College scholarships aren’t just for people with high GPAs and great SAT scores. Some scholarship awarding organizations have decided to buck the trend of rewarding academic achievement, and instead offer scholarships based on unique talents, unorthodox interests, creativity, or just unusual circumstances. These scholarships range from simply unique, to quirky, to downright bizarre, but all of them are worth applying for if you meet the requirements, because any scholarships you get now will decrease your college payments in the long term.



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Update: We’ve added 10 more weird and unique scholarships to our list! Check them out in our Honorable Mention section!

The Boren Awards for International Study is awarded to students who wish to study abroad in areas typically underrepresented. The scholarships can be as large as $20,000 and are only for students attending school at an accredited university.

The Central Florida Orchid Society awards an annual scholarship to students to encourage the pursuit of careers in Horticulture and the Agricultural and Life Sciences. The scholarship is $3000 and reside in a central Florida county.

The Central Arizona Tall Society gives a scholarship to a girl of at least 5’10” and a boy at least 6’2″ in an award of $250. The student must live in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo awards numerous scholarships with varying requirements and sizes. Some requirements include a minimum of a 19 on the ACT, be a resident of Texas, and plan to go to college in Texas at a not-for-profit school. Most of the awards are $18,000 four year scholarships.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association awards a number of scholarships each year to various students around Alaska, in communities of all sizes. The goal is to better invest in citizens to preserve the Alaskan tourism industry. Scholarships are awarded in increments from as little as $500 and as much as $3000.

The CBC Spouses Heineken Performing Arts Scholarship is awarded to students interested in drama, dance, opera, marching bands, and other performing arts pursuits. Applicants must also meet the other requirements stipulated on the online application page.

The Friends of the NRA selects 45 outstanding high school sophomores and juniors from around the country to come to Washington D.C. for a week of educational seminars and activities stressing the importance of being active in civic affairs. Additionally, those selected for this Youth Education Summit then compete for a total of $30,000 in scholarships.

Scholarhips up to $5000 are awarded by the Music Publishers Association of the United States as part of their Copyright Awareness Scholarship. Students must submit a written essay, audio or video recording, or pictoral compilation expressing why they believe copyright is so important.

The American Association of Railroad Superintendents is open to any student in the United States or Canada. The student must be a full-time college student and have at least a 2.75 Grade Point Average. The scholarship is awarded is $1000 and preference is given to applicants enrolled in the transportation field.

The American Association of Candy Technologists awards a $5000 scholarship over two installments to a recipient who is a college sophomore, junior, or senior that has a demonstrated interest in confectionery technology. Evidence must be presented in the form of research projects, work experience, or formal study.

The International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association awards special scholarships to college students working at an IDDBA-member company at least 13 hours a week. The requirements include majoring in a food-related field, such as culinary arts, baking/pastry arts, or food science.

The Shaw-Worth Scholarship from the Humane Society of the United States awards $2,500 to selected high school seniors who have made significant contributions to animal protection over extended periods.

The Associated Male Choruses of America Scholarship awards candidates $1000-$1200 each for applicants enrolled in university music programs for the upcoming school year. Candidates must be sponsored by a member chorus of the Associated Male Choruses of America.

The North American International Auto Show High School Poster Contest awards 16 students prizes of varying amounts, from as little as $100, to as much as $1000. The only stipulation is that a 25” x 21” poster must be submitted.

The Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Program is for students involved in the arts and awards five scholarships at $2000 each in areas of Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Students must submit an original piece, graduate high school in South Carolina, and go to college in South Carolina.

For students with artistic flair, scrapbooking acumen, or a love for design, the Annual Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship from The Gallery Collection is a great way to get $10,000 for college. Competitors must design the front of a greeting card to be designed for business and consumer use.

Only open to students in select Pennsylvania counties, the Northern Tier Hardwood Association Scholarship awards $500 to two high school students planning on pursuing a career in forest resources or a field in the wood industry.

