26 Scholarships for Private Schools in 2024

The allure of private education often comes with a financial caveat. While they operate either on a nonprofit or for-profit basis, it’s a common misconception that higher tuition always equates to a better reputation. 

The reality? Private colleges almost always charge more, with an average tuition of nearly $38,800 for private nonprofit institutions–over $29,000 more than their public school counterparts. In the face of such figures, scholarships and federal student aid becomes essential to lower the overall costs. Here, we’ll spotlight 26 scholarships to lower private school tuition in 2023, each designed to offer financial aid for ambitious students aiming for private education. 

Top 26 Scholarships for Private Schools

After carefully researching and reviewing all the available financial assistance opportunities, we’ve identified the top 26 scholarships for private schools. Here are our findings: 

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Bold.org is a free scholarship platform with hundreds of opportunities, including the “Be Bold” annual scholarship. Open to all students, this scholarship awards the applicant with the “boldest” profile. Interested private school students should apply by the nearest rolling deadline. 

• Award Amount: $25,061
• Next Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: December 1, 2023

WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship

Private school graduate or undergraduate students planning to finish by 2026 are eligible for this annual scholarship. Those who apply will also receive free access to the WayUp platform to find jobs and internships; applicants are encouraged to use and engage with it to increase their chances of winning. 

• Award Amount: $1,000
• Next Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: August 1, 2024

Catholic Colleges No-Essay Scholarship

Any high school student interested in attending a Catholic college should apply for this annual scholarship. Applicants will receive helpful tips and resources from Catholic Colleges to help them find their ideal private school. 

• Award Amount: $1,000
• Next Deadline: October 2, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: September 1, 2024

Cappex Adult Learners Scholarship

Any non-traditional student (typically those over 25) planning to start or complete their Bachelor’s degree is encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Prospective private school attendees who apply will also receive access to several helpful resources provided by Cappex. 

• Award Amount: $1,000 (2 winners, $500 each)
• Deadline: February 1, 2024
• Winners Announcement Date: March 1, 2024

Scholarship Institute’s Annual Women’s Leadership Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to help female-identifying leaders in their senior year of high school or at the undergraduate or graduate level. Interested private school students can apply by writing a 400–600 word essay about their leadership abilities and what they hope to achieve with them. 

• Award Amount: $500
• Next Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Next Winners Announcement Date: July 31, 2024

Bold.org No-Essay Community Scholarship

Bold.org users who believe in the strength of the community around them should apply for this annual scholarship. Private school students can increase their chances of winning by applying early and inviting their friends to join the platform. 

• Award Amount: $5,000
• Next Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: December 1, 2023

Nintendo Super Fan Scholarship

If you’re a fan of all things Nintendo, consider applying for this special scholarship opportunity. Interested private school students can apply by writing an essay about their favorite co-op Nintendo game and a specific moment from a multiplayer session that made it their top choice. 

• Award Amount: $500
• Next Deadline: November 8, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: September 8, 2024

VNutrition and Wellness’ Annual LGBTQ+ Vitality Scholarship

Private school LGBTQ+ students, including high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students, are eligible for this recurring scholarship. To apply, submit a brief essay about your plans to impact society with your private school education positively. 

• Award Amount: $500
• Next Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Next Winners Announcement Date: July 31, 2024

Future Dentists Scholarship

You can apply for this scholarship if you attend private school and plan on becoming a dentist. High school, undergraduate, and graduate students can get started by writing an essay about what inspired them to pursue a career in the dental field and how the scholarship will help. 

• Award Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: January 31, 2024
• Winners Announcement Date: February 29, 2024

500 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

Private school students who use Bold.org and earn at least 500 Bold Points are eligible for this annual scholarship. Qualified applicants should refine their profiles to make them earnest, determined, and moving. 

• Award Amount: $5,000
• Next Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: October 1, 2022

“The Office” Obsessed! Fan Scholarship

If you’re a private school student who loves the popular show The Office, consider applying for this unique scholarship opportunity. If interested, submit a 200–600 word essay about your favorite character and how the show affected your perspectives of workplace dynamics by the nearest rolling deadline. 

• Award Amount: $500
• Next Deadline: November 8, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: September 8, 2024

The GIST Women’s Sports Business Scholarship

This is a newsletter scholarship that rewards applicants for reading the GIST newsletter and sharing it with their friends. If you’re interested in sports journalism and increasing diversity in the industry, consider applying for this scholarship as a private school student. 

• Award Amount: $1,000
• Next Deadline: October 1, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: August 2, 2024

“Stranger Things” Fanatic Scholarship

Private school students who follow “Stranger Things” can apply for this scholarship (which operates on a rolling deadline). To apply, write a brief essay about your ideal three-character squad to face a new supernatural threat. 

