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Scholarships
Washington, DC scholarships: Free money for DC students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for Washington, DC
6 days left!
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
2 days left!
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Eddison Hermond Memorial Scholarship Fund
Due: 3/27/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,500
The Eddison Hermond Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by The Restaurant Association of Maryland and the Victoria Restaurant Group to honor the life of Eddie Hermond. Eddie lived to serve and he died serving. This competitive scholarship is awarded to students interested in pursuing culinary, food service, or hospitality-related coursework. Applicants may be high school seniors or current college students. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Maryland Restaurant Association Education Foundation for more information.
3 days left!
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Greater Washington Society of CPAs Scholarship
Due: 3/28/26
$5,000
Students attending eligible universities are eligible to apply for an award from the GWSCPA Scholarship Fund. For this year, the Scholarship Fund will make several awards ranging from $3,000 for our undergraduate and graduate student awards to $5,000 each for the two special named awards: the Past President's Award and the Sue Marcum Memorial Award. To be eligible for the Past Presidents Award, students must demonstrate qualities and activities which will help them be a future leader within the profession, and for the Sue Marcum Memorial Award, students must demonstrate their commitment to community and volunteer service. The school that the student is attending must be offering an accounting degree that qualifies graduates to sit for the CPA exam. Applicants must be a rising senior or above for undergraduate awards; or may be entering an accounting-related graduate program for a graduate award. Applicants must be an accounting major having passed at least 9 credit hours in accounting. At least one letter of recommendation is required from an accounting professor at the school in which the student is currently enrolled. Applicants must submit a financial need statement that must also indicate the percentage of annual tuition currently covered by financial aid in the form of scholarships and/or loans. For the Past President's Award, demonstration of leadership qualities through resume, recommendation letter or personal essay or additional attachments is required. For the Sue Marcum Memorial Award, demonstration of community service through resume, recommendation letter or personal essay or additional attachments is required. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
7 days left!
Apply now
Abramson Scholarship Program
Due: 4/1/26
$14,000
The Abramson Scholarship Program is more than a check. ASF Scholars receive comprehensive mentoring throughout their time in college and many of our mentor relationships continue after graduation. In addition, ASF Scholars join a community of Scholars and alumni and are expected to attend programming to support academic, professional, social/emotional, and financial goals. ASF is looking for applicants that are excited about the opportunity to connect with a mentor and the broader community and fully engage in ASF programming. To be eligible for an Abramson Scholarship, applicants must be graduating in 2025 from a public or public charter high school located in Washington D.C. They must have a demonstrated commitment to community service, demonstrated economic need for financial assistance, and a solid academic record. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, one from a school counselor or teacher and one from another adult who is not related to them. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Michael Birchenall Scholarship Fund
Due: 4/14/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,500
Michael Birchenall was the editor of Foodservice Monthly, a Mid-Atlantic magazine for the hospitality and foodservice industry. He was a man of strong conviction and passion. Among his many attributes, Michael Birchenall is fondly remembered as a man who offered tremendous support, help, and encouragement to young people looking to make careers in the foodservice industry. This competitive scholarship is awarded to students interested in pursuing culinary, foodservice, or hospitality-related coursework. It is available to high school seniors and current college students. For more information, kindly visit the scholarship's website.
Leslie A. Ebert Legacy of Life Scholarship
Due: 4/14/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$5,000
Did you know more than 100,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant? As a high school senior, you have the power to raise awareness about the importance of registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor through the Leslie A. Ebert Legacy of Life Scholarship Program. Applicants must write a persuasive essay and/or produce a video that educates, then motivates, an audience to become registered organ, eye and tissue donors. All essay and video entrants must be current high school seniors who (1) both reside and attend high school, or are home-schooled, in one of the following locations: The state of Maryland; Northern Virginia (in specific counties as well as the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park); and the District of Columbia; and (2) plan to attend a college, university or community college in the 2025 Fall semester. Different emails are used to submit the essay and video submissions. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Dunkin' Baltimore/Metro DC Regional Scholarship Program
Due: 4/15/26
$2,500
Dunkin' and its franchisees are committed to a strong local community. The Dunkin' Baltimore/Metro DC Regional Scholarship Program has been established to recognize the importance of education and provide support to residents of the community and our extended corporate family. This program will award scholarships to qualified students throughout the region. Applicants must be current undergraduate students or high school seniors who plan to enroll in undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year. High school seniors must be residents of one of the eligible municipalities listed. Undergraduate students must attend school in one of the eligible municipalities listed. Dunkin' full-time or part-time employees who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply. Franchise owners and dependents are not eligible. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Washington DC Metro Alumni Chapter Scholarship
Due: 5/2/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Washington DC Metro Alumni Chapter Scholarship will be awarded to current high school graduates accepted to AAMU. They must be currently attending AAMU and pursuing a degree. The scholarship is primarily based on scholarship merit, financial need, and evidence of leadership. The scholarship is granted for one academic year and it is allocated equally for Fall and Spring Semesters. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Max and Emmy Dreyfuss Jewish Undergraduate Scholarship
Due: 5/18/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$4,000
The Max and Emmy Dreyfuss Jewish Undergraduate Scholarship will be awarded to a Jewish resident of Montgomery County, MD, Fairfax, VA, or Washington, DC. They must be a U.S. citizen or working towards citizenship. They must also be accepted into an accredited four-year undergraduate program. This scholarship cannot be used for community college or study abroad programs. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Key things to know about DC scholarships
- DC scholarships are free money for school. They can help cover tuition, fees, and other education expenses without repayment.
