Scholarships for Computer Science Majors
If you’re interested in pursuing a computer science major, you might be wondering where you can find the best computer science scholarships to suit your financial needs and academic goals. Finding potential scholarship programs for computer science can be a challenge, especially when you’re busy preparing to begin your coursework — or have already started it.
The list below provides some starting points to help you identify computer science scholarships that are right for you. Keep in mind that while it is not a comprehensive list, it will provide you with a solid foundation that can help you find additional scholarships if necessary.
Where to Look for Computer Science Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships listed below, there are other resources you can take advantage of. Find a trusted website that offers listings of scholarship programs in computer science. If you’re already admitted to a school, your program’s department will be able to provide you with additional leads or may even offer scholarships of its own.
Other scholarships may be offered by state or regional organizations local to you. Examples include the Michigan Council of Women in Technology, Women in STEM Award, and the Center for Women in Technology.
Featured Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Computer Science Scholarships
Here are some scholarship programs for computer science that you can apply for if you decide to seek a degree in this field. Each scholarship description details the amount offered, eligibility requirements, plus any special terms or conditions that you must meet.
AAAS Mass Media & Science Engineering Fellowship
Students selected for this fellowship receive $8,000 plus travel expenses to complete the 10-week summer session, which places science, engineering, and mathematics majors at mass media organizations around the nation. Approximately 20 fellows are selected for the program.
Requirements: You must be an undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral student, or have graduated within the past year. You can also be in computer, engineering, social sciences, mathematics, life, physical, or health-related fields.
AABE National & Regional Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the American Association of Blacks in Energy to support students who are working towards careers in the energy field. Six regional $3,000 scholarships and one national $5,000 scholarship (recurring for up to four years) are awarded each year.
Requirements: You must be a graduating senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0, be from an underrepresented group, and plan to pursue a major in technology, engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences.
Anita B. Borg Tech Journey Fund Scholarship
This scholarship provides quick funding to help students overcome obstacles that could prevent them from completing their degrees. Grants are available in amounts ranging from $595-$10,000.
Requirements: You must identify as a woman or nonbinary, as well as Black, Native American, or Latino/a. You must also demonstrate your low-income status or urgent need and be pursuing a computer-related undergraduate degree.
Association for Federal Information Resources Management Scholarship Program
This scholarship is designated for students attending institutions accredited and based in District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The amount awarded depends on financial contributions made to the association each year.
Requirements: You should be a high school senior or a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in computer sciences, information sciences, or another STEM-related field.
BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship
This scholarship awards students in the United States $10,000 per year, and awards students in Canada $5,000 per year.
Requirements: You must have a disability and be a current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in computer science, business and commerce, engineering, or math. You should have an interest in a financial services career with a preferred focus on capital markets.
Changing the World Scholarship
This scholarship, provided by the Law Offices of John. D Ameen, based in Florida, awards $1,000 per semester to STEM majors throughout the country.
Requirements: You should have a minimum GPA of 3.0, a maximum household income of $75,000, and be pursuing a degree related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
CGCS Bernard Harris Scholarship Program
This program provides four $5,000 scholarships for two male and two female high school seniors who are planning to pursue a STEM-related degree.
Requirements: You should be of African American or Hispanic descent and have a minimum GPA of 3.5. You must live in a member district of the Council of the Great City Schools. You must also be accepted as a full-time student at a four-year college or university.
CME Group Foundation Scholars Program
This program is intended for undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior students who are pursuing degrees in computer science or finance. They must be enrolled full time at one of the foundation’s partner schools. Awards are made up to $20,000.
Requirements: You should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and participate in a 15-30 minute virtual interview. You should also be willing to attend a one-day market education program in Chicago to learn about the industry and internship opportunities.
Fellows Scholarship (Davidson Institute)
The Fellows Scholarship awards $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 scholarships to students (18 years or older) who can present a significant piece of completed work demonstrating a new idea, advancement, discovery, or performance.
Teams of two are invited to apply if they both meet the requirements. Winners must be able to attend an awards reception in Washington, D.C. (expenses to be reimbursed).
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
This scholarship is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and is intended for African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander, and Hispanic students seeking an undergraduate degree in any field. Additional funding is provided for graduate programs in computer science, among other STEM fields.
