Looking for some scholarship money đź’°? By signing up for free below, we’ll send you some great new scholarships we think you should check out. Plus, you’ll be the fist to know about Get Schooled’s exclusive scholarships!
There are millions of dollars out there in scholarships right now, but knowing where and how to find legit, high-quality ones is key. To make your search easier and safer, we did research on free, trustworthy websites for you. Each of the websites listed here have been carefully vetted by the Get Schooled team to ensure they protect your personal information and show you the best college scholarships out there! Here are some of the best scholarship websites for finding money.
Websites that won’t sell your data
JLV College Counseling Scholarships
Created by a former college admissions counselor, JLV College Counseling connects students to scholarship opportunities, college application and admissions resources, and more. Scholarships are categorized by deadline, month, majors, and areas of interest. No sign up is required.
Scholarships360
Founded by two first-generation college graduates, Scholarships360 is a free-of-charge (and spam!) platform for finding up-to-date and vetted scholarships. The site also has helpful tips for finding and applying for scholarships, as well as essential FAFSA information. Sign up is required.
Going Merry
Founded by graduates of Carnegie Mellon and Stanford who relied on scholarships to fund their college education, Going Merry aims to make finding and applying for scholarships easy for students. Scholarships are broken down by specific categories, including scholarships for women, minorities, and scholarships by state. Additional financial aid and FAFSA resources are available on the site to help you understand your financial aid options. Sign up is required to apply for scholarships directly on the website.
Get Schooled
Get Schooled can help! Use our free Scholarship Finder to gain access to over 21,000 scholarships. No sign up is required! Click the image below to start your search.
Websites that may sell your data unless you request they don’t
Access Scholarships
Using Access Scholarship’s free Scholarship Search will lead you to thousands of available scholarships. Making a profile is recommended to tailor your search and match you to opportunities you’re eligible for.
Bold.org
Bold.org enables individuals and companies to create targeted scholarships, fellowships, and grants on their platform. Scholarships are broken down by state, ethnicity, education level, major, and more to make searching easy! Sign up is required to apply for scholarships.
Fastweb
Fun fact: Fastweb was the very first college scholarship search website ever! For over 30 years, their team has helped students find and apply for all kinds of scholarships, learn more about financial aid, and even help them search for part-time jobs. Sign up is required to see and apply for the over 1.5 million scholarships Fastweb offers on its database.
Scholarships.com
Scholarships.com has a large database of scholarships (over 3.7 million!), as well as free, printable resources for students preparing to apply to college. Sign up is required to begin searching.
Websites that may sell your data
These scholarship websites and databases are legit and trustworthy, but are more likely to sell your information (age, address, email, etc.) to third parties. We urge you to be intentional about the scholarships you apply for and what information you share.
Applying for scholarships? Stay on top of every deadline and requirement with our free Scholarship Application Requirements Tracker. Use it to stay organized and increase your chances of winning free money for college!
Starting your scholarship search? Use our free scholarship requirements tracker to stay organized! It’s an easy way to keep track of deadlines, required materials, and submission details all in one place. Download it now to stay focused and stress-free while applying for scholarships!
To make a copy of the Google Sheets version, click the image below!
To make a copy of the Google Docs version, click the image below!
Start your scholarship search using our Scholarship Finder!
There are millions (yes, millions) of dollars in scholarships available out there for students right now! The key is knowing where to find high-quality ones that match your interests and goals. In this article, we’ll show you how to find scholarships for college!
Think about your interests, background, and goals
Because there are so many scholarships out there, it’s likely that many you find will align with your interests and goals. Taking a moment to reflect on these things before starting your search can help you narrow down which you will and won’t apply for. What do you want to study in college? What causes do you believe in? What are your academic and career goals? No matter your answers, there’s a scholarship out there for you!
Use trustworthy websites and databases
While there are many trustworthy scholarship websites and databases out there, others unfortunately may sell student data, bombard users with advertisements, or attempt to scam students. To make your search easier and safer, we made a list of the best scholarship websites for finding money, a list of legit websites categorized into those that don’t sell data, those that do, and those that might if you don’t specifically request that they don’t.
A general rule is that legit scholarships will:
Never ask you to pay to apply. If you’re ever asked to pay, leave the website.
Usually never ask you extremely personal or sensitive information, such as citizenship or DACA status, sexual orientation, etc. If you’re asked for this information, or if you’re uncomfortable sharing it, we recommend not applying. If you’re unsure about the questions being asked on an application, review them with an educator or parent/guardian to make sure they’re trustworthy.
Usually list previous winners. If you can’t find previous winners listed anywhere on the website, we recommend not applying.
