Computer science sparks the attention of millions of students all over the world. With the rapid increase of applications, more American educational institutions offer to study computer science. The competition is high, and students have to do their best to get accepted and obtain a degree. Many even look for support throughout the academic year, googling, “programming homework.” Lots of students work and serve internships, so it is no surprise they employ such backup options.

Of course, tertiary education doesn’t allow many talented and ambitious students to earn a degree. Tuition fees are alarmingly high, and the authorities don’t seem to be changing the situation. If you can relate to this issue, this article is for you. It contains the best programming scholarships in the US that will cover the most (or all) of your expenses when doing a computer science degree.

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Eligibility and Submission Requirements

First and foremost, it would be reasonable to answer the most tormenting question, “Am I eligible?” By nature, requirements vary by numerous factors. They hinge on sponsors and academic institutions. Scholarships may limit candidates based on their performance, career goals, identity, financial need, specialization area, and demographics. For example, an essential list of eligibility requirements is:

  • GPA of minimum 3.0
  • Full-time student status of a related degree
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residence

In some instances, the committee may also require attaching reports demonstrating financial needs.

When it comes to submission requirements, the majority of programs ask to submit:

  • Application
  • Official transcript of records
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Personal statement or a test task

The latter is critical to understand whether an applicant knows the subject and if their skills pertain to those described in the resume.

Top Programming Scholarships in the United States

Many programs exist these days and even more appear on a daily basis. Therefore, it is hard to enlist all the best scholarships. Nonetheless, the following is an exhaustive list of active programs.

DFBSST Scholarship

The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST Scholarship) offers financial help for African-American undergraduate students who plan to study at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. There are no submission requirements. Yet, candidates must fill out the application form to be considered as potential recipients. Apart from that, applicants should maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, be full-time students, and follow a science or engineering syllabus. The number of recipients depends on deans and professors, as they decide whom to nominate.

Notwithstanding, the award amount is $3,000. The scholarship is renewable for four consecutive years, provided a student has a GPA of 3.0 or above. The application deadline is set for June 15, 2023.

Malwarebytes Scholarship

The program is available for those who study programming in the realm of cybersecurity. Malwarebytes Scholarship works in the field of cybersecurity and strives to fill the need of specialists. The program is open to everyone who studies STEM and cybersecurity. Students are welcome to fill out the application and take their chances to get a $10,000 scholarship. The only application requirement is to attach an essay on the given topic, which is “What does cyber protection for everyone mean to you? And how can companies like Malwarebytes make that attainable?” Besides, candidates should submit an application form. The application deadline is July 1, 2023.

Those who study computer science at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, have a unique chance to get substantial financial help. The scholarship is available for students who want to direct their programming skills at information assurance. Applicants must submit a list of documents, such as:

  • Application form
  • SFS agreement form
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcript
  • Essay
  • GRE scores

The committee also considers candidates with little to no experience in programming and information assurance. The primary requirement remains the same – the desire to work for the Federal Government.

Other than that, candidates must also meet the next requirements:

  • Meet criteria for federal employment
  • Not be employed by the U.S. armed force within the application period
  • Be able to get a security clearance

The agreement form also requires working for the federal government for over two years. Otherwise, the recipient is obliged to repay an equal amount to the length of the unserved period.

The award amount is $32,000 along with free tuition at NPS (equivalent to $75,000). The application deadline is July 15, 2023.

The Dan Calugar Finance Scholarship

The program focuses on students who major in computer science, finance, and engineering. There are no application requirements for the Dan Calugar Finance Scholarship. However, applicants are asked to write a 2,000-word essay about developing and trading algorithms for systematic trading for stocks, bonds, options, and futures. The award amount is $10,000, and the deadline for the application is August 15, 2023.

Future Leaders in Tech Scholarship

The program is designed for minority women who aspire to study computer science, technology, or engineering. Perlego looks for three women who maintain a 3.0 GPA and are current high school or college students. The program awards one grand prize and two runner-ups. The primary requirement is to fall into the category of minority and submit an essay. The award amount is $5,000 a year for four years (for a grand winner).

Additionally, the recipient will have an opportunity to brush up on their skills by serving a 1-3-month internship in the corporation. In turn, two runner-ups will get an annual subscription to Perlego. The application deadline is August 20, 2023.

American Society for Nondestructive Testing Undergraduate Scholarship

The scholarship provides financial aid to five students who study science and technology and research the field thoroughly. Applicants must do their M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. Applicants must submit the next documents:

  • Application form
  • Personal statement
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Official transcript
  • Essay

The selecting committee will meticulously review all the submissions by defining the novelty of the research and its implications, the value of commitment, a technical approach, and the adequacy of the researching team. The award amount is $100,000, equally distributed to five recipients. The application deadline is October 15, 2023.

The Bottom Line

Since programming is in the limelight, an abundance of scholarship programs is available nowadays. If you are a student of computer science or engineering, you already meet the main requirement. The above list casts light on the diversity of scholarships and their perks, which will help you choose the most suitable program.