Computer Science Scholarships and Financial Aid
| Ashley Reid Modified on June 23, 2022
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According to the Institute for College Access and Success, college graduates held an average of $28,950 in student loans in 2019. Student debt can burden borrowers for years, even with recent policies and programs intended to help lighten the load. For example, income-driven repayment plans can lower graduates' monthly payments, but it may still take 20-25 years to pay off the debt.
Grants, scholarships, and work-study programs can help students reduce their loans. Borrowers should prioritize federal loans, which typically offer better interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private loans.
With lucrative salaries and high growth potential, computer science jobs can help professionals repay student loans more easily. Software developers, for example, earned a median annual salary of $110,140 as of 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects software developer jobs to grow by 22% from 2020-2030.
Our guide below lists computer science scholarships. These opportunities can help computer science students reduce educational costs. This guide also explores the overall financial aid process to help prospective students plan their education with confidence.
How to Apply for Computer Science Scholarships
This guide covers where to find the best computer science scholarships for 2022. We take a look at application strategies and common requirements. We also discuss different types of computer science scholarships, including awards for undergraduates, graduate students, women, and minority students.
Where to Look for Scholarships
Students can apply for both specific computer science scholarships and general funding opportunities. Look for computer science scholarships by contacting professional organizations, tech businesses, and university computer science departments. For general scholarship research, consult high school counselors and college financial aid offices.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a free online scholarship search tool. Students can also look for funding opportunities with their state grant agency. See below for more computer science scholarship resources:
- Unigo STEM Scholarships
- Scholarships360 STEM Scholarships
- Computer Science Scholarships at Scholarships.com
Types of Scholarship Sponsors
Thousands of organizations offer or sponsor computer science scholarships. Knowing the different types of sponsorship categories can help students discover more opportunities.
Possible sponsors include professional associations, private companies, plus nonprofit foundations and organizations. Local groups and community organizations may also offer scholarships. Many schools provide institutional scholarships for enrollees.
Typical Requirements
Scholarship requirements vary by sponsor. Computer science scholarships may limit applicants based on factors like academic performance and financial need. Other common criteria include demographics, career goals, and specialization area. Expected application materials also vary. See below for common eligibility and submission requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Demonstrated financial need
- Full-time student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science or a related STEM field
Submission Requirements
- Completed application
- Personal essay
- CV or resume
- Official college transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
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Available Scholarships for Computer Science
Our list of computer science scholarships provides many helpful options for students. We include undergraduate and graduate scholarships, plus opportunities for women and minorities in computer science.
Undergraduate Computer Science Scholarships
- This award benefits undergraduates majoring in computer science or a related field. Applicants need an overall and major GPA of at least 3.0. Students must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending an accredited U.S. institution full time.
- Award: Varies
Apply
- Google offers this scholarship to veterans majoring in computer science or computer engineering in the United States. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Applicants must maintain strong academic performance. Students must submit proof of veteran status with an honorable discharge or good standing with their service branch.
- Award: $10,000
- Apply
- This award recognizes an outstanding student project at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Winning projects can relate to computer science, electrical engineering, or another IEEE field of interest. Only fair finalists may qualify for the award.
- Award: $10,000 payable over four years and a complimentary IEEE student membership
- Apply
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens with demonstrated financial need. Recipients must study or plan to study computer science full time at an accredited school. High school seniors, first-year college students, and college sophomores may apply. Applicants need a 2.5 GPA or above and should be interested in a paid internship with Lockheed Martin.
- Award: $10,000 (renewable for up to $40,000 total)
- Apply
- This award supports high school seniors planning to major in a STEAM discipline. The application requires an academic resume, an educator recommendation, and current transcripts. Applicants must also submit a color headshot and an 500- to 800-word essay.
- Award: $1,000
- Apply
- This scholarship benefits students who identify as members of a racial or ethinc minority. Applicants must attend a bachelor's program in computer science or a related field at an accredited university. Recipients can take part in a remote professional development program.
- Award: $7,000
- Apply
- The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society offers this scholarship to recognize student leadership. Full-time undergraduate and graduate students in computer science and related fields can apply. Applicants need a 2.5 GPA or higher and must hold active membership in an IEEE student chapter.
- Award: $1,000 and up
- Apply
- This scholarship accepts undergraduate and graduate applicants who belong to a UPE chapter. Application materials include a UPE advisor recommendation and a statement describing university and UPE chapter involvement. Each UPE chapter may submit one undergraduate and one graduate application.
- Award: $1,000-$3,000
- Apply
- Applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students in computing and information disciplines. They must also hold membership in an ACM student chapter. Students should demonstrate excellent academic performance and strong faculty recommendations.
- Award: $1,000
- Apply
Graduate Computer Science Scholarships
- Applicants must attend a graduate program focused on information assurance or cybersecurity. Application requirements include one letter of recommendation and a resume or CV. Students must also submit completed essay questions and unofficial transcripts showing a minimum 3.5 GPA.
- Award: $1,000-$5,000
- Apply
- Fellows work as science journalists for ten weeks in the summer. The program accepts undergraduates, graduate students, and postgraduates in computer science and other STEM fields. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold visas allowing them to complete paid summer work.