• Award Amount: $500
• Next Deadline: November 8, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: September 8, 2024

“A Daring Path” No-Essay Scholarship

This is a no-essay scholarship for students willing to take chances and who won’t allow their fears to control them in pursuing their dreams. If you’re a bold private school student who wishes to get the most out of life, consider applying for this scholarship. 

• Award Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: October 30, 2023
• Winners Announcement Date: November 30, 2023

Doña Lupita Immigrant Scholarship

Immigrant single mothers or their children are eligible for this annual scholarship if they plan on attending (or currently attend) private school. If interested, apply by writing an essay about yourself and the values you hope to teach your children (or the ones your parent taught you). 

• Award Amount: $2,000
• Next Deadline: November 12, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: December 12, 2023

Patricia Ann Whelan Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for any undergraduate student who has an education-focused major attending the private university, Marywood University. Marywood University is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. To apply, write an essay about how you plan to integrate reading into your future classrooms.

• Award Amount: $500
• Deadline: October 22, 2023
• Winners Announcement Date: November 22, 2023

Frantz Barron Scholarship

This scholarship is for low-income, first-generation, and high-achieving male students. Eligible private school attendees can apply by writing about how they’ve overcome adversity in a 400–600 word essay. 

• Award Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: May 1, 2024
• Winners Announcement Date: June 1, 2024

Tony Alviani Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is local to the state of Pennsylvania and intended for a high school senior or a college undergraduate interested in pursuing a business or computer science major. Qualifying private school students can apply by writing an essay about their father figure and why they’re special. 

• Award Amount: $500
• Deadline: October 2, 2023
• Winners Announcement Date: November 1, 2023

Pierson Family Scholarship for U.S. Studies

International students face unique challenges, but this scholarship aims to support them and non-US citizens from low-income backgrounds. Private school prospective students are eligible to apply but must have at least a 3.5 GPA. If interested, write an essay answering the four questions in the prompt. 

• Award Amount: $5,000
• Deadline: December 15, 2023
• Winners Announcement Date: January 15, 2024

Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship

This bi-annual scholarship is for undergraduate or graduate students who have recovered from addiction. Private school attendees qualify if they’ve been clean for at least a year and can apply by submitting an essay about what recovery means to them. 

• Award Amount: $3,000 (3 winners, $500 to $1,500 each)
• Next Deadline: January 5, 2024
• Next Winners Announcement Date: February 5, 2024

Faatuai and Fatilua Memorial Scholarship

You can apply for this annual scholarship if you’re an undergraduate or graduate Pacific Islander student with at least a 3.0 GPA. Eligible private school applicants must write an essay about what being a Pacific Islander attending college means to them and why they deserve the funding. 

• Award Amount: $1,000
• Next Deadline: November 25, 2023
• Next Winners Announcement Date: December 25, 2023

Elijah’s Helping Hand Scholarship Award

This annual scholarship is for high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students who have been impacted by mental health, suicide, or LGBTQIA+ experiences. Interested private school students can apply by writing an essay about their experiences in a 400–600 word essay. 

• Award Amount: $500
• Next Deadline: May 12, 2024
• Next Winners Announcement Date: June 12, 2024

Individualized Education Pathway Scholarship

You can apply for this scholarship if you’re a high school senior with a learning disability or an IEP (individualized education program). Eligible private school attendees can move forward by writing an essay about their challenges and how they’ve overcome them.  

• Award Amount: $500
• Deadline: February 1, 2024
• Winners Announcement Date: March 1, 2024

Peter T. Buecher Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for Minnesota high school seniors or undergrads. Private school students who qualify, play sports, and have good moral character can apply by writing a 400–600 word essay about how they strive to enrich the lives of others. 

• Award Amount: $1,000 (2 winners, $500 each)
• Deadline: May 16, 2024
• Winners Announcement Date: June 16, 2024

David L. Burns Memorial Scholarship

This memorial scholarship seeks to support Missouri undergraduates dedicated to helping others struggling with addiction. Private school students entering fields such as nursing, counseling, mental health, social work, and more can apply by submitting a brief essay. 

• Award Amount: $2,500
• Deadline: December 19, 2023
• Winners Announcement Date: January 19, 2024

Jose Montanez Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors planning to enroll in an undergraduate program or trade school. Eligible private school students can apply by writing a 400–600 word essay about their plans to positively impact their community after completing their education. Anyone from the foster care system is especially encouraged to apply. 