Never state that you are guaranteed the scholarship. If you see any language claiming that all applicants will be awarded a scholarship, be weary of applying and ask an educator.
Stay on top of deadlines and application requirements
If you’ve found multiple scholarships you’re interested in applying for, you might be wondering how to stay organized with different application requirements, essays, and due dates. We can help with that! Our free scholarship application requirements tracker, both on Google Docs and Sheets, can help you stay organized during your search.
Look locally
There may be some community or religious foundations in your area that award scholarships to college students. To find them, research on your city or county’s website or social media pages, or check in with your school counselor. While local scholarships might offer less money than bigger name ones, they’re still valuable. Whether it’s $500 or $20,000, any free money you can get for college helps!
Use Get Schooled’s free scholarship resources
Scholarship Finder
Explore our database of 21,000+ scholarships to start your search! Click the image below to start searching and applying.
Our scholarship lists
Check out our hand-picked scholarship lists. They’re categorized by interest, dollar amount, and even state to connect you to even more opportunities to fund your education. We update them regularly to ensure you receive the most accurate information possible.
Essay review
Need a second opinion on your scholarship application essay? Submit it to us for free review! We’ll have it back to you within 7-10 business days with personalized, actionable feedback.
Applying for scholarships is a marathon!
There are usually fewer awards than the amount of qualified applicants per scholarship, so rejection is unfortunately a part of the process. Don’t be discouraged! Because there are so many out there, you can find great ones that you have a solid chance of receiving. The more you apply for, the higher your chances are of receiving money for college.
Applying for scholarships? Stay on top of every deadline and requirement with our free Scholarship Application Requirements Tracker. Use it to stay organized and increase your chances of winning free money for college!
You don’t need to wait until your senior year of high school to search. There are scholarships you can apply for as early as your junior year! If you find some that aren’t open yet or aren’t due for a few months, be sure to save them to apply for later. The earlier you start your search, the sooner you can familiarize yourself with typical application requirements, begin brainstorming and drafting a personal statement that can be tailored to each scholarship you apply for, and give the people writing you letters of recommendation plenty of time and notice.
Should I apply before or after I’m accepted to colleges?
Since there are so many scholarships out there with varying deadlines, we recommend both searching and applying before and after you’re accepted to colleges.
I’m already in college. Is it too late to apply for scholarships?
No! There are tons of scholarships available to students of all ages, demographics, years in school, areas of interest, and majors. It’s never too late to find money for college, so consistently searching is important.
Where to look
Where should I look?
Why not start your search on Scholarship Finder? Our database has over 21,000 available scholarships. Be sure to search by your identity, location, area of study, and more to find just the right fit. Click the image below to start searching!
How do I know if a scholarship is legit?
There are some specific things to look out for:
Does the website list previous winners? Legit scholarships will typically list previous winners somewhere on their homepage. If you can’t find them anywhere, it’s usually a red flag.
Do you have to pay to apply? Legit scholarships will NEVER require payment. If you see any fees listed, don’t apply.
Legit scholarships are transparent with applicants about required application materials, deadlines, and timelines. If something seems off, it probably is–so keep searching somewhere else. Always trust your gut and use your judgment!
FAFSA & state financial aid
Do I need to complete the FAFSA or state financial aid applications before applying?
In most cases, yes. Many scholarships require applicants to complete the FAFSA before applying because they may request a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary with your application.
Because of this requirement, undocumented students may be a bit more restricted in what they can apply for. However, if you’re an undocumented student, you can apply for scholarships that do not list a citizenship requirement or ask you to submit FAFSA information. You may be able to apply for certain scholarships that require FAFSA documentation once you’ve completed a state financial aid application (if your state offers it). Be sure to double-check application requirements to learn more.
Miscellaneous
Does taking a gap year hurt my chances?
Potentially, yes. Some scholarships are only awarded to students transitioning directly from high school to college. If you already received a scholarship and are now considering taking a gap year, be sure to communicate clearly with the organization about your plans. They may not be able to award you the money until you begin college.
Do I have to re-apply for scholarships every year?
It depends. Some are granted only once, while others may be eligible for renewal each term or academic year depending on requirements such as grades, GPA, or the amount of credits you’re taking (full-time vs. part-time). If you receive a scholarship, be sure to ask about any renewal requirements you will need to follow to keep it.
Are scholarships universally accepted by all colleges? How are they processed?
They should be. Private scholarships will likely mail a check to you that you can use to pay your student balance. The organization may also send it directly to your college. If they can’t process it, be sure to talk to someone who represents the private scholarship as well as a financial aid officer at your school to troubleshoot. Scholarships awarded directly to you by your college will be applied to your student account.
