Top 40+ Most Prestigious Biology Scholarships in the U.S Today

Best Biology Scholarships For Biology Students in the U.S

The study of life, or biology, is a cornerstone of the health sciences and the natural sciences. A biology degree is useful in many settings and can pave the way to more ambitious professional goals.

Jobs in the biological sciences are highly competitive, so a solid educational foundation is essential. Furthermore, numerous scholarships are available to students all over the world who wish to pursue careers in the scientific field.

Scholarships and other forms of financial aid for students studying biology or a closely related field are readily available in the United States. Academic performance, financial resources, family history, medical history, ethnicity, and other factors are all taken into account.

Below, we've compiled a list of the top biology scholarships available to high school seniors in the United States who plan to major in biology in college.

You can use these grants for anything from school expenses to rent. You can find funding to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in the biological sciences from a wide variety of sources.

Top 40+ Best 30 Scholarships for Biology Majors in the U.S

1. Gates Millennium Scholars Program – $12,000

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is an undergraduate degree completion fellowship in the United States funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Graduate students in the fields of science, public health, engineering, education, computer science, and others may also be eligible for this grant.

Each student will receive an award worth somewhere between $1,000 and $12,000.

2. Dr.Nancy Foster Scholarship – $42,000

This award in the field of biology recognizes Dr. Nancy Foster for her work in marine sciences at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as suggested by the name of the scholarship.

Graduate students working in marine biology, oceanography, maritime archaeology, or a related field are eligible for this scholarship, with preference given to students from underrepresented groups. It is the hope of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries that the scholarship program will encourage more women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in the fields listed above.

The scholarship will pay for the student's education, living expenses, travel, and any necessary training.

3. PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship

U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Enrolled or accepted to a U.S. college or university

Majoring in a STEM field

PixelPlex is offering a $2,000 scholarship to help with your education. The scholarship is intended to encourage students to enter STEM fields, such as biology. Each application period, the company will award one scholarship to a student who has written an essay on a topic related to current events in the technology industry. The deadline for essays is either June 5 or December 5.

4. 4‑H Youth in Action Awards

Current or former 4-H member

Age 15-19

The Youth in Action Award is a fantastic way to supplement your college funding if you have a history of participation in 4-H. Each prize consists of $5,000 in cash and an expense-paid trip to the nation's capital. You'll need to write an essay, share some photos, and make a short video (60 seconds max.) to apply to 4-H. These submissions are used to narrow down the pool of candidates to a select few, who will then advance to the second round and participate in an interview. All applications must be received by May 18th.

5. ABC Humane Wildlife Academic Scholarship

Currently enrolled at a U.S. college

Studying science, engineering, math, or technology

Identify as female

ABC Humane Wildlife awards the ABC Humane Wildlife Academic Scholarship with the goal of increasing the number of women in STEM fields. A brief essay is required as part of the application process. Each year, one winner will receive $1,000, and up to nine others will receive prizes based on how well they did in the competition. The money can be used for anything, including rent or a car payment. The deadline to submit an application is July 1.

6. Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program

Graduating senior in a high school in the Albuquerque metro area

Minimum GPA of 3.8

ACT of 30 or higher or SAT of 1400 or higher

Planning to attend college full-time

Students who have excelled in math or science are recognized with this award. Candidates must demonstrate their interest in pursuing a career in mathematics or science, as well as meet the rigorous academic requirements. Have at least one person vouch for you and send it along. The deadline to apply for this award, which offers $10,000 spread out over four years, is April 2nd.

7. NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program 0 $20,000

The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program is funded by the NIH and provides financial aid to low-income students who are committed to careers in the fields of biomedical, social science, and behavioral health research. This scholarship program will award up to $20,000 per academic year to cover expenses like tuition and books.

In addition, the scholarship provides funding for research internships and a job at the National Institutes of Health after graduation with a salary.

8. AABE Scholarship Program

GPA of 3.0 or higher

Graduating high school senior

African American, Hipic, or Native American

The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) awards scholarships to students from underrepresented minorities so that they can go to college and pursue a career in the STEM fields. A local AABE chapter will evaluate your application before sending their recommendations to the national AABE committee. The deadline to submit an application is May 15th.

9. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF) Awards

Undergraduate student

Enrolled in a U.S. educational institution

This summer fellowship is being offered by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) to students who have an interest in pharmacology research. If chosen, you'll spend your summer working on a research project and earning $2.8k. You can either submit an application through your school's SURF program or through ASPET for an individual award. Please submit your application by February 3rd.

10. Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship

Graduating high school senior in one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Fayette, Washington, or Westmoreland

Applying to a two-year or four-year institution

The Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship is awarded annually by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania to a student majoring in biology who plans to work in environmental protection or education. Each prize is worth $2,000. Personal statements and essays must be submitted with the application by May 4th.

