUp to $20,000
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank runs this sweepstakes-style program with awards up to $20,000, open to high school seniors and current college students who register during the entry period, no essay required, though eligibility rules still apply. It's not merit- or need-based; winners are picked at random. Your entry comes from learning modules in the Zogo app, and the award tier scales with how many you finish: 25+ modules for up to $2,500, 50+ for $5,000, 75+ for $10,000 and 150+ for $20,000.
Opens Jul 1, 2026 · Due Oct 30, 2026Last verified Oct 11, 2026 - Mike Rowe Works Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship$1,000–$20,000
mikeroweWORKS Foundation
This $10 million fund hands out awards from $1,000 to $20,000 for tuition, tools, and fees to graduating seniors, grads, or GED recipients headed into a trade certification or associate degree program at an accredited technical or vocational school.
Apply by Oct 31, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - VFW Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Contest$500–$5,000
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
This patriotic essay contest is only open to students in grades 6-8, not high schoolers, and you submit it through a local VFW Post. There's $55,000 in national awards up for grabs, with $5,000 going to the national first-place winner and at least $500 to each state winner.
Apply by Oct 31, 2026 - VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship$1,000–$35,000
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
High schoolers in grades 9-12 record an audio essay on a patriotic theme for this VFW competition, which hands out more than $1.6 million nationally to winners every year.
Apply by Oct 31, 2026Last verified Oct 11, 2026 - ACI Foundation Fellowships and ScholarshipsAmount varies
American Concrete Institute (ACI) Foundation
Covers a full academic year for undergrad and grad students studying civil engineering with a focus on concrete materials and construction.
Apply by Nov 1, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Regeneron Science Talent Search$2,000–$250,000
Society for Science, presented by Regeneron
Regeneron backs the nation's oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. Every one of the 300 scholars named walks away with at least $2,000 (and their school gets $2,000 too), while finalists compete for a top prize of $250,000 out of $3.1 million awarded overall. You'll need to submit an original, independently conducted research project, this isn't a simple open application.
Opens Jun 1, 2026 · Due Nov 5, 2026Last verified Oct 11, 2026 - AWWA Scholarship ProgramAmount varies
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Undergrad or grad students studying an environmental, civil, or chemical engineering field tied to drinking water treatment and distribution can apply, plus there are separate section-level scholarships available.
Apply by Nov 6, 2026Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship$4,000–$30,000
Elks National Foundation
Graduating seniors are judged on academics, leadership, and financial need for this one, and it doesn't matter what field you're headed into.
Apply by Nov 12, 2026Last verified Oct 11, 2026 - RTDNA Foundation Scholarships$1,000–$10,000
Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Foundation
Undergrad and grad students headed into broadcast or digital journalism can apply for $2,500-$5,000 scholarships judged on a submitted work sample and academic record. RTDNA hands out 13 scholarships plus 3 fellowships each year, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Apply by Nov 14, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award$1,000–$16,000
Soroptimist International of the Americas
Women who are the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents, and who are enrolled in or accepted to a vocational program or undergrad degree, can win cash awards starting at $1,000 at the club level. Winners can advance to regional ($5,000) and international ($10,000) rounds for a combined total up to $16,000, as long as they show financial need and don't already hold a graduate degree.
Apply by Nov 15, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - ACA Foundation Courtland C. Lee Multicultural Excellence ScholarshipAmount varies
American Counseling Association (ACA) Foundation
For graduate students in a counseling program who've shown real commitment to multicultural competence and social justice within the field.
Apply by Nov 20, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - National Honor Society Scholarship$3,200–$25,000
National Honor Society (NASSP)
NHS gives out $2 million a year across 600 students: one National Winner gets $25,000, four Pillar Winners get $10,625 each, 20 national finalists get $5,625 each, and 575 national semifinalists get $3,200 each. You need active membership in good standing at a local chapter, verified by your adviser.
