Last updated: March 19, 2018
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
This website gathers publications of all curriculum content from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Engineering Search Engine: Search over 38 million engineering and technical web pages through this search engine.
Provides engineering and science students with resources for understanding and addressing ethical considerations.
A daily news site for scientists and engineers. This publication covers development and research in all STEM-related fields.
There are hundreds of scholarships for engineering students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
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.
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
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.
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.
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your engineering specialty, award amount and if you qualify for need-based aid.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 29, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January 1, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 1, 2019
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.
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: January 1, 2019
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 1, 2019
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.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 1, 2019
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. The applicant must be pursuing a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate degree program with a major in broadcast, telecommunications, business, engineering, journalism, and other media-related fields.
Amount: up to $31,200
Deadline: January 9, 2019
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.