The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Assocations award a number of scholarships every year. The NCEA’s Esthetician Scholarship awards esthetician students a $1,000 incentive scholarship while attending esthetic school, but students must be currently enrolled and maintain at least 80% attendance and grade average.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association has scholarships totalling $20,000 that are awarded to students who submit the required documents, including an essay on automatic fire sprinklers.

The AMIA Scholarship Program is for those planning on graduate school with majors in moving image studies, library or information science, archival administration, museum studies, or a related field. Selected students will then be awarded scholarships from Sony Pictures, Rick Chace Foundation, or Universal Studios.

The Gertrude J. Deppen Scholarship Fund is designed for students who do not habitually use tobacco, alcohol, narcotics, and are not involved in strenuous athletic contests. The applicant must have lived in Mount Caramel for 10 years and graduate from Mount Caramel Public High School as well.

The Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation Scholarship is designed for golf caddies around the country. The Western Golf Association who oversees the Evans Scholar Foundation also runs three large golf tournaments.

The Kerope Zildjian Scholarship is designed for students pursuing a four-year degree at an accredited university and awards a $5000 scholarship. Applicants also win a trip to Zildjian’s world headquarters and win completmentary cymbals. In order to qualify, students must send an audio recording playing a complex snare or four-mallet marimba solo.

Duck Brand products holds an annual contest to see who can make the best Prom outfit from Duck Tape. The winners receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Jif Peanut Butter holds the Jif Most Creative Sandwich Contest as a fun way to award students preparing to attend college. The award includes a scholarship worth $25,000, as well as a Jif Peanut Butter Basket worth $50.

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General CIEE Grant + Scholarship The CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships award over $3 Million each eyar to help students with the cost of studying abroad. They require students to fill out a form entailing their special circumstances, write an essay, and also a summary of their current financial aid situation. Apply : CIEE Study Abroad

Nordstrom Scholarship Program The Nordstrom Cares Scholarship selects 80 students in states with a Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack store and awards them a $10,000 scholarship. The requirements include past volunteer service, community service, or extracurricular activities and a minimum of a 2.7 GPA. Recipients must also plan on applying for financial assistance in order to attend college. Apply : Nordstrom

Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship Award The Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship Award from the Southeastern Theatre Conference awards $2,000 to a student entering graduate school for costume design and/or costume technology. The student must submit a portfolio of ten samples and three to five references to be considered. Apply : Southeastern Theatre Conference

Davidson Fellows Scholarships The Davidson Fellows Scholarships are considered to be among the most prestegious and largest in the world. They award $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 to students who have completed a significant piece of work before 18 in areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, or “Outside the Box.” Apply : Davidson Institute for Talent Development

Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest. Stuttgart, Arkansas awards scholarships at the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest. First place wins a scholarship of $2000, second place wins $1000, 3rd receives $750, and 4th receives $500. Apply : Stuttgart

IDC Scholarship Program The IDC Scholarship Program from Ocean Divers awards 4 students per 3 month period to take, for free, a number of scuba diver classes and then work on environmental conservation and reef identification. Apply : Ocean Divers

Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation The Corinna Jeannine Schillings Foundation awards scholarships to help students study abroad. An award of $1000 is issued to a Silver or Gold Girl Scout who plans to study abroad and maintains at least a 3.0 GPA. Apply : Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation

The Alexia Grants The Alexia Foundation grants scholarships to students to help produce picture stories that promote the foundation’s views of world peace and cultural understanding. The undergraduate winner recieves full tuition payment for a study abroad program, along with various funds for equipment and expenses. Apply : Alexia Foundation

ESA Foundation Scholarship Program The Entertainment Software Association Foundation Scholarship Program gives up to 30 scholarships annually, 15 to graduating high school seniors and 15 to current college students. The award is for up to $3000 and the applicant must be a woman or minority student pursing a degree and career in computer and video game arts with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Apply : Entertainment Software Association Foundation

The Fountainhead Essay Contest Ayn Rand Novels, a site specializing in the writings of author and philosopher Ayn Rand, has an annual essay contest awarding between $50 and $10,000 to over 200 students who write essays on chosen topics about Rand’s well known work, The Fountainhead. While not strictly a scholarship, these contests are only open to 11th and 12th grade students, and the winnings could provide a great headstart toward paying for college. Apply : Ayn Rand Novels