The average award is $12,785, and there are 1,000 scholarships awarded each year.
Great Minds in Stem Scholarship
For students pursuing a math, science, technology, or engineering degree, this program awards a merit-based scholarship ranging from $500-$5,000 and a non-merit-based scholarship ranging from $500-$1,000.
Requirements: You should be of Hispanic descent or able to demonstrate service to an underserved community. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for merit-based scholarships, while a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for non-merit-based applicants.
Google SVA Scholarship
This scholarship is offered in partnership with Google and Student Veterans of America. It awards eight $10,000 scholarships each year to students who are pursuing a computer science or engineering degree.
Requirements: You must be a current student veteran, on active duty, or have received an honorable discharge in order to apply. You must also be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Scholarship
This needs-based scholarship is for Black students who are pursuing a degree in computer science or other STEM-related fields. It awards $8,245 per year for two years.
Requirements: You must be in your sophomore or junior year as an undergraduate. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
The Liu Fang Memorial Scholarship
The Liu Fang Memorial scholarship provides a one-time $1,500 award to a woman planning to major in a STEM-related field.
Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. You must submit an 800-1,600 word essay, along with two letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship
In 2024, this scholarship program will award $10,000 to 100 recipients who are pursuing a computer science or other STEM-related major. The scholarship is renewable, which means recipients can renew their scholarship up to three times, for a maximum amount of $40,000 per student.
Requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen, demonstrate financial need, and have a high school or college undergraduate GPA (up to your third year) of at least 2.5
NOAA EEP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program
This undergraduate scholarship offers awards for two years of undergraduate tuition for students who plan to major in STEM fields. As part of the program, students must conduct research at a NOAA facility over the course of two paid summer internships. The amount awarded is up to $45,000.
Requirements: You must attend a Minority-Serving Institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and must also have and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
This five-year graduate fellowship awards $37,000 per year for three years. There are 2,500 fellowships available each year.
Requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen with plans to pursue a research-based master’s degree or a Ph.D in a STEM field. You must apply during the first year of graduate school.
PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship
This program awards two $2,000 STEM scholarships annually, with a mission to support education in science, technology, math, and business.
Requirements: Selection depends on the strength of a student-written essay that’s required to apply. You must also be enrolled at a college or university and be a U.S. citizen.
P.O. Postilli Undergraduate Scholarship
This undergraduate scholarship awards $4,000 per year for up to five years for 2-7 seniors from underrepresented groups.
Requirements: You must be a high school senior and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. You should be interested in pursuing a computer science or related STEM degree and demonstrate a financial need.
Society of Women Engineers Scholarships
This scholarship is offered to those who identify as women and are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering or engineering technology, including related fields. Award amounts can range between $1,000 and $20,000, and may be renewable.
Requirements: You must be a citizen of the United States or India. You must submit the name of the university and program you will attend, an essay, financial details, a resume or CV, personal references, and any past transcripts.
Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (Department of Defense)
This scholarship provides an opportunity for educational and workforce development. STEM students can receive full tuition, an annual stipend, internships, and employment with the Department of Defense upon graduation. Stipend amounts range between $30,000 and $46,000.
Requirements: You should be pursuing a computer science or other STEM degree. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be willing to accept employment with the DoD, and be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
TC Energy STEM Scholarship
This program awards over 750 scholarships in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Award amounts can go up to $5,000.
Requirements: You must be enrolled in a college or university in the upcoming year and be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You should also be located in an area near a TC Energy operation or project and in need of additional education funds.
UNCF/Teradyne STEM Scholarship Program
This is a need-based scholarship that awards up to $5,000 for Black students who are juniors and seniors and pursuing a degree in a STEM field at an HBCU (historically Black college or university).
Requirements: You must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 to be eligible, complete an essay, submit an academic recommendation from a professor, and demonstrate financial need to apply.
Western Digital Scholarship Program
This scholarship awards up to $5,000, with a maximum of two awards per lifetime. It’s designated for students who are transferring from a community college to a four-year university, seeking a STEM-related degree.
Requirements: You must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and be pursuing a computer science, math, or other engineering degree. You must also demonstrate financial need.
