Applying for scholarships is an important part of the college process, as it helps reduce some of the financial burden associated with higher education. The ideal time to begin applying for scholarships is before December of one’s senior year in high school. It’s important to apply early because many scholarship deadlines fall prior to December and may even have earlier deadlines. Additionally, many scholarship opportunities become available as the year progresses and it’s important to stay up-to-date on these new options. There are a variety of ways to search for scholarships including using online search engines or consulting with college or guidance counselors. It is also helpful to create an organized list of all active scholarship applications, so that you can track their progress and make sure to meet the deadlines. It is never too early to begin your search!
December Scholarships
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Showing 1–25 of 92 results
Science Ambassador Scholarship
The Science Ambassador Scholarship Program offers full-tuition scholarships to female high school seniors and undergraduates in a STEM major.
Wellroot Family Services Scholarship Program
The Wellroot Family Services Scholarship Program, sponsored by Scholarship America, provides 58 undergraduate and graduate students across the U.S. awards, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 to further their education.
SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program
The SMART scholarship program for service awards 300 scholarships to students pursuing a degree in a STEM discipline.
First Year Engineering Scholarship
University of Oklahoma’s Gallogly College of Engineering annually offers First Year Engineering Scholarship to incoming freshmen, who prove to be exceptional, pursuing undergraduate degrees in engineering.
Burger King Scholars Program
Burger King awards more than 4,000 scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, each year to employees, and high school seniors.
Oracle Developer Scholars Program
The Oracle Corporation, with the UNCF, offers 25 scholarships valued at $10,000 for undergraduate studies across the United States. Only African American, Hispanic, and Native American students are eligible.
OU Academic Achievement Scholarship
The University of Oklahoma awards the OU Academic Achievement Scholarship, ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, to incoming freshmen who possess exceptional academic achievements in Oklahoma pursuing undergraduate studies of choice.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Four-Year Scholarship
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation offers the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Four-Year Scholarship of up to $7,500 to college students to further their education.
Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship Program
The program, administered by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, provides up to $5,000 to students planning to take the CPA examination and be CPA certified in Texas.
Foreclosure.com Scholarship
Forclosure.com Scholarship Program selects three students for educational scholarships worth $1,000 to $4,000.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Two-Year Scholarship
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation offers the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Two-Year Scholarship, ranging from $500 to $3,500 to college students to further their education, annually.
ASNT Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship
The ASNT awards this scholarship to three undergraduate students, each, enrolled in U.S. universities and colleges with recognized engineering programs to choose NDT/NDE as their field of specialization.
Lem Garcia Law Scholarship
The Lem Garcia Law Scholarship is offered to one deserving student pursuing an undergraduate degree in law at an accredited university in the U.S. Applicants must show proof of acceptance.
Helene M. Overly Memorial Graduate Scholarship
Helene M. Overly Memorial Graduate Scholarships by WTS Foundation offers female students in graduate programs in the transportation field a scholarship of $10,000.
Equitable Excellence Scholarship
Every year, this award goes to some of the best students in the country — do you have what it takes?
Central Oklahoma ASHRAE Scholarship
Oklahoma City Community Foundation, in partnership with ASHRAE, annually awards scholarships of up to $2,000 to graduate or undergraduate students enrolled in HVACR-related programs at Oklahoma colleges.
AWWA Abel Wolman Fellowship
AWWA annually grants a $30,000 scholarship to an outstanding student pursuing a water research degree at the doctorate level in North America.
Carollo Engineers Bryant L. Bench Scholarship
The Carollo Engineers Bryant L. Bench Scholarship of $10,000, administered by the American Water Works Association is awarded to graduate students passionate about finding innovative solutions to the planet’s water challenges.
HDR One Water Institute Scholarship
HDR One Water Institute Scholarship of $10,000, administered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), is offered to one graduate student to complete their degree and conduct research in the field.
Jacobs Holly A. Cornell Scholarship
In partnership with the American Water Works Association, Jacobs Holly A. Cornell Scholarship offers $10,000 to a minority postgraduate student interested in waterworks.
Stantec Scholarship
The AWWA awards one graduate student, in a research-based postgraduate program in water science and engineering, the Stantec Scholarship of $10,000 to enhance their education and develop their career.
AWWA Larson Aquatic Research Support Scholarships
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) awards two students the Larson Aquatic Research Scholarship to pursue degrees in engineering or sciences related to water conservation and distribution.
Arcadis Scholarship
Every year, Arcadis awards a $5,000 scholarship to a student from an underrepresented racial and ethnic minority group who is pursuing a graduate degree in STEM fields.
Charles “Chick” Roberts Scholarship
The scholarship is a one-time scholarship award offered by Roberts Filter Group to one graduate student studying water technologies at an accredited college or university in Pennsylvania.
