Hidden Scholarships That Most Students Don’t Apply For

Many students seek financial aid for their education, but they often overlook lesser-known scholarships that can provide substantial funding. These hidden scholarships have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of receiving financial support. Here’s a guide to some of the best under-the-radar scholarships and tips on how to find them.

Why Consider Hidden Scholarships?

  • Less Competition: Fewer applicants mean higher chances of success.
  • Unique Eligibility Criteria: Some scholarships are based on hobbies, interests, or specific backgrounds.
  • Extra Financial Support: You can stack multiple smaller scholarships to cover education costs.

Top Hidden Scholarships You Should Apply For

1. The Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

  • Award: Up to $10,000
  • Eligibility: Open to high school students who create and wear prom attire made from duct tape.
  • Why It’s Overlooked: Many students are unaware of creative scholarships.

2. The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

  • Award: $5,000 - $10,000
  • Eligibility: High school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their community.
  • Why It’s Overlooked: Niche focus on dietary lifestyle.

3. The Little People of America Scholarship

  • Award: Varies
  • Eligibility: Students with dwarfism or their family members.
  • Why It’s Overlooked: Specific eligibility criteria.

4. Tall Clubs International Scholarship

  • Award: $1,000
  • Eligibility: Students who are at least 5’10” (women) or 6’2” (men).
  • Why It’s Overlooked: Height-based scholarships are not widely advertised.

5. The American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship

  • Award: $2,000
  • Eligibility: Open to high school seniors who complete a short quiz about fire sprinklers.
  • Why It’s Overlooked: No essay requirement makes it seem too easy to be real.

6. The Unigo $10K Scholarship

  • Award: $10,000
  • Eligibility: Open to students 14 and older who submit a short essay.
  • Why It’s Overlooked: Many students dismiss easy-entry scholarships as scams.

7. The National Potato Council Scholarship

  • Award: $10,000
  • Eligibility: Graduate students pursuing a career in the potato industry.
  • Why It’s Overlooked: Industry-specific scholarships are not widely promoted.

8. The Parapsychology Foundation Scholarships

  • Award: Varies
  • Eligibility: Students studying parapsychology or related fields.
  • Why It’s Overlooked: Few students study this niche field.

How to Find More Hidden Scholarships

  1. Search Local Organizations – Community groups, small businesses, and religious institutions often provide scholarships.
  2. Check Your Field of Study – Many industries offer scholarships for students pursuing careers in specific fields.
  3. Use Scholarship Databases – Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche list unique opportunities.
  4. Talk to Your School Counselor – They often have information about lesser-known financial aid options.
  5. Think Outside the Box – Apply for scholarships based on hobbies, skills, or personal experiences.

Applying for hidden scholarships can significantly reduce your tuition costs. While major scholarships receive thousands of applications, these lesser-known options provide a great opportunity to secure funding with less competition. Start your search today and increase your chances of earning free money for your education!