Scholarships for Biology Major

11. Catherine H.Beattie Fellowship – $4,500

The Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship is a research grant for graduate students in the United States studying endangered, rare flowering plants in North Carolina and the southeastern United States.

Students studying biology in the United States are eligible to apply for a scholarship of $1,000 to $4,500. Catherine Beattie, former president of the Garden Club of America, is recognized here as a leading advocate for the protection of imperiled plant species in the United States.

12. University of Virginia Blandy Experimental Farm Undergraduate Research Program

U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Undergraduate student

Available for the full 11-week program

The Blandy Experimental Farm offers a summer research program where participants can spend 11 weeks working on ecology and environmental science projects. If you are selected, you will receive a yearly stipend of $8,260, as well as free housing and money to put toward your own research. You can also get help with your trip if you need it. The submission deadline is February 15th.

13. Boren Awards

U.S. citizen

High school diploma or GED

The National Security Education program gives out Boren Awards, which can come in the form of either a scholarship or a fellowship. Winners receive grants to travel abroad and immerse themselves in a new language or culture. Either you'll be applying to an already established program, or you'll be creating your own. Grant amounts range from $8,000 to $24,000, depending on the duration of the program. The deadline to submit an application for a fellowship is January 27; for scholarships, it's February 3.

14. CGCS Bernard Harris Scholarship Program

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Accepted as a full-time student to an accredited four-year program

The Bernard Harris Scholarship program, run by the Council of the Great City Schools, gives financial aid to minority students majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields of study. If you come out on top, you'll have $5,000 to put toward your college expenses. Each year, four people are honored by the Council. Please submit your application by April 6th.

15. Clarkston Scholars Program

College sophomore at an institution in Pennsylvania

Studying one of the life sciences

GPA of 3.0 or higher

Clarkston Consulting's Clarkston Scholars Program provides assistance to students interested in pursuing a life sciences-related profession. If you are a sophomore in college and would like to apply, you will receive $10,000 to be used over the course of your final two years of college. This award also includes participation in mentoring and partnering programs. By January 15th, please have all application materials submitted.

16. Creative Biolabs Scholarship Program

Enrolled at an accredited college or university

Majoring in a field related to science

Minimum GPA of 3.0

This $1,000 scholarship from Creative Biolabs can help defray the cost of higher education. The award committee considers academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities when reviewing applications, so be sure to submit all three when applying. On or before September 15th, please submit your application materials.

17. Dannon Microbiome, Yogurt and Probiotics Fellowship Grant

U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Incoming full-time graduate student in good standing

This grant from Dannon is available for those conducting research on the gut microbiome. Each year, $25,000 is split between two winners. The money can be used for school expenses or scientific investigation. The scholarship committee will consider your research proposal, academic record, and letters of recommendation when making their decision. The application deadline is February 14; the recommendation letter deadline is February 24.

18. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Age 18 or younger

U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Have a considerable body of work in one of the award categories

Available to attend the awards reception

This program, offered by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, will award you with between $10,000 and $50,000 to put toward your education. In the past, this award has gone to high school students who have developed technological platforms for the development of personalized cancer treatments and early warning systems for virus detection. A visual representation of your work must be included with your application. On February 10th, the application period will close.

19. Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Scholarship Program

High school senior in Salt Lake County, Utah or Orange County, California

Child of an Edwards Lifesciences employee

U.S. citizen or legal resident

3.0 minimum GPA

Show financial need

The Edwards Lifesciences Foundation awards twelve $2,500 scholarships to students majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics each year. Children of employees are welcome to participate in the program. The committee takes into account academics, school involvement, leadership, and other activities when reviewing applications. Make sure your interesting anecdotes get the attention they deserve. All applications must be received by May 26.

20. Throlson American Bison Foundation Scholarship Program – $9,000

The Throlson American Bison Foundation Scholarship Program was established by the American Bison Association (prior to its merger with the National Buffalo Association) to provide financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in agriculture, animal studies, human nutrition, and related fields.

The scholarship will provide at least $2,000, but no more than $9,000.

21. Emily M. Hewitt and Stephen K. Stocking Memorial Scholarship

Full-time student at any accredited post-secondary institution in California

Nature-related career plans

Major relating to the environment, recreation, biology, or history

In honor of Emily M. Hewitt and Stephen K. Stocking, two people who cared deeply about the environment, the Calaveras Big Trees Association presents this award annually. The prize for the winners is $2,000. Each applicant's enthusiasm for and clear commitment to the program's goals are major considerations for the scholarship committee. Please submit your application by April 15th.

22. EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Current sophomore in a four-year program

Majoring in a STEM field related to NOAA’s programs and mission

3.2 minimum GPA

For your final two years of university, this program can provide up to $45,000. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (which funds the award) provides winners with a paid internship in addition to the scholarship. Not only that, but you will also be provided with fully paid transportation to and from a training session as well as the Education and Science Symposium. The deadline for submission of application materials is January 31.

23. Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship

Current sophomore in a four-year program

Majoring in a field related to NOAA’s work

3.0 minimum GPA

This award, provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, can cover tuition and fees for up to two years of higher education to the tune of $9,500. In addition to being mentored and receiving funding to attend conferences, winners receive a 10-week paid internship at a NOAA facility. This is one of the most competitive biology scholarships out there, and it's designed to foster the next generation of scientists who will be interested in contributing their expertise to the public good. Send your application by January 31st to be considered.

24. Franklin D. Boyce Health Scholarship

Attending or planning to attend college with at least six credit hours per semester

GPA of 3.0 or higher

Demonstrated financial need

The John Randolph Foundation offers this scholarship to students majoring in biology who intend to pursue careers in the health care industry. The money will be sent directly to your school so you can pay for things like tuition, books, and on-campus housing with it. The evaluation committee gives more weight to academic performance and financial need, but they also consider your recommendations, extracurricular activities, and personal statement. The deadline to submit an application is February 15th.

25. Furman Scholars program

High school junior

GPA of 3.5 or higher

Significant community service or extracurricular participation

Leadership potential

Minimum test scores of 1360 SAT, 1360 PSAT, or 29 ACT

Each winner of Furman University's Furman Scholars program receives a monetary award of $20,000 or more. Winners are selected based on their performance in school and their level of community involvement. Before April 1st, your school counselor must submit your name as a nominee.

26. The Heinlein Society Scholarship Program

Full-time undergraduate student

Attending an accredited university with Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees

Studying one of the approved fields

Each of the three annual Heinlein Society scholarships is worth $2,500. The Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship, for instance, is restricted to women but others are not. All of the Society's awards require the same application, which requires you to write an essay on a predetermined topic and include a personal statement detailing your background and professional aspirations. The deadline for applications is April 1.

27. Jewels Academy’s Cognizant Scholarship

Female

Majoring in a STEM field

U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident

Enrolling or currently enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year accredited institution

3.0 minimum GPA

Attended two or more Saturday workshops at Jewels Academy

This award was established by Cognizant and is managed by Jewels Academy to encourage more women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Two of Jewels Academy's Saturday workshops in Des Moines, Iowa, are required for consideration. Please submit your application by May 7th.

28. Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarships

Documented learning challenge

Accepted to or attending an accredited undergraduate program

Majoring in a STEM field

Several awards between $500 and $2,500 are presented annually by the Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation. These grants can be put toward a variety of educational expenses, such as those associated with a learning disability, such as tutoring, books, and technology. A recommendation letter, transcripts, and proof of your challenge are all needed to complete an application. The deadline for online submissions is March 13.

29. Virginia Lakes and Watershed Association Leo Bourassa Scholarship

Attenting an accredited institution in Virginia full-time

Virginia resident

Have completed two or more semesters in an undergraduate program

Majoring in an approved field

The Leo Bourassa Scholarship is available to Virginia students majoring in a field related to water resources. This award is typically between $500 and $3,000 and is presented by the Virginia Lakes and Watershed Association. The scholarship committee will take your grades, work history, and extracurricular activities related to water resources into consideration. The deadline for applications is April 1.

30. College of Saint Mary Marie Curie Scholarship

High school GPA of 3.5 or higher or a college GPA of 3.0 or higher

Accepted to the College of Saint Mary

Majoring in biology, math, or chemistry

This award is made possible by the collaboration between the National Science Foundation and the College of Saint Mary and provides $80,000 to be used over four years of higher education. The winners also get a mentor, a conference stipend, invitations to networking events, free tutoring, and the chance to present their research at a professional conference. Submit your application by December 13; if selected, you will be contacted in January or February for a final interview.

31. Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program

Resident of Massachusetts

U.S. citizen

Enrolled in a high-need bachelor’s program at the University of Massachusetts

First-time bachelor’s degree seeker

Minimum GPA of 3.0

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education established the scholarship program to increase the supply of qualified individuals entering in-demand fields. Students pursuing a STEM degree at the University of Massachusetts receive this award. Full-time students can receive up to $6,500 annually, while part-time students can receive up to $3,250. The deadline to submit an application is March 20.

