Pursuing a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field can open up a world of exciting career opportunities. However, the cost of higher education has been rising steadily over the past decades. Scholarships for STEM Fields has increased over the years. Scholarships aimed specifically at students in STEM majors can provide crucial financial assistance to help fund your education.
We will explore the many scholarship opportunities available for STEM students across all levels of study. We will look at national and state-wide programs, scholarships offered by associations and private organizations, and more.
Why Apply for STEM Scholarships?
There are several key benefits to applying for STEM scholarships:
Offset the Cost of Tuition and Fees
The main reason students apply for scholarships is to lower the cost of their education. Full tuition at public 4-year colleges averaged $10,338 for in-state students and $22,698 for out-of-state students in 2021-22. Private non-profit 4-year colleges averaged $38,185.
Many STEM degree programs also come with extra fees for lab equipment, software, program materials, etc. These additional costs can quickly add up. Scholarships can cover a portion or all of your tuition and fees to make paying for a STEM degree much more affordable.
Reduce Reliance on Student Loans
Along with scholarships, most students fund their education through a combination of savings, family support, and student loans. While loans allow you to spread out costs over time, they also accrue interest and have to be paid back. Minimizing loans by securing scholarship funds means less debt after graduation.
Focus on Academics
Scholarships enable students to worry less about finances and focus more on academics. By reducing or eliminating your job hours, you’ll have more time for coursework, research, group projects, and other education-related priorities.
Enhance Your Resume
Adding scholarship awards to your resume can improve your employability after graduation. It shows you’re financially responsible and that others recognize your academic achievements and potential.
Types of STEM Scholarships
There are many different types of scholarships available to STEM students:
Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded primarily based on academic merits. Criteria may include GPA, test scores, class rank, and extracurricular involvement. Many schools automatically consider students for merit-based scholarships when they apply.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships factor financial need into their criteria. The amount awarded is based on your FAFSA data, family income, and other financial considerations.
Service-Based Scholarships
These scholarships require the recipient to complete a service obligation such as volunteering or working in an underserved community. They are commonly awarded in healthcare fields.
Minority Scholarships
Scholarships aimed at increasing diversity in STEM give preference to applicants who belong to an ethnic minority group or other underrepresented population like women and first-generation students.
Association/Organization Scholarships
Many STEM-related professional associations and non-profit organizations award scholarships, often to members or affiliates. Criteria center around a shared interest area or cause.
Employer/Company Scholarships
Some tech companies and engineering firms offer scholarships as a recruiting tool and professional development investment. Recipients may receive internship or job offers.
Government/Military Scholarships
State and federal government scholarships exist to encourage more graduates to enter public service fields. The military also offers ROTC scholarships and tuition assistance programs.
National STEM Scholarship Programs
Here are some well-known national scholarship programs open to STEM majors across the United States:
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
- Award: $20,000
- Eligibility: High school seniors demonstrating leadership and academic excellence
- Requirements: 3.0 minimum GPA
Davidson Fellows Scholarship
- Award: $50,000 for exceptional work
- Eligibility: Students under 18 who have completed a significant piece of work in a STEM field
- Requirements: Submission of project portfolio
Intel Science Talent Search
- Award: $250,000 top scholarship
- Eligibility: High school seniors with outstanding STEM research projects
- Requirements: Entry of research submission and essays
Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology
- Award: Up to $100,000 in scholarships
- Eligibility: High school students who complete STEM research projects
- Requirements: Research report submission
STEM Scholarship Program by PTC
- Award: 10 scholarships worth $10,000 each
- Eligibility: High school seniors and college students pursuing a STEM major
- Requirements: 3.0 minimum GPA
Students with Disabilities STEM Scholarship
- Award: $5,000
- Eligibility: College students with disabilities studying STEM
- Requirements: 3.0 minimum GPA
SWE Scholarship Program
- Award: Varies, up to $20,000
- Eligibility: Women studying engineering or computer science
- Requirements: 3.0 minimum GPA
AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
- Award: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate minority students in accounting
- Requirements: Enrolled in eligible accounting program
State-Level STEM Scholarships
Many states offer STEM scholarships, often with preference for students who will work in the state after graduation. Here are some top state programs:
California Cal Grant
- For CA residents pursuing STEM bachelor’s or teaching credential
- Covers full systemwide tuition and fees at UC/CSU schools
- Must meet income, GPA, and other eligibility criteria
