Whether you’re dreaming of designing your own software or diving into cybersecurity, a computer science degree is a great way to launch your career. But figuring out how to pay for school can feel overwhelming, especially if your savings doesn’t cover all of your college costs. That’s where scholarships come in.
Computer science scholarships can help with tuition without adding extra debt. Since most scholarships have specific requirements you must meet to apply, it’s important to do your research and find the ones that are the best fit for you.
Here’s a look at the top scholarships for computer science majors, including how to find scholarships and tips for applying.
How to Find Scholarships for Computer Science Programs
There are many ways to find scholarships that could help cover computer science program costs. To start, reach out to the financial aid office at the school you’re planning to attend or begin searching online.
Here are some additional places to look:
• Scholarship search sites, such as SoFi’s Scholarship Search Tool
• Local resources, including libraries, businesses, and community organizations
• The U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool
• Your employer or your parents’ workplace
• Your library’s reference section
• Your high school counselor
• Professional organizations related to the computer science industry
• Charities, faith-based or community groups, local companies, and service organizations
Word of caution: Always double-check that scholarship offers are legit. If someone asks you to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid, it’s probably a scam.
Why Undergraduate and Graduate Students Pursue Computer Science
Computer science is a fast-growing field, with more and more opportunities opening up every day. Degree programs let you dive into the latest tech and computer theories, preparing you to come up with innovative solutions to today’s challenges.
Some students combine computer science with other areas they’re interested in, like biology, business, security, or public policy, to tackle a wider range of complex problems. And with an average salary of $104,610 a year, computer science is definitely an appealing field to specialize in.
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Computer Science Scholarships for High School Students
Here are some scholarships to consider if you’re looking to fund your education in computer science or related fields.
Generation Google Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $10,000
Application deadline: Closed for 2024
Generation Google Scholarship offers $10,000 to help future computer scientists thrive in tech. To qualify, you need to be a high school senior or currently enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s program at an accredited university. You must also demonstrate a strong academic record and financial need.
Golden Door Scholarship
Scholarship amount: Funding for a four-year degree
Application deadline: Fall 2025 now open
The Golden Door Scholarship provides funding for a four-year degree for students studying software engineering, nursing, data analytics, or business analytics at GDS partner schools. Applicants must reside in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia to be considered.
Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $1,500-$10,000
Application deadline: October 14
The Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship awards $200,000 annually in scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, plus 10 paid internships each year. To qualify, you must be pursuing a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art/architecture, and mathematics) major and belong to a historically underrepresented population or group.
National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholar
Scholarship amount: Up to $15,000
Application deadline: November 15
The National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholar offers a scholarship up to $15,000 and the chance to give the keynote address at the annual Goddard Memorial Dinner. To qualify, you must be pursuing a degree in a STEM field, ideally with a focus on space.
IEEE Presidents’ Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $10,000 over four years
Application deadline: Varies
The IEEE Presidents’ Scholarship provides $10,000 over four years of undergraduate study, plus an IEEE Student membership. Second- and third-place winners receive $600 and $400, respectively. To qualify, you must present a project and be a finalist at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $250,000
Application deadline: November 7
The Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholarship is an annual science competition where high school seniors submit original research to win a first-place prize of $250,000, recognizing the next generation of STEM leaders.
ISC2 Undergraduate/Associate Scholarships
Scholarship amount: Up to $5,000
Application deadline: February 25
The ISC2 Undergraduate/Associate Scholarships awards range from $1,000 to $5,000, with funds sent directly to the school for tuition, fees, books, and materials. To qualify, you must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity or information assurance.
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Tips for Applying for Computer Science Scholarships
Applying for computer science scholarships — or any scholarship, for that matter — is a bit different from applying to colleges. Each scholarship has its own set of rules, deadlines, eligibility criteria, award amounts, and required paperwork. To avoid missing out, it’s important to stay organized.
Here are a few tips that can help you do just that:
Get a head start: Many scholarships begin accepting applications at the beginning of the year for the following school year. Start searching in advance to give yourself plenty of time to make sure you can meet all the requirements and hit all the deadlines.
Expand your search: You don’t have to stick to just computer science scholarships. You can explore other options related to your background, academic achievements, and talents. For example, sweepstakes scholarships, like SoFi’s Scholarship Giveaway, often offer awards simply for filling out an entry form.
Create a list: Jot down scholarships you’re interested in and their requirements. Then organize them by deadline to make sure you apply on time.
Get your materials ready: Even if the application window isn’t open yet, you can still start preparing. Begin with the basics — update your resume, gather letters of recommendation, and find out how to request transcripts. Then you’ll be ready to focus on writing any essays specific to each scholarship.
Submit as many scholarship applications as you can: With thousands of applicants competing for each scholarship, only a handful will be chosen. Boost your chances by applying to every scholarship that fits, even the smaller ones offering $100 to $500. Those smaller awards can add up, and you might have a better shot with scholarships that others overlook.
Create a backup financial plan: Scholarships can be a big help, but it’s wise to have other options lined up just in case. Make sure to fill out the FAFSA® to see what loans, grants, and other scholarships you might qualify for. Also consider exploring other funding options, like private student loans, to cover any gaps that federal financial aid won’t cover.
Extra Ways to Fund Your Computer Science Degree
Scholarship money might not always cover all of your college expenses. If you don’t have savings set aside, you might need to explore other financial aid options, like federal loans and grants.
Here are some ways to help you cover your college costs.
• Grants: Grants can come from the government, your school, or private organizations. And like most scholarships, you don’t have to pay them back.
• Federal student loans: Federal student loans are backed by the government and they usually don’t require a credit check. They come with fixed interest rates and offer extra benefits, like flexible repayment plans, income-driven options, and even potential loan forgiveness.
• Private student loans: If federal aid and scholarships aren’t enough, private student loans can be an option to cover the remaining college costs. These loans can have fixed or variable rates and often need a credit check or cosigner. Just keep in mind that private loans don’t offer the same protections as federal loans do, like income-driven repayment plans.
The Takeaway
When looking for ways to fund your computer science degree, applying for scholarships can be a smart move. Keep in mind that the earlier you start exploring your options, the better your chances of finding and winning scholarship money.
If your scholarship award doesn’t cover all of your college costs, it’s worth exploring other ways to pay for school. It’s best to fill out your FAFSA to see what aid you qualify for. And remember, if federal aid isn’t enough, private student loans can help cover the remaining costs.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
How can I get a scholarship for computer science in the USA?
If you’re looking for a computer science scholarship in the U.S., a great place to start is your school’s financial aid office — they might know about some you haven’t found yet. Just be sure to check the requirements and deadlines, and apply to as many as you can to increase your odds of receiving scholarship money.
How can I study computer science for free?
Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT offer free online computer science courses, and some even give you a certificate when you complete the course. But if you want an actual degree, you’ll usually need to enroll in a college or university, which means you’ll typically need to pay tuition and other higher education costs.
Is Harvard computer science free?
Harvard University offers several free online computer science courses, including the popular CS50 intro course. While anyone can take these courses, earning a full computer science degree from Harvard still requires enrolling at the university and paying tuition.
What is the Microsoft tuition scholarship?
Microsoft hands out scholarships each year to students in computer science and other STEM fields. It offers partial tuition assistance to outstanding students who are passionate about technology, maintain excellent grades, and show leadership in the tech world.
Photo credit: iStock/shironosov
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