Top STEM Scholarships for College Students in 2025

Why STEM Scholarships Matter in 2025

In this article, we’re going to feature the best undergraduate STEM scholarships for 2025. We’ll also discuss the best ways to qualify and succeed at them.

Why pursue STEM degrees in the first place? These are challenging degrees because of the heavy workload and constant learning. Such is the challenge that STEM programs have higher failure and dropout rates.

But if you’re interested in innovation and advancement, consider STEM degrees. You’ll also build your technical, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary thinking skills. Being prepared for emerging industries through real-world experiences is yours to enjoy, too.

There’s also the matter of excellent career advancement opportunities and salaries. STEM professionals earn $101,650/year in median income (BLS, 2023). This is more than double the median annual salaries for non-STEM jobs.

STEM workers are also in high demand across diverse industries. The business, healthcare, and renewable energy industries are a few examples. This isn’t surprising because STEM touches every aspect of modern life.

STEM jobs have a 10.4% job growth rate, too (BLS, 2023-2033). In contrast, it’s only 4% for all occupations. Indeed, STEM jobs will keep on growing as more practical STEM applications are made.

But we also understand that earning a STEM degree has its financial challenges. In general, STEM degrees are more expensive than non-STEM degrees. This is because colleges spend more money on specialized equipment, facilities, and teachers.

On average, in-state students pay $11,011/year, while out-of-state students pay $24,513/year. For students in private colleges, it’s $43,505/year. This is only for tuition and mandatory fees.

Add in the indirect costs that comprise 60% of the cost of attendance. Room and board, books, transportation, health insurance, and living expenses add up.

With such significant costs, you can get into debt – student loans, in particular. In 2024, a bachelor’s degree holder owed $41,520 in total loans, on average. The average repayment period is 7-10 years, but many spend 20 years repaying their debt.

Do these numbers make you want to reconsider earning a STEM degree? Well, don’t be. You should consider applying for the best STEM scholarships.

These decrease your out-of-pocket costs by covering part or all your tuition and fees. In many scholarships, you’ll find financial support for your indirect costs, too.

So, go for your choice in a STEM degree and actually earn it. But learn about STEM scholarships first and create a plan from there.

How to Qualify for STEM Scholarships

Colleges, corporations, charitable organizations, and nonprofits offer scholarships for STEM majors. Many government agencies and community foundations also offer them.

Use scholarship databases and search engine tools for an efficient search. Ask around, too, for recommendations.

Every program has its specific eligibility requirements and criteria, deadlines, and award amounts. Always read these aspects first before starting the application process.

Start by understanding the eligibility requirements and criteria. If you qualify, grab the opportunity. If not, look elsewhere so you don’t waste your time and effort.

Here are the common eligibility requirements and criteria for STEM financial aid opportunities:

Academic performance and progress

Your grades, including your GPA and the rigor of your coursework, are crucial here. At least a 3.0 GPA is common among competitive programs. Completion of honors, AP, or IB courses is a competitive advantage.

Declared major

You must plan on attending or currently enrolled in a STEM degree program.

Career goals

Your career goals should be in a STEM field. Express your career goals in your personal statement or essays.

Extracurricular involvement

Your leadership skills and service experience are crucial factors in your scholarship success. Many STEM scholarships look for well-rounded students. You should also have a range of STEM research involvement.

Demographics and background

Many STEM scholarships also consider demographics and background. Women, first-gen students. Low-income students or minority students may have priority.

STEM scholarships are also available as need-based and merit-based financial aid. Need-based scholarships consider financial need as the primary factor. Merit-based scholarships consider achievements first in the selection process.

You may apply for both need-based and merit-based STEM scholarships. In fact, it’s a great idea to stack as many scholarships as you can. This way, a significant part of your cost of attendance can be covered. 

Top STEM Scholarships for College Students in 2025

SMART Scholarship

The SMART Scholarship is among the best undergraduate STEM scholarships for these reasons:

• Provides full coverage of tuition and mandatory fees at any accredited college in the U.S.
• Gives scholars an annual $30,000 stipend
• Covers health insurance and books via additional funding
• Has paid summer internships of 8-12 weeks
• Guarantees a full-time DoD civilian job after graduation (i.e., service obligation)

This is a competitive scholarship program due to its comprehensive benefits package. Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, including:

• Enrollment in a STEM degree program
• With at least a 3.0 GPA

The deadline for applications is December 2025. Applicants must create an account at smartscholarship.org to start the process.

NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship

This is also among the top STEM scholarships for college students because it:

• Provides up to $9,500/year in funding to cover tuition and fees
• Covers direct costs for up to two academic years
• Has a paid 10-week, full-time summer internship with a $700/week stipend and travel funds
• Provides professional development and employment opportunities

Applicants must meet these eligibility requirements:

• U.S. citizen
• Current enrollment as a sophomore
• With at least a 3.0 GPA
• In a NOAA-related STEM field

The application period usually opens in September every year. Start the application process at the NOAA Hollings website.

NASA Space Grant Scholarships

NASA offers among the most competitive merit-based STEM scholarships for undergraduates. The scholarship package includes:

• Financial support between $1,000 and $10,000/year, depending on state policies
• Paid internship and research opportunities at NASA facilities
• Networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities
• Graduate school financial aid

Every state consortium has its specific application process and criteria. In general, applicants must be enrolled in a NASA-related STEM program.