- Residency matters. Many Washington, DC scholarships require proof of District residency.
- You can combine multiple awards. Students often stack District programs with institutional and private scholarships.
- Some programs are milestone-based. Certain scholarships require you to meet academic progress benchmarks.
- Apply consistently to increase your chances of winning. Even smaller scholarships can add up over time.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming. That's why maximizing free money you don't have to pay back—like scholarships and grants—should be part of your funding plan. If you live in Washington, DC, you have access to scholarships created for students in the District.
The time you spend applying for DC scholarships can make a big difference. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. Whether you are in high school, college, grad school, or heading back to the classroom after time away, scholarships can help you reduce what you pay out of pocket or borrow.
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What are Washington, DC scholarships?
Washington, DC scholarships are financial awards that help District students pay for college, career training, or eligible programs. They may come from District-funded initiatives, nonprofit foundations, employers, and colleges.
Unlike student loans, scholarship funds do not need to be repaid. Eligibility may be based on:
- DC residency
- Financial need and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) results
- Academic progress
- Intended major or workforce pathway
- Leadership or service
What scholarships are available for Washington, DC students?
DC students often begin with District programs, then add institutional and private scholarships. You can also search broader matches using Scholly Scholarships.
DC Futures Program
The DC Futures Program provides funding tied to meeting academic milestones such as credit completion and continued enrollment. It can be a helpful structured support system for eligible District students.
Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program
The Mayor's Scholarships Undergraduate Program supports select DC students pursuing undergraduate education, often emphasizing academic achievement and leadership.
DC-CAP Scholarships
DC-CAP scholarships may provide financial support along with advising resources to help students stay on track toward graduation.
Opportunity Scholarships Program (OSP)
The Opportunity Scholarships Program may provide tuition assistance for eligible students, depending on program participation and guidelines.
Institutional scholarships from Washington, DC colleges
Students attending institutions such as Georgetown University, George Washington University, or the University of the District of Columbia may qualify for institutional scholarships through their financial aid offices.
Additional financial aid resources in Washington, DC
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
DCTAG helps eligible D.C. residents reduce tuition costs, including at some out-of-District public colleges. Completing the FAFSA® is often an important step.
Scholly Scholarships
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Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for Washington, DC scholarships
- Gather key documents early including transcripts and a resume.
- Build a list of DC and local scholarships.
- Apply consistently.
- Submit the FAFSA®.
- Track deadlines carefully.
- Review applications before submitting.
Looking for a faster way to get started? With Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, you can use a single application to apply to several scholarships at once.
Tips to improve your chances of winning scholarships
- Mix large and small scholarships.
Big awards are appealing, but smaller scholarships often receive fewer applications, and several smaller wins can add up. - Tune your scholarship essays to each opportunity.
Reusing core stories is fine — just tailor your essay so it clearly connects to the scholarship’s mission and values. - Request letters of recommendation early.
Giving teachers, counselors, or supervisors more time usually leads to stronger, more detailed letters. - Showcase your impact.
Highlight long-term involvement, leadership roles, and specific ways you have contributed to your school or community. - Complete the FAFSA® as soon as you can.
Some forms of state and institutional aid are limited and may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
More scholarship resources
DC students can use these resources to locate scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
Washington, DC scholarships can make college more affordable when combined with institutional and private aid. To keep your scholarship search moving, look at monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship. These low-effort options can help you start applying, even if you are short on time.
To explore scholarships tailored to your state, background, and interests, search using Scholly Scholarships.
FAQs about Washington, DC scholarships
What scholarships are available for Washington, DC students?
Students can explore programs like DC Futures, Mayor’s Scholars, DC-CAP support, dual enrollment opportunities, and institutional scholarships from DC colleges, plus local and private scholarships.
What is DCTAG?
DCTAG is the DC Tuition Assistance Grant, a District program that helps eligible residents reduce tuition costs, including at some out-of-District public colleges.
Who qualifies for DCTAG?
Eligibility typically depends on DC residency and meeting program requirements, which may include documentation and enrollment criteria.
What is the DC Futures Program?
DC Futures provides support tied to college progress milestones, helping eligible students stay on track while reducing education costs.
What is the Mayor’s Scholars Program?
Mayor’s Scholars supports select DC students pursuing undergraduate education, often emphasizing achievement and long-term goals.
What scholarships support STEM majors in DC?
STEM support may come from institutional scholarships at your college, local nonprofits, and broader STEM scholarship searches—especially if you apply early and build a strong resume.
Do DC scholarships cover out-of-District colleges?
Some programs do. DCTAG is often discussed as tuition support that can apply to eligible out-of-District public colleges, depending on program rules.
Are there easy scholarships DC students can apply for?
Yes—some scholarships have shorter applications or no essays. Streamlined options like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships can also reduce time spent applying.
What are “top DC scholarships” if I’m not sure where to start?
Start with DCTAG and District programs, then add institutional scholarships from your college and local foundation awards for DC residents.
Can Washington, DC scholarships be combined with college financial aid?
Often, yes. However, some colleges adjust need-based aid when outside scholarships are added—confirm with your financial aid office.
What documents do I usually need for DC scholarships?
Common needs include proof of residency, transcript, FAFSA® confirmation (for need-based aid), recommendations, and short essays.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.