The Top 25 Scholarships for Homeschoolers to Apply for in 2024

Searching and applying for college scholarships can be stressful and challenging for any student seeking further education. Students looking for financial aid who demonstrated academic achievement during their post-secondary education can face different challenges than those who went to public school counterparts.

Most colleges offer a scholarship program for enrolled students and those who received home education, encouraging homeschoolers looking to further their education at an accredited university or trade school program. 

Luckily, we have the perfect guide for homeschoolers and incoming first-year students seeking the best scholarships. Below, we’ve listed the top 25 homeschooler scholarships based on extensive research, ensuring everyone can find at least one to lower the cost of higher education.

Best 25 Scholarships for Homeschoolers

It can be difficult transitioning from homeschooling to a college or university, especially when the costs are higher than they have been. Private and federal student aid are available as scholarships to help homeschoolers achieve higher education.

Scholarship applications are open to those in the homeschool community or students enrolled in a private or public school. These opportunities can help homeschooling families support their students to attend their dream school.

Ultimate K-Pop Stan Scholarship

K-Pop enthusiasts of all grade levels can apply for this scholarship by the soonest rolling deadline date. Applicants should apply early and write a brief essay about their favorite K-Pop artist or group and how they’ve impacted their lives and global culture. 

• Amount: $500
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: August 15, 2024

Zendaya Superfan Scholarship

This is a unique scholarship opportunity for homeschooled students who are fans of the influential actress Zendaya. Interested applicants can apply by the soonest rolling deadline and write a brief essay about an aspect of Zendaya’s career that they admire the most. 

• Amount: $500
• Next Application Deadline: October 25, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: August 25, 2024

Once Upon a #BookTok Scholarship

If you’re a homeschooler in the #BookTok community, consider applying for this scholarship by submitting a 400–600-word essay. In your response, discuss your ideal bookshelf based on #BookTok recommendations. 

• Amount: $500
• Next Application Deadline: October 23, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: August 15, 2024

Minecraft Forever Fan Scholarship

Homeschoolers who love the popular game, Minecraft, should apply for this scholarship by the next rolling deadline. Interested applicants must submit a 200–600-word essay about their favorite part of Minecraft. 

• Amount: $500
• Next Application Deadline: October 25, 2023
• Winner Announced: August 25, 2024

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Homeschooled students can apply for this annual scholarship by making “earnest, determined, and moving” profiles on Bold.org. All students are eligible, regardless of their grade level, GPA, or education focus. 

• Amount: $25,061
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

Bold.org No-Essay Top Friend Scholarship

Homeschooled Bold.org users who have been invited by a friend to join the platform and create exceptional profiles are eligible for this annual scholarship. If interested, apply by the soonest rolling deadline date. 

• Amount: $5,000
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

GIST Sports Media No-Essay Scholarship

Homeschooled female students interested in sports journalism and growing diversity within the industry should apply for this annual scholarship. Applicants will receive the GIST newsletter three times a week and are encouraged to read and share it. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: October 1, 2023

Niche College No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship is for all students, including high school, transfer, and current or prospective graduate students. Homeschoolers who apply will receive free education resources from Niche; those who are ambitious, demonstrate financial need, and have the boldest profiles are more likely to win. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: June 1, 2024

Eras Tour Farewell Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who are fans of Taylor Swift and adore her work. Interested homeschoolers can apply by submitting an essay about how her music (particularly during the Eras Tour) helped them learn or understand something about themselves by the next rolling deadline. 

• Amount: $500
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: August 3, 2024

Bold.org No-Essay Community Scholarship

Homeschooled Bold.org users who invite their friends to join the platform can apply for this annual scholarship. Those who apply early and invite the most friends have an advantage during the selection process. 

• Amount: $5,000
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

Faith-Based Colleges No-Essay Scholarship

Any high school student interested in attending a faith-based college or university is eligible for this scholarship. Homeschoolers who apply will receive helpful tips and resources from FaithBasedColleges to help them along their college journey. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: June 1, 2024

Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to help the next generation of women in STEM and encourage more diversity in the tech industry. Homeschooled women can apply by submitting a 250–400 word essay about a piece of technology (new or old) that inspires them about how technology can improve the world. 

