Exclusive Math Scholarships with 2024 Deadlines

About math scholarships

The study of mathematics has long been a staple of the American education system. Originally taught only to clerks to aid in business administration, the subject was quickly realized to be invaluable not only for working with numbers, but for improving skills in problem-solving, logic, research, and data. Because of this, math is widely considered to be the most flexible of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degrees.

Because of this flexibility, math students are highly sought-after in finance, research, engineering, and business operations. This is also the case in academia, with positive job forecasting for high school teachers, college math professors, and researchers. The technology sector in the U.S., which accounts for 35% of the total world market, employs math majors for data analysis, operations analysis, management roles, and mathematical engineering modeling.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 26% employment increase for math majors between 2018 and 2028. Students have several paths to choose from to pursue these careers, from undergraduate degrees to Ph.D. programs.

With varying names to describe the undergraduate degree that a math student receives, it can be listed as a bachelor's degree in arts, science, mathematics, or applied math.

Almost two-thirds of people who major in math continue their education beyond a bachelor's degree, reflecting the rigor of the industry. However, half of all students pursuing a Ph.D. leave their program before finishing, with cost being a top cause. The average student loan debt for college students is currently $37,693, however, this increases to $117,146 for Ph.D. holders. With the median annual salary among mathematicians laying at just over $103,000, the eight years that it takes on average to complete a Ph.D. program is not financially feasible for many students.

So, despite positive job forecasts and high salaries for math majors, financial aid and college scholarships are important to support the financial well-being of students. With new exclusive scholarships posted regularly for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, Bold.org is a great place to start.

What is a math scholarship?

A math scholarship is financial aid in the form of money that is applied toward educational expenses. Individuals, private research companies, or scientific organizations often offer financial assistance to students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to encourage and support a future workforce in STEM occupations.

These grants go directly toward expenses for an accredited college education. This often means tuition expenses, but sometimes can apply to textbooks, computers, or other educational tools.

Can you get a scholarship for math?

If you are interested in pursuing a degree in mathematics or related disciplines, you have lots of opportunities to be rewarded scholarships to support your education, and all it takes is a strong application that meets eligibility requirements to be considered.

Anyone pursuing higher education can win scholarships, from high schoolers to graduate students. However, be sure that you only apply to those that you fit the education level for, as many target undergraduates or graduates specifically.

Applying for scholarships that meet your background is important. Finding those that are unique to you can increase your chances of being rewarded because the applicant pool will be smaller and more specific.

Students who demonstrate financial need may have even more opportunities for scholarships because of their financial status. Many donors want to help break the cycle of poverty, by giving financial support to encourage students that may be low-income or the first in their families to go to college.

The knowledge that these scholarship funds are available to low-income students often reflects a higher chance of them pursuing higher education.

How to apply for math scholarships

With all of the avenues available to students for financial aid and scholarships, starting to apply may be overwhelming. Beginning the process informed and confident is important, as you can carry this knowledge to scholarship applications throughout your entire education.

The Bold.org Categories page has scholarships grouped by applicant age, major, state, ethnicity, financial status, and more. There, you can also search by certain keywords, depending on what you've been involved in, or have an interest in.

The application process should be a place to express your passion and achievement, academic and extracurricular alike. Submission materials may include essays, art, videos, or other creative projects. Make sure that you carefully read all of the requirements for submission in the description of each scholarship that you apply for.

There will usually be a question or prompt listed for you to answer in your materials. For mathematics scholarships, this can cover what inspired you to study math, or STEM in general, and what your other passions are. Often, donors will want to learn all about you as a person, even if the scholarship targets only certain majors.

How to get a math scholarship

As a student pursuing math scholarships, you will often be eligible through your academic achievement, test scores, and involvement in STEM. However, there are a variety of other ways that you can make your application competitive if grades aren't your strong suit. Community service, mentorship, and extracurricular leadership involvement are all factors that review boards may take into account when choosing a winner.

For graduating high school seniors, or even younger students, there are things you can do now to improve your chances of being awarded. Keeping your grades high, staying active in clubs, and finding leadership opportunities can all contribute. You'll be able to talk about these in your submission materials, where donors will look for ambition in the steps you've taken towards higher education.

For college students interested in math, it's important to show that you are passionate about STEM in ways other than your major.

Are you the leader of a Mathletes group, or have you gone to any academic competitions? Do you tutor younger grades in math, or even help your little siblings with their homework? Are you in a club for life sciences that helps you understand real-world math a little better? These are all ways that exemplify your interest in the subject, and show how you can handle interdisciplinary work.

Lastly, while applying for lots of scholarships might increase your chances of winning, it's important to spend enough time on each application. Quality will be more effective than quantity, in this case, because your time is valuable. Don't waste time submitting half-hearted materials; your haste will come through to reviewers.

Slow down to make sure that the scholarship is from a reputable source, and that you match its requirements. Be sure that you've attached all required materials, and completed them well. If you still don't have success after this, don't give up.

