As artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and other tech fields continue to boom, the demand for computer science talent is higher than ever before. However, a computer science degree is also more expensive than ever.
This guide outlines the top 10 computer science scholarships for 2024 to help motivated students fund their education and kickstart a career in this in-demand industry.
Why Pursue a Computer Science Degree?
Before diving into specific scholarship opportunities, it’s important to understand why computer science is such a worthwhile field of study. Computer science involves the development of algorithms, software, computing systems, and more.
It applies scientific principles and practical techniques to handle problems involving information formatting, storage, retrieval, and processing. As an rapidly growing sector, computer science careers offer excellent salary potential and job security.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Some of the most in-demand and highest paying computer science jobs include:
Software Developers – Median salary: $110,140 per year. Software developers design, create, maintain, and test software applications.
Computer Network Architects – Median salary: $120,930 per year. Network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets, extranets, and other data networks.
Information Security Analysts – Median salary: $103,590 per year. Security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their work involves risk assessment, installing security practices, monitoring networks for security breaches, and ensuring compliance with security policies and regulations.
So for motivated students seeking a stable, high-paying career, computer science is an excellent choice. Scholarships can help worthy applicants fund their education and break into this booming industry.
Top 7 Computer Science Scholarships of 2024
1. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
Award Amount: Up to $40,000 renewable annually
Eligibility: High school seniors and college undergraduates studying computer science or a related STEM field
One of the most generous computer science scholarships available is the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship. This program awards up to $40,000 annually to hundreds of students pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering.
In addition to the scholarship money, recipients gain exposure to Amazon mentors and internship opportunities. Amazon seeks to foster talent from all backgrounds and supports first-generation college students, women, veterans, and minorities. Applicants answer essay questions about their technical interests and future goals.
2. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Award Amount: Up to $138,000 for graduate studies
Eligibility: Graduating seniors and enrolled graduate students in STEM fields including computer science
For aspiring computer scientists interested in graduate school, one of the most generous scholarships available is the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. This highly competitive program provides three years of support for students pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.
Fellows receive a $34,000 annual stipend, $12,000 cost of education allowance for their university, and opportunities for international research experiences. Since its inception in 1952, the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship has supported over 50,000 graduate students, many who have gone on to excel in their fields.
3. Google Anthropic Open Scholarship Program
Award Amount: $5,000 renewable annually
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students in AI/ML safety research
Artificial intelligence is among the fastest growing fields within computer science. Google and its subsidiary Anthropic are committed to developing AI responsibly and ensuring the technology uplifts humanity. To that end, they offer the Anthropic Open Scholarship Program.
This renewable $5,000 annual scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students conducting research related to AI safety, robustness, and alignment. Applicants propose a research project focused on reducing AI risks and submit transcripts, references, and essays on their technical interests.
4. U.S. Department of Defense National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship
Award Amount: Covers full tuition plus $38,000 annual stipend
Eligibility: U.S. citizens pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in technical STEM fields including computer science
If your aspirations include public service and applying emerging technologies to national defense, the U.S. Department of Defense National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program (NDSEG) deserves consideration.
This highly competitive fellowship covers all tuition costs and provides a generous $38,000 annual stipend for both master’s and PhD students. In exchange, recipients commit to working after graduation in DoD labs and research facilities that develop solutions to strategic defense challenges.
NDSEG recognizes students with demonstrated potential to be R&D leaders and contributors to U.S. military technological and economic strength. It presents an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience addressing complex technical problems while avoiding major education debts.
5. Microsoft PhD Fellowship
Award Amount: Up to $160,000 for four years of doctoral research
Eligibility: Students pursuing a PhD related to computer science or software engineering
Want to conduct impactful doctoral research at the world’s leading technology company? Consider applying for the prestigious Microsoft PhD Fellowship. This exclusive program recruits top PhD candidates to pursue ambitious projects advancing Microsoft’s technologies and research goals.
Fellows receive a generous stipend of $40,000 annually for up to four years plus full tuition at their university. Microsoft hosts fellowship days and connects scholars with mentors across engineering and research labs. Past projects span areas like machine learning, data management, computer systems, security, and user experiences.
Microsoft PhD Fellows gain unparalleled applied experience and access to cutting-edge infrastructure few universities can match. The program nurtures the next generation of research leaders and provides supported scholars the resources to maximize their doctoral impact..
6. Facebook Fellowship Program
Award Amount: $50,000 living stipend, tuition coverage, and relocation benefits
Eligibility: Graduate students conducting applied AI or machine learning research
Facebook leads the tech industry in AI development and seeks top talent applying machine learning to social impact problems. Its Fellowship Program directly recruits PhD and postdoc students to influential roles improving technologies like computer vision, natural language processing, and recommender systems.
Fellows tackle ambitious projects at Facebook’s AI research labs over six to twelve months. Aside from the $50,000 living stipend, additional benefits include relocation assistance, health insurance, and tuition coverage for academic work. The fellowship also connects scientists across disciplines and opens doors to permanent roles after completion.
This exclusive program immerses future AI leaders within Facebook’s immense resources to fast-track research often impossible at universities alone. By facilitating applied learning at scale, it empowers scholars to maximize thesis impact and accelerate innovations shaping social computing.
7. Intel Foundation Ph.D. Fellowship
Award Amount: $36,000 annual stipend, tuition & fees coverage, professional development funding
Eligibility: Students pursuing PhD degrees in engineering, computer science and related technical STEM fields
One of the few fellowships awarding PhDs in engineering subfields like electrical, chemical, materials science and more, the Intel Foundation Ph.D. Fellowship stands out.
Approved universities in the U.S. and Canada nominate applicants annually, who then undertake a rigorous application scrutinizing their skills, interests and potential impact.
Selected fellows gain dedicated funding through three years of doctoral research. Additional perks include mentoring, leadership training, conference attendance support, and introductions within Intel and other high-tech firms.
Intel leaders envision fellows influencing computing’s future through publications, teaching careers and industry roles developing new technologies.
Conclusion
While computer science remains an expensive field of study, scholarships can help motivated students realize their education and career goals. The scholarships outlined here represent some of the most prestigious and impactful opportunities available for undergraduates and graduates pursuing studies related to computer science.
Whether your interests lie in developing practical technologies, conducting groundbreaking research, or applying skills in national security domains, these programs aim to foster talent from all backgrounds.
Scholarship selection committees seek students with technical aptitude, leadership potential, and a passion for progressing fields like AI safety, software engineering, data science and more.
For determined applicants dedicated to computer science, the combination of strong academics, extracurricular involvement, and compelling personal statements can help secure funding support.
These scholarships clear financial barriers to education while connecting scholars with industry leaders and applied learning experiences.