Student debt can stick with you for decades. If you want to earn your degree without taking on too much debt, scholarships are a great resource. There are tons of scholarships out there. But it can be hard to find the right ones. Luckily, many resources can help you.
Scholarships vs. Grants
Scholarships and grants are two types of financial aid that you don’t have to repay. Grants are usually given based on a student’s financial need. The government, state, and schools provide them. To qualify for grants, students may need to show tax returns or bank statements. This proves financial need.
Scholarships are usually given based on merit. This can include academic success, special talents, or sports skills. Each scholarship has its own rules. Some may ask you to answer questions or write an essay. This helps them learn about you and your skills.
You may have heard that GPA and class rank always matter. But they don’t always decide who gets a scholarship. Some applications don’t even ask for them. Some scholarships pick winners randomly. However, these scholarships often have more applicants.
Types of Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are often based on a student’s grades or class rank. But many also consider activities outside of school. Sports, volunteering, or clubs can help a student stand out. This is especially true if they show leadership skills.
Identity-Based Scholarships
Identity-based scholarships are often given to minorities and underrepresented groups. Many of these scholarships are based on merit.
Need-Based Scholarships
These scholarships usually give money based on a student’s ability to pay for school. Applicants sometimes must meet income rules or other requirements.
How to Find the Right Scholarships
After you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can plan your finances. First, look at scholarships for your education level (undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, etc.). Then, narrow the list to the ones that fit you best.
For example, if you have good grades, focus on merit-based scholarships. You can also look for scholarships related to your hobbies or unique traits.
Scholarships are available through local and national groups, schools, and the government. Also, there are search engines that list scholarships from different places.
Free Government and Major Resources
1. Federal Student Aid
This is the official U.S. government site for all federal aid. It shows you all the grants, loans, and work-study programs you might get.
2. College Board’s Scholarship Search
The College Board connects students to over $6 billion in scholarship funds. This is the same organization runs the SAT.
3. Fastweb
Fastweb has one of the largest scholarship databases, with over 1.5 million options. It sends you alerts when new scholarships match your profile and interests.
Specialized Scholarship Finders
4. Scholarships.com
This website offers a huge database. It has a simple sign-up process. It matches you with scholarships based on your skills, interests, and background information.
5. Scholly
Scholly became famous after being on Shark Tank. It uses smart technology to find scholarships that fit your exact profile and qualifications.
Specialized Groups and Interests
6. Unigo
Unigo features fun, creative scholarships. These have unique essay topics. The site also provides guides on how to apply for different programs.
7. JLV College Counseling
This resource offers monthly lists of scholarships. The scholarships are organized by date, which helps you plan your applications.
Tips for Avoiding Scams
Some scholarship seekers are targeted by scams. To protect yourself, you can:
- Research scholarship providers to be sure they’re real. See if their website lists past winners. Make sure those winners were real.
- Don’t give personal information like your SSN or bank information.
- Ignore offers that ask you to pay fees. These aren’t legitimate.
- Don’t accept offers saying you won aid that you didn’t apply for.
- Report unwanted calls, texts, or emails to the FTC.
Final Thoughts
Your scholarship search doesn’t have to be hard. You might be surprised by how many options you can find! Big scholarships are great, but don’t miss smaller options that can also help you. Every dollar counts!
