Let’s dive into no-essay scholarships. Whether you’ve been navigating the scholarship process for a while or are just getting started, it’s likely you’ve experienced frustration or burnout from writing essay after essay. I totally get it—finding financial aid can be a lot of work!
One effective strategy when applying for scholarships is to apply for a variety of types. But what exactly does that mean?
If you’re familiar with scholarships, you’ve probably realized they come in all forms.
Some offer smaller amounts, ranging from $100 to a few thousand dollars, while others award larger sums, sometimes even covering full tuition. Some require lengthy applications, while others might only ask for a quick sentence, a transcript, or a simple form.
So, when I talk about “mixing up the types of scholarships you apply for,” I’m suggesting that you consider different factors—whether or not an essay is required, the amount of the award (higher amounts often come with tougher competition), and how closely a scholarship matches your unique qualifications.
This post will focus on one type of scholarship that’s a perfect addition to your strategy: no-essay scholarships!
Most of these no-essay scholarships are available to high school, college, and grad students. They’re simple and fast to apply for, so be sure to get your applications in while you work on those more time-consuming opportunities.
Pro tip: While some no-essay scholarships have set deadlines, bookmark them—many are renewed monthly, quarterly, or annually!
20 No-Essay Scholarships You Should Apply for ASAP
1. Too Cool to Pay for School No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Quarterly (Last day of September, December, March, and June)
This is one of the scholarships offered by Access Scholarships . Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in the U.S., it’s a simple way to win $1,000.
2. Niche $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Rolling
3. ScholarshipPoints $2,500 Monthly Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Last day of each month
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school and college students aged 16 and older.
4. Smart Owl No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000 (4 awards each month!)
Deadline: 28th or 29th of each month
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school and college students aged 16 and older.
5. Sallie Mae College Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors, as well as all college students.
6. CollegeVine $2,000 No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Open to all high school students (U.S. residents).
7. Scholarships360 $10,000 Scholarship
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
8. Bold $25,000 Scholarship
Award Amount: $25,000
Deadline: Continuous
9. CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Last day of each month
10. Niche No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Rolling
11. Appily Easy Money Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Rolling
12. Around the Corner from College Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 31, June 30
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, including DACA and international students planning to attend U.S. institutions.
13. Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $25,000
Deadline: Rolling
14. Christian Connector Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors interested in enrolling in a Christian college or university.
15. Direct Textbook Photo Essay Scholarship
Award Amount: $500
Deadline: Rolling
16. Discover Student Loans Scholarship Contest
Award Amount: $500
Deadline: January 4
17. Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: February 27, October 10
18. Create A Greeting Card Scholarship
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 9
19. Frame My Future Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000 each (5 awards)
Deadline: March 15
20. ULoop Dorm Survey Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30