You’re almost done with high school and thinking about college, but you have no idea how you’ll pay for it. Those tuition bills can really add up. Don’t panic just yet – you may qualify for a Subway Scholarship. If you work at Subway, you could earn up to $1,500 for college through their program. Even if you don’t work there, you can still apply.
Subway awards 33 scholarships across North America each year to graduating seniors. Keep reading to find out what it takes to score this tasty scholarship opportunity. We’ll fill you in on what they look for in applicants, how to put together a standout submission, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and more. With some discipline, creativity, and a little luck, you may snag one of these scholarships to put toward your future.
What Is the Subway Scholarship Program?
The Subway Scholarship Program is an opportunity for high school students to earn scholarships for college. The program offers substantial financial awards to help with your higher education.
Here’s a quick overview:
- The Subway Scholarship Program has awarded over $3 million in scholarships since its inception in 2001. So it’s a legitimate and rewarding program to apply to.
- Subway partners with your school’s Family and Consumer Sciences departments to provide the scholarships. So check with your teacher or academic advisor to learn if Subway scholarships are offered at your school.
- Multiple scholarships are awarded each academic year, ranging from $500 to $5000 per student winner. The amounts depend on your region and school.
- The program is open to any current high school student who will enroll in a two or four year college program. Applications often open in January and close by March or April.
- To apply, you’ll need to write a short essay on a specified topic related to food, nutrition, or business. A Subway representative, teacher or third party reviews and scores the essays to determine winners.
- Winners are selected based on their essay, academic achievements, community involvement, and overall passion for making a difference in the world.
The Subway Scholarship Program rewards students for their hard work. And the financial assistance can make a real difference in affording higher education. Be sure to check with your teacher or advisor and apply to be a winner.
Eligibility Requirements for the Subway Scholarship
So you love sandwiches and want a chance at some free college money from Subway? Here’s what you need to know to qualify for the Subway Scholarship:
Be graduating high school senior
To apply for the Subway scholarship, you must be graduating from high school in the current academic year. Whether you’re graduating early or on-time, as long as you’ll finish before heading off to college, you’re eligible. Sorry freshman through juniors—you’ll have to wait!
Have 3.0 minimum GPA
While your grades don’t have to be flawless to apply, you do need to have at least a 3.0 or higher cumulative high school GPA when you apply for the Subway scholarship. This proves to the selection committee you have what it takes to succeed academically.
Register for and apply by the deadline
To be considered for selection, you must create an account and submit your application on the Scholarship America Hub website by the stated deadline. This is usually March or April, but verify the exact date each year. Missing the cutoff will make your application ineligible for that year’s awards.
Attend accredited college or university
The Subway scholarship can only be used at accredited schools that grant 2-year or 4-year degrees in the United States, including online universities. Make sure the schools you list on your application meet the criteria.
Meeting these basics makes you eligible for the scholarship selection process. But additional achievements, honors, leadership experience and community involvement will make your application stand out from the competition!
How to Apply for the Subway Scholarship
Applying for the Subway scholarship is a straightforward process that any high school student can do. Here are the key steps:
- The application opens January 1st each year. Mark your calendars and be ready to apply on day one! This will increase your chances of being selected since they award the scholarships on a first come, first served basis.
- Gather information about your grades, activities, community service, and work experience to help fill out the application. Having this handy will make the process faster.
- Create an account on the Subway website. Make sure all your contact info is correct so they can reach you.
- Fill out the online application and answer all the short essay questions. Share your accomplishments and goals. Help them get to know the real you!
- Make sure to request a recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, employer or community leader. Choose someone who can highlight your strengths.
- Proofread the entire application before submitting it. Fix any typos! You want to put your best foot forward.
- Submit the application by the April 30th deadline. Mark your calendar with a reminder a week before it is due.
Applying for scholarships takes effort but it is worth it. With strong grades, diverse activities and compelling essays, you have an excellent shot at receiving a Subway scholarship. Stay organized, be thorough, and highlight what makes you shine. You’ve got this!
Subway Scholarship Application Tips
Apply for a Subway scholarship in just a few steps:
- Get organized. Make a folder to keep track of requirements, deadlines, essays and more for each scholarship you want to apply for.
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully. Most Subway scholarships have requirements for GPA, field of study, school year, and/or financial need. Make sure you meet the qualifications before applying.
- Start your application early. Rushing through at the last minute can lead to mistakes and a weaker overall application. Give yourself time.
- Follow the directions. Pay close attention to all instructions regarding essay formatting, word or page limits, letters of recommendation, and requested supporting documents.
- Write strong essays. The essay is your chance to share who you are beyond test scores and grades. Be personable and genuine. Have someone proofread them when you’re done.
- Submit requested documents. In addition to essays, you’ll likely need to submit things like your transcript, FAFSA, SAR report, recommendation letters, etc. Gather everything on the checklist.
- Apply every year. Scholarship programs change annually. You might not be eligible one year but qualify the next based on program criteria updates.
- Have someone review before submitting. It’s easy to overlook errors in your own application. Ask a teacher, counselor, or parent to review. A fresh set of eyes can make all the difference.
Following these application tips will help ensure your Subway scholarship submission is complete, polished, and ready to help you achieve your higher education dreams. With some time and effort, scholarship money for college or vocational school could be a possibility!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Subway Scholarship
Here are answers to some of the key questions students have about applying for the Subway scholarship program.
How do I qualify?
To apply for the Subway scholarship, you must be currently enrolled in high school or home school in the United States and plan to attend a two- or four-year university program or vocational/technical school. You also need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
When are applications due?
Applications for the Subway scholarship program open in January and close in April of each year. Check the official rules for exact dates. Submit your completed application before the April deadline.
How do I apply?
To apply, go to Subway’s scholarship website and create an account. You will need to fill out an online application form and submit an essay on a given topic. An official school transcript is also required. Follow all instructions carefully.
What is the award amount?
The Subway scholarship awards multiple prizes up to $5,000 per student per year. The total awarded varies each year so check the site for current details. Awards may be renewable for up to four years.
What costs does the scholarship cover?
The Subway scholarship money can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing or transportation costs related to attending your chosen accredited post-secondary school. Funds are sent directly to the educational institution.
Applying for scholarships can take time but is well worth the effort. The Subway scholarship is a great opportunity to help cover education costs. Check eligibility rules and start your application today!
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? If you’re a driven high school student looking to lighten your financial load for college, the Subway Scholarship is a prime opportunity that’s absolutely worth your time to apply. With accessible eligibility requirements like strong academics and community involvement – stuff you may already be doing anyway – it just makes good sense to throw your hat in the ring.
Take some time to polish those application essays and accentuate how your dreams align with Subway’s vision to create a standout entry. If you put the work in on the front-end, you could easily find yourself the thrilled recipient of one of these generous scholarships. Keep believing in yourself, stay focused on serving others even in small ways, and get ready to celebrate when you’ve won free college money by doing more of what you love!
