It is so important that growth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related fields continues to increase for students of all backgrounds, regardless of gender or race. The application of these fields have the power to revolutionize national and international industries, ultimately transforming the way our world operates.
Some of our world’s most revolutionary thinkers developed their foundation in applied engineering, such as Elon Musk, the CEO and lead designer of SpaceX and Tesla, or the CEO and founder of Google, Larry Page—minds who have influenced the way we live today. If you’re an undergraduate or graduate engineering student looking for ways to fund your college degree, use our guide to learn more about what it takes to become an engineer, and sort through over 80 engineering scholarships based on your specialization.
While working towards his Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from the University of Michigan, Larry Page reverse-engineered the ink cartridge and built an inkjet printer made of LEGO® bricks. It wasn’t until his time at Stanford University where he began exploring mathematical properties of the World Wide Web, and where he met computer scientist, Sergey Brin. Together, they co-founded and developed a search engine they would later call “Google.”
“Optimism is important. You have to be a little silly about the goals you are going to set. There is a phrase I learned in college called, ‘having a healthy disregard for the impossible.’ That’s a really good phrase. You should try to do things that most people would not do.” — Larry Page, CEO of Google
Every success story starts with the drive and commitment to education to get there. Take the next step towards your career in applied engineering by reading our breakdown on how to become a licensed engineer.
The FE exam is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program. This is the first step towards becoming a professionally licensed engineer (PE).
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Engineering Experience
Once you’ve passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, you must complete at least four years of engineering experience before you can take your final exam towards an engineering license.
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Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam
Upon passing the PE exam and meeting any other eligibility requirements that may vary by state, an engineer can then become registered in their state to stamp and sign engineering drawings and calculations as a PE.
Types of Engineers
Mechanical: Applies engineering, physics, and materials science principles to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.
Civil: Deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings.
Chemical: Applies physical science and life science together with applied mathematics and economics to produce, transform, transport, and properly use chemicals, materials and energy.
Electrical: Deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
Industrial: Deals with the optimization of complex processes, systems, or organizations.
Aerospace: The primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft.
Biomedical: Application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes.
Environmental: Uses scientific and technological principles to prevent or repair harm to the environment, complying with federal and local regulations in the process.
This site has information and connections for the global community of engineers. Find engineering games, videos, jobs, calculators, articles, and more.
Find free on-demand courses for students, job resources and checklists, exam preparation, and the opportunity to sign-up for NSPE’s student e-newsletter for weekly information and news.
A daily news site for scientists and engineers. This publication covers development and research in all STEM-related fields.
How to Pay for College
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Scholarships
There are hundreds of scholarships for engineering students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
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Grants
Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.
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Fellowships
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
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Student Loans
You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.
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Federal Work-Study Program
Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your high school education to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Although there are scholarship opportunities that aren’t merit-based, it’s valuable to take the SAT or ACT standardized tests in case it’s a scholarship qualification.
Your scholarship essay is what will bring attention to your application out of the pool of applicants. That’s why it’s important to craft a stand out piece that attests to your experience, adheres to the scholarship guidelines and most importantly, highlights your true personality.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or bosses, so that they can speak to your qualifications. You may also want to provide them with a resume that outlines your achievements and goals as well.
Engineering Scholarships
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your engineering specialty, award amount and if you qualify for need-based aid.
Association for Iron & Steel Technology Scholarships
Amount: $6,000
Deadline:
October 31, 2020
AIST sponsors this scholarship for a paid summer internship including a one-year non-renewable scholarship. Students must be enrolled full-time in a four-year undergraduate program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Women in Aviation International Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
November 12, 2020
Scholarship awards for Women in Aviation International will be based on students recommendation letters, essays, and resume demonstrating aviation history and goals.
Science Talent Search
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
November 13, 2020
This talent search offers hundreds of applicants the chance to win more than just $1,000 towards their education, but receive recognition for their science research projects for the chance to win additional awards.
Young Innovators to Watch Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
November 22, 2020
The Young Innovators to Watch awards individual students or small teams under 20 students, for developing projects that demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation in technical or scientific contexts. Winners will be flown to CES in Las Vegas for an awards ceremony.
SimpliSafe STEM Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
November 30, 2020
SimpliSafe scholarship is for students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The program provides financial assistance to Bachelors, Masters, or PhD students enrolled in STEM degree programs. Applicant must be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident.
ASHRAE Engineering Technology Scholarships
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
These renewable scholarships are available for all four years of student's undergraduate engineering degrees. Students must have a 3.0 GPA at an institution accredited by ASHRAE/ABET/PAHRA.
Alwin B. Newton Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate engineering students enrolled full-time in an ABET accredited program Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify.
Duane Hanson Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate engineering students enrolled full-time in an ABET accredited program Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify.
Frank M. Coda Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate engineering students enrolled full-time in an ABET accredited program Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify.
Gordon V. R. Holness Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate engineering students enrolled full-time in an ABET accredited program Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify.
