STEM scholarships: complete directory

Finding STEM scholarships can significantly reduce college costs. This directory organizes opportunities into five key categories: major national programs, field-specific awards, diversity-focused grants, corporate and government funding, and state-level aid, with awards ranging from $1,000 to over $40,000. This guide will help you identify and apply for the best-fit options to lower your education expenses.

The field is rich with opportunities. The demand for science, technology, engineering, and math professionals means that significant funding is available for students pursuing these degrees. According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), its budget includes billions for STEM education initiatives as of October 2024, underscoring the national priority placed on these fields. To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve organized this guide to move from broad opportunities to more targeted ones. You will find sections dedicated to highly competitive national awards, followed by scholarships tailored to specific majors, backgrounds, and geographic regions.

Use the following sections as a step-by-step map to build a personalized list of scholarships that match your academic profile and career goals. The next section provides a checklist to help you prioritize which awards to pursue first.

How to use this STEM scholarship directory (context and decision tool)

Before diving into the listings, it’s helpful to understand what “STEM” covers in the context of scholarships. This directory includes opportunities for students in science (like biology, chemistry, and physics), technology (computer science, IT, cybersecurity), engineering (all disciplines from civil to aerospace), and mathematics (both pure and applied). It also extends to emerging interdisciplinary fields that blend these core areas. Many scholarships have specific requirements, like a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, completion of certain coursework, or demonstrated interest through research projects.

To make your search efficient, use the following checklist to evaluate and prioritize opportunities. This framework will help you build a targeted list of scholarships that give you the highest chance of success with the best possible return on your time investment.

1. Eligibility Match: Is the scholarship a perfect fit for your major, GPA, and year of study? Don’t waste time on long-shot applications where you don’t meet all core requirements.
2. Award Amount vs. Application Effort: A $20,000 scholarship requiring multiple essays is worth more effort than a $500 award with the same requirements. Prioritize high-value awards.
3. Renewable vs. One-Time Awards: A renewable $5,000 award is more valuable over four years than a one-time $10,000 prize. Always give extra weight to scholarships that offer multi-year support.
4. Service Obligations: Does the award require a post-graduation work commitment or internship? Understand any strings attached before you apply.
5. Competition Level: Local and regional scholarships often have smaller applicant pools than major national awards. A balanced strategy includes applying to both.
6. Application Deadlines: Create a calendar with all relevant deadlines. Start with the earliest ones and give yourself ample time to gather materials without rushing.
7. Required Materials: Can you reuse core components like a personal statement or letter of recommendation? Grouping applications with similar requirements can save significant time.

By applying this checklist, you can strategically “stack” scholarships—combining several awards to cover a larger portion of your college costs. With this framework in mind, you’re ready to explore the first category of opportunities: major national programs.

Major national STEM scholarship programs

National scholarships are among the most prestigious and generous awards available, often providing substantial funding that can cover a significant portion of tuition and expenses. These programs are typically highly competitive, attracting top students from across the country. They are ideal for high-achieving students with a strong academic record and a clear commitment to a future in STEM. Below are some of the most prominent national programs open to students regardless of their state of residence.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is a premier award for sophomores and juniors intending to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. According to Goldwater.scholarsapply.org, the scholarship provides up to $7,500 per year for educational expenses as of October 2024. For graduate students, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) offers a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 along with a $16,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees as of October 2024, as noted on NSFGRFP.org.

Other programs come with service obligations. According to smartscholarship.org, the Department of Defense’s SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program offers full tuition, an annual stipend ranging from $30,000 to $46,000 depending on degree level as of October 2024, and guaranteed post-graduation employment. In exchange, scholars commit to working for the DoD after graduation. Similarly, according to AstronautScholarship.org, the Astronaut Scholarship provides up to $15,000 as of October 2024 for outstanding junior and senior college students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, or math. This award focuses on students who have shown exceptional performance and potential in research.

Source: Goldwater.scholarsapply.org; NSFGRFP.org; smartscholarship.org; AstronautScholarship.org (as of October 2024)

Securing funding through these programs can significantly alter your financial plan for college, reducing the need for loans. According to Mark Kantrowitz, a leading financial aid expert, “Every dollar you save is a dollar less you have to borrow.” While these national awards are a great starting point, many opportunities are tailored to specific areas of study. The next section will explore scholarships designed for students in particular STEM disciplines.

Field-specific STEM scholarships

While national awards attract top talent from all disciplines, you can often increase your chances of winning by focusing on scholarships designed for your specific major. These field-specific awards have smaller, more targeted applicant pools, and they recognize specialized skills and career aspirations. By aligning your application with the goals of these programs, you can better demonstrate your passion and commitment to a particular area of STEM.

The tech industry is a major source of funding for students pursuing degrees in computer science, data science, and information technology. Many leading companies offer substantial scholarships to cultivate the next generation of innovators.

• Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship: According to AmazonFutureEngineer.com, this program offers a significant award of up to $40,000 over four years as of October 2024, plus a paid summer internship at Amazon after the freshman year. The program is for high school seniors planning to study computer science.
• Generation Google Scholarship: Aimed at students from underrepresented groups in computer science, details available at buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com show this scholarship provides $10,000 for U.S. students or $5,000 for Canadian students as of October 2024. It’s for students pursuing computer science or a closely related field.
• Microsoft Tuition Scholarship: While program details evolve, Microsoft has historically offered scholarships to encourage students to pursue careers in technology. Students should monitor the official Microsoft careers page for current offerings, which often include tuition coverage and mentorship opportunities.

From civil and mechanical to electrical and aerospace, numerous professional organizations and societies offer scholarships to support aspiring engineers. These awards often come with networking opportunities and memberships in the sponsoring organization.

• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: According to swe.org, SWE provides a wide array of scholarships for women pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science as of October 2024. Award amounts vary widely, from $1,000 to over $15,000 annually.
• ASHRAE Scholarships: According to ashrae.org, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers offers awards ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 as of October 2024 for students studying to enter the HVAC&R industry. Eligibility focuses on engineering and technology majors.
• IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) Scholarship Plus Initiative: According to ieee-pes.org, this program provides up to $7,000 over three years as of October 2024 for undergraduates in electrical engineering who are interested in power and energy careers. The initiative also includes mentorship and career experiences.

Students aiming for careers in biology, chemistry, medicine, and environmental science can find funding from government agencies and scientific foundations dedicated to advancing human health and discovery.

• American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program: As stated by acs.org, this renewable scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year as of October 2024 for underrepresented students majoring in chemistry-related fields. The program supports students pursuing careers in the chemical sciences.
• NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP): According to training.nih.gov, the National Institutes of Health offers up to $20,000 per academic year as of October 2024 in exchange for a service commitment. Scholars must commit to paid research training and post-graduation employment at the NIH.

For students passionate about mathematics, physics, astronomy, and earth sciences, several key organizations provide support to foster research and exploration.

• NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship: According to noaa.gov, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides academic assistance up to $9,500 per year for two years as of October 2024, plus a 10-week paid summer internship. The program is for students in oceanic and atmospheric sciences.
• American Meteorological Society (AMS) Scholarships: According to ametsoc.org, the AMS offers numerous scholarships as of October 2024, with awards typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for students studying atmospheric or related sciences. A full list is available at ametsoc.org.

While your major is a primary factor in eligibility, many scholarships are also designed to support students from specific backgrounds. The next section focuses on opportunities created to increase diversity within STEM fields.

STEM scholarships for underrepresented groups

Many organizations are committed to increasing diversity in STEM by providing dedicated funding for students from underrepresented backgrounds. These scholarships aim to remove financial barriers and build a more inclusive workforce. Applying for these awards involves not only showcasing your academic achievements but also authentically sharing how your personal experiences have shaped your passion for STEM. These opportunities can be a powerful part of your funding strategy, often providing mentorship and community alongside financial support.

Numerous programs are designed to support and encourage women entering male-dominated STEM fields. According to their official site, the Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship offers $7,000 as of October 2024 to undergraduate women studying computer science and related fields. Another option is the BHW Scholarship, which awards $3,000 to women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM fields. These programs often look for leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the role of women in technology. For a broader list, explore our guide to scholarships for women in STEM.

To foster talent from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, several prominent organizations offer targeted scholarships. The UNCF STEM Scholars Program provides multi-year awards of up to $2,500 annually for African American undergraduates, plus internship and mentorship support. The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) offers various scholarships for underrepresented minority students pursuing engineering degrees. Similarly, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) offers awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 for students of Hispanic heritage across all majors, with a strong emphasis on supporting those in STEM fields. Find more options in our directory of scholarships for minority students.

There are also specific scholarships for students who are the first in their family to attend college or who identify as LGBTQ+. The Dell Scholars Program provides a comprehensive $20,000 award, a laptop, and ongoing support services to first-generation students with financial need. According to its website, for LGBTQ+ students, Out to Innovate offers scholarships of $5,000 as of October 2024 for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM careers. These awards recognize the unique challenges these students may face and reward their resilience and academic drive.

Many of these diversity-focused scholarships are funded by major corporations and federal agencies. The next section explores these large-scale funding sources in more detail.

Corporate and government STEM funding programs

Beyond broad national programs, many leading corporations and government agencies offer their own STEM scholarships, often to build a direct pipeline of future talent. These opportunities are unique because they frequently pair financial awards with invaluable professional experience, such as internships, mentorship from industry experts, and even clear pathways to post-graduation employment. For students with a defined career goal, these programs can provide a significant head start.

Top companies in aerospace, defense, and technology invest heavily in the next generation of innovators. The Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship, for example, awards $10,000 to students annually and is renewable each year. Similarly, Boeing offers a variety of scholarships, often in partnership with specific universities or organizations like the Society of Women Engineers. While specific programs like the former Intel Achievement Award may evolve, many tech giants continue to fund education to secure future leaders. These awards are not just about financial aid; they are a way for companies to identify and nurture promising students who may one day join their teams.