Society of Women Engineers

SWE offers among the best need-based STEM scholarships for 2025 for college students. Applicants must:

• Identify as a woman
• Planning to enroll or currently an enrollee in an ABET-accredited program in selected fields
• Full-time undergraduate student
• Not have a full-ride scholarship or be fully funded by other financial aid programs

Scholars receive between $1,000 and $15,000 in financial support. Deadlines vary depending on the college level. Freshmen applications are welcome in March. Sophomore applications open in December.

Create an account at the SWE Scholarship Portal to start the application process.

Masergy STEM Scholarship Program

Masergy offers generous science and technology scholarships, too. Scholars receive $5,000 each for an academic year. Applications must be in by August 15, 2025, with winners notified by September 1, 2025.

Applicants must be:

• Accepted or enrolled into an accredited college in the U.S.
• Full-time students majoring in STEM fields

This is a merit-based scholarship program. Applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay based on essay prompts. Email your application to stem@masergy.com with the required information.

SAE/Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies Scholarship

If you’re looking for scholarships for engineering students, consider this one. This is a selective merit-based program with only one recipient chosen every year. The current award amount is $5,000, which can cover tuition and other college expenses.

The eligibility requirements include:

• Incoming college freshman
• With at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA
• Accepted into any ABET-accredited program

Applicants are assessed based on academic performance and leadership. Participation in the Ford STEAM Academy or NGL Network is a must for consideration.

SVCF Latinos in Technology Scholarship

This is among the best scholarships for math majors and other STEM students. Selected students enjoy a comprehensive scholarship package.

Junior and senior undergraduate students in STEM programs receive:

• Up to $6,000/year in financial support; renewable for up to three years
• Professional development opportunities like workshops, networking events, and the Conexiones Mentorship Program.
• Internship opportunities with SVCF’s corporate partners

Applicants must be:

• Of Hispanic or Latino origin
• Accepted or enrolled in STEM programs
• At least 3.0 cumulative GPA
• With demonstrated financial need

Deadline is February 28, 2025 (noon PT).

SVCF Samsung Semiconductor Scholarship

SVCF administers the Samsung Semiconductor Scholarship, too. This is among the best computer science scholarships, but it also accepts other STEM fields. Here, exceptional future STEM professionals create a strong foundation for their future success.

Recipients receive up to $10,000 in financial support. As a competitive scholarship, it has high eligibility requirements, including:

• Current enrollment as an undergraduate at the sophomore, junior or senior level
• Full-time student in a public four-year college in California
• Majoring in an approved STEM field
• With at least a 3.0 GPA

Applicants must submit financial documentation, among other documents.

MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship

MPOWER offers yet another excellent woman in STEM scholarships. But it’s only open to female international and DACA students, not to U.S. citizens.

Provisional applicants must submit these documents for consideration: 

• Admission letter or copy of transcript
• Proof of your gender, citizenship, and immigration status

The deadline is on June 30, 2025. Apply at the MPOWER Financing website. The award amount ranges from $1,000 to $50,000 (grand prize).

AMS Scholarship for Underserved Communities

If you’re looking for diversity STEM scholarships for 2025, consider the AMS program. Students from historically underrepresented sectors in the sciences are welcome. Preference is for Hispanic, Native American, and Black/African American students.

Other eligibility requirements include:

• High school senior or college freshman
• With at least a 3.0 GPA
• Planning to pursue careers in atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic sciences

The award amount is $6,000 for two years. Go to the AMS website for the application.

Tips to Improve Your STEM Scholarship Application

The steps on how to apply for STEM scholarships are easy enough:

• Read and understand the eligibility requirements, criteria, application process, and deadlines.
• Gather the required and optional documents.
• Submit your application packet on or before the deadline.
• Follow up on your application.

But it’s another matter to win STEM scholarships. Limited funds, high demand, and emphasis on excellence make them competitive. Planning, proactivity, and persistence are a must for success.

Keeping these tips in mind will also improve your chances of winning STEM scholarships.

Write a strong personal statement and/or scholarship essay.

• Share your keen interest in STEM, as well as your personal experiences and career goals.
• Give concrete examples of your achievements, financial challenges, and resilience.
• Share how the scholarship will have a significant impact on your life.
• Go straight to the point.
• Edit and proofread. Ask for constructive criticism from your teachers, parents, and peers.

Submit strong letters of recommendation to boost your application’s credibility.

• Select recommenders who can vouch for you in terms of character, work ethic, and STEM skills.
• Ask your recommenders for their letters of recommendation ASAP. About 4-6 weeks before the deadline is good.
• Provide them with relevant details about yourself and the scholarship.
• Follow up at least a week before the deadline.
• Express your gratitude.

Always submit tailored essays and letters of recommendation. Otherwise, you’re demonstrating a lack of genuine interest, if not laziness.

• You must also avoid these common mistakes
• Not following the instructions
• Missing deadlines
• Skipping financial documents
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect applications

Paying attention to detail is a must if you want to succeed at the scholarship game.

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step

In conclusion, it’s best to take your applications for STEM scholarships seriously. You’re not only investing your time, effort, and energy but also in your future.

STEM scholarships, after all, reduce your out-of-pocket costs for your college education. You’ll not only enjoy financial flexibility but also escape the student debt trap.

So, apply early for STEM scholarships for 2025, preferably in your senior year in high school. Then, when you win STEM scholarships, maximize the opportunity. You must use the money as intended and earn your college degree.