• Amount: $500
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 31, 2023

WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship

Homeschooled students expecting to complete their graduate or undergraduate degree by 2026 can apply for this annual scholarship. Applicants should apply by the soonest rolling deadline, after which they will receive access to the WayUp platform, featuring thousands of job and internship opportunities. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: August 1, 2024

Christian Colleges No-Essay Scholarship

Homeschooled high school students interested in attending a Christian college can apply for this annual scholarship by the nearest rolling deadline. Applicants will automatically receive helpful resources and tips from Christian Colleges to support their educational journey. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Next Application Deadline: October 2, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: September 1, 2024

Scholarship Institute’s Annual Women’s Leadership Scholarship

This annual scholarship awards courageous female-identifying students with exceptional leadership abilities. Eligible homeschoolers can apply by submitting a brief essay about how they’ve been a leader and what they hope to achieve in the future. 

• Amount: $500
• Next Application Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Winner Announced: July 31, 2024

200 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

Homeschooled Bold.org users who have accumulated 200+ Bold Points should apply for this annual scholarship by the nearest rolling deadline date. Those who refine their Bold.org profiles have higher chances of winning. 

• Amount: $2,000
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

VNutrition and Wellness’ Annual LGBTQ+ Vitality Scholarship

If you’re a homeschooled high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student identifying as LGBTQ+, consider applying for this annual scholarship. Eligible applicants must submit a 400–600-word essay about their plans to impact society through their education positively. 

• Amount: $500
• Next Application Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Next Winner Announced: July 31, 2024

Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane Memorial Scholarship

This annual scholarship honors the life of Dr. Alexanderia K. Lane by supporting trade school or undergraduate students. Eligible homeschoolers can apply by writing a short essay about why they believe it’s important to help others. 

• Amount: $10,000
• Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: November 1, 2023

Veterans Next Generation Scholarship

This scholarship is for the children of US military veterans pursuing an undergraduate degree or trade school certification. Qualifying homeschoolers can apply by writing an essay detailing their experience as a child of a veteran and how it’s shaped their career aspirations. 

• Amount: $650
• Application Deadline: January 16, 2024
• Winner Announced: February 16, 2024

Holden William Bettis Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a homeschooled student in Alaska, consider applying for this scholarship by submitting a 400–600-word essay. Any high school, undergraduate, or trade school resident of the state 25 or younger is eligible.  

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: April 10, 2024
• Winner Announced: May 10, 2024

Larry Leon Irons Culinary Memorial Scholarship

Homeschooled first-generation college students with volunteer experience pursuing a culinary career are eligible for this annual scholarship. If interested, write a brief essay about your culinary goals and volunteer experience, among other questions in the prompt. 

• Amount: $500
• Next Application Deadline: October 26, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: November 26, 2023

Jose Montanez Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for high school seniors (including homeschoolers) planning to pursue an undergraduate degree or trade school certification after graduating. Students from the foster care system and those studying music or arts are especially encouraged to apply. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2024
• Winner Announced: May 15, 2024

Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship

This scholarship is for BIPOC or female students who come from a FGLI (first-generation, low-income) background. Interested homeschoolers must be high school seniors or undergraduate students pursuing a STEM career; eligible applicants must submit a brief essay to apply. 

• Amount: $2,500 (5 winners, $500 each)
• Application Deadline: November 15, 2023
• Winner Announced: December 15, 2023

Vegan Teens Are The Future Scholarship

High school or undergraduate homeschooled students who have been vegan for at least a year are eligible for this annual scholarship. If interested, write a 400–600-word essay about what made you decide to become a vegan, why veganism is important, and your plans to grow the vegan movement with your education or experiences. 

• Amount: $500
• Next Application Deadline: February 2, 2024
• Next Winner Announced: March 2, 2024

Trudgers Fund

This biannual scholarship aims to support high school seniors or undergraduate students who have struggled with addiction but are currently sober. Eligible homeschoolers can apply by writing an essay about their experience and how they plan to use their education to help others. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Next Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
• Next Winner Announced: December 1, 2023

About Homeschooler Scholarships

With homeschooling becoming more popular among families across the US every year, most homeschooled students seeking a future education after graduating notice a financial need. Most college communities seek homeschool graduates due to community involvement and encourage homeschoolers to pursue further education.

What are Homeschooler Scholarships?

Scholarships for homeschoolers are need-based financial aid rewards given to students who have been homeschooled or never attended public school but who want to pursue a degree on campus at a college or university. Many people think that homeschooled students cannot receive financial aid since they don’t have a grade point average and don’t have a history of participating in extracurricular activities. However, the truth is that there are many scholarships for homeschooled students that don’t require a minimum GPA or a long academic resume to apply. 