Opens Sep 3, 2026 · Due Nov 20, 2026Last verified Oct 11, 2026 - Point Foundation ScholarshipAmount varies
Point Foundation
Point Foundation backs LGBTQ students of merit, whatever they're studying, with mentoring and leadership development alongside the financial support.
Apply by Nov 20, 2026Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - NRMCA Ready Mixed Concrete ScholarshipsAmount varies
Ready mixed concrete industry, various state and regional associations
These scholarships are actually run independently by state and regional ready mixed concrete associations (like Iowa's IRMCA or Arkansas's ARMCA) for students pursuing civil engineering, construction management, or business degrees with a connection to the industry. Find your state association to see its specific application and essay requirements.
Apply by Nov 30, 2026Requirements could not be foundLast verified Sep 30, 2026
Scholarships that accept a 2.5 GPA or lower (46)
These do set a minimum, but a low one. If your GPA is 2.0 to 2.5 you can still apply to every scholarship in this list.
- Toyota Scholarship Program$7,500–$30,000
Toyota Financial Services, administered by Scholarship America
High school seniors, graduates or current undergraduates with at least a 2.0 GPA who plan to study full-time can get up to $30,000 over four years ($7,500 a year) through Toyota Financial Services. You have to be a member, or a former member within the last three years, of one of Toyota's listed non-profit partner organizations, and a representative of that organization signs a verification form for you.
Apply by Nov 6, 2026Last verified Oct 11, 2026 - USBC Youth Scholarships$1,000–$6,000
United States Bowling Congress (USBC)
USBC offers a range of scholarships from $1,000 to $6,000 to high school and college youth members with at least a 2.5 GPA, weighing academics, leadership, and how you perform on the lanes. That includes the $1,000 Gift for Life Scholarship for bowlers with financial need and the $6,000 Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow for male members under 20.
Apply by Dec 1, 2026Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Equitable Excellence Scholarship$5,000
Equitable Foundation
High school seniors at a public high school with at least a 2.5 GPA who plan to enroll full-time at a two- or four-year college can win $5,000 a year, renewed all four years of college for a total of $20,000, as one of 100 awarded annually. It's judged on leadership, determination, and giving back to your community. Formerly known as the AXA Achievement Scholarship before Equitable took over the program from AXA in 2020.
Apply by Dec 18, 2026Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - Imagine America High School Scholarship$1,000
Imagine America Foundation
High school grads with at least a 2.5 GPA heading into postsecondary career education at a participating career college can get a $1,000 award, part of the $10 million the Imagine America Foundation hands out in tuition assistance each year.
Opens Sep 1, 2026 · Due Dec 31, 2026Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - Dell Scholars Program$20,000
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
This gives $20,000 plus ongoing support to students who've shown real grit overcoming significant obstacles and who have financial need, regardless of major. Right now it's limited to Texas high school seniors going through a Texas partner college-readiness program who plan to enroll at a Texas public university.
Opens Oct 1, 2026 · Due Jan 12, 2027Last verified Oct 11, 2026 - Navy ROTC ScholarshipAmount varies
U.S. Navy
This highly competitive four-year national scholarship covers full tuition, class fees, a textbook stipend, and a monthly subsistence stipend (not room and board), in exchange for serving as a commissioned officer after graduation.
Apply by Jan 31, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Hawaii Community Foundation ScholarshipsAmount varies
Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF)
This is Hawaii's largest scholarship program, bundling more than 150 named scholarships into a single common application for Hawaii resident students, undergrad or grad, studying whatever they want.
Opens Dec 1, 2026 · Due Feb 1, 2027Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - Modern Woodmen of America ScholarshipUp to $10,000
Modern Woodmen of America
Modern Woodmen members who are graduating seniors, covered by a Modern Woodmen life insurance or annuity product, and have logged at least 40 hours of volunteer service in the past two years can get up to $10,000. You need an existing Modern Woodmen membership; this isn't open to the general public.
Apply by Feb 1, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - NSBE Scholarships$500–$15,000
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
NSBE gives out over $1 million a year across dozens of individual scholarships, from $500 up to $15,000, for registered student members anywhere from high school seniors to grad students, studying engineering, computer science, math, or another STEM field. Most require a 2.5+ GPA.