There will always be more opportunities, and a student like you will always have a chance of winning. Even if you're well into your undergraduate career, you can keep looking for aid opportunities, with your new experiences strengthening your application each time.

Best math scholarships

Finding great scholarships means playing to your strengths. Math students in particular can play on their technical STEM strengths in scholarships and several are listed below to get started.

Math scholarships for high school students

High school students, whether in their junior or senior year, will set themselves up for success if they start applying for scholarships early. Those looking to become math majors in college have a variety of specific opportunities available to them.

Math scholarships for high school seniors

Miss Julie Oddo Math Scholarship

In honor of former high school math teacher Miss Julie Oddo, this scholarship is for students currently enrolled at Monroe High School in Michigan.

Virginia Jeanette Drummond Kissane Women in STEM Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is named after a familial matriarch who valued STEM education for young women, having taught chemistry, biology, and mathematics for over thirty years. To apply for this $3,000 opportunity, you must be an alumna of one of the Californian all-girls schools listed on the scholarship page.

"Equal Opportunity" No-Essay Scholarship

Open to any high school, undergraduate, or graduate student who has a 2.0 GPA or higher, this is an easy no-essay scholarship to apply for. As a recurring opportunity, there are rolling deadlines, and winners are chosen regularly.

Scholarships for math majors

Students should apply for scholarships throughout their college career in order to continue finding financial aid opportunities to support their education. This is especially important for mathematics and STEM majors, with an increased amount of students pursuing post-graduate degrees.

Below are scholarships available to college students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, with specific eligibilities outlined in the description.

Feltus Impact Fund Scholarship

This scholarship is in honor of Dr. Gere Feltus, a community activist from Texas who fought to be a voice for the unheard and under-represented. Any undergraduate or graduate student who is female-identifying and from Texas can apply if they are pursuing a degree in STEM, political science, or social science.

Jacob Daniel Dumas Memorial Scholarship

Inspired by the projected need of future professionals in the STEM field, this scholarship will support students who will become the new generation of the industry. Current mathematics majors in North Carolina are eligible.

CollegeXpress Graduate School No-Essay Scholarship

With an easy no-essay application, this scholarship is available to anyone considering attending graduate school. Apply early for this $1,000 opportunity, as rolling deadlines will reward early applicants.

Scholarships for women in math

To show support for under-represented groups in certain fields, some scholarships have identity-based requirements for applicants. Among college students, while women earn more undergraduate and graduate degrees than men, they earn less than half of all mathematics and statistics degrees. Once they are in post-graduate careers, women comprise only a quarter of computer and mathematical occupations.

Gender diversity encourages new perspectives, varied strengths, and larger talent pools in the ever-changing industry of mathematics. Below are some scholarships available to women pursuing degrees in math or STEM.

Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship

Looking to recognize a student who is extremely ambitious in pursuing her math-related career, this scholarship will reward one student with $1,000 for educational support. Female-identifying high school seniors or undergraduate students pursuing a mathematics degree can apply.

Rho Brooks Women in STEM Scholarship

This scholarship is for female high school seniors or current college students who are pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Submission materials include an essay outlining the biggest influence in your life, and how it has shaped your career aspirations.

Dynamic Edge Women in STEM Scholarship

Giving back to local communities is at the heart of educational support. A leading IT provider in Michigan and Tennessee, Dynamic Edge, seeks to support two female STEM students in these states through this $4,000 scholarship.

Frequently asked questions about math scholarships

How to find math scholarships

After applying for the scholarships in the list above, students may be interested in finding more financial opportunities. A good place to start is to speak with the financial aid office at the high school or college that you attend.

Local scholarships often have even smaller applicant pools, with eligibility limited only to students at your school. Graduate students who are teaching mathematics or doing research for their degrees can also often find more financial aid opportunities through their labs or mentors.

Paid summer internships are great avenues of connection and aid as well, besides gaining extra money for your efforts. Students majoring in math who have jobs related to the field have access to company scholarship programs, grants, and other private professional development experiences.

One such resource for STEM students to look into is the National Science Foundation. Funded by the federal government, this organization has a variety of scholarships and programs available to mathematics students, whether they are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

The Alaska Space Grant Program (ASGP) is another avenue of involvement and scholarship opportunities available to math students. Organized through the University of Alaska Fairbanks, this program sponsors teaching, research, and educational outreach for STEM college students.

New scholarships are posted on Bold.org often, so checking back regularly can also increase your reward potential.

How to apply for scholarships in your state

Applying to local scholarships will give you a higher chance of being awarded, by being a part of a smaller pool of applicants. Bold.org has scholarship opportunities organized by state here.

Eligibility requirements can depend on where your home residency is, as well as where you go to school if attending out-of-state. Students can also check their state financial aid website for more locally-based scholarship opportunities. For example, the Connecticut Office of Higher Education has a variety of federal grant and scholarship programs for residents.

To make sure you are eligible for a local scholarship program on Bold.org, fill out your profile with which state you reside in and where you're attending school. By doing so, you will automatically be eligible for location-based scholarships.