What Qualifies Someone for a Homeschooler Scholarship?

When applying for any scholarship, applicants must note how they meet the qualifications to determine if they are eligible or have a high chance of winning the award. This same mindset and ideology apply to homeschooled students as well. For example, if a scholarship requires a minimum GPA or any other documentation, homeschooled applicants should ensure they can meet the criteria before they apply. 

Types of Scholarships for Homeschoolers

Various scholarships list particular criteria homeschooled students must meet, such as a challenging financial situation or showcasing academic excellence. While most don’t differentiate between home and public schooling, some have specific instructions only public school students can follow. Therefore, knowing which type of scholarship you’re applying for is essential to know which ones you have a higher chance of winning.

Here are six types of scholarships that might interest homeschooled students.

Merit-Based Scholarships

A merit-based or academic scholarship is awarded to homeschooled students with exceptional academic achievement. They are based on the student’s level of success and do not consider financial status. Test scores and GPA are the most common ways to assess merit, but merit-based scholarships are not always limited to grades.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based or financial scholarships are a form of aid for undergraduate or graduate students who require financial assistance to pursue higher education. Financial scholarships are independent of merit scholarships. Depending on the program or university’s offerings, homeschooled students may sometimes qualify for merit-based and need-based scholarships. 

Athletic Scholarships

An athletic scholarship is an opportunity awarded to a student-athlete from the college athletic department. These are typically university-specific scholarships awarded based on the student’s athletic abilities and how they can contribute to a team. A coach decides who receives scholarships and how much they are awarded, whether the student is homeschooled or from high school. 

Location-Based Scholarships

Local scholarships are a great way to help homeschoolers pay for school. Scholarship providers like to see people from their community succeed, so they often offer local scholarships only to residents of a particular geographic region. These scholarships for a homeschooled student can be measured through community service or community outreach, even though a Christian service is like a missions program.

Demographic Scholarships

Demographic scholarships target underrepresented minorities, such as African Americans, women, LGBTQ+ members, and immigrants. First-generation college students can also qualify for a demographic scholarship. Likewise, scholarships for homeschoolers are, in a way, demographic scholarships of their own kind. 

Miscellaneous Scholarships

Do you have a favorite hobby or interest unrelated to your field of study or career choice? There is more than likely a scholarship out there for you! There are countless scholarships for vegetarians, musicians, and even chefs that a homeschooled student could apply for if it applies to them.

How to Find Homeschooler Scholarships

There are plenty of ways to find additional scholarships for homeschoolers. You can conduct a quick Google search on fellowships or grants or check out reputable scholarship platforms such as Bold.org.

It’s essential to conduct additional research to ensure any website or scholarship you discover is legit and accepted by the school or university you want to attend or are currently attending. You could also contact your school’s financial aid office to see if they offer any relevant internal scholarships.

How to Apply for Homeschooler Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Scholarship programs for homeschoolers aren’t as common, but Bold.org makes it easy for students of all backgrounds to find applicable opportunities and apply for financial aid. Here’s how you can get started: 

Step 1: Visit Bold.org

Begin your scholarship hunt by visiting Bold.org and creating a free account and profile. Ensure you mention your homeschooling background to tailor scholarship opportunities to your experience, as well as any other notable achievements, goals, and information you wish to convey to scholarship panels. 

Step 2: Explore the Open Scholarship Opportunities

Browse the listings and look for opportunities that align with your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and future goals. You can find scholarships according to their category or by using the search tool. Bold.org frequently updates with new scholarships, so be sure to check the platform regularly. 

Step 3: Understand the Eligibility Criteria

Each scholarship has its own set of requirements, so thoroughly read it and ensure you fit the bill. This step is crucial to avoid wasting time on scholarships you don’t qualify for. 

Step 4: Work on Your Applications

Once you confirm you’re eligible to apply, review the requirements and begin crafting your applications. You may need to gather documentation, write an essay, provide recommendation letters, or simply work on your Bold.org profile.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Try to start the application process as early as possible, giving yourself ample time to create memorable applications. At a minimum, you’ll want to submit them before the deadline, but the first applicants often have an advantage. 

Step 6: Stay Updated 

Regularly check your Bold.org profile for updates, feedback, or new scholarship opportunities. And when you secure a scholarship, celebrate your achievement! Your journey can inspire and guide others in their scholarship pursuits. 

