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Scholarships for Computer Science Majors
The field of computer science offers a wide range of career options. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $91,250, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950 in May of 2019. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may qualify for positions such as software developers and computer network architects, earning triple-digit salaries.
Getting an education is a worthwhile investment, so finding a way to pay for tuition can be a great idea. The cost of earning a degree can often be steep, however, financial aid can help by reducing or even eliminating your upfront costs. Funds are awarded based on different variables, such as your financial need, academic performance and/or volunteer & community involvement. Continue reading to learn more about the different financing options available to you.
Scholarships For Computer Science Majors
There are many different types of financial aid for computer science students. Computer science can be very expensive, and finding the right type of aid for your specific needs is important. To determine the best option for you, you should consider variables like interest rates, repayment options, and qualification criteria.
Federal Student Aid provides information on funds offered by the U.S. Department of Education, and this is a good place to start. The government offers a variety of loans with different repayment options. U.S. citizens must be enrolled in a college or university accredited by the American Council on Education. For more information, check out our guide to college loans or read our overview of the FAFSA.
If you are a computer science student, you can receive financial assistance to help cover your education costs. The best place to start looking for funding is with the school you plan on attending. Each school has differing resources available for students based on location, need, and merit. Not only will you be able to get funding from your school, but also other organizations that may offer financial assistance. These organizations fund different purposes which include: students who demonstrate academic excellence, grants for minority groups or students with disabilities, or helping students who demonstrate financial need. You will want to take advantage of all financial assistance opportunities in order to save money while in college.
Students may also qualify for a work-study program to help with education costs. These programs require students to work part time jobs for their school in exchange for wages that can be used to cover education costs. Students may contact their school directly to find out what options they may have.
Many computer science students look for scholarships to help with their education costs. Students in this field may qualify for a wide variety of programs and organizations, from the military to private organizations. Many scholarships can also be applied to studying abroad, one of the most rewarding experiences a student can have while receiving an education.
While the cost of education may be high, financial aid is available for computer science students. Read on to find out more about different options and determine your eligibility. It is important to start the process early — some options may be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Computer Science Scholarships
Computer science scholarships are available from government agencies, universities, corporations, nonprofits and other organizations. These opportunities provide a range of funding sources for students who wish to pursue studies in computing — whether they plan to major in computer engineering or take computer science courses as part of a double major program.
A Computer Science Scholarship will enable you to earn a higher education degree without incurring debt. Plus, you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary for career advancement in high-demand technology industries.
You will find below a list of the best scholarships and grants for computer science majors.
Featured Computer Science Scholarships
After deciding on your computer science program, you should consider your financial options. Scholarships for computer science students that reward those pursuing a STEM career can be found in the following section.
SMART Scholarship For Service
Who’s Eligible? Under the Science, Mathematical and Research for Transformation scholarship, undergraduate and graduate students in computer science are eligible for full tuition. To qualify, students must be at least 18 years old, willing to work for the Department of Defense upon graduation, and maintain a 3.0 GPA..
Award Amount: $22,000 – $38,000 per year (all education costs covered)
Deadline: December 1
AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarships
Who’s Eligible? Students in the STEM fields, including computer science, who have an interest in national security-related topics may apply for these scholarships. Only full-time sophomores and juniors may apply, and they must have at least a 3.0 GPA..
Award Amount: $2,500-$5,000
Deadline: May
AAUW Return to Learning Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? The American Association of University Women offers this scholarship to women continuing their education in computer science who are residents of Illinois and who have not attended school for a significant time previously. The student must be enrolled in an accredited university in a STEM field to qualify.
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: April
IEEE Presidents’ Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? Given to one student, in recognition of an outstanding project related to computer science or electrical engineering, this scholarship is open to students who advance to the international competition of the Intel ISEF competition..
Award Amount: $10,000 (paid over 4 years)
Deadline: Varies
AAAS Mass Media Science And Engineering Fellows Program
Who’s Eligible? Students may be enrolled full time at a college or university at any level, and majoring in computer science (or another approved field). This fellowship program allows them to improve their communication and grant writing skills..
Award Amount: $6,000 stipend
Deadline: January
NSHSS STEM Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? This scholarship is open to students from underrepresented minority backgrounds who are studying a STEM field, including computer science. To qualify, students must be high school seniors with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program
Who’s Eligible? The funds are distributed to successful candidates who live within the Chicago metropolitan area. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate financial need and demonstrate career potential in a “helping profession” (such as computer science)..
Award Amount: $8,000
Deadline: February
Microsoft Scholarship Program
Who’s Eligible? These academic scholarships are awarded to students enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in computer science. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to qualify..
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Google SVA Scholarship for Student Veterans
Who’s Eligible? Awarded to eight student veterans who are pursuing degrees in computer science. Recipients will receive the opportunity to attend the Google Annual Summer Scholars Retreat. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, answer an essay prompt and maintain an excellent academic record.d.
