Legacy scholarships could fill a special place in your financial aid package and lower tuition costs while celebrating historic traditions.

There are three major types of legacy awards created to inspire the next generation. The most numerous legacy scholarships are administered directly by universities to attract the children or close relatives of alumni. Professional organizations and corporations sometimes reserve money to support the children of their members or employees. Lastly, some community foundations endow legacy scholarships in memory of successful pioneers to encourage young adults who follow in their footsteps. Though their competitive criteria differs slightly, all three kinds can provide big bucks for taking after great role models in higher education.

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Include the following 25 legacy scholarships in your search for the right funding fit.

1. American Institute of CPAs Legacy Scholars Program

Deadline: April 1st

The American Institute of CPAs Legacy Scholars Program celebrates the field’s pioneers by providing four coveted accounting scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 each. General eligibility criteria requires pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting full-time, attending an accredited four-year business school, being U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and holding a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference may be given to ethnic minorities of Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian heritage.

Contact

American Institute of CPAs Legacy Scholars Program

220 Leigh Farm Road

Durham, NC 27707

(888) 777-7077

thiswaytocpa@aicpa.org

Scholarship Link

2. Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarships

Deadline: January 15th

Annually, the Army Women’s Foundation (AWF) awards four types of legacy scholarships for $1,000 to $2,500 apiece to support the lineal descendants of female soldiers who’ve served in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Interested candidates must be enrolling full-time in an accredited community college or university from the associate to doctoral level with an academic average above 2.5. Applications must feature a transcript, DD-214 form, double-spaced essay, and two recommendations.

Contact

Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarships

P.O. Box 5030

Fort Lee, VA 23801

(804) 734-3078

info@awfdn.org

3. Auburn Spirit Foundation Legacy Scholarships

Deadline: February 10th

At Auburn University, the Spirit Foundation offers the True Blue Legacy Scholarships to incoming full-time freshmen who have had a parent/guardian or sibling graduate from the main campus in Auburn, Alabama. Relatives of alumni can earn $4,000 per year for $16,000 total unless other freshman merit scholarships are awarded. Admitted students must present a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and score at least 28 on the ACT or 1320 on the New SAT.

Contact

Auburn Spirit Foundation Legacy Scholarships

115 Quad Center

Auburn, AL 36849

(334) 844-7570

scholar@auburn.edu

4. Bertha Brimmer Legacy Scholarship Fund

Deadline: February 24th

The University at Albany, SUNY Alumni Association established the Bertha Brimmer Legacy Scholarship Fund to honor a Class of 1900 alumna who served as the tireless Executive Secretary until her passing. This $1,500 scholarship is reserved for incoming freshmen or new transfers who are the children or grandchildren of former UAlbany Great Danes. Selection is based on academic aptitude, commitment to civic engagement, and unmet financial need.

Contact

Bertha Brimmer Legacy Scholarship Fund

1400 Washington Avenue

Albany, NY 12222

(518) 442-3080

alumniassociation@albany.edu

Scholarship Link

5. Bound Tree Medical Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: March 24th

Worth up to $2,000, the Bound Tree Medical Legacy Scholarship is presented yearly to the natural or legally adopted children of active, retired, or deceased public safety workers, including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters. Qualified applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, enter a state-approved EMT basic or intermediate certification program, and write a single-page essay about their parent’s positive influence on their career.

Contact

Bound Tree Medical Legacy Scholarship

P.O. Box 8023

Dublin, OH 43016

(800) 533-0523

scholarships@boundtree.com

Scholarship Link

6. Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholarships

Deadline: February 3rd

Founded in 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks National Foundation grants 250 Legacy Scholarships worth $1,000 per year for $4,000 total. The competitive contest is open to the children, step-children, grandchildren, and legal wards of living Elks who became active members before April 2014. Legacy recipients who exhibit charity and integrity can apply funds toward any accredited U.S. colleges or vocational schools if community service hours are met.

