By Sponsor:
* Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, talent (artistic, athletic, musical), or other exceptional qualities. These don't consider financial need.
* Need-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on a student's and their family's demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CSS Profile.
* Institutional Scholarships: Offered directly by colleges and universities to attract high-achieving students or those who fit specific profiles. These can be merit or need-based.
* Government Scholarships: Federal, state, or local government programs offering financial aid, often need-based. Examples include Pell Grants (although technically grants, not scholarships).
* Corporate Scholarships: Offered by companies to employees' children or to students pursuing studies in fields relevant to the company.
* Private Scholarships: Offered by foundations, organizations, community groups, or individuals. These are often specific to certain demographics, interests, or academic goals.
* Employer-Sponsored Scholarships: Companies often offer scholarships to employees' children or to individuals pursuing fields relevant to the company's work.
By Field of Study:
* Major-Specific Scholarships: Awarded to students pursuing a specific field of study (e.g., engineering, nursing, music).
* STEM Scholarships: Focus on students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
By Demographics:
* Minority Scholarships: Awarded to students from underrepresented racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds.
* Gender-Specific Scholarships: Awarded to students of a particular gender (e.g., women in STEM).
* Religious Scholarships: Awarded to students affiliated with a particular religious group.
* Geographic Scholarships: Awarded to students from a specific state, region, or community.
* First-Generation Scholarships: Awarded to students who are the first in their family to attend college.
By Special Talent/Circumstances:
* Athletic Scholarships: Awarded to student-athletes based on their skills in a particular sport.
* Art Scholarships: Awarded to students with exceptional artistic talent.
* Music Scholarships: Awarded to students with exceptional musical talent.
* Community Service Scholarships: Awarded to students with a significant record of community involvement.
* Military Scholarships: Awarded to children or dependents of military personnel or to students who plan to serve in the military.
Important Note: Some scholarships may combine categories. For example, a scholarship might be need-based *and* specific to a particular major. It's crucial to explore various scholarship opportunities and understand the specific criteria for each.