Massachusetts STEM Starter Academy
- Merit-based award for MA high school students entering STEM majors
- $1,000 per semester for up to 8 semesters
- Automatic eligibility based on SAT/ACT math scores
Michigan GEAR UP Scholarship
- For MI students with financial need in STEM majors
- Awards $500-$1250 per semester based on need
- Requires minimum 2.5 GPA and full-time enrollment
Minnesota STEM Teacher Center Scholarships
- For MN students pursuing STEM teaching careers
- Offers awards between $3,500-$10,000
- Requires teaching commitment in MN public schools
Tennessee STEM Education Scholarship
- Awards up to $20,000 per academic year
- For TN residents preparing to teach math or science
- Requires commitment to teach in TN public schools
Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Grant
- For Texas high school grads with STEM majors
- Covers tuition, fees, and book stipend
- Requires enrollment in a Texas public college
Minority STEM Scholarships
Here are excellent STEM scholarship options focused on increasing representation of minority groups:
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
- For Native American students in STEM fields
- Offers scholarships from $1,000 to $5,000
- Also provides internship opportunities
Gates Millennium Scholars
- For outstanding minority students pursuing STEM degrees
- Covers unmet financial need through graduation
- Requires extensive community service
Google Lime Scholarship
- For students with disabilities seeking computer science and STEM degrees
- $10,000 scholarship award
- Requires strong academic record
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- For Hispanic STEM students at various degree levels
- Offers awards from $500 to $5,000
- Requires enrollment and community involvement
NASA MIRO Minority University Research and Education Project
- For minority students at minority-serving institutions
- Offers internships and full scholarships for STEM research
- Must major in NASA-related field like aerospace engineering
Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
- For women studying engineering or computer science
- Offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $15,000
- Requires SWE membership and good academic standing
Tribal Colleges and Universities Program
- For Native American/Alaska Native STEM students at TCUP institutions
- Provides scholarships, internships, research grants
- Funded by National Science Foundation (NSF)
STEM Scholarships by Field
Beyond general STEM scholarships, many opportunities exist for specific majors:
Engineering
- American Society of Civil Engineers Scholarships – For civil engineering students
- Engineers Foundation of Ohio Scholarships – For OH residents studying engineering
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers Scholarships – For students in manufacturing engineering
Computer Science/Technology
- Palantir Scholarship for Women in Technology – For female tech students
- Society of Women Engineers Scholarships – For women in engineering and computing
- Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship – For students passionate about technology ethics
Math
- Actuarial Foundation Scholarships – For students pursuing actuarial science
- AWM Scholarships – For women studying mathematics
- Carnegie Corporation of New York/MAA Undergraduate Scholarship – For math majors who teach
Chemistry
- ACS Scholars Program – For underrepresented minority chemistry students
- Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry – For students researching physical chemistry
Biology
- A. James Clark Scholarship – For biology students doing microbiology research
- John Montgomery Scholarship – For student members of American Biological & Pharmaceutical Imaging Association
Environmental Science
- AP Environmental Science Scholarship – For students who score well on AP Enviro exam
- Virgin Earth Challenge Scholarship – For student with innovative sustainability solutions
Minority Serving Institution STEM Scholarships
Attending a minority serving institution (MSI) like an HBCU or Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) can provide greater access to STEM scholarships aimed at certain ethnic and racial groups. Here are some worthwhile programs:
HBCU Study Abroad Scholarship
- For students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Provides funding for STEM students to study abroad
- Award amounts range from $2,500 to $5,000
HSI STEM Scholarship Program
- For Hispanic students majoring in STEM fields at HSIs
- Offers awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000
- Sponsored by Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP)
- Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Provides STEM research support for students at Tribal institutions
- Includes scholarships, paid internships, and grants
UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars Program
- For minority students in STEM majors at UMBC
- Comprehensive program offering full scholarships, mentoring, study abroad, and more
- Emphasis on supporting underrepresented groups in STEM
United Negro College Fund STEM Scholars
- For students at HBCUs majoring in STEM fields
- Offers scholarships between $2,500 to $5,000
- Funded by the United Negro College Fund
Female STEM Scholarships
While women have made tremendous strides in many STEM fields, gender disparities still exist. Scholarships targeting women aim to empower and promote the next generation of leading women in STEM:
Society of Women Engineers
- One of the largest sources of funding for female engineers
- Offers awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000
- Requires SWE membership and enrollment in ABET-accredited program
AAUW International Fellowships
- For women pursuing full-time graduate study in the U.S.