Contact

Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholarships

2750 N. Lakeview Avenue

Chicago, IL 60614

(773) 755-4732

scholarship@elks.org

Scholarship Link

7. Fisher House Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: March 17th

The Fisher House Foundation applies proceeds from former President Obama’s book Of Thee I Sing to fund the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship Program. Legally dependent unmarried children under age 23 of active duty, retired, or deceased Armed Forces personnel who served after the 9/11 terrorist attacks could receive the $5,000 non-renewable award. Applicants must enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. undergraduate program with a cumulative unweighted GPA above 2.5.

Contact

Fisher House Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

111 Rockville Pike Suite 420

Rockville, Maryland 20850

(888) 294-8560

legacyscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com

Scholarship Link

8. Frances G. and George B. Buell Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

At the College of Charleston, the Alumni Association oversees five legacy scholarships, including the Frances G. and George B. Buell Memorial Scholarship in honor of the 1922 alumnus who served as a U.S. Army Colonel and his wife. The program only selects full-time incoming freshmen who are the children of former CofC Cougars. Online applications need a transcript, parent’s recommendation, list of extracurricular activities, and 500-word essay.

Contact

Frances G. and George B. Buell Memorial Scholarship

18 Bull Street

Charleston, SC 29424

(843) 805-5507

alumni@cofc.edu

Scholarship Link

9. Jerry Inskeep Legacy Scholarship Fund

Deadline: May 10th

Honoring the legacy of the Columbia Management Co. co-founder who died of liver cancer in 2009, the Jerry Inskeep Legacy Scholarship Fund is managed by the Community Foundation of San Juan Island for local Washington State high school seniors. Appropriate applicants will be accepted at accredited four-year colleges, hold U.S. citizenship, live on San Juan Island, take 12+ hours per term, and need financial assistance for their first bachelor’s degree.

Contact

Jerry Inskeep Legacy Scholarship Fund

640 Mullis Street Suite 104

P.O. Box 1352

Friday Harbor, WA 98250

(360) 378-1001

scholarships@sjicf.org

Scholarship Link

10. Kansas State Alumni Heritage Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

Kansas State University’s Polytechnic Campus in Salina awards the Alumni Heritage Scholarship for $8,000 per year or $32,000 total. It’s designed for out-of-state high school seniors with a parent or grandparent, whether biological or adopted, who graduated from K-State. These legacy scholarships remain renewable if freshmen maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in bachelor’s programs. There’s also a three-year Transfer Heritage Scholarship for $24,000 available.

Contact

Kansas State Alumni Heritage Scholarship

2310 Centennial Road

Salina, KS 67401

(785) 826-2672

polytechnic@k-state.edu

Scholarship Link

11. Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship for Women

Deadline: April 15th

The Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship for Women confers at least $1,500 in honor of the Bellevue graduate who excelled as the Vice President and CIO of Burns & McConnell. Funding is reserved for female high school seniors or undergraduates who are carrying on Paper’s passion for technology at an accredited two- or four-year U.S. institution. Ladies must hold a minimum 3.2 GPA, reside in Greater Kansas City, and display technical promise.

Contact

Kris Paper Legacy Scholarship for Women

1055 Broadway Blvd. Suite 130

Kansas City, MO 64105

(816) 842-0944

info@krispaperlegacy.com

Scholarship Link

12. Louisiana Tiger Legacy Scholarship Program

Deadline: November 15th

Louisiana State University (LSU) launched the Louisiana Tiger Legacy Scholarship Program in 2016 to provide $500, $750, and $1,000 awards to in-state residents whose parent graduated from or is employed at the Flagship Campus, including the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Eligible biological, adoptive, or step-children must matriculate full-time, achieve a minimum ACT score of 24, and score at least 1160 on the New SAT or 1090 on the Old SAT.

Contact

Louisiana Tiger Legacy Scholarship Program

1146 Pleasant Hall

Baton Rouge, LA 70803

(225) 578-3103

financialaid@lsu.edu

13. Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

The Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship offers $500 to $1,000 per year from Park University to honor the late Alumni Council Director’s 14-year leadership. The Alumni Association seeks incoming freshmen or transfers who are the spouse, sibling, child, grandchild, or niece/nephew of past Park Pirates. Like most renewable legacy scholarships, terms and conditions require making satisfactory degree progress with a minimum 2.5 GPA overall.

