College Scholarships Worth $50,000+

While any college scholarship money is always a good thing, there are a few really BIG ones that cover all or most of the cost of college. While each scholarship competition evaluates candidates differently—some ask for essays or research, others for short videos—all competitions expect students to submit a super-strong application..

Remember: Most competitions will ask for SAT^® (or ACT^®) scores and a few have score minimums that a student must achieve to compete in the final rounds. The good news is that doing well on these tests will not only help you get admitted to college but also could help reduce the overall cost of college.

List of Most Generous College Scholarships

Below, we listed the most generous college scholarships by award amount. Each scholarship has specific rules for deciding the winners. If you see one that sounds like a good fit, go for it!

Awards $100,000 to $250,000

Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) offers a maximum scholarship amount of $250,000 (yes, you read that right), and they gave away more than $14 million in total scholarships to students last year. To qualify students conduct independent science research and write a research report of their findings. The work can be done through school, an internship or at home. So you pick the project and setting that most inspires you!

Breakthrough Junior Challenge is another competition that awards a maximum scholarship of $250,000 for the best explanation of a big scientific idea in fundamental physics, life sciences or mathematics (sound pretty brainy!). To enter, students submit a 3-minute video that captures a complex subject in an engaging and creative way. For students that are more digital media savvy, this can be a great option.

Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway offers a $100,000 “Change the World” college scholarship to undergraduate students. Through its social media platform, students create a 1-minute video that highlights how they hope to make an impact with their degree and how the prize will create a positive impact in their lives, community or the world. 

Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology is the nation’s premier science research competition for high school students. Applicants are encouraged to undertake individual or team research in STEM topics that highlight the value of scientific study and the importance of pursuing a career in science. National finalists will be awarded $100,000 (1^st place), $50,000 (2^nd place) and all other finalists $25,000.

Awards $50, 000 to $80,000

NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program  offers a competitive scholarship to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral and social science health-related research. Recipients receive $20,000 per year (up to four years, so $80,000 max), the opportunity for paid summer research at NIH and paid employment and training at NIH after graduation.

Intel International Science and Engineering Fellowship recognizes excellence and commitment to innovation in tackling challenging scientific question, using authentic research practices and creating solutions to future scientific problems. The winning project receives a $75,000 scholarship award, and two other finalists will receive $50,000 awards. All applicants must participate in the Intel ISEF to qualify for the prize.

Burger King Scholars Program offers college scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 to help students offset the cost of attending college or post-secondary vocational school. Recipients are selected on the basis of their GPA, work experience, and extracurricular and community service activities.

Davidson Fellows Scholarship  awards $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships to extraordinary young people, 18 and under, who have completed a significant piece of research in an academic subject. Application categories are Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy and Outside the Box. Davidson Fellows are honored every year in Washington, D.C. with Congressional meetings and a special reception.

Elks Most Valuable Student Competition  offers 500 different college scholarships (yes, 500!) There are two first-place awards of $50,000; two second-place awards of $40,000; and two third-place awards of $30,000. The remaining 14 finalists each receive $20,000. That leaves 480 runner-ups each receiving $4000 (not small potatoes!).

Google Science Fair  awards a $50,000 grand prize and an opportunity to visit the Google headquarters in Mountain View, CA.  The Google Science Fair is an online science and engineering competition open to students 13-18 from around the globe. It encourages students to change the world through scientific inquiry and problem solving.

National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Scholarship is based on academic Scouting participation and financial need. Applicants must score a minimum of 1290 SAT^® (or 28 ACT^®) to apply. The largest scholarship award is $50,000 for an applicant who plans to major in a STEM field, and four $25,000 scholarships not affiliated with a college major.

At Kranse, we see our online SAT^® program as a gateway to college and career success! Helping our students achieve high score gains that qualify for these life-changing college scholarships puts big smiles on our faces. If you win one, let us know!

Get 30% off digital SAT^® PSAT/NMSQT^® prep course enrollment with code COACH30 when ordering online at www.Kranse.com.