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.
Microsoft STEM Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 5, 2018
Students must be enrolled full-time in a university in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico in a STEM-related field. Must maintain a GPA of 3.0.
Diversity conference scholarship
Amount: upt to $10000
Deadline:
May 5, 2018
To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a full-time bachelor's degree program at a university in the U.S, Canada, or Mexico. Must show satisfactory progress towards a degree in computer science or related fields. Must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Women Forward in Technology
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
June 15, 2018
Applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited university in the U.S. in a STEM-related field. Students will be reviewed based on GPA, originality, creativity, and emotional impact.
Women in Aerospace Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
June 19, 2018
Awards are given to women pursuing a career in the aerospace field. Applicants must be juniors or seniors in high school and planning to attend an undergraduate institution in the upcoming academic year.
Buffered Scholarship for Women in STEM fields
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
July 1, 2018
The scholarship is available to all students who identify as women and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. All applicants must be currently pursuing, or plan to pursue, a degree with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or math.
Vectorworks Design Scholarship
Amount: $7,000
Deadline:
July 15, 2018
This scholarship opportunity is open to students with a design-oriented degree such as architecture or engineering. Must not have graduated any earlier than 2015 to be eligible.
BMES Student Chapter Outstanding Achievement Award
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
July 31, 2018
The Biomedical Engineering Society supports this scholarship for students demonstrating outstanding performance in enhancing professional awarenedd and education of its chapter members. To be considered, students must submit a report of activities. The winning chapter will lead a best practice panel at the BMES Annual Meeting.
Frederick A. Tarantino Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline:
August 9, 2018
Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students attending a four-year accredited university within the field of science or engineering. Must be within 2 years of earning a degree to apply.
James B. Willett Educational Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline:
August 9, 2018
Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students attending a four-year accredited university within the field of science or engineering. Must be within 2 years of earning a degree to apply.
John R. Sevier Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline:
August 9, 2018
Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students attending a four-year accredited university within the field of science or engineering. Must be within 2 year of earning a degree to apply.
Thomas R. McGetchin Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline:
August 9, 2018
Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students attending a four-year accredited university within the field of science or engineering. Must be within 2 years of earning a degree to apply.
Olin E. Teague Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline:
October 13, 2018
This annual scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors at an accredited U.S. high school. Must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
Association for Iron & Steel Technology Scholarships
Amount: $6,000
Deadline:
October 15, 2018
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.
Science Talent Search
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
November 14, 2018
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.
NEED Scholarship Award for Community College and Trade School
Amount: up to $4,000
Deadline:
November 15, 2018
The American Nuclear Society awards this scholarship to students in high school, undergraduates, and graduates based on their academic achievement, awards, honors, leadership within ANS, references, and career goals.
The Kent Hamlin Memorial Scholarship
Amount: up to $4,000
Deadline:
November 15, 2018
The American Nuclear Society awards this scholarship to students in high school, undergraduates, and graduates based on their academic achievement, awards, honors, leadership within ANS, references, and career goals.
Young Innovators to Watch Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
November 27, 2018
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.
Alwin B. Newton Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2018
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.
C. William Hall Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
December 1, 2018
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.
Duane Hanson Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2018
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, 2018
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, 2018
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, 2018
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, 2018
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, 2018
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, 2018
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.
Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
December 11, 2018
Females enrolled in an accredited STEM program in the U.S. or Canada are eligible for this award. Must demonstrate strong academics and leadership for women in computer science to be considered.
ASNT Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
December 15, 2018
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: up to $110,000
Deadline:
December 31, 2018
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.
AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellows Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 15, 2019
Students must be within one year of completing a degree in any science related field. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship
Amount: $6,000
Deadline:
January 15, 2019
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.
AWS Airgas Terry Jarvis Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
February 15, 2019
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, 2019
Selection for this scholarship will be decided based on financial need, a GPA of at least 3.0, and U.S. citizenship.
ASHRAE Engineering Technology Scholarships
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2108
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.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
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.
Future Scholarship
Amount: up to $10,000
Deadline:
Women pursuing an undergraduate or masters degree in STEM are encouraged to apply. Recipients will be invited to Palantir HQ for a workshop and internship opportunity.
Proton OnSite Clean Energy Scholarship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline:
This scholarships is for high school seniors and college students enrolled in a U.S. high school or university. Must be a U.S. citizen, and submit an essay responding to renewable energy.
Siemens Competition
Amount: up to $100,000
Deadline:
The Siemens Foundation offers the nation's premier science research competition for high school students based on team research projects. Finalists will win awards over $25,000 towards their education.
Steinman Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
Applicants must be entering their junior year at a four-year ABET accredited engineering program. Students must be in good standing and a U.S. citizen to apply.
The Virtix IT STEM Studies Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline:
One high school senior demonstrating academic achievement, financial need, and interest in STEM will be awarded with the scholarship. Must be attending school in the U.S. to apply.
Two Ten Higher Education Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
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 in, or are related to, employees of the footwear industry.
Women in Aviation International Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Scholarship awards for Women in Aviation International will be based on students recommendation letters, essays, and resume demonstrating aviation history and goals.
Women in Technology Scholarship
Amount: up to $10,000
Deadline:
Women pursuing an undergraduate or masters degree in STEM are encouraged to apply. Recipients will be invited to Palantir HQ for a workshop and internship opportunity.
Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,250
Deadline:
Candidates must be female undergraduate students at an accredited four year institution, with a major in math, engineering, or biological or physical sciences. Candidates may be the residents of any country.