• Award Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: April 15, 2024
• Winners Announcement Date: May 15, 2024

About Private School Scholarship Programs

Other than nonprofit vs. for-profit, many specialty schools are created to supply a more specific education to suit the student’s needs. This is shown through the data of nonprofit private colleges and their graduation rate compared to the graduation rate for public colleges. According to a 6-year graduation process from 2013-2019, the 6-year graduation rate is 6% higher at nonprofit private colleges than at public colleges. This creates the need for six scholarship programs or 6-year scholarship programs.

This is because nonprofit private college institutions are designed to reinvest the profits from tuition and college board costs to improve college students’ education. Public colleges and universities are also nonprofit, but, as was pointed out earlier, nonprofit private colleges have more expensive tuition than public colleges. Therefore, they gain more funds to reinvest in the institutions. This allows these nonprofit private colleges to have more specific majors, such as creative writing, music, etc.

With this in mind and the fact that nonprofit college tuition is rising, it’s essential to have scholarships to apply for when entering a private college. Private institutions have historically been slightly easier to get into. Still, in recent years, this has flipped to the point that getting accepted into a Top 30 public college may be easier than a private school. So, the financial burden must be alleviated for it to be worth applying for a private school versus a public one, especially when considering the household income of these students from low-income families who could use tuition assistance.

What Are Scholarships for Private Schools?

Scholarships for private institutions are financial awards specifically given out to students of the institution. Sometimes, the schools receive substantial grants or funding for their students or incoming applicants, providing financial aid to those who meet the eligibility criteria. In other cases, students can find scholarships offered by private organizations for their type of college, such as private religious schools.

What Qualifies Someone for a Private School Scholarship?

Depending on the college, students must meet certain measures of academic achievement to qualify for a private school scholarship. Students may need to provide proof of merit, such as standardized test scores or high school transcripts, to prove they meet the eligibility criteria. Student-athletes can also qualify for a private school scholarship if they continue to play their sport in college, depending on the recruitment program. Students who seek private school scholarships independently may have to meet other requirements outlined in the program or come from private high schools.

Types of Scholarships for Private School Students

Private schools often provide several types of scholarship opportunities to attract incoming students. Here’s a closer look at the common types of scholarships available: 

Merit-Based Scholarships

Private school students who excel in academics, arts, or athletics may qualify for a merit-based scholarship. These awards recognize students with outstanding achievements and require proof, such as a transcript demonstrating the student meets a minimum GPA requirement. 

Need-Based Scholarships

Private school students and families who have financial constraints and require assistance may qualify for a need-based scholarship. While not directly a scholarship, Federal Student Aid (like the FAFSA) is one example of a need-based program qualified students can apply for. Private donors often offer need-based scholarships and typically require applicants to submit detailed financial information demonstrating their need. 

Student-Specific Scholarships

To promote diversity and inclusion, some programs and private schools offer scholarships targeting specific groups of students. These can be based on factors like race, gender, religion, or family history. For example, a private school might have a scholarship specifically for first-generation college students. 

Career-Specific Scholarships

For students who have a clear vision of their future career path, there are scholarships tailored to specific professions. Whether you’re aspiring to be a teacher, doctor, engineer, or any other professional, a scholarship program might be designed for you. 

College-Specific Scholarships

Several private schools have scholarships exclusively for students planning to attend their institution. These often last for the duration of their study (as long as they uphold the minimum requirements) and attract top-performing students. Current students may qualify for college-specific scholarships and can find out about the available programs by contacting their school’s financial aid office. 

How to Find Scholarships for Private Schools

You can find scholarships by checking your institution’s website or contacting your school’s financial aid office. You can also try researching private school scholarships online, and we recommend using Bold.org, the best scholarship platform for private school students. It’s free to use and takes a few seconds to create an account, granting you access to hundreds of scholarships. Additionally, you can try asking friends and family, local businesses, or community centers to see if they know of any available opportunities. 

How to Apply for Private School Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the scholarship application process can seem daunting, but with a systematic approach, you can minimize private school tuition with financial aid opportunities. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for private school students, referencing the application process on Bold.org: 

Step 1: Visit Bold.org

Start by visiting Bold.org. This platform offers dozens of open scholarships, including those specifically for private school students. Once you create a free account, you can move on to craft your profile. 

Step 2: Complete Your Profile

Work on your profile and provide detailed information about yourself. You can include your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other relevant information you wish to share with the scholarship donors. 

Step 3: Research Open Scholarships

Once comfortable with your profile, use Bold.org’s curated scholarship pages and search feature to find opportunities. You can search for scholarships specifically designed for private school students or other types depending on the factors that match your qualifications, goals, and background. 

