Computer Programming Scholarships

Updated November 28, 2022

Thanks to computer programming scholarships, you can turn your coding skills into free money to reduce tuition costs for your post-secondary degree. Scholarships are awarded by national associations and professional firms nationwide to financially support aspiring computer programmers with the goal of creating software programs that run beautifully. Resource: Top 10 Cheap Online Computer Programming Degree ...

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Computer Programming Scholarships

Thanks to computer programming scholarships, you can turn your coding skills into free money to reduce tuition costs for your post-secondary degree. Scholarships are awarded by national associations and professional firms nationwide to financially support aspiring computer programmers with the goal of creating software programs that run beautifully.

Resource: Top 10 Cheap Online Computer Programming Degree Programs (Bachelor's)

In today's digital age, it's becoming increasingly important to have talented programmers behind the scenes writing the codes in C++ and Python that make innovative software function. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the IT industry will add on to the 300,000 computer programmers employed in America at the average rate of 8%.

If you're looking to specialize within this computer systems design profession, below are 20 of the most lucrative scholarships available for earning a degree related to computer programming.

1. Anne Maureen Whitney Barrow Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 16th

Sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Anne Maureen Whitney Barrow Memorial Scholarship has been awarded since 1991 to provide $7,000 each year for a maximum of five years to female students enrolling in a bachelor's degree program for computer science, computer engineering, or computer programming. Applicants must attend an ABET-accredited institution in America or Mexico, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and not be receiving another renewable SWE scholarship. Applications must be accompanied by official college transcripts, proof of full-time enrollment, two letters of recommendation from STEM professors, and a current resume.

Contact

Anne Maureen Whitney Barrow Memorial Scholarship
203 North La Salle Street Suite 1675
Chicago, IL 60601
(877) 793-4636

Scholarship Link

2. Betty Stevens Frecknall Scholarship

Deadline: May 31st

In honor of a very successful woman who worked as the manager for a large programmer group responsible for the HUD information systems infrastructure, the Betty Stevens Frecknall Scholarship is granted annually for $2,000 through the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time as undergraduate students at accredited institutions in the United States with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in a program for computer science, information technology, computer programming, management information systems, or related fields. Recipients are chosen based on their scholastic achievement, leadership ability, and financial need.

Contact

Betty Stevens Frecknall Scholarship
500 North Michigan Avenue Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 224-9371

Scholarship Link

3. Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships

Deadline: March 1st

In partnership with the Seattle Foundation, Microsoft Corporation has created the Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarships to present $5,000 to two outstanding high school seniors of African descent who will be pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer information systems, computer engineering, computer programming, or other select majors. Qualified applicants must plan to attend a four-year college this fall, demonstrate a passion for technology, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.3, require financial assistance, and show leadership ability. Applications will be incomplete without two letters of recommendation, a current photograph, a resume, an official transcript, and two essays.

Contact

Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships
1900 5th Avenue Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98101
(800) 642-7676

Scholarship Link

4. Codeup Women in Programming Scholarships

Deadline: Varies

Since women comprise just 23% of programmers in America, Codeup has established the Women in Programming Scholarships to provide $1,000 to $5,000 to female college students who are considering a career in computer programming or software development. For consideration, candidates must answer a series of essay questions describing what motivated them to become a programmer, what character traits will contribute to their success, and what benefits women bring to the male-dominated programming world. Recipients will receive a tuition decrease to attend Codeup's Day Full-Stack Bootcamp or Night Front-End Bootcamp for further developing their programming skills.

Contact

Codeup Women in Programming Scholarships
112 East Pecan Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 802-7289

Scholarship Link

5. Etsy Hacker Grants for Women

Deadline: May 22nd

As the world's handmade marketplace dedicated to encouraging more women into computer programming and engineering, Etsy offers the Hacker Grants annually for $5,000 apiece to 10 female students wishing to spend three months full-time in New York at the Hacker School to become better programmers. Since Hacker School charges no tuition, the grants are designed for use in covering housing, food, childcare, and other expenses during the immersive learning experience. Women who are undergraduate or graduate students, experienced programmers, career changers, or other computer scientists are all welcome to apply for this opportunity.

Contact

Etsy Hacker Grants for Women
455 Broadway
New York, NY 10013

Scholarship Link

6. ExCel Computing Scholars Program

Deadline: February 1st

At selected universities across the United States, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has provided funding for the Excellence in Computing at Every Level (ExCEL) Scholars Program to present $5,000 annually to academically talented students pursuing a degree in computer science, information technology, software development, network security, bioinformatics, computer programming, computer engineering, and related areas. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program, have at least 15 credits of studies remaining, carry a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate a strong commitment for starting a career in computing.