Opens Sep 1, 2026 · Due Feb 1, 2027Last verified Oct 11, 2026 - Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children$2,000
Fisher House Foundation
500 scholarships of $2,000 each go out, with at least one recipient per participating commissary, to children of active duty, Selected Reserve, deceased, or retired service members who hold a valid military ID. High school applicants need a 3.0 GPA (2.5 for college applicants), plus an official transcript and a 500-word essay, and you're not eligible if you're already receiving a full scholarship or a service academy appointment.
Apply by Feb 11, 2027 - United Methodist GBHEM ScholarshipsAmount varies
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), United Methodist Church
GBHEM offers both general scholarships and ones specific to racial-ethnic groups for United Methodist students working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Apply by Mar 6, 2027Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - Army ROTC ScholarshipAmount varies
U.S. Army
The Army covers full tuition and fees, or room and board, plus a book stipend and a monthly living allowance, in exchange for serving as a commissioned officer for a set number of years after graduation. It runs 2-4 years depending on when you apply.
Opens Jun 14, 2026 · Due Mar 8, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship FundAmount varies
American Bar Association (ABA)
For incoming first-year law students from racially or ethnically diverse backgrounds who've had to overcome real economic and social barriers just to get to law school.
Opens Jan 15, 2027 · Due Mar 15, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Folds of Honor Higher Education ScholarshipUp to $5,000
Folds of Honor
Spouses and children of U.S. service members killed in action, disabled due to service, or awarded a Purple Heart while on active duty can get up to $5,000 a year, paid out up to $2,500 a term, toward a certificate, associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree, as long as they keep a 2.0 GPA.
Opens Feb 1, 2027 · Due Mar 31, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Two Ten Footwear Foundation Scholarship$4,000
Two Ten Footwear Foundation
Students who are (or whose parent/guardian is) employed at least 2 years in the U.S. footwear industry, keep a 2.5+ GPA, and can show financial need on the FAFSA can get $4,000 a year, renewable up to four years, as a high school senior, grad, or current undergrad.
Apply by Apr 1, 2027Last verified Sep 30, 2026 - NGA Foundation ScholarshipsAmount varies
National Grocers Association (NGA) Foundation
For students aiming at a career in the independent grocery industry, whether that's retail management, supply chain, or another business track, NGA Foundation offers scholarships to help get you there.
Apply by Apr 15, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - IEEE Computer Society Richard E. Merwin ScholarshipAmount varies
IEEE Computer Society
Active student members of the IEEE Computer Society studying computer engineering, computer science, or something related can compete for this scholarship, judged on academic achievement and involvement in their student chapter.
Apply by Apr 30, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - USA Gymnastics Foundation ScholarshipAmount varies
USA Gymnastics Foundation
Competitive gymnasts, including trampoline and tumbling athletes, can apply here as long as their grades hold up alongside their athletic achievements.
Apply by May 10, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Alaska Performance Scholarship$2,378–$4,755
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE)
Alaska resident high school grads with at least a 2.5 GPA and $500 or more in demonstrated need after other non-loan aid can get a tiered award of $4,755, $3,566, or $2,378 a year, depending on GPA and ACT/SAT/WorkKeys scores.
Opens Oct 1, 2026 · Due Jun 30, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026 - Rockefeller State Wildlife ScholarshipAmount varies
Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
For undergrads studying wildlife management, conservation biology, or a related natural resources field, this scholarship is judged on academic achievement and genuine interest in wildlife conservation.
Apply by Jul 1, 2027Last verified Sep 28, 2026
Can I get a scholarship with a low GPA?
Yes. Plenty of scholarships are awarded for something other than grades, and many have no minimum at all. The ones above are a good start. For the best odds, filter for scholarships you actually qualify for (by state, major, background and interests) rather than applying to everything, and keep a list of deadlines so nothing slips by. A scholarship tracker makes that easy.
Looking for something faster to apply to? See the no-essay scholarships, or the ones due soon.