Scholarships for Computer Science
Be a Geek - It Pays!
If you're planning a career using a Computer Science degree, you'll want to read more into these available scholarship opportunities.
Microsoft Scholarships
Since Microsoft is the leading manufacturer of computer products and software, it should come as no surprise that the company is devoted to helping computer science students fund their college educations. Each year, Microsoft awards over half a million dollars in scholarships to deserving college students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who wish to pursue careers in computer science or related technical fields.
There are general scholarships, as well as scholarships for women, minorities, and students with disabilities. The Microsoft scholarships cover up to 100% of the student's academic year tuition as posted by the financial aid office of the university or college. Since the scholarships are for students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate degree program, students attending community colleges or pursuing graduate degrees are not eligible.
Recipients of Microsoft's computer science scholarships must complete salaried summer internships of 12 weeks or more at the Microsoft office in Redmond, Washington. Internships are awarded based on the scholarship recipient's skills and career goals.
To apply for a Microsoft computer science scholarship, you must submit a letter of referral, resume, essay describing your interest in technology, and a copy of your college transcript. Additional information about scholarship application procedures can be found on the Microsoft website.
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships are awarded to full-time sophomores or juniors pursuing careers in computer science, mathematics, or engineering. All applicants must have a grade point average of at least a "B" and be in the upper fourth of their class.
Up to 300 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships are awarded each year, with recipients from across the United States. The amount of the scholarship is based on the student's tuition, fees, books, room, board, and other eligible expenses as certified by a campus financial aid officer.
Scholarships awarded to sophomores are valid for the student's junior and senior year. Scholarships awarded to juniors are only valid for the student's senior year. All scholarship recipients must refrain from taking full or part-time employment that would interfere with their academic studies. In addition, it is expected that scholarship recipients plan to pursue advanced degrees in their field of study.
If you wish to apply for a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, you must be nominated by your college or university. Check out the program website to determine the name of your campus representative.
Check with Your College and Computer Science Department
Most colleges and universities offer awards to help offset the cost of your tuition and living expenses. For example:
- The University of Iowa offers computer science scholarships of between $1,000 and $3,000 to recognize the department's most promising students.
- University of Michigan students planning careers in computer science can receive scholarships of between $1,000 and $5,000.
- At Texas Tech University, computer science students can compete for scholarships of between $100 and $1,000.
Contact your departmental academic advisor or a financial aid representative to learn more about scholarships offered by your school.
If you're highly ambitious, you may want to consider applying for one of the larger national awards that can provide full-tuition scholarships and/or paid work experience. Although these scholarships are highly competitive, the effort it takes to complete the application process may allow you to begin your career relatively free of student loan debt.