Contact

ExCel Computing Scholars Program
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 292-5111

Scholarship Link

7. Google Code Jam Competition Awards

Deadline: April 12th

Offering 26 awards ranging in value from $100 to $15,000, the Google Code Jam Competition is hosted annually as one of the top computer programming competitions in the world consisting of intense algorithmic puzzles and multiple online rounds. Qualified participants must be at least 18 years of age, reside within a participating country, possess extensive programming skills, not be current employees or family members of Google affiliates, and register for the contest. Awards will be granted to participants who make it to the final round and complete a series of algorithm programming problems using Visual Studio or MATLAB within the time limit.

Contact

Google Code Jam Competition Awards
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 253-0000

Scholarship Link

8. Google SVA Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 27th

In collaboration with the Student Veterans of America, the Google SVA Scholarship Program is available annually to grant up to $10,000 in financial assistance to military veterans who are currently pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in computer science, computer engineering, computer programming, and other closely related computer fields. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited university in America full-time, maintain strong academic performance, be honorably discharged from military service, and demonstrate a passion for computer sciences. Selected students will also be invited to attend the Google Scholars' Retreat in Mountain View that summer.

Contact

Google SVA Scholarship Program
1625 K Street Suite 320
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 223-4710

Scholarship Link

9. IBM Destination Z Enterprise Computing Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st

In the amounts of $500, $1,000, and $1,500, the IBM Destination Z Enterprise Computing Scholarship is awarded each year to undergraduate college students who exhibit excellence in their enterprise computing coursework while pursuing a degree in computer science, computer programming, computer engineering, or other computing-related areas. Qualified applicants must have plans for a professional career in the mainframe community, be in outstanding academic standing, and attend a partnering post-secondary school with IBM Destination Z membership in the United States or Canada. A panel of judges from Rocket Software, Innovation Data Processing, Vicom Infinity, and IBM will select the winners.

Contact

IBM Destination Z Enterprise Computing Scholarship
1 New Orchard Road
Armonk, NY 10504
(914) 499-1900

Scholarship Link

10. Judith A. Sanders Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Administered through the Rural Technology Fund (RTF), the Judith A. Sanders Memorial Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to graduating high school seniors who are planning to enroll full-time in a two or four-year college to receive a degree in computer science, computer programming, software engineering, computer engineering, information technology, network security, information systems, and other technology fields. Qualified candidates must reside in Graves County within western Kentucky, have pride in their rural upbringing, and intend to lead a career in computing. Applicants must submit a completed application form with three essay responses showcasing their accomplishments and goals in technology.

Contact

Judith A. Sanders Memorial Scholarship
307 Tidal Rice Court
Charleston, SC 29492

Scholarship Link

11. Knight Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: December 1st

At Northwestern University, the Knight Foundation offers scholarships to cover half of tuition costs for individuals with computer programming and web development backgrounds who wish to pursue a master's degree through the Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications. Eligible candidates must have strong programming skills, wish to use their technological abilities in the journalism world, already have earned a bachelor's degree in computer science or programming, and have worked full-time as a programmer. To apply, students must complete an online application, upload a current resume, and write a 750-word essay discussing how journalism relates to technology today.

Contact

Knight Foundation Scholarships
1845 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 467-1882

Scholarship Link

12. Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship

Deadline: April 21st

Through the Armenian International Women's Association (AIWA), the Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship was established to honor a successful Armenian woman who enjoyed a long career as a software engineer and computer programmer for Raytheon. In order to qualify for this $1,000 award, female candidates of Armenian descent must be entering their junior or senior year at an accredited U.S. institution full-time with a major in computer science, technology, engineering, computer programming, or other technical science fields. Selection will be based on applicants' academic merit, future career aspirations, heritage, and financial need.

Contact

Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship
65 Main Street Suite 3A
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 926-0171

13. Oracle Scholarship for Excellence in Computer Science

Deadline: March 31st

Sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind (NFIB), the Oracle Scholarship for Excellence in Computer Science is awarded for $8,000 annually to a student pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer programming, or a related field. Qualified applicants must be legally blind in both eyes, reside within the United States, be attending a post-secondary institution full-time, and plan to form a career creating technologies for people with disabilities. Applications should include a 700-word essay, official college transcripts, college entrance exam scores, two letters of recommendation, and proof of legal blindness.