Women in Defense Scholar Program
This scholarship program is specifically for women who are pursuing careers related to United States national security. It has a minimum award of $500.
Requirements: You must be enrolled at a college or university. Undergraduate and graduate students can apply, but undergraduates must at least be in their junior year. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required along with a demonstration of financial need.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society is a nonprofit organization that increases the visibility of Indigenous people in STEM careers. They offer education programs, internships, and scholarships to AISES members. A sample of the scholarships available are listed below. A more extensive list is on the organization’s website.
AISES Accenture Scholarship
Offered in partnership with Accenture, this scholarship awards $5,000 to Indigenous first years or sophomores who are studying computer science, computer information systems, business, or engineering.
Requirements: You should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have Tribal citizenship. A resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and three essays are required as part of the application. AISES membership is also required.
AISES Chevron Scholarship
This scholarship is offered through Chevron, and awards $5,000 per academic year to Indigenous undergraduate first years through juniors majoring in computer science, among other related majors.
Requirements: You should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have Tribal citizenship. You should have an interest in Chevron and the energy industry, and you should also have at least one community or educational achievement to include, as well as a resume, transcripts, short essays, and letters of recommendation. AISES membership is also required.
AISES Aristocrat Scholarship
Undergraduate students interested in a career related to casino gaming (software development and technology) are invited to apply for this scholarship, which awards $2,500 per academic year.
Requirements: A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required for first-year and sophomore applicants, and a 3.0 GPA for juniors and seniors in order to keep the scholarship for four years. You must have Tribal citizenship and AISES membership. You must submit a resume, transcripts, and answers to essay questions.
AISES ARDC Scholarship Program
This $5,000 scholarship, offered in partnership with Amateur Radio Digital Communications, is available to Indigenous students working toward an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in computer engineering or a closely related field.
Requirements: You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply, along with Tribal citizenship and AISES membership. A resume, transcripts, and essay question answers are also required as part of the application.
AISES Google Scholarship
This scholarship is offered in partnership with Google to help Indigenous recipients excel in the STEM field. It awards $2,500 per year for undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in STEM.
Requirements: To apply, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with proof of Tribal citizenship and AISES membership. A resume, transcripts, and essay question answers must also be included with the application.
Generation Google Scholarship (North America)
This scholarship, which awards $10,000 USD for students in the United States and $5,000 CAD for students in Canada, was created to help those pursuing computer science degrees to excel and become leaders in the field. It’s open to anyone who meets the application requirements.
Requirements: You must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student at a university, studying computer science, computer engineering, or a similar field. You should also have a strong academic background and demonstrate financial need.
Google Lime Scholarship
This scholarship is offered in partnership with Lime Connect, an organization that supports students with disabilities. This program awards students $10,000 USD in the United States and $5,000 CAD for students in Canada.
Requirements: You must have a disability and be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student at a university. You must be studying computer science, computer engineering, or a similar field, and have a strong academic history and commitment to the field.
Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship
Established in partnership with the Student Veterans of America, this scholarship awards $10,000 to student veterans who are studying computer science.
Requirements: You must be a current student veteran, on active duty, or have received an honorable discharge. You should also have a strong academic performance and be enrolled or accepted to a university.
Google Conference Scholarships
These Google scholarships cover the expenses for selected conferences in the technology industry, including round-trip travel, hotel accommodations, and a $100 stipend for other costs. The list of available conferences may vary.
Requirements: Professionals and students can apply. You must be 18 and a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, Canada, or Mexico. You should also be able to attend the conference in its entirety.
Microsoft
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
This program awards 50 STEM scholarships totaling $137,000 for high school seniors who plan to pursue a college degree in technology. There are five awards of $5,000 that can be renewed for up to three years, along with 45 $2,500 one-time awards.
Requirements: You must be of African descent, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 , and be in need of financial assistance. A letter of recommendation, transcript, and essay are required to apply.
HOLA Scholarship
The HOLA scholarship awards 13 STEM scholarships each year, including three $20,000 scholarships (distributed over four years) and 10 $2,500 scholarships, for students enrolling in study toward a computer science or related degree.
Requirements: You must be a high school senior in the United States, be of Hispanic or Latino/a descent, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible.