Federal agencies also offer generous scholarships, typically in exchange for a service commitment after graduation. These “scholarship-for-service” programs offer a direct route to a stable, impactful career in the public sector. As mentioned earlier, the Department of Defense’s SMART Scholarship provides full tuition and a stipend, but requires recipients to work for the DoD. Another key program is the CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS), which funds students in cybersecurity in exchange for working for a government agency. Other agencies like NASA and the NIH also offer programs like the NASA Pathways Program, which provides students with internship opportunities that can lead to permanent employment.

Source: smartscholarship.org; nsf.gov/sfs (as of October 2024)

These programs represent a serious commitment, but for students dedicated to public service or a specific industry, they offer unparalleled financial support and job security. Using effective scholarship search strategies can help you find other corporate and government-funded opportunities that align with your career goals. While these large-scale programs are excellent, don’t overlook opportunities closer to home. The next section explores funding available at the state and regional level.

State and regional STEM opportunities

While large national and corporate scholarships attract the most attention, some of the best opportunities are often found right in your own backyard. State and regional scholarships typically have smaller applicant pools, which can significantly increase your odds of winning an award. These programs are designed to support local talent and invest in the state’s future STEM workforce, making them a critical component of a balanced scholarship strategy.

Start your search at the state level. Many states have dedicated funds to promote STEM education. A simple search for “[Your State Name] STEM scholarship” or visiting your state’s Department of Education website can reveal programs like California’s state aid initiatives or specific Texas and Florida initiatives aimed at high-demand fields. Beyond state-run programs, look for community foundations, which often manage dozens of scholarships funded by local philanthropists and businesses. These awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be stacked to cover significant costs.

Another excellent resource is the local chapters of professional organizations. National societies like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the American Chemical Society (ACS) all have regional chapters that offer their own awards for students in the area. These are often less competitive than their national counterparts and provide valuable local networking opportunities.

By combining these smaller, local awards with the larger national scholarships mentioned earlier, you can build a robust financial aid package that minimizes your need for loans. Finding these local gems requires a proactive search plan. The next section provides detailed scholarship search strategies and tools to help you organize your applications effectively.

STEM scholarship search strategies and application planning

A successful scholarship search requires a systematic approach that goes beyond any single directory. To expand your search, use dedicated databases like the Fastweb STEM portal or the College Board’s Scholarship Search, which allow you to filter by major and career interest. Also, explore the websites of professional organizations in your field, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), or the American Chemical Society (ACS), as they often have exclusive scholarship listings for student members.

Once you’ve built a list of potential awards, effective planning is crucial. Create a spreadsheet or calendar to track application deadlines, required materials, and submission status. For STEM applications, be prepared to provide more than just a standard essay. Many will ask for a research abstract, a link to a project portfolio (like a GitHub repository for computer science students), or a summary of lab experience. When requesting letters of recommendation, choose professors or mentors who can speak directly to your technical skills, research abilities, and passion for your chosen field.

Even with a successful scholarship strategy, you may face a funding gap. Before considering loans, ensure you’ve exhausted all grant and scholarship options. If you still need funds, the next step is to complete the FAFSA to access federal student loans, which offer borrower protections like income-driven repayment plans. According to Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, “In general, federal loans should be your first stop, but private loans can be appropriate when you’ve maxed out your federal eligibility.” Private loans, available from banks and credit unions, can help cover remaining costs. They often require a credit check and a cosigner, and their interest rates can be fixed or variable. Explore our guide comparing federal and private student loans to understand the key differences.

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Securing these awards is the first step. The next is to maintain your eligibility and ensure your funding continues throughout your college career. The following section will cover strategies for renewing your scholarships year after year.

Maximizing and renewing STEM awards

Winning a scholarship is just the first step; keeping it is essential for long-term financial stability. Most renewable STEM awards come with specific conditions. You will likely need to maintain a minimum GPA, typically 3.0 or higher, remain enrolled as a full-time student, and continue pursuing a degree in a qualifying STEM field. Always review the renewal requirements carefully and keep a record of any progress reports or documentation you need to submit each year.

Think of your scholarships as part of a larger financial aid puzzle. You can often combine external STEM awards with federal aid and institutional merit scholarships, a strategy known as “stacking.” For more on this, see our guide on how to maximize financial aid effectively. For one-time awards, sending a thoughtful thank-you letter and a brief update on your academic progress can build valuable professional relationships, potentially leading to mentorship or future opportunities. Some undergraduate awards, especially those tied to research, can also serve as a direct pipeline to graduate school funding.

By proactively managing your awards, you build a foundation for sustained support. The final section provides a list of key resources to help you continue your journey.

References and resources

Continue your search with these key resources. We recommend using a simple spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements for each application you plan to submit.

• Scholarship Databases: Fastweb, College Board Scholarship Search, and Scholarships.com.
• Professional Organizations: Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the American Chemical Society (ACS).
• Government Portals: National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense (SMART), and NASA STEM Engagement.

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