Contact

Oracle Scholarship for Excellence in Computer Science
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314 ext. 2415

Scholarship Link

14. P.O. Pistilli Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: March 6th

Offered by the Special Interest Group on Design Automation (SIGDA) for a maximum of five years of funding, the P.O. Pistilli Undergraduate Scholarship gives $4,000 annually for two to seven graduating high school seniors from underrepresented groups who wish to pursue a degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer programming, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. Eligible students must show high achievement in science, exhibit substantial financial need, be accepted at an accredited U.S. institution, and carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Applications must be accompanied by three recommendation letters, official transcripts, income tax returns, and a personal statement.

Contact

P.O. Pistilli Undergraduate Scholarship
9500 Gilman Drive Suite 0404
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 822-4884

Scholarship Link

15. Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 29th

Annually, the Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund is offered by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences to award $2,500 to two deserving college students majoring in computer programming, engineering, game design, sound design, art, animation, music, computer science, and other relevant fields. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited American college, have the intent of entering the game industry, carry a GPA of 3.3 or above, and require financial assistance. Candidates will be asked to submit verification of enrollment, two letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, and a two-page essay explaining their goals in interactive entertainment.

Contact

Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund
23622 Calabasas Road Suite 300
Calabasas, CA 91302
(310) 484-2559

Scholarship Link

16. Samuel L. Gravely Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Funded through Booz Allen Hamilton, the Samuel L. Gravely Memorial Scholarship is given each year for $5,000 by the AFCEA to full-time undergraduate students currently pursuing a major in computer engineering, computer forensics, computer programming, computer science, computer systems, cyber security, information technology, network security, and related STEM fields. Eligible recipients must be enrolled in an accredited historically black college or university (HBCU) in the United States, have attained sophomore or junior status, and possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Online applications should be submitted with a current official transcript and at least two professional letters of recommendation.

Contact

Samuel L. Gravely Memorial Scholarship
4440 Fair Lakes Court
Fairfax, VA 22033
(800) 336-4583

17. Scott Tarbell Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 1st

Within the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA), the Scott Tarbell Scholarship Program is hosted each year to distribute $1,500 to college students with a bleeding disorder who are planning to pursue a degree in computer science, computer programming, engineering, or mathematics. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, be accepted for full-time enrollment in an accredited college or vocational school, have severe hemophilia A or B, and demonstrate good academic standing. These scholarships can also be used by recipients to receive computer-related professional certifications, including MCSE, CNE, and CNA.

Contact

Scott Tarbell Scholarship Program
201 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37228
(800) 800-6066 ext. 5175

18. The Scobey Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 1st and December 1st

Named in honor of Dr. Porter Scobey, a beloved professor at Saint Mary's University who teaches computer programming, data algorithms, object-oriented programming, and Internet technologies, the Scobey Scholarship Fund was created to award $500 twice annually through SimplyCast. High school and college undergraduate students can utilize this funding to lessen tuition expenses for earning a computer science, computer programming, or computer engineering degree at an accredited North American institution. The scholarship committee looks for well-rounded recipients who show academic achievement, extra-curricular participation, relevant work experience, and future programming aspirations.

Contact

The Scobey Scholarship Fund
73 Tacoma Drive 4th Floor
Dartmouth, NS B2W 3Y6
(866) 323-6572

Scholarship Link

19. Upsilon Pi Epsilon Scholarships

Deadline: October 31st

In partnership with the IEEE Computer Society, the Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society awards four scholarships annually for $1,000 apiece to aspiring computer professionals who are pursuing a degree related to computer science, computer programming, computer security, computer systems management, or computer engineering. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program, attend an accredited U.S. institution, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, have UPE membership, and submit three certified letters of recommendation. Recipients will be chosen based on their academic record, extra-curricular involvement, recommendations, and goals in the computing discipline.

Contact

Upsilon Pi Epsilon Scholarships
2001 L Street NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 371-0101

Scholarship Link

20. Webucator Scholarships for Computer Science

Deadline: March 31st

Each year, the Webucator Scholarships for Computer Science are distributed for $1,000 apiece to full-time undergraduate or graduate degree students who are majoring in any discipline related to computer science, including computer programming. Qualified applicants must attend an accredited university in the United States, have completed at least one college-level computer science class, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and display a good understanding of computer programming. For consideration, students must submit a completed application with a resume, current academic transcript, letter of referral from a computer science professor, and a 350-word statement explaining their career aspirations.

Contact

Webucator Scholarships for Computer Science
201 West Genesee Street Suite 113
Fayetteville, NY 13066
(877) 932-8228

Scholarship Link

If you're interested in becoming a computer programmer, it's a smart idea to earn a degree to learn the specific programming languages involved in writing code and creating software. While computer programmers earn a high average annual salary of $80,930, you'll first need to invest in four or more years of tuition in higher education to reach this return. Consider applying to some of these excellent computer programming scholarships to reap a good ROI for your training in the complex inner workings of computer systems.

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