Denver Water Centennial Scholarship
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) offers the Denver Water Centennial Scholarship of $5,000 to one college student pursuing a degree in water science, water technology, or water works.
About December Scholarships
Cost of College in December
The cost of college in December can vary greatly depending on the school you choose. However, some schools are more affordable than others. The three most affordable colleges in December include University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California–Berkeley (UCB) and Santa Monica College (SMC). UCLA has a tuition and fees rate of $12,834 for California residents, UCB charges $13,512 and SMC has a rate of only $1,344. On average, the cost of college in December is slightly higher than during other times of the year due to holiday expenses and other end-of-the-year costs associated with college tuition. However, with some research and comparison shopping, it is possible to find affordable college options in December. This can help make the dream of obtaining a college degree more achievable for many students.
Students should also keep in mind that there are other expenses associated with attending college such as books and living costs. Financial aid may be available to help cover some of these expenses, so it is important to research all of the options available for funding higher education. Additionally, there are many scholarships and grants available that can help defray the costs associated with college tuition. With careful planning and research, students can make college more affordable in December.
Best 12 scholarships with December deadlines
There are more than 94 scholarships available in December – so we narrowed the list down to the 12 top ones. These are open to students across the country and have few application requirements.
| Scholarship | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Burger King Scholars | $1,000-$50,000 |
| SMART Scholarship for Service | $25,000-$30,000 |
| AWWA Abel Wolman Fellowship | $30,000 |
| Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship | $20,000 |
| Woodward Scholars | $4,000-$16,000 |
| Oracle Corporate Scholars | $10,000 |
| Willis H. Carrier Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Gordon V.R. Holness Engineering Technology Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Reuben Trane Scholarship | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Lynn G. Bellenger Engineering Technology Scholarship | $5,000 |
| James R. Bullock Scholarship | $5,000 |
December scholarships for college students 2023
December is a perfect time for college students to apply for scholarships because it marks a new academic year. This means that there are more scholarship opportunities available and some may even have earlier deadlines than other times of the year. Plus, since many organizations offer their scholarships at this time, you will be able to compare different scholarship options side-by-side to more easily find the one that is the best fit for you. Furthermore, starting the scholarship search early can help you avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed if they wait until later in the year. Applying for scholarships during December gives you an opportunity to plan your college funding strategy and begin your journey towards earning the degree you want.
December scholarships for high school seniors 2023
If you are a graduating high school senior, applying for college scholarships in December is best. You are now done with the first semester of your senior year and are likely more focused. Make use of your winter break and apply for scholarships during this time to get an edge against other applicants, increasing the chances of being selected as a recipient. Furthermore, it is beneficial to get these applications out of the way early in order to focus on college and career plans later in the year. Applying in December can also be a great way to start off the new year with positive news, as many scholarship notifications are received in January or early February. High school seniors should take advantage of this opportunity to make their college dreams a reality.
Tips for WInning Scholarships in December
1. Start Early: It’s never too early to start planning for scholarships in December. Begin researching scholarship opportunities as soon as possible and create a timeline of when applications will open, deadlines, and any other important information associated with the scholarship opportunity. Starting early can help you stay organized, submit your best application, and increase your chances of winning a scholarship.
2. Set Goals: Setting clear goals can help you stay motivated and focused throughout the process of applying for scholarships in December. Break down your goal into smaller, achievable tasks such as researching scholarship opportunities, filling out applications, requesting letters of recommendation, and writing essays. This will help keep you on track to reach your goal of securing a scholarship.
3. Utilize Resources: There are many resources available to help you find and apply for scholarships in December. Take advantage of online search engines, websites, books, and school or community resources that can provide helpful information about scholarships specific to your background, interests, or career goals. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from counselors, mentors, or family members who may have experience applying for scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any December scholarships for high school seniors?
There are about 18 scholarships for high school seniors with December deadlines. There are 4 that are full-ride scholarships available for high school seniors too – the Science Ambassador Scholarship, First Year Engineering Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship New Mexico Scholarship, and Burger King Scholars. If you’re interested in pursuing engineering, there are at least 29 scholarships available such as the Oracle Corporate Scholars Program, Generation Google Scholarship (North America), and National Space Club Keynote Scholarships.
Which semester ends in December?
The fall semester starts around August and ends in December. The winter break lasts from December to late January. Spring semester then starts. The academic year starts with the fall semester, it’s the first semester of the year.
When can I use scholarships with December deadlines?
Many of the December scholarships are for the next fall semester. They will use the two months after the deadline to evaluate applications and select the scholarship recipients. Winning applicants will be notified usually between February and April. Before awards can be disbursed, recipients will often need to confirm their school, declared major, and financial aid status. This is why scholarships for each semester usually open at the beginning of the previous semester.