Searching for scholarships can be overwhelming. One way to narrow the field is to look for scholarships offered to specific majors.
Here are some of the best scholarships offered for a few of the most popular majors.
One of the most attractive scholarships for business and finance majors is given out by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Business and finance majors are usually the top recipients of the scholarships. Typically 150 scholars are each awarded $20,000. Smaller awards are available for community college students and students who show leadership promise. Applicants are judged on academic merit, but community service also plays a significant role.
The National Society of Accountants (NSA) funds the NSA Scholarship Foundation which awards between $500 and $2,500 to accounting students nationwide who demonstrate promise in the field. Accounting majors can reapply each year if they continue to meet the criteria: good grades, leadership, community service, work experience, and awards.
Computer science majors should check out the Wayne V. Black Scholarship that the Energy Telecommunications and Electrical Association (ENTELEC) gives out. It's intended for students with majors in engineering, computer science, political science, pre-law, telecommunications, and information technology. Female students should consider the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. Recipients receive $10,000 and an invitation to a retreat at Google.
If you're majoring in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering or math) then take a look at the SMART Scholarship for Service program, supported by the Department of Defense. Award recipients intern there during the summer and should be willing to accept employment with the DOD after graduation — as a civilian research scientist or engineer. Awardees get full tuition and a generous stipend.
If you write poetry this one is for you. Check out the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships. Intended to further the study and writing of poetry, up to five poets between ages 21 and 31 receive a $25,800 scholarship.
If you have one of the more rare majors, like Peace and Conflict Resolution studies, you'll probably have less competition for the Rotary Club scholarship. These awards are intended for young leaders who value "service above self." They provide money for undergraduates, graduates and even students who want to study abroad. Find a rotary club in your area to apply.
Annie's, an organic food company, offers the Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship program. The company is looking to support future farmers and other innovative students interested in sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Sources:
Ford, A., & Caroline, D. (2010, June 7). 8 Offbeat College Majors. Retrieved September 29, 2014 from Monster College.
Williams, T. (2014, January 29). The 10 Most Popular College Majors In America. Retrieved September 28, 2014 from The Richest.