The cost of college keeps rising, and while student loans are often the default route, scholarships remain one of the best options because they don’t need to be repaid. However, many students feel overwhelmed by complicated applications, essays, and tight deadlines. The good news is: there are plenty of easy scholarships — opportunities that require minimal effort but still offer real funding. In this article you'll find 25 of these easier‑to‑apply scholarships, plus strategies for boosting your odds of winning.
What counts as an “easy scholarship”?
When we say “easy scholarship,” we mean awards that:
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Require minimal or no essay writing
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Have simple eligibility criteria (wide eligibility by grade level, major, location)
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Offer frequent or rolling deadlines
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Have straightforward application forms
For example, platforms like Bold.org list “easy scholarships for college or graduate school” noting that you often only need a profile. (Bold) And others like Sallie Mae highlight “No Essay” scholarships you can apply to in minutes. (Sallie)
That doesn’t mean you should only rely on easy ones — but these can be a great starting point, especially when you’re juggling courses, work, or family commitments.
Why easy scholarships matter
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Time‑efficient: You can apply to many and stack chances.
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Lower barrier: Less writing means lower effort and lower stress.
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Good practice: Doing easy ones builds your habit for bigger ones later.
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Supplemental: Even smaller awards add up and lower debt.
How to use this list
Here are 25 solid scholarship opportunities. For each, I’ve pulled together key details (award amount, eligibility, why it’s “easy”). Always check the most current deadlines and terms on the provider’s website.
The List: 25 Easy Scholarships
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No‑Essay College Scholarship – $2,000 (Monthly)
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Hosted by Sallie Mae. (Sallie)
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You fill in a simple application form; no essay required.
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Why it’s easy: Minimal effort, monthly entry.
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Ideal for: High school juniors/seniors, current college students.
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$50,000 No Essay Scholarship – Rolling Deadline
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Featured by Access Scholarships. (Access Scholarships)
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Huge prize, open to many applicants.
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Why it’s easy: No essay, broad eligibility.
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Ideal for: Anyone looking for serious money with minimal effort.
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$10,000 No Essay Scholarship – Rolling
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Identified by Scholarships 360. (Scholarships360)
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A straightforward “register and wait” type award.
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Ideal for: Students ready to apply quickly.
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“Be Bold” No‑Essay Scholarship – $25,000
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From Bold.org. (Access Scholarships)
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Only requirement: Create a profile; the boldest profile wins.
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Ideal for: Students comfortable being creative with their profile.
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Appily Easy Money Scholarship – $1,000 (Monthly)
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Monthly award for a minimal application. (Scholarships360)
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Low amount but low effort.
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Ideal for: Students applying to many scholarships throughout the year.
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CollegeXpress $1,300 Easy Scholarship
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Targeted at high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors. (Scholarships360)
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Easy to enter early in your high‑school career.
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Ideal for: Younger students planning ahead.
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Christian Connector Scholarship – $2,500
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Open to high school students planning Christian college attendance. (Access Scholarships)
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Why easy: Simple eligibility, moderate award.
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Ideal for: Students with faith‑based college plans.
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Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship – $1,000
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Requires a small creative submission (web design). (Access Scholarships)
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Why easy: Short project‑based rather than full essay.
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Ideal for: Students with design interest/skills.
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Create‑A‑Greeting‑Card Scholarship – $10,000
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Unique creative task instead of long essay. (Access Scholarships)
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Why easy: Fun challenge, high reward.
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Ideal for: Artistic students.
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DirectTextbook Photo Essay Scholarship – $500
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Simple photo submission. (Access Scholarships)
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Why easy: Minimal time and effort.
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Ideal for: Students comfortable with visuals.
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ScholarshipPoints No Essay – $2,500 Monthly
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Access Scholarships listing. (Access Scholarships)
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Why easy: Monthly entry, no essay.
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Ideal for: Frequent applicants.
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Niche No Essay Scholarship – $2,000
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Rolling entry, very broad eligibility. (Access Scholarships)
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Why easy: High competition but low effort.
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Ideal for: All‑around applying.
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CampusReel Virtual Tour Scholarship – $2,000
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Just watch a virtual tour to apply. (Sallie)
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Why easy: Quick task.
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Ideal for: Students investigating colleges.
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“Too Cool to Pay for School” No Essay Scholarship – $1,000
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Quarterly deadlines. (Access Scholarships)
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Why easy: Basic information form.
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Ideal for: Younger students.
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Around the Corner from College Scholarship – $1,000
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Open to DACA and international students pursuing U.S. college. (Access Scholarships)
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Why easy: Inclusive eligibility.