Contact

Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Scholarship

8700 NW River Park Drive

Parkville, MO 64152

(816) 584-6412

erik.bergrud@park.edu

Scholarship Link

14. Michael B. Coleman UNCF Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: July 22nd

The United Negro College Fund began the Michael B. Coleman UNCF Legacy Scholarship to support African American youth who will make history like Columbus, Ohio’s first Black and longest-serving mayor. For the $2,700, applicants must be U.S. citizens from “Arch City,” gain admission at accredited two- or four-year colleges, excel academically with a 3.0 GPA or greater, demonstrate significant financial need, and write a personal goals essay.

Contact

Michael B. Coleman UNCF Legacy Scholarship

1805 7th Street NW

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 810-0258

Michael.burton@uncf.org

Scholarship Link

15. Minnesota Masonic Charities Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Minnesota Masonic Charities (MMC) has donated over $42 million since 2004 to various generous causes, including the Legacy Scholarship. Valued at $4,000 per year for $16,000 total, this merit-based program supports the children and grandchildren of Masons who are graduating from public or private Minnesota high schools. Applicants must present a high-achieving GPA between 3.6 and 3.89, or apply for the smaller $10,000 Heritage Scholarship.

Contact

Minnesota Masonic Charities Legacy Scholarship

11501 Masonic Home Drive

Bloomington, MN 55437

(952) 948-6214

info@mnmasonic.org

Scholarship Link

16. NHA Past Presidents’ Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

Since 2008, the National Hydropower Association (NHA) Past Presidents’ Legacy Scholarship has granted $2,500 to the next generation of promising young water resources professionals. Interested undergrad or post-grad applicants must choose hydropower-related majors, such as engineering, biology, hydrology, environmental studies, and marine science. Other scholarship terms are finishing 60+ college credits, sustaining a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher, and being a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

Contact

NHA Past Presidents’ Legacy Scholarship

601 New Jersey Ave NW Suite 660

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 682-1700

help@hydro.org

17. NSPE Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 1st

Succeeding as legendary pioneers like Edith Clarke and Emily Roebling could be more affordable with the $2,000 Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship from the National Society of Professional Engineers. Eligible female U.S. citizens with current NSPE membership who are entering their junior year of an ABET-accredited bachelor’s program in engineering will qualify. Don’t forget to attach a 500-word essay titled “Engineering Career Goals and Aspirations to Achieve Them.”

Contact

NSPE Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship Program

1420 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

(888) 285-6773

memserv@nspe.org

Scholarship Link

18. Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship Award

Deadline: January 27th

The Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship Award was created in 2014 after the Michigan hockey captain and West Point hopeful died from heart complications. The $3,000 scholarship goes to a male or female high school senior who captures Ryan’s spirit and good sportsmanship in MHSAA interscholastic ice hockey competition. Candidates must also have lettered in at least two varsity sports, worked toward a superb 3.5 GPA or higher, and been accepted into a public or private U.S. college.

Contact

Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship Award

5143 Fourth Avenue SW

Grandville, MI 49418

(616) 254-6430

RyanFischer11@comcast.net

Scholarship Link

19. Steven P. Cramer Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

Cramer Fish Sciences, an Oregon-based, employee-owned company founded by Steven P. Cramer, offers a legacy scholarship to encourage future fisheries scientists with $2,000. It’s designed for graduate students affiliated with accredited U.S. institutions who are pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. degree full-time with a research emphasis on fisheries management issues. The mailed application must feature a cover letter, resume or CV, two-page project proposal, unofficial transcript, and advisor’s recommendation.