- Offers awards up to $30,000 along with leadership training
- STEM fields supported include computer/information sciences, engineering, and mathematics
Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
- For female undergrads studying computer science or related fields
- Award amounts range between $1,000 – $10,000
- Requires strong academic performance and demonstrated leadership
Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarship
- For female graduate students conducting computing and engineering research
- Awards full graduate scholarship funding for up to 3 years
- Recipients get mentoring and a summer internship at Microsoft
Graduate Women in Science National Fellowship
- For female graduate students completing research in natural, physical, health, or engineering sciences
- Offers a $20,000 fellowship and professional development opportunities
- Requires 3.0 minimum GPA and U.S. citizenship
Scholarships for Veterans and Military Personnel
Current and former military service members have access to unique STEM scholarship and financial aid programs:
AMVETS Scholarships
- For veterans pursuing undergraduate or graduate STEM degrees
- Offers awards between $4,000 – $12,000
- Requires honorable discharge and financial need
Fisher House STEM Scholarship
- For children of active duty, retiree, or veteran parents
- Awards $2,000 scholarships to 150 STEM students annually
- Based on academic merit, community service, and financial need
Military Scholarship Program
- Offered by ATP Flight School for veteran pilots
- Covers $11,000-$71,000 for commercial helicopter or airline pilot training
- Available at flight school locations nationwide
Military Officers Association of America Scholarships
- For active duty and retired military officers and their dependents
- Offers merit-based scholarships between $500 – $5,000
- Specific awards for STEM, ROTC, and surviving children
ThanksUSA Scholarship
- For military spouses and dependents pursuing STEM degrees
- Provides need-based scholarships up to $3,000
- Requires minimum 2.0 GPA and enrollment in U.S. college
Association and Foundation Scholarships
Here are some scholarship opportunities available through professional associations and private foundations:
AAAS Minority Science Writers Internship
- Offered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Paid summer internship for minority STEM students interested in science writing
- Includes mentoring, professional development, and stipend
AES Engineering Scholarship
- Funded by AES Engineering corporation
- Awards $500 scholarship based on essay response
- Open to high school seniors and college students
ASNT Fellowship
- Offered by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing
- Provides support for graduate research in nondestructive testing and evaluation
- Awards up to $5,000 based on project proposal
Astronaut Scholarship
- Funded by NASA Astronauts Personal Foundation
- Awards $10,000 scholarship and mentorship to STEM undergrads
- Requires 3.0 minimum GPA and U.S. citizenship
AWG Scholarships
- Offered by Association for Women Geoscientists
- Provides awards for female students in earth, environmental, and related sciences
- Scholarships range from $2,000 to $8,000
SWE Scholarship Program
- Administered by Society of Women Engineers
- Offers scholarships between $1,000 – $15,000 for female engineering students
- Largest source of scholarships for women pursuing engineering degrees
UDT-SEAL Scholarship
- Offered by Navy SEAL Foundation
- Provides need-based awards for children of Navy SEALs
- Open to dependents pursuing STEM and healthcare degrees
Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship
- Exclusive to women pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace sciences and engineering
- Awards $10,000 fellowship and professional development support
- Funded by Zonta International Foundation
Technology Company Scholarships
Major technology companies offer scholarships as part of their recruitment and diversity initiatives. Here are some top opportunities funded by industry leaders:
Adobe Research Women in Technology Scholarship
- Awards $10,000 to female undergraduate STEM majors
- Recipients are paired with an Adobe mentor
- Includes summer internship opportunity at Adobe
Apple Scholars Program
- Offered to students attending Historically Black Colleges & Universities
- Provides scholarships for STEM majors along with internship opportunities at Apple
- Awards based on academic achievement and financial need
Facebook Engineering Scholarship
- For students pursuing computer engineering or related fields
- Awards $5,000 scholarship for outstanding sophomore college students
- Open to women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups
GitHub Diversity Scholarship
- For undergraduate students who identify with an underrepresented group in tech
- Includes $2,500 GitHub Student Developer Pack of tools and training
- Applicants submit essay and GitHub profile
Google Scholarships
- Google offers scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds
- Programs include Generation Google, Hispanic Student, and Women Techmakers
- Most awards between $1,000 – $10,000
Microsoft Minority Scholarship
- For outstanding undergraduate minority students in STEM
- Awards $5,000 scholarship plus Microsoft internship
- Requires demonstrated interest in computer science
Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship
- For college women studying computer science or related fields
- Provides $7,000 award plus Palantir internship
- Requires minimum 3.5 GPA
Government STEM Scholarships
Federal agencies and state governments fund scholarship programs to advance their policy goals around STEM education and workforce development:
Department of Defense SMART Scholarship
- Fully funds STEM undergraduate and graduate study
- Provides additional stipend, paid summer internships
- Requires working for DoD after graduation