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Ideal for: Many diverse students.
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Monthly Miscellaneous Sweepstakes‐Style Scholarships
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Sources mention many monthly awards. (Bold)
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Why easy: Repetition increases odds.
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Ideal for: Students who apply frequently.
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Local/Community “Small” Scholarships
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Not a specific award, but an important category.
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Many local organizations offer scholarships requiring little more than an application form, maybe a short paragraph.
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Why easy: Less competition.
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Ideal for: Students in high school/college and in any community.
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Scholarships by Hobby or Interest
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Example: Video game players, comic fans. (Wikipedia)
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Why easy: Unique eligibility means fewer applicants.
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Ideal for: Students with niche interests.
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Scholarships for All Majors with Rolling Deadlines
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Platforms like Bold.org catalogue these. (Bold)
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Why easy: Roll‑in whenever you’re ready.
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Ideal for: Late starters.
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Scholarships Targeting Underrepresented Groups
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Many are easy to apply for if you meet broad criteria. (Novorésumé)
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Why easy: Less essay‑heavy than elite full‑rides.
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Ideal for: First‑gen, women in STEM, ethnic minorities.
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Micro‑Scholarships via Platforms like RaiseMe
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Up‑and‑coming model: achievements earn micro‑funding. (Wikipedia)
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Why easy: Incremental and based on actions (grades, clubs) you already do.
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Ideal for: High schoolers planning ahead.
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Scholarships with Creative Submissions (Photo/Video)
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Short visual tasks instead of long essays.
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Why easy: Less writing, more creativity.
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Ideal for: Students comfortable with media.
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Scholarships with Undisclosed Deadlines but Rolling Entry
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Lists of “easy scholarships to apply for now”. (Scholarships360)
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Why easy: Flexibility.
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Ideal for: Students applying across months.
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Scholarships with Minimal Eligibility Filters (Open to many)
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Broad eligibility means less time vetting whether you qualify.
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Why easy: Apply more quickly.
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Ideal for: Anyone.
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Scholarships Where the Application Is the Profile
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Example: Build your profile on Bold.org and you’re entered. (Bold)
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Why easy: Application = profile signup.
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Ideal for: Busy students.
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Tips to Maximize Your Odds
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Start early: Don’t wait until senior year. The earlier you apply, the more you’ll enter. (Bold)
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Organize: Use a spreadsheet to track deadlines, requirements, and status.
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Apply to many: Especially with easy ones, volume helps.
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Tailor where required: Even minimal effort entries benefit from a careful glance.
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Watch deadlines and rolling opportunities: Many easy ones roll month‑to‑month.
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Don’t ignore “small” awards: $500‑$1,000 awards still reduce your cost.
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Check legitimacy: Avoid entering things requiring payment or seeming too good to be true. (Investopedia)
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Use scholarship search engines: Sites like Scholarships.com help you find matching awards quickly. (Scholarships)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are “easy” scholarships legit?
Yes — many are real and awarded regularly, like those listed above. However, because they require less effort, they are often more competitive. The key: avoid any that ask for payment or promise guaranteed awards. (Investopedia)
Q2: How many scholarships should I apply for?
There’s no fixed number, but the more you apply — especially to easy ones — the better your chances. Combine 10‑20 easy ones with a few more competitive ones each year.
Q3: Will winning small scholarships even make a difference?
Absolutely. Even a handful of awards of $500‑$2,000 can significantly reduce your student loan burden or the amount you need to cover annually.
Q4: What if I’m an international student?
Many “easy” scholarships are open globally or to international students; others may be US‑only. Always check eligibility. Some platforms list opportunities for international students. (EduPass)
Q5: Do easy scholarships require essays or recommendations?
Often not. Many require just a form or profile. Some still ask for essays, but those are more work and less “easy.” For example: “No essay” scholarships. (Access Scholarships)
Q6: Will I get full tuition from easy scholarships?
Not usually. Many easy ones are for smaller awards. Big full‑tuition scholarships tend to have stricter requirements. (Top Universities)
Q7: How do I avoid scams?
Never pay to apply. Legit opportunities are free. Use trusted sites and platforms, and check deadlines/terms carefully. (Investopedia)
Final Thoughts
Applying for easy scholarships is a smart, strategic part of your financial aid plan. While they won’t always cover full tuition, they reduce cost, build momentum, and set you up for bigger awards. Use this list of 25 opportunities as a launch pad, apply often, stay organized, and you’ll be putting yourself ahead in the race to fund your college education.
Good luck — you’ve got this!