Contact

Steven P. Cramer Legacy Scholarship

600 NW Fariss Road

Gresham, OR 97030

(877) 977-0102

scholarship@fishsciences.net

Scholarship Link

20. Tahawus Legacy Education Fund Scholarships

Deadline: July 15th

Since 2014, the Tahawus Legacy Education Fund has awarded scholarships to young adults with biological or adopted parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who lived in the Adirondack mining village of Tahawus, New York, anytime between the 1940s and early-1960s. Eligible candidates must be matriculated full-time at accredited colleges, attain at least sophomore standing, achieve a 2.75 overall GPA or better, and engage in community service.

Contact

Tahawus Legacy Education Fund Scholarships

P.O. Box 406

Newcomb, NY 12852

joan.burkedesigns.burke@gmail.com

Scholarship Link

21. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: April 20th

Enacted in 2001, The American Legion Legacy Scholarship bestows up to $20,000 yearly upon the biological and legally adopted children of post-9/11 fallen soldiers and veterans VA-rated 50 percent or higher disabled. Eligible dependents apply during their high school senior year before entering a regionally accredited U.S. college or university full-time. The online application portal requires an official DD-1300 or DD-214 form, school transcript, and Student Aid Report.

Contact

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship

1608 K Street NW

Washington, DC 20006

(202) 861-2700

Scholarship Link

22. Truman State Bulldog Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: None

Rated America’s #1 public value in Consumers Digest, Truman State University in Kirksville offers the Bulldog Legacy Scholarship for $1,000 to Missouri and $2,000 to out-of-state residents. Automatic consideration is given at admission to full-time incoming freshmen who have a parent or step-parent who graduated with a Truman State degree. Funding could be added to the Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship for students with a minimum 3.5 GPA and ACT score of 23.

Contact

Truman State Bulldog Legacy Scholarship

100 East Normal Avenue

Kirksville, MO 63501

(660) 785-4114

admissions@truman.edu

Scholarship Link

23. W. Sanders Murell Alumni Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: March 16th

Worth $2,000 per year for $8,000 total, the W. Sanders Murell Alumni Legacy Scholarship is administered by the UAB National Alumni Society to entering freshmen whose parents hold bachelor’s or higher degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Qualified Blazers must matriculate for 12+ credits per term, maintain a 2.5 GPA or greater, achieve a minimum ACT score of 25, and display leadership in extracurricular activities.

Contact

W. Sanders Murell Alumni Legacy Scholarship

1301 10th Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35294

(205) 934-3555

uabalumni@uab.edu

Scholarship Link

24. Willie R. Evans UBAA Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

The University at Buffalo Alumni Association (UBAA) started the Willie R. Evans Legacy Scholarship, which gifts $3,000 per year, in 2009. It’s reserved for full-time undergraduates whose parent, grandparent, or legal guardian graduated from this SUNY campus. New applicants must be in the process of finishing 30 credits, register for the upcoming Fall term, display academic merit with a 2.5 GPA or higher, and submit a 750-word essay about their enrollment decision.

Contact

Willie R. Evans UBAA Legacy Scholarship

201 Harriman Hall

Buffalo, NY 14214

(800) 284-5382

ubfan@buffalo.edu

Scholarship Link

25. WTS International Leadership Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: November 23rd

Featuring over 6,500 members, Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International, Inc. has seven tuition assistance funds, including the $5,000 Leadership Legacy Scholarship for graduate students. This merit-based program awards female M.S. and Ph.D. students who are enrolled full-time at U.S. universities for advanced degrees in transportation-related fields like engineering, logistics management, or sustainable transportation. Emphasis is placed on leadership skills shown in active volunteer service.

Contact

WTS International Leadership Legacy Scholarship

3200 Tower Oaks Blvd. Suite 400

Rockville, MD 20852

(301) 622-7800

mferranto@wtsinternational.org

Scholarship Link

According to The New York Times, average prices for attending a four-year public college rose from a meager $510 to over $9,000 between 1974 and 2015. Private, nonprofit universities fared even worse with mean costs jumping from $2,000 to $31,000 per year in the same time frame. Luckily, dozens of techniques have also popped up for students to glean healthy amounts of financial aid that will make degrees less expensive. Whether you’ve chosen your parent’s alma mater or not, legacy scholarships are available to finance your own collegiate success.