Henry Adams Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate engineering students enrolled full-time in an ABET accredited program Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify.
Lynn G. Bellenger Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
This scholarship will be awarded to one undergraduate female enrolled full-time in an ABET accredited program Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify.
Reuben Trane Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate engineering students enrolled full-time in an ABET accredited program Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify.
Willis H. Carrier Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate engineering students enrolled full-time in an ABET accredited program Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify.
Ashrae Society Scholarship Program: Engineering
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate engineering or pre-engineering students who are enrolled full-time in a post-secondary educational institution and pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree in a course of study that traditionally has been a preparatory curriculum for the HVAC&R profession.
Ashrae Society Scholarship Program: Engineering Technology
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Five one-year $5,000 scholarships available to full-time undergraduate Engineering Technology students pursuing either a bachelor or an associate degree in a course of study that has traditionally been a preparatory curriculum for the HVAC&R profession.
The Science Ambassador Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
A full tuition scholarship is awarded to a woman seeking an undergraduate degree in engineering, science or math, funded by Cards Against Humanity. A video is necessary for entry and candidates must be attending college next academic year to be eligible.
C. William Hall Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
December 6, 2020
This scholarship opportunity is open to junior or senior undergraduate students pursuing a bachelors degree in bioengineering. Students must be actively participating in biomedical research to be considered.
ASNT Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
December 15, 2020
Undergraduate students enrolled in universities pursuing degrees in engineering are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Candidates must show an active interest in the field of nondestructive testing and evaluation to be considered.
Civil Air Patrol School-Specific Scholarships
Amount: varies
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
The Civic Air Patrol Scholarship distributes this opportunity to students interested in aerospace engineering. Must be a CAP cadet and earn the Billy Mitchell Award to apply.
Hawai'i Community Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
Hawaii Community Foundation is providing a wealth of financial support to qualified students throughout Hawaii. With over 250 scholarships, Hawaii students can surely find a scholarship that applies to them.
Daedalian Foundation Descendants Scholarships
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
Descendants of Daedalian members are eligible to apply. Students must be pursuing a degree in the fields of aerospace engineering and flight.
DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
Amount: up to $31,200
Deadline:
January 13, 2021
This fellowship program is funded by the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. Must provide references towards your program of study, transcripts, and the comprehensive online application to be considered.
AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellows Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 15, 2021
Students must be within one year of completing a degree in any science related field. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
ANS Undergraduate Scholarships
Amount: up to $4,000
Deadline:
February 1, 2021
Undergraduate and graduate ANS student members enrolled in nuclear engineering are eligible to apply. Must be enrolled in an accredited university. Open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
AWS Airgas Terry Jarvis Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
February 15, 2021
This scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student pursuing a four-year bachelor's degree in welding engineering. Must have at least a 2.8 GPA and a citizen of the U.S. to apply. Priority will be given to students with interest in a career in industrial welding.
AWS Arsham Amirikian Engineering Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
February 15, 2021
Engineering students pursuing a career in the application of the art of welding in civil and structural engineering and have a 3.0 minimum GPA are encouraged to apply.
Southern Automotive Women's Forum Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 9, 2021
Candidates are those enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate institution in the Southern states of Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Students must be women pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) or the automotive field.
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 15, 2021
The scholarship awards first-generation high school seniors who are underrepresented, need financial assistance and are passionate about furthering their education as a means to help out their family, community and themselves. The candidate must be graduating a high school, who will pursue a full-time undergraduate degree in the United States at any 4-year university by fall semester and plan to study in listed concentrations such as Transportation Management, STEM, Psychology, Spanish, Architecture Language/Literature, Environmental Design, Pre-Med.
BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 15, 2021
This annual scholarship is for students pursuing an engineering or related science degree through an ABET accredited program. Must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and be a U.S. citizen to apply.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
March 16, 2021
Students must be nominated by faculty in their engineering program to be considered for this award. Students do not need to be pursuing an astronaut career to be eligible for this award. Check website for participating institutions.
ASDSO Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 - $10000
Deadline:
March 31, 2021
The ASDSO Scholarships are awarded annually to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited programs in engineering or fields related to the design, construction, or operation of dams. Students must be enrolled in an accredited civil engineering program, or in a related field as determined by ASDSO. Also, the applicant must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in hydraulics, hydrology or geotechnical disciplines.
Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
April 1, 2021
Candidates must be undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited four year institution and majoring in math, engineering, biological or physical sciences, or science fiction as literature. Candidates may be the residents of any country.
Two Ten Higher Education Scholarship
Amount: $1,000-$10,000
Deadline:
April 5, 2021
Students planning on attending, or who are enrolled in an accredited four year institution are welcome to apply. This scholarship is renewable for U.S. citizens who have worked — or have parents who have worked — in the footwear industry fro at least 2 years.
Women Forward in Technology
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
June 17, 2021
The Minority Corporate Counsel Association awards one student this non-renewable scholarship to a student in their first year of law school. Students can register on the scholarship website to learn more about specific eligibility requirements.