- Award: $8,000 stipend plus travel expenses
- Apply
- The Department of Energy awards this fellowship to students planning full-time doctoral study in computer science and other STEM fields. Application requirements include official transcripts, a green card or U.S. citizenship, references, and a completed program of study.
- Award: Full tuition and fees; $38,000 yearly stipend; $1,000 annual professional development allowance;12-week research practicum experience (renewable up to four years)
- Apply
- These scholarships support full-time undergraduate and graduate students with a 2.5 GPA or above. Applicants should show potential to contribute to the control and automation fields. Required materials include letters of recommendation and transcripts.
- Award: Varies
- Apply
- This award benefits undergraduate seniors and graduate students in accredited applied science or engineering programs at GEM member schools. Applicants must belong to a group underrepresented in science and engineering. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and hold a 3.0 GPA or higher. The fellowship requires an internship with a GEM employer the summer after sponsorship.
- Award: Full tuition and fees plus a $16,000 stipend for the first year of the fellowship
- Apply
Computer Science Scholarships for Women
- This scholarship accepts applications from currently enrolled undergraduates and master's candidates. Applicants must identify as female and major in computer science or a related field. The scholarship requires a strong academic record and proof of leadership and participation in school and community activities.
- Award: $10,000, one-year Creative Cloud subscription membership, and internship interview at Adobe
- Apply
- Applicants must identify as women and attend an accredited undergraduate or graduate STEM program in the U.S. or Canada. Students must hold good academic standing at their institution. Required materials include an essay, transcripts, and a short video.
- Award: $2,500
- Apply
- This scholarship encourages women to pursue degrees in gaming. Applicants must attend or plan to attend a full-time, gaming-related program. Graduate and undergraduate students may qualify. Other criteria include financial need, a strong academic record, and leadership potential.
- Award: $10,000
- Apply
- The Society of Women Engineers offers this scholarship to women studying computer science and related disciplines. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and members of the Society of Women Engineers. The award requires a 3.5 GPA or above. Members of underrepresented groups and applicants with financial need receive preference.
- Award: $5,000
- Apply
Computer Science Scholarships for Minority Students
- Members of an American Indian tribe or Alaska Native group pursuing a computer science degree may qualify for this scholarship. Applicants need a 3.25 GPA or above. Incoming, full-time first-year students can apply. Recipients can renew their award for up to four years.
- Award: Varies
- Apply
- Women and minority STEM majors (including computer science) with at least a 3.0 GPA can apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The scholarship encourages applications from students at historically Black colleges and universities.
- Award: $3,000
- Apply
- Computer science majors committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion can apply. Applicants should show financial need and a strong academic record. Required materials include a resume or CV, transcripts, and essay responses. Students must also submit family and household information. Google encourages applications from members of groups underrepresented in the tech industry.
- Award: $10,000
- Apply
- This scholarship accepts applications from high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students of Hispanic heritage. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must plan to enroll in a four-year, accredited U.S. school. Students should submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms. U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, and DACA recipients may qualify.
- Award: $500-$5,000; Access to scholar support and career services
- Apply
- This scholarship provides funding for women and minority students. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in the second semester of a STEM graduate program (including computer science). Application requirements include a 3.5 GPA or higher, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a resume.
- Award: $3,000
- Apply
Other Financial Aid for Computer Science Degrees
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 86% of students at four-year colleges used financial aid during the 2018-2019 school year. However, only 58% received scholarships in the same period, according to Sallie Mae. While scholarships can cover a significant part of your degree costs, learners can also access other aid options.
Degree-seekers can apply for work-study programs and private or federal loans. Education tax credits can also help reduce educational costs. Learn more about how to pay for a degree here.
Grants provide another way for students to cover computer science degree expenses. Since these awards are similar to scholarships, we explore grant options below.
Computer Science Grants
Like scholarships, grants do not need to be repaid. Students usually qualify for grants based on financial need rather than merit.
Students can apply for Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. State governments, universities, and private and nonprofit organizations may also offer grants.
Computer science students can also pursue research grants. Organizations offering research grants typically fund projects that match their missions. Applicants must usually submit a research proposal.
The National Science Foundation provides a funding search tool for computer science and engineering students. The IEEE Foundation invites grant applicants to submit projects for certain themes each year.
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Questions About Financial Aid
Are there scholarships for computer science?
Yes. Undergraduate and graduate students can qualify for many computer science scholarships. Scholarship funding sources include foundations, corporations, nonprofit groups, and universities.When should I start applying to scholarships?
Start the scholarship search for computer science programs early. Many organizations offer computer science scholarships for high school seniors.What kind of scholarships are available for computer science?
A variety of scholarships support computer science majors. Many organizations offer scholarships based on criteria like academic merit, financial need, and identity. Students can find minority computer science scholarships and computer science scholarships for women.How do you get a computer science scholarship?
Students can get computer science scholarships by applying for the awards that best match their strengths. Make sure to get strong letters of recommendation and spend time personalizing each application.Recommended Reading
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