Step 4: Review the Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure you meet all the requirements for the scholarship. This might include specific academic standards, financial needs, or other criteria unique to private school students. Also, consider the deadline and if you’re able to complete the necessary steps in time. 

Step 5: Work On Your Applications

After reviewing the requirements, start crafting your applications and compile any necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, or financial statements. If the scholarship requires an essay, take time to write a thoughtful and unique response, paying close attention to the word count and prompt. 

Step 6: Review and Submit Before the Deadline

Before submitting, review your application for any errors and ensure you provide all the required parts. Submit them well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical glitches or oversights. 

Step 7: Monitor Statuses and Explore Other Opportunities

Keep an eye on your Bold.org dashboard for any scholarship updates or decisions. As you move forward, stay updated on Bold.org since it constantly updates with new scholarships. Stay persistent and proactive in your search; it will pay off! 

Tips for Winning a Private School Scholarship

Securing a private school scholarship can be competitive, but you can gain an advantage with a proactive strategy and informed approach. Here are some tailored tips to consider:

Tip 1: Start Early

Beginning your scholarship search in advance gives you more time to research, prepare compelling applications, and apply before everyone else. Start as early as possible and try to be among the first applicants to apply. 

Tip 2: Optimize Your Application

Every scholarship has unique criteria and objectives, so customize your application to align with the program’s specific focus. Ensure you provide supporting details and demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the award. 

Tip 3: Showcase Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement 

Private school scholarships often value well-rounded students. Highlight your participation in clubs, sports, community service, or any leadership roles you’ve undertaken. 

Tip 4: Write a Strong Essay

If you apply for a scholarship that requires an essay or personal statement, use it as a chance to stand out and tell your side of the story. Share personal anecdotes, challenges you’ve faced, or how attending college will move you closer to your aspirations. 

Tip 5: Apply for Multiple Scholarships

The more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances of securing at least one. And remember, every penny helps! Don’t limit yourself to high-paying scholarships; try applying for as many as possible. 

Tip 6: Maintain Academic Performance

To ensure you continue to receive scholarship funding, continue performing at a high level, and don’t let your guard down. Consistent grades demonstrate dedication, discipline, and a genuine passion for learning. 

Tip 7: Stay Organized

Keep track of all deadlines, required documents, application components, and statuses throughout the scholarship process. Consider using a dedicated folder or digital tools to manage your scholarship applications systematically. 

Tip 8: Be Genuine

While presenting your best self is important, ensure your application genuinely reflects who you are. Authenticity can resonate more with scholarship committees than a seemingly perfect but insincere portrayal. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Private Schools

Some expenses can be stressful and cause a financial burden for college students who want to pursue post-secondary education. Luckily, for graduating high school seniors and undergraduate and graduate students, there are various programs and scholarships for students that can help ease the strain. Here are different frequently asked questions about private school scholarships: 

Are private school scholarships legit?

Yes, private school scholarships are legit. Several US private colleges and universities offer scholarships to qualified incoming students based on various factors, such as academic performance or extracurricular involvement. Students can also find reputable scholarship platforms and private donors to secure additional financial aid. 

What’s the best way to apply for scholarships?

In addition to checking with your school’s financial aid department, we recommend using Bold.org to obtain scholarships. Bold.org is free for all users and connects private school students with dozens of matching scholarship programs. To get started, sign up for an account on Bold.org. 

Can international students apply for these scholarships?

International students can often apply for private school scholarships as long as the programs aren’t solely restricted to US citizens. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements before applying and, if necessary, contact your institution or the scholarship organizer for more information. 

What happens if I win a private school scholarship but choose to defer my admission?

Each scholarship will have a different policy regarding students who defer their admission; some will allow them to defer the award, while others will require them to reapply. Checking with the scholarship program or your institution is best to determine the exact rules. 

How can I improve my chances of winning private school scholarships?

You can improve your chances of winning any scholarship by submitting compelling applications and applying early. Private school scholarships often require written sections or essays, so taking your time is also essential. Lastly, ensure you’re the right fit for a scholarship and match its goals. 

How many scholarships can you get?

Technically, there’s no limit on the amount of scholarships you can receive. You can secure enough funding to cover all the costs of private school, including tuition, books, and related expenses. 

Are scholarships taxable income?

Private school scholarships are not taxable if used for qualified educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, equipment, and textbooks. However, students who use funding for incidental expenses like room and board may be subject to taxation. For more information, review the IRS guidelines or consult a professional. 

Are there scholarships for schools other than colleges?

Yes, there are scholarships for students who attend a vocational school, a vocational program, a trade school, a two-year community college, or even an accredited post-secondary institution. To find unique scholarships, visit Bold.org and see if they have programs for your desired career path.