All About Engineering Scholarships

Aspiring engineers are predicted to make close to three figures in 2021. But before you can start raking in the dough as an engineer, you need to finance your education.

Engineering scholarships are a great way to get financial backing to support your goals for the future. 

With thousands of students applying for scholarships at any given time, how can you stand out? One way is to focus on more niche scholarships where the competition is less. 

Did you know that there are scholarships available specifically for engineering majors such as yourself?

Keep reading to learn about some of the best engineering scholarships available and how to land one!

Competition is Fierce

Engineering is one of the most popular majors in the United States. Not only does it put you in the running for a high-paying job, but also at the forefront of technological advancements and innovation.

Knowing where to look when applying for scholarships can help you secure much-needed funds. 

There are five main areas of study for engineer majors:

• General engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Nuclear engineering
• Aerospace engineering

Your best bet is to focus on scholarships offered within your specific field of study. The more specific the scholarship, the fewer applicants, and the more likely it is that you'll be selected.

As the name suggests, general engineering scholarships often encompass a wide range of majors and studies. Anyone majoring in engineering or a related field is eligible. 

Whenever you apply for a scholarship, be sure to read all of the requirements carefully. Avoid wasting your's and the organization's time by submitting applications for scholarships you don't qualify for.

Now, let's take a closer look at some of the best engineering scholarships available to high-performing students. 

ASCO Engineering Scholarship Program

Are you a natural-born leader? There are scholarships available for students just like you!

The ASCO Engineering Scholarship Program offers two, $5,000 scholarships for engineering majors that show potential for leadership. Applicants must prove contributions to the fields of engineering or automation with a focus on fluid control and fluid power technology. 

This engineering scholarship is available for college juniors and seniors.

ASHRAE Society Scholarship Program

Did you know that the HVAC&R industry is a wealth of opportunity for engineering majors?

That's why the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning (ASHRAE) awards scholarships to engineering students with the potential to excel in the fields of heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation.

With over 40 engineering scholarships available, ASHRAE is a viable option for many engineer students. 

Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or better, rank in the top 30% of their class, and be enrolled (or plan to enroll) in an accredited engineering program. To be eligible, students must also show financial need and excellence in leadership and character. 

Even if you plan to enter the HVAC&R field but change course during your studies, you may still be eligible for this scholarship opportunity. 

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation 

The acceptance rate at NASA for astronaut applicants is less than 1%.

Are you hoping to be that lucky chosen one? If so, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's $15,000 award might help you get there. In fact, 50 students are awarded this generous scholarship each year!

To be eligible, you must major in engineering and natural or applied sciences or math. You're also required to perform specific research following graduation. 

Applicants should have at least some of the following accolades:

• Excellent grades
• Show initiative and creativity in their field of study
• Complete a substantial amount of research and lab work 

While many applicants are aspiring astronauts, you don't need to be. You do, however, need to enroll in one of these 40 colleges to be considered.

Eligible students must be college sophomores or higher and nominated by a faculty member. 

Edward D. Hendrickson/SAE Engineering Scholarship

Some engineering scholarships, such as this one, are renewable for all 4 years of study.

That means that one student who wins this $5,000 award, will also receive it for the next three years, for a total of $20,000 in college funding.

Applicants must be US residents, have a 3.75 GPA or higher, and score in the 90th percentile or above on their SAT or ACT. High school seniors and college students majoring in engineering or a related field are eligible for this generous scholarship.

BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship

BMW does more than just make impressive automobiles. They also award $1,500 annually to a deserving high school senior. This scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years for a total of $6,000.

Students must have a 3.75 GPA or higher and score in the 90th percentile or above on the ACT or SAT. Eligible candidates are pursuing a science or engineering degree in an ABET-accredited program. 

Steinman Scholarship

Are you a college sophomore entering your junior year? If so, you may be eligible for the $5,000 Steinman Scholarship.

All applicants must be US citizens with an impressive GPA and internship experience.

To apply, you must provide a list of activities and experience, two recommendation letters from former instructors, an official transcript, and a 500-word essay on the importance of ethics in the practice of engineering. 

The Best Engineering Scholarships are Waiting for You

Are you currently pursuing a career in engineering or do you dream of being an astronaut, civil, or nuclear engineer?

If so, there are plenty of engineering scholarship opportunities available to you. General engineering scholarships are viable for most students, while others are more field-specific.

Be sure to read all of the scholarship requirements carefully before applying. Your application is the organization's first impression. You want to be taken seriously and put yourself in a position for success.

Head over to our scholarships page for more amazing opportunities and check out these articles for tips on landing the ideal scholarship!