National Health Service Corps Scholarship
- For STEM students committed to primary health care in underserved areas
- Covers tuition, fees, and provides stipend
- Recipients must serve with NHSC after graduation
National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship
- For exceptional undergrads in biomedical research fields
- Provides full tuition, stipend, and professional development
- Requires commitment to biomedical, behavioral or social science research career
National Science Foundation GRFP
- Prestigious fellowship for STEM graduate students
- Provides 3 years of funding for master’s or doctoral study
- Valued at over $138,000 over 5 years
NOAA Educational Partnership Program
- Provides internships, fellowships, and scholarships in NOAA-related fields like environmental science, meteorology
- Goal is to increase STEM workforce diversity
- Must major in NOAA mission-relevant discipline
State STEM Student Grant Programs
- Many states like Florida, Texas, and West Virginia offer STEM scholarship programs
- Most are need-based grants that cover in-state tuition
- Check your state government education authority for opportunities
Community Service STEM Scholarships
Students committed to STEM-based community service and improving society may qualify for these scholarship programs:
CrowdScholar Cause-Based College Scholarship
- For students addressing social, environmental, health causes with STEM
- Awards $1,000 based on essay describing cause and impact
- Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students
Davis Peace Scholarship
- For students actively promoting peace and opposing violence
- Provides need-based award up to $10,000
- Open to STEM majors using skills for positive social change
Martin Luther King, Jr. Engineering Scholarship
- For minority engineering students who exemplify King’s vision
- Provides awards between $2,000 to $5,000
- Requires engineering enrollment and service involvement
Marshall Scholarships
- Prestigious scholarship for U.S. students to study in the U.K.
- Provides funding for graduate study in any field including STEM
- Seeks students with service commitment and leadership abilities
Samuel Huntington Public Service Fellowship
- Provides $15,000 for students pursuing public service careers
- Open to graduating college seniors including STEM majors
- Must demonstrate commitment to public service values
Final Thoughts
A STEM degree opens doors to dynamic careers solving global challenges. While educational costs can be daunting, scholarships make investing in your STEM future much more attainable. Take advantage of this guide’s huge range of opportunities to reduce financial barriers as you pursue your academic and professional passions!
Frequently Asked Questions
What STEM majors are eligible for scholarships?
Most STEM scholarships are open to students in traditional science, technology, engineering and math fields, including:
- Biological sciences like biology, biochemistry, botany
- Physical sciences such as chemistry, physics, astronomy
- Mathematics, statistics
- Computer science and information technology
- Engineering disciplines – electrical, mechanical, chemical, civil, aerospace
- Health sciences – nursing, pharmacy, medicine (for graduate-level funding)
Some opportunities extend to social science majors like psychology and economics. Always confirm your specific major qualifies when applying.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
Begin your scholarship search early! Many awards have deadlines 6-12 months in advance of the funding period. As a freshman and sophomore, look for scholarships targeted at underclassmen. Juniors should expand their search to general undergraduate scholarships. Seniors can additionally target aid for graduating students.
What information do I need to provide when applying?
Typical scholarship applications require:
- Personal/demographic information – name, contact, DOB, etc.
- Academic information – transcripts, test scores, GPA, major, institution
- Financial information – income, EFC, FAFSA data for need-based aid
- Essays or short responses to convey your interests and qualifications
- Letters of recommendation highlighting your abilities and character
- Academic or work examples like research abstracts or portfolios
How competitive are STEM scholarships?
Popular national scholarships often receive thousands of applicants, so expect fierce competition for top awards. More narrowly targeted, local, or lesser-known awards tend to have better odds. Make sure you stand out by crafting strong essays, getting glowing recommendations, and having a stellar academic resume.
What are scholarship committees looking for?
STEM reviewers evaluate criteria like:
- Excellent grades and test scores in STEM subjects
- Relevant work/research experience in your field
- Passion and commitment to your chosen STEM major
- Interest in addressing real-world problems through STEM
- Leadership, teamwork, communication abilities
- Service to school or community
- Unique personal story or perspective
Emphasize how you fulfill these desired attributes!
Can I apply scholarships towards summer programs?
Yes, many scholarships allow using funds for qualified summer STEM programs, such as:
- Paid research positions and internships
- Study abroad opportunities
- Field schools for disciplines like archaeology, ecology
- Enrichment courses at universities
- Summer preparatory programs likezilla math or science camps
Check that your selected program meets the scholarship terms. Some are restricted to covering specific costs.
Can undocumented students qualify for STEM scholarships?
There are many scholarships open to undocumented students pursuing STEM degrees. Some, like Golden Door Scholars, specifically aid undocumented students. Others are based on merit and do not require proof of immigration status. Focus your search on awards from private organizations, foundations, and companies rather than government sources.