Tips For Winning a Homeschooler Scholarship

Each year, educational institutions offer various scholarships for homeschoolers and other students who face the same challenges regarding financial aid. These fellowships, scholarships, and federal grants are the best opportunities for students to receive a high-quality professional education with minimal to no debt. Brushing up on some best practices can enhance your chance of securing top homeschooler scholarships. Here are several of our favorite tips: 

Tip 1: Stay Active

Platforms like Bold.org constantly update their scholarship listings. By creating a robust profile and staying active, you can be among the first candidates to know about new scholarship opportunities tailored to your background and educational goals. 

Tip 2: Showcase Your Homeschool Experience

Being a homeschooled student offers a unique perspective. Highlight how this educational endeavor has shaped your worldview, taught you discipline, or allowed you to pursue other passions. This distinct experience can make your application stand out to the selection committee. 

Tip 3: Seek Recommendations Early

Recommendation letters can bolster your application and show selection committees how you’re involved with the community or organizations around you. Reach out to mentors, tutors, or community leaders and try to give them plenty of time to write a thoughtful recommendation letter. 

Tip 4: Apply for Several Scholarships

As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, scholarship opportunities are vast for homeschoolers. There are a variety of scholarships, such as essay contests, grants, loans, government-funded scholarships, and more. The more applications you submit, the higher your odds of success.

Tip 5: Refine Your Writing Skills

Many scholarships require personal essays for an applicant to be considered. Scholarship selection committees use these writing samples to get to know you better and discover what makes you unique. Knowing how to impress the judges with these skills can make you stand out and potentially win the award.

Tip 6: Review the Selection Criteria

To avoid missing out on an opportunity, make a checklist of the required documents for each scholarship program you wish to apply to. This list can include:

• Test scores (either from standardized tests or from academic tests during the school year)
• Homeschool transcript
• Letters of recommendation
• Homeschool high school diploma (or proof of home education)
• Language certifications
• Financial need (some scholarships have specific income eligibility guidelines)
• Any college credit amassed through a program while attending post-secondary education.

Tip 7: Try Your Best

Hard work pays off, and you need to be willing to go the extra mile to reach your goals. There are countless other applicants with similar skills and accomplishments as you, so you need to prove what makes you stand out and what makes you worthy of being declared the winner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooler Scholarships

Here are some frequently asked questions about scholarships for homeschoolers and our carefully researched answers. 

Are homeschooler scholarships legit?

Yes, scholarships for homeschoolers are legit. While some scholarships are specific to public school students, there are plenty of options for internal and external scholarships that home-educated students can apply to. However, be aware of scholarship scams when applying for homeschooler scholarships found via an online search.

What’s the best way to apply for homeschooler scholarships?

The best way to apply for homeschooler scholarships is by finding relevant opportunities online through reputable platforms like Bold.org or contacting your school’s financial aid department. Remember, patience and perseverance can go a long way, and we wish you the best of luck in your academic career.

Do colleges favor homeschoolers? 

Colleges and universities evaluate homeschoolers based on the same criteria as other applicants. While homeschooling itself isn’t a deciding factor, homeschoolers’ unique experiences and self-directed learning can be appealing. Moreover, many institutions, such as Stanford, explain their admissions policies for homeschoolers and have admitted them in the past. 

How do I add homeschool to my FAFSA? 

When completing the FAFSA, homeschoolers should be able to select an option that indicates they have a “homeschool high school diploma.” It’s essential to adhere to the eligibility requirements and have the necessary documentation, such as proof of home education, ready when applying. 

Does Harvard accept homeschoolers?

Yes, Harvard accepts homeschoolers who meet their admissions requirements, the same criteria used for other students. All applicants must submit a transcript (whether created by a family member or an agency) and letters of recommendation in addition to any relevant information they wish to include. 

How can I improve my chances of winning homeschooler scholarships?

The best way to improve your chances of winning homeschooler scholarships is to be prepared and confident. Take time to research the scholarship to ensure you match all of the qualifications. Lastly, assemble the best possible applications and apply early, providing all the required details. 

How many homeschooler scholarships can you get?

Homeschooled children can receive multiple scholarships as there is no limit to how many scholarships a student can be awarded. Getting a “full-ride” (which means your entire tuition is paid off in scholarships or by the university) is possible for homeschooled students, depending on the available programs and their qualifications. 

Are homeschooler scholarships taxable income?

Scholarships are not taxable, even for homeschooled students who received a home-based education. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), scholarships are not taxable if they are only used for college-related expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, or other supplies. Scholarships become taxable if you use them for non-educational payments.