Are there scholarships for students with GPAs less than 3.0?
Yes! Google “scholarships with no GPA requirements” or check out Niche’s list to start your search.
Application materials
Do scholarships require SAT/ACT test scores?
Each will have different application requirements, so be sure to thoroughly read them before applying. Some may require SAT or ACT scores, while others won’t.
How long should my application essay be?
It depends on what you’re applying for. If you’re required to write an essay, you should receive clear instructions on how to write and submit it. If you can’t find this information easily, email the organization to learn more.
Can I reuse letters of recommendation to apply?
Typically yes–but always:
Check in with the person who wrote you a letter of recommendation to give them a head’s up before submitting it. This way they’ll be prepared in case someone reaches out to them.
Be sure the letter of recommendation doesn’t reference a different scholarship.
Get Schooled has free scholarship resources for you!
Applying for scholarships? Stay on top of every deadline and requirement with our free Scholarship Application Requirements Tracker. Use it to stay organized and increase your chances of winning free money for college!
There are millions (yes, millions) of dollars in scholarships available out there for students right now! The key is knowing where to find high-quality ones that match your interests and goals. In this article, we’ll show you how to find scholarships for college!Â
Think about your interests, background, and goals
Because there are so many scholarships out there, it’s likely that many you find will align with your interests and goals. Taking a moment to reflect on these things before starting your search can help you narrow down which you will and won’t apply for. What do you want to study in college? What causes do you believe in? What are your academic and career goals? No matter your answers, there’s a scholarship out there for you!
Use trustworthy websites and databases
While there are many trustworthy scholarship websites and databases out there, others unfortunately may sell student data, bombard users with advertisements, or attempt to scam students. To make your search easier and safer, we made a list of the best scholarship websites for finding money, a list of legit websites categorized into those that don’t sell data, those that do, and those that might if you don’t specifically request that they don’t.
A general rule is that legit scholarships will:Â
Never ask you to pay to apply. If you’re ever asked to pay, leave the website.
Usually never ask you extremely personal or sensitive information, such as citizenship or DACA status, sexual orientation, etc. If you’re asked for this information, or if you’re uncomfortable sharing it, we recommend not applying. If you’re unsure about the questions being asked on an application, review them with an educator or parent/guardian to make sure they’re trustworthy.
Usually list previous winners. If you can’t find previous winners listed anywhere on the website, we recommend not applying.
Never state that you are guaranteed the scholarship. If you see any language claiming that all applicants will be awarded a scholarship, be weary of applying and ask an educator.
Stay on top of deadlines and application requirements
If you’ve found multiple scholarships you’re interested in applying for, you might be wondering how to stay organized with different application requirements, essays, and due dates. We can help with that! Our free scholarship application requirements tracker, both on Google Docs and Sheets, can help you stay organized during your search.
Look locally
There may be some community or religious foundations in your area that award scholarships to college students. To find them, research on your city or county’s website or social media pages, or check in with your school counselor. While local scholarships might offer less money than bigger name ones, they’re still valuable. Whether it’s $500 or $20,000, any free money you can get for college helps!
Use Get Schooled’s free scholarship resources
Scholarship Finder
Explore our database of 21,000+ scholarships to start your search! Click the image below to start searching and applying.
Our scholarship lists
Check out our hand-picked scholarship lists. They’re categorized by interest, dollar amount, and even state to connect you to even more opportunities to fund your education. We update them regularly to ensure you receive the most accurate information possible.
Essay review
Need a second opinion on your scholarship application essay? Submit it to us for free review! We’ll have it back to you within 7-10 business days with personalized, actionable feedback.
Applying for scholarships is a marathon!
There are usually fewer awards than the amount of qualified applicants per scholarship, so rejection is unfortunately a part of the process. Don’t be discouraged! Because there are so many out there, you can find great ones that you have a solid chance of receiving. The more you apply for, the higher your chances are of receiving money for college.
Applying for scholarships? Stay on top of every deadline and requirement with our free Scholarship Application Requirements Tracker. Use it to stay organized and increase your chances of winning free money for college!
Starting your scholarship search? Use our free scholarship requirements tracker to stay organized! It’s an easy way to keep track of deadlines, required materials, and submission details all in one place. Download it now to stay focused and stress-free while applying for scholarships!
To make a copy of the Google Sheets version, click the image below!
To make a copy of the Google Docs version, click the image below!
Start your scholarship search using our Scholarship Finder!