Microsoft Disability Scholarship
This scholarship awards up to 10 $5,000 awards each year. These awards may be renewable for up to three years for full-time or part-time enrollment in a computer science or related program at a college, university, or technical/vocational school.
Requirements: You must be in high school and living with a disability (as defined by the World Health Organization). You must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and need financial assistance to attend college.
Women at Microsoft Scholarship
This program awards seven one-time $5,000 STEM scholarships to high school seniors who identify as women and plan to enroll in a computer science or related field of undergraduate study.
Requirements: You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit transcripts.
Palantir
Palantir is an American public company based in Denver, Colorado, that creates big data software platforms. It was founded to help companies make use of their data securely. The company offers scholarships for computer science and other STEM-related fields.
Future Scholarships
This scholarship is designed to support students from racial and ethnic communities underrepresented in STEM. Each one-time award is $7,000.
Requirements: You must be a full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student at a college in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, planning to major in computer science, software engineering, or a similar field.
Women in Technology Scholarship — North America
This scholarship is specifically for those who identify as women who are planning careers in STEM. Each one-time award is $7,000.
Requirements: You must be an undergraduate or graduate student at a college in the United States, Canada, or Mexico and be majoring in computer science, software engineering, or another closely related field.
7 Steps to Get a Computer Science Scholarship
Now that you’ve learned about some of the computer science scholarships that are available, it’s time to start applying. Here are some steps to follow during the application process to help keep you on track.
Step 1: Identify Scholarships for Computer Science Students
The first step in your scholarship application process is to identify opportunties that support your career goals. The list above contains just some of the scholarships available.
Step 2: Determine Your Scholarship Eligibility
After you’ve identified which scholarships can be applied to your degree, the next step is to determine your eligibility for each. Some scholarships are based on your financial need, merit, identity, or year in school. Verify that you understand and meet each of these requirements before you start your application.
Step 3: Create a Calendar With Scholarship Deadlines
Each one of the computer science scholarship programs you’re interested in applying for will have a different application deadline. By entering all of these dates in a calendar, you won’t miss any cutoff dates. Being late by even one day can affect award consideration. A calendar will also help you remember when decisions are made and when scholarship funds will be awarded. Use a planner or online calendar to help with this step.
Step 4: Request Letters of Recommendation
If your scholarship applications require letters of recommendation, request these early to give your recommenders plenty of time to write. Give your writers at least two weeks, and provide more time if you can. Give your recommenders as much information about the scholarship as possible.
Step 5: Begin Scholarship Essays
Start thinking about and drafting your essay responses for each scholarship that requires them. This is especially important if you’re applying to several different scholarships. It’s best to take your time with your responses rather than try to write them all at the same time.
Step 6: Submit All Application Materials by the Deadline
Make sure you have every piece of your scholarship application organized and ready for submission by the designated deadline.
Step 7: Wait for Results
Sit back and wait to hear your application results. Pay attention to award dates and make sure to follow up with the scholarship office if you haven’t heard anything about your application status. And don’t forget — if you don’t get an award this time, don’t get discouraged. You can try again next year.
Additional Financial Aid Scholarships
- Financial Aid Overview: Several financial aid opportunities are available to students pursuing a computer science degree. Our financial aid guide provides information on applying for federal student loans, grants, and scholarships. You should calculate the cost of your computer science program to determine the best financing option for your situation.
- Financial Aid for Online Students: Online students pursuing a computer science degree typically qualify for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students. However, online students can avoid certain room and board or travel costs, which may lower their total loan amount. Explore our guide for more tips.
- Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities: Our scholarship guide for students with disabilities breaks down the opportunities available to students living with any disability, as well as options catering to students with specific disabilities.
- Scholarships for Single Parents: The financial burden of pursuing a computer science degree may be especially difficult for single parents. Explore our guide for tips and essential information on several scholarship and loan opportunities available to students raising a family.
- Financial Aid for Veterans and Active Military: Many schools offer reduced tuition rates for veterans or active military members. You should always check with a school directly for more information, but our guide provides an overview of several financial aid options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Computer Science Majors
It depends on the scholarship you receive. Check with the scholarship organization to see if this is allowed. Many organizations distribute scholarship funds directly to the school, so you won’t be able to access the funds directly.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 25, 2024.
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