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December
The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation Scholarships
Who’s Eligible? In partnership with various universities, the REC Foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in STEM, such as robotics and mechanical engineering..
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
(ISC)^2 Foundation Undergraduate Cybersecurity Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? Designed for students who demonstrate financial need while continuing their education at an accredited undergraduate degree program with a cybersecurity or information assurance focus. Open to computer science majors. To qualify, students must have completed two semesters of study, with a minimum GPA of 3.0..
Award Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Deadline: Varies
Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? In an effort to promote gender diversity in the computing workforce, this scholarship will be awarded to exceptional women around the globe studying computer science. To qualify, a female student must be enrolled at the undergraduate level full-time. She must submit references and answer an essay question..
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline:>
Computer Science Scholarships for Minorities
Scholarships are offered for underserved minority groups in an effort to bolster access to educational opportunities. The following is a list of scholarships for which qualified candidates may be eligible. Furthermore, feel free to browse our full list of financial aid opportunities for minority students.
ESA Foundation Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? Open to women and minorities pursuing degrees in computer science and video game arts. To qualify, students must have at least a 2.75 GPA in computer science or video game arts at four-year schools. Open to high school seniors as well.
Award Amount: $3,000
Deadline: April
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Who’s Eligible? Open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students who are of Hispanic descent and are attending a four-year accredited university. To qualify, students must fulfill the FAFSA requirements and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students of all majors can apply, but computer science fields have the most emphasis.
Award Amount: $500 – $5,000
Deadline: February
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? Designed to support the development of black employees at Microsoft, this scholarship provides scholarships for high-school seniors who are working towards a degree in technology, computer science, or a related field. To qualify, applicants must be African American, plan to attend a four-year institution after high school, and show leadership qualities. They are also required to demonstrate financial assistance and must maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Award Amount: $5,000 per year renewable up to 4 years
Deadline: April
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Who’s Eligible? A total of 1000 scholars are selected every year. To be considered, students must be minorities, maintain a GPA of at least 3.3, be showing leadership qualities, qualify for Pell Grant financial aid, and be citizens of a federally recognized tribe.
Award Amount: Average award of $12,785
Deadline: Varies
GMiS STEM Scholarships
Who’s Eligible? This scholarship has distributed over $2.6 million to 100 scholarship recipients since 2000 for groups traditionally underserved or underrepresented in STEM fields. To qualify, applicants should submit an essay and have a GPA of at least 3.0..
Award Amount: $500 – $10,000
Deadline: April
NACME Minority Scholarships and Engineering Scholarships for Minorities
Who’s Eligible? NACME distributes block grants to fund the STEM education of African American, American Indian, and Latino students studying computer science or engineering, who must be enrolled at a participating institution and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Varies
American Indian Science and Engineering Society Intel Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? Available to Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiians planning to major in computer science or related fields. To qualify, students must attend an accredited institution full-time with a GPA of 3.0 or higher..
Award Amount: $5,000 for undergraduates, $10,000 for graduate students
Deadline: May
EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Who’s Eligible? The NOAA Minority Scholarship is designed to assist minority students studying fields integral to NOAA’s mission. It is open to students studying environmental science, geography, and a range of other related disciplines, including computer science. To qualify, applicants must attend an accredited two- or four-year institution serving minorities, and maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA.
Award Amount: $45,000 max (two years of academic assistance)
Deadline: Varies
The Accenture American Indian Scholarship Fund
Who’s Eligible? This program is open to incoming freshmen of American Indian heritage pursuing a degree in computer science, engineering, management, and finance. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to the American Indian Community, verify tribal heritage, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: May
Similar Programs
Computer Science Scholarships For Women
Below is a list of computer science scholarships available to women. Additional opportunities may be found by reaching out to professional organizations, local schools, and exploring our list of scholarships for women.
The Center for Women In Technology (CWIT) at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? Available to female UMBC students majoring in computer science or another technical field, this scholarship encourages female-friendly engineering and information technology education. Two letters of recommendation are required to qualify, one from a science or technology teacher and one from a faculty member who is familiar with the student’s academic performance and leadership qualities.
Award Amount: 4 year scholarship: $5,000 – $15,000 per year for in-state, $10,000 – $22,000 per year for out of state.
Deadline: January
WC Scholarship Fund for Women in Computing
Who’s Eligible? Available to women in Washtenaw County studying computer science or in a technology-related field at a college or university. To qualify, candidates must have at least two semesters remaining and submit an essay..
Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March
Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Who’s Eligible? This scholarship is available to women studying computing and technology at the undergraduate and graduate level, and is based on the applicant’s leadership abilities and academic background. They are invited to a retreat at Google where they can attend workshops and social activities. Available in Africa, Asia Pacific, Canada, China, Europe Middle East, and the U.S.. For women to qualify, they need to be enrolled in or planning to attend a graduate or undergraduate program in computer science, computer engineering, or close technical area. They must maintain a strong GPA and be active in promoting the involvement of women in computer science.
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Varies
SWE Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? The Society of Women Engineers Scholarship is open to female students in engineering and other related technologies attending ABET-accredited colleges or universities. To qualify, freshmen need to have a GPA of 3.0 and submit two references from STEM instructors.
Award Amount: $1,000 – $16,000
Deadline: February for sophomores and above, May for freshman
Buildium Women in Technology Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? It is only available to female students in a STEM field who are at least 18 and in good standing with their college or university. To qualify, female STEM students must write an essay about who in the field inspires them the most.
Award Amount: $2,500 per semester
Deadline: November and April
Palantir Scholarship for Women in Engineering
Who’s Eligible? The scholarship supports women in STEM fields and is awarded annually to 10 students from across the U.S. To qualify, students must submit a transcript, resume, and answer an essay prompt.
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: Varies
Women in Defense Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? An award given to three outstanding students per year, this scholarship supports female students studying computer science or a related field of defense technology. To qualify, applicants must have attained at least 60 undergraduate credits, be employed in national defense, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum GPA of 3.25.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Varies
Michigan Council of Women in Technology Undergraduate Scholarship
Who’s Eligible? Designed to support women who earn their undergraduate degrees in STEM fields while residing in Michigan. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in IT from a Michigan state college or university and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Award Amount: Up to $5,000, with possible renewal
Deadline: January
Additional Financial Aid Resources
The type of financial aid offered by schools is largely dependent upon programs such as need-based or merit based, which are most often determined by your school. There are several financial aid opportunities that are available to students pursuing a computer science degree but these programs vary greatly from school to school. To apply for financial aid, you should calculate the cost of your computer science program to determine the best financing option for your situation.
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Scholarship opportunities are plentiful for college students with disabilities. These students are often ignored by schools and scholarship providers, but this is no reason to lose heart when pursuing higher education. Scholarships for students with disabilities help to level the playing field and can make a huge difference in paying for college.
Scholarships for students with disabilities provide information on opportunities available to students living with any disability, as well as options for students with specific disabilities.
Scholarships for Single Parents
Being a single parent and going to college can be a challenge. For single parents, the financial burden of pursuing a computer science degree may be especially difficult. In these circumstances, scholarships, grants, and loans are all viable options to help lessen that burden. Many programs are available to those who qualify, including ones specifically designed for single parents.
Financial Aid for Online Students
Most online students pursuing a computer science degree are eligible for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students. However, online students who pursue this degree can avoid the room and board costs associated with living in dormitories, as well as travel expenses incurred through attending commuter or branch campus classes. It’s important to note that financial aid decisions are based on more than just covering tuition and fees. Since the cost of living varies significantly by region, take a look at our guide to learn how your campus location might affect your financial aid award.
Financial Aid for Veterans and Active Military
There are several schools out there that offer discounted tuition for veterans and active duty military members, and you can get access to those rates if you qualify. These schools are looking to recruit veteran students and also help returning military personnel by offering a discount on tuition. This benefit is usually reserved only for active duty military members or veterans, so make sure you check with a school directly for more information.
FAQs about Scholarship
Where can I find scholarships for computer science degrees?
For any tech-related field, there are a number of organizations that support programming and computer science. These include the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACSIT), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Association for Women in Computing (AWC), and the Computing Research Association (CRA). These groups may sponsor or present scholarships to students that work toward careers in computer science.
Are there grants for computer science students?
A grant is a sum of money awarded by a government agency or foundation to an individual or group for research purposes. Not all grants are awarded for the purposes of funding a business; some may be available to students through the government or through research foundations, such as the National Science Foundation and the IEEE Foundation.
Are there many scholarships available for computer science students?
The demand for qualified IT professionals is growing, which means there are many scholarships for computer science students available. Scholarships are available from institutional awards as well as from foundations and employers seeking higher-educated employees.
How do you pay for a degree in computer science?
A number of options are available to cover your college expenses, including computer science scholarships, grants, and loans. Typically, loans need to be repaid after graduation. Scholarships and grants are not repaid, but you must meet specific requirements to qualify.
How do I qualify for a computer science scholarship?
Computer science degree scholarships are usually available to undergraduate students. However, graduate students may be eligible for a few as well. Generally, these types of scholarships are awarded through a variety of sources including government agencies, technology companies, and investment groups. Some of the criteria these scholarships use to evaluate applicants include major, minor or concentration, and academic performance.
Scholarships for computer science degrees have widely differing requirements. Some scholarships cater to female students, minority groups, and low-income students, whereas other scholarships reward students with strong academic records.