There are millions of dollars out there in scholarships right now, but knowing where and how to find legit, high-quality ones is key. To make your search easier and safer, we did research on free, trustworthy websites for you. Each of the websites listed here have been carefully vetted by the Get Schooled team to ensure they protect your personal information and show you the best college scholarships out there! Here are some of the best scholarship websites for finding money.
Websites that won’t sell your data
JLV College Counseling Scholarships
Created by a former college admissions counselor, JLV College Counseling connects students to scholarship opportunities, college application and admissions resources, and more. Scholarships are categorized by deadline, month, majors, and areas of interest. No sign up is required.
Scholarships360
Founded by two first-generation college graduates, Scholarships360 is a free-of-charge (and spam!) platform for finding up-to-date and vetted scholarships. The site also has helpful tips for finding and applying for scholarships, as well as essential FAFSA information. Sign up is required.
Going Merry
Founded by graduates of Carnegie Mellon and Stanford who relied on scholarships to fund their college education, Going Merry aims to make finding and applying for scholarships easy for students. Scholarships are broken down by specific categories, including scholarships for women, minorities, and scholarships by state. Additional financial aid and FAFSA resources are available on the site to help you understand your financial aid options. Sign up is required to apply for scholarships directly on the website.
Get Schooled
Get Schooled can help! Use our free Scholarship Finder to gain access to over 21,000 scholarships. No sign up is required! Click the image below to start your search.
Websites that may sell your data unless you request they don’t
Access Scholarships
Using Access Scholarship’s free Scholarship Search will lead you to thousands of available scholarships. Making a profile is recommended to tailor your search and match you to opportunities you’re eligible for.Â
Bold.org
Bold.org enables individuals and companies to create targeted scholarships, fellowships, and grants on their platform. Scholarships are broken down by state, ethnicity, education level, major, and more to make searching easy! Sign up is required to apply for scholarships.
Fastweb
Fun fact: Fastweb was the very first college scholarship search website ever! For over 30 years, their team has helped students find and apply for all kinds of scholarships, learn more about financial aid, and even help them search for part-time jobs. Sign up is required to see and apply for the over 1.5 million scholarships Fastweb offers on its database.
Scholarships.com
Scholarships.com has a large database of scholarships (over 3.7 million!), as well as free, printable resources for students preparing to apply to college. Sign up is required to begin searching.
Websites that may sell your data
These scholarship websites and databases are legit and trustworthy, but are more likely to sell your information (age, address, email, etc.) to third parties. We urge you to be intentional about the scholarships you apply for and what information you share.
Applying for scholarships? Stay on top of every deadline and requirement with our free Scholarship Application Requirements Tracker. Use it to stay organized and increase your chances of winning free money for college!
Looking for some scholarship money đź’°? By signing up for free below, we’ll send you some great new scholarships we think you should check out. Plus, you’ll be the fist to know about Get Schooled’s exclusive scholarships!
Sign In to Get Scholarship Alerts
Create a free account or sign in to get scholarship reminders and updates sent to you.
You don’t need to wait until your senior year of high school to search. There are scholarships you can apply for as early as your junior year! If you find some that aren’t open yet or aren’t due for a few months, be sure to save them to apply for later. The earlier you start your search, the sooner you can familiarize yourself with typical application requirements, begin brainstorming and drafting a personal statement that can be tailored to each scholarship you apply for, and give the people writing you letters of recommendation plenty of time and notice.Â
Should I apply before or after I’m accepted to colleges?
Since there are so many scholarships out there with varying deadlines, we recommend both searching and applying before and after you’re accepted to colleges.
I’m already in college. Is it too late to apply for scholarships?
No! There are tons of scholarships available to students of all ages, demographics, years in school, areas of interest, and majors. It’s never too late to find money for college, so consistently searching is important.
Where to look
Where should I look?
Why not start your search on Scholarship Finder? Our database has over 21,000 available scholarships. Be sure to search by your identity, location, area of study, and more to find just the right fit. Click the image below to start searching!
How do I know if a scholarship is legit?
There are some specific things to look out for:
Does the website list previous winners? Legit scholarships will typically list previous winners somewhere on their homepage. If you can’t find them anywhere, it’s usually a red flag.
Do you have to pay to apply? Legit scholarships will NEVER require payment. If you see any fees listed, don’t apply.
Legit scholarships are transparent with applicants about required application materials, deadlines, and timelines. If something seems off, it probably is–so keep searching somewhere else. Always trust your gut and use your judgment!Â
FAFSA & state financial aid
Do I need to complete the FAFSA or state financial aid applications before applying?
In most cases, yes. Many scholarships require applicants to complete the