Computer science is a vast and growing field, and it can also be a very expensive one to go to school for. If you are thinking about majoring in computer science or a program of that nature, you may want to look into the computer science scholarships available to you. Computer science students have access to a plethora of financial aid opportunities, so you should have no trouble finding a way to pay for college. As long as you maintain your grades and your commitment to technology, you can get through college free of student loans. Here are some of the many scholarships available to you.
Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Scholarships
The AFCEA offers a wide range of scholarships for computer science students. Many of those scholarships are listed below for your review. If you are college student currently enrolled in a computer-related degree program, one of these scholarships may be perfect for you:
General CS Scholarships
- Intelligence and Cyber Studies Scholarships: These scholarships are provided through a collaboration of the following organizations – Booz Allen Hamilton, Cobham Analytic Solutions, Computer Sciences Corporation, LGS, Lockheed Martin, Mosaic, Inc., Powertek, SANS, Terremark Worldwide, Inc., AFCEA Cyber & Intelligence Committees, AFCEA International, and the AFCEA Educational Foundation. The scholarships are valued at $2,250 for undergraduate students and $5,000 for graduate students. Students must be pursuing degrees in information technology, cyber-attack, cyber security, computer science, or electronic engineering to qualify, and they must be enrolled in a two or four year university. Applicants must maintain 3.0 GPA for eligibility, and they must display outstanding academic merit, financial need, and leadership skills.
- General John A. Wickham Scholarship: This scholarship is valued at $2,000, and it is only issued to college sophomores or juniors. Students must be enrolled in a C4I-related field, including: science or mathematics education; chemical, computer, systems, electrical, or aerospace engineering; technology management; physics; computer science; mathematics; or management information systems. You must hold a 3.5 GPA or higher to qualify for this award.
- William E. “Buck” Bragunier Scholarship for Outstanding Leadership: These scholarships are purely for students in the San Diego, California area who are currently enrolled as sophomores or juniors in a full time degree program. The awards are valued at $2,000 apiece, but they are not available for online degree students. To qualify, you must be enrolled in one of the following degree programs: mathematics; physics; electrical, systems, chemical or aerospace engineering; management information systems; technology management; or computer science.
- Young Entrepreneur Scholarship: This scholarship is valued at $2,000 a year, and it is available for full time students in accredited universities online or on-campus. Students must be pursuing a degree in one of the following fields to remain eligible for financial aid: computer science; computer information systems; mathematics; technology management; electrical, computer, chemical, systems or communications engineering; management information systems; or physics. You must have a 3.0 GPA or higher to qualify for this award.
- VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is sponsored in part by American Systems, and it is designated for students attending historically black colleges. The awards are valued at $5,000 each, and there will be two issued every year. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor of science program with one of these majors: physics; computer engineering technology; electrical, aerospace, systems or computer engineering; computer information systems; computer science; information systems management; or mathematics. Special consideration is given to students enlisted in the US military.
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Teachers Scholarships: These scholarships are provided in part by Booz Allen Hamilton, Terremark Worldwide, AFCEA International and several regional chapters of the AFCEA. They are valued at $5,000 a year for students pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees in a STEM related teaching degree program. 50 scholarships are issued every year, but students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to qualify.
Computer Science Scholarships with Military Connections
- Military Personnel/Dependents Scholarships: These scholarships are valued at $2,500 a piece, and they are available for honorably discharged U.S. military veterans, persons on active duty in the uniformed military services, disabled veterans, and their spouses or dependents. Applicants must be US citizens at the time of application, and they must be enrolled in a two or four year degree program in one of the following areas: technology management; computer engineering technology; computer science; physics; electrical, aerospace, systems or computer engineering; information systems management; information systems security; computer network systems; computer information systems; electronics engineering technology; or mathematics.
- Lieutenant General Douglas D. Buchholz Memorial Scholarship: This award is valued at $2,000, and it is only available for enlisted soldier staying at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or higher, and they are required to submit a 450 to 650 word essay to qualify. Only one scholarship is issued each year, and it is only given to students who are taking 15 semester hours or more in college.
Additional Scholarships
There are plenty of scholarships outside of the AFCEA. Some of those include:
- Society of Women Engineers Scholarships: These scholarships are allotted specifically for women in engineering or computer science degrees. The scholarships range in value from $1,000 to $20,000 a year, and many of those scholarships are renewable. In 2011, the SWE issued more than $540,000 in scholarships, and they plan to increase those numbers in the future. There are several scholarships available regardless of your grade or school, so check the online application form for more information about your options.
- Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund: The Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund is designed to provide funding for students pursuing careers in information and records management. Applicants must be citizens of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, and they must complete their applications by May 1 each year. Award values range from $1,000 to $2,000 each year, but the number of awards issued varies by available funding.
- Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship: This award is provided by Xerox, and it is designated for minority students pursuing technical degrees. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year based on the applicant’s school and academic status. You must withhold a “B” average or better to qualify for this award.
- Microsoft Scholarship: The Microsoft Scholarship is provided by the Microsoft company, and it accompanies an internship to work directly with the company for a summer. You must have a 4.0 GPA or higher to qualify for this scholarship, and you must be a full time student at a four year university. The internship that comes with the scholarship is salaried, so you will get paid to learn from professionals at Microsoft. Award amounts vary by year, so check the online application for more information.
As you can see, there are tons of computer science scholarships available for you to look into. Maintain your grades and commitment to education, and you will surely find a way to pay for your college expenses.