32. National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association Scholarship

Majoring in horticulture or bioengineering

GPA of 3.0 or higher

Achieved junior status at an accredited university

The National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association provides up to $4,000 in scholarship funding for students pursuing degrees in horticulture and bioengineering. You will likely be required to submit official transcripts and recommendation letters as part of the application process. The deadline to apply is May 1st.

33. Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship

Resident of Washington counties King, Pierce, and Snohomish

High school senior

Planning to attend a college in Washington state full-time

U.S. citizen

Awards from the Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund range from $500 to $2,000 per year, and recipients who maintain eligibility may renew their scholarships for up to four years. The application form can be obtained from your guidance counselor. You should also submit a photo, a letter of recommendation, your academic transcripts, and proof of your citizenship in addition to a copy of your FAFSA. The committee will ask for your SAT or ACT scores if you have taken either test. Before March 1st, please.

34. National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program

U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Accepted or enrolled at an accredited four-year program in the United States

3.3 GPA or higher

Demonstrated financial need

Undergraduates from low-income backgrounds can find help through a scholarship program at the National Institutes of Health. You must be committed to a career in health research, either in the biomedical, behavioral, or social sciences to be considered. Winners receive up to $80,000 over four years, or $20,000 per year, to use toward education-related costs such as tuition, fees, housing, and more. You will also be required to participate in a Summer Laboratory Experience and to work for the NIH for a minimum of one year after you graduate. The deadline to submit applications is March 18th.

35. Novus Biologicals Scholarship Program

Declared major in a science field

U.S., Canadian, or European resident

A student majoring in the sciences can apply for this $1,500 scholarship from Novus Biologicals. You can use the money to go to school anywhere in the United States, Canada, or Europe, and a high GPA is not a prerequisite. The application is straightforward, requiring only a brief personal statement and a written statement outlining your professional aspirations. The application deadline is July 29.

36.Recreational Boating Industries Scholarships – $1,000

Undergraduates interested in pursuing degree programs in biology and closely related fields like natural resources and environmental sciences are eligible to apply for this first scholarship for biology majors, which awards up to $1,000. The Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA) established the Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIEF) to administer the scholarship program.

The association's goals include fostering growth in, and ensuring safety for, Michigan's recreational boating sector. When funds are available, the scholarship can be used by employees, their families, MBIA members, and worthy students.

37. ACIL Scholarship Alliance Program – $5,000

In the field of laboratory testing, it has always been difficult to find qualified and excellent workers. The American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL) recognizes the importance of encouraging the next generation of independent laboratory professionals by providing annual scholarships of up to $5,000 to deserving students.

Students planning to earn their Bachelor's or Master's degrees in a scientific discipline like biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or geology are eligible for this Scholarship Alliance Program. High school seniors who have excelled academically and show promise as future leaders but who are also struggling financially are encouraged to apply.

38. BioOhio Scholarship Program – $1,250

This biology scholarship program was created in 2009 by BioOhio members to encourage and assist people who want to work in the bioscience field in Ohio. Only students living in Ohio who plan to enroll in a college or university in the state will be eligible for this scholarship grant, which is worth $1,250.

Applicants should be senior high school students.

39. Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship – $3,000

Undergraduate (junior and senior) and graduate students who identify as minorities and wish to pursue a career in the environmental sciences (i.e., biology, toxicology, ecology, and other related fields) are eligible for the Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship.

The financial award for the scholarship is $3,000 in total. Alternately, Brown and Caldwell may offer its recipients voluntarily paid summer internships.

Website:

40. William F. Helms Student Scholarshi – $5,000p

Undergraduate (sophomore and junior) students who are taking agriculture and biological sciences are eligible for the William F. Helms Student Scholarship. Students who are interested in studying plant and animal diseases are given priority for this biology scholarship.

After finishing the scholarship program, recipients are required to serve the Plant Protection and Quarantine division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) again (or possibly find permanent employment there). The award for the scholarship is $5,000.

41. Dennis Raveling Scholarship – $2,000

The Dennis Raveling Scholarship is given each year to students who want to pursue university degrees in the various branches of biological science, including botany, zoology, ecology, and more. It is sponsored by the California Waterfowl Association.

The criteria for selection will be based on the student's academic standing, the caliber of the work submitted, and general stance on protecting the environment. The number of students who can receive this biology scholarship grant each year is two.

Students who receive awards could receive up to $1,000 (for second place) or $2,000 (for first place).

42. Libbie H. Hyman Memorial Scholarship – $1,900

The scholarship program is named in honor of the late American zoologist Libbie H. Hyman, who made significant contributions to the study of both vertebrates and invertebrates.

Advanced undergraduate and graduate students who want to pursue degrees and conduct invertebrate research are eligible for the program. The grant for the scholarship ranges from $700 to $1,900.

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