Rome Prize The American Academy in Rome Scholarship, titled the Rome Prize, is designed for students specializing in a variety of studies, such as Architecture, Visual Arts, Ancient Studies, and other areas. Each winner is provided with a stipend, meals, a bedroom with a private bath, and a study or studio. The stipends are $15,000 for 6 months or $27,000 for 11 months. Apply : American Academy in Rome

United States Bowling Congress Scholarships The United States Bowling Congress offers scholarships to many young students who have shown a passion for bowling. Leagues and member organizations of the USBC offer scholarships as well, so anyone involved in USBC activities should look into the possibility of a college scholarship. Apply : United States Bowling Congress

Brett Ratner Tuition Grant The Brett Ratner Tuition Grant through the New York Film Academy offers 100 scholarships for grants of up to $15,000. Students must show evidence for need of financial assistance and a personal statement on why they would like to attend the New York Film Academy. Apply : New York Film Academy

Fund for Investigative Journalism Grants The Fund of Investigative Journalism meets almost quarterly to review grant applications for those wishing to pursue investigative endeavors focusing on domestic issues or issues focuses on the US government. Grants average $5000 and are issued in two parts, the latter when evidence of progress is submitted. Apply : Fund for Investigative Journalism

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship The Institute of International Education awards the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to students who have received a Pell Grant for the term they are applying for as well. Students are also not allowed to study in countries with a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning. Apply : Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Annual Glenn Miller Scholarship Competition The Glenn Miller Birthplace Society, based in Clarinda, Iowa, holds an annual scholarship competition in honor of Glenn Miller. The contest is in its 37th year and awards two scholarships of $4000, $2000, and $1000, each to a one vocalist and one instrumentalist. Audition CD’s or tapes must be submitted in order to qualify. Apply : Glenn Miller Birthplace Society

American Academy of Chefs Culinary Scholarships The American Culinary Federation awards culinary scholarships to high school students, college students, and professional chefs looking to further their education. Requirements vary based on the scholarship applied for, but a strong passion for culinary arts goes a long way. Apply : Aermican Culinary Federation

Robert J. Marriott’s Scholarship Grant The Robert J. Marriott Scholarship Grant from the International Federation of Fly Fishers awards $500 to an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in biology or a similar field, such as fishery management. Apply : International Federation of Fly Fishers

Fashion Scholarship Fund Scholarships The Fashion Scholarship Fund awards numerous scholarships in honor of Geoffrey Beene, Jim Edleman, and others. Required application materials include a case study and personal statement. Apply : Fashion Scholarship Fund

$2,500 “Advice to Your High School Self” Scholarship Campus Discovery has a scholarship for $2,500 called the “Advice to Your High School Self” Scholarship. Students approaching graduation from college or recent college grads who finished an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree are eligible. Apply : Campus Discovery

James “Rhio” O’Connor Memorial Scholarship Fund Cancer Monthly has scholarships honoring James O’Connor, with over $10,000 in awards. All that is required is an essay on how Mr. O’Connor’s story of surviving 5 years longer than predicted is so inspiring and what you would do if faced with similar challenges. Apply : Cancer Monthly

NDS/DMI Milk Marketing Scholarship The National Dairy Shrine awards one $1500 and six $1000 scholarships to encourage undergraduates to pursue careers in dairy product marketing. Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Apply : National Dairy Shrine

Davis Law Group Scholar Athlete Program The Davis Law Group awards $100 scholarships to two high school seniors from January to March and then invites those students to enter a Sportsmanship Essay Contest for a chance to win an additional $1000 scholarship. Apply : Davis Law Group

Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc. Founders Fund Scholarship Theodore Gordon Flyfishers is a non-profit angling organization that promotes environmental protection, conservation, and various activities attached to activism and education. A Founders Fund Scholarship is awarded for $3,500 annually and the applicant must be planning on majoring in environmental studies, in areas such as biology, natural resource management, zoology, and other relevant fields. Apply : Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc.