Specialized Engineering Scholarships and Grants

Last updated: April 23, 2019

If you’re in pursuit of a degree in engineering, then you are among nearly 40 percent of the population working towards a career in science and engineering. Undergraduate enrollment continues to rise in the U.S., with overall numbers at all education levels rising by over one million every year.

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.

How to Pay | Application Prep | Engineering Scholarships | All Scholarships

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.

How to Qualify to be an Engineer

1

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step towards becoming a licensed engineer is earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

 
2

Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

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).

 
3

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.

 
4

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.

 
 

Resources for Engineers

Engineering.com

This site has information and connections for the global community of engineers. Find engineering games, videos, jobs, calculators, articles, and more.

NSPE Student Resources

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.

MIT OpenCourseWare

This website gathers publications of all curriculum content from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

GlobalSpec

The Engineering Search Engine: Search over 38 million engineering and technical web pages through this search engine.

Ethics Center

Provides engineering and science students with resources for understanding and addressing ethical considerations.

Science Daily

A daily news site for scientists and engineers. This publication covers development and research in all STEM-related fields.

 
 

How to Pay for College

1

Scholarships

There are hundreds of scholarships for engineering students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.

 
2

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.

 
3

Fellowships

While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.

 
4

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.

 
5

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.

Scholarship Application Preparation

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.

ASNT Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship

Amount: $3,000

Deadline: December 15, 2019

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.

Hawai'i Community Foundation Scholarships

Amount: Varies

Deadline: January 1, 2020

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.

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: January 1, 2020

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.

Daedalian Foundation Descendants Scholarships

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: January 1, 2020

Descendants of Daedalian members are eligible to apply. Students must be pursuing a degree in the fields of aerospace engineering and flight.

ANS Undergraduate Scholarships

Amount: up to $4,000

Deadline: February 1, 2020

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.

Steinman Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: March 1, 2020

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.

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: March 15, 2020

First generation college prospective students who are underrepresented, low income, and passionate about pursuing a career in health related fields. Students are not required to be U.S. citizens, but must have a 3.5 GPA to be considered.

Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Applicants must be female students in the sophomore or junior year of college who are majoring in a STEM field, and members of the SPS national organization.

BMW / SAE Engineering Scholarship

Amount: $6,000

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.75, rank in the 90th percentile in both math and critical reading on SAT I or composite ACT scores, and pursue an engineering/science degree through an ABET accredited program.

TMC / SAE Donald D. Dawson Technical Scholarship

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.25, have a Total SAT score of 1220 or higher and/or an ACT composite score of 27 or above, and pursue an engineering/science degree through an ABET accredited program.

Great Minds in Stem Scholarship Program

Amount: $500-$10,000

Deadline: April 1, 2020

Applicants must be of Hispanic origin and/or must demonstrate leadership or service within the Hispanic community. Applicant must also be enrolled in an accredited 2 or 4-year undergraduate or graduate program and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Must be pursuing a STEM degree.

U.S. Navy STEM Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: April 1, 2020

Applicant must be pursuing a degree in a STEM program that is related to the needs of the NAVSEA workforce. Must be attending a school that is considered a Hispanic-Serving Institution with an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Must have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Admiral Grace Murray Hopper Memorial Scholarships

Amount: $1,500

Deadline: May 1, 2020

This scholarship is available to incoming female freshmen who are majoring in computer science or computer engineering. Applicant must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Society of Women Engineers Scholarships

Amount: $1,000-$15,000

Deadline: May 1, 2020

The SWE Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to women pursuing a degree in engineering, technology or computer science at an ABET-accredited university. Students who are re-entering college after two or more years, part-time students and full-time students are eligible to apply.

Indiana Engineering Scholarships

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: May 1, 2020

Student must be an Indiana resident and be attending an Indiana educational institution or commute from Indiana to a college or university outside of the state. Applicant must have half the credits or credit hours required for an undergraduate EAC/ABET accredited engineering degree at the time of applying.

Ashrae Society Scholarship Program: Freshman Engineering

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: May 1, 2020

A one-year $5,000 scholarship available annually to a full-time undergraduate pre-engineering or engineering student entering their sophomore year of college 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: High School Senior

Amount: $3,000

Deadline: May 2, 2020

Four one-year $3,000 scholarships are available to undergraduate students enrolled full-time in their first year of college in a pre-engineering, engineering, or engineering technology program leading to a bachelor’s degree in a course of study that traditionally has been a preparatory curriculum for the HVAC&R profession.

Cap Lathrop Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Deadline: June 1, 2020

The Cap Lathrop Scholarship is offered to Alaska Natives with preference given to descendants of Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) who are majoring in broadcast, telecommunications, business, engineering, journalism, and other media-related fields.

Women Forward in Technology

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: June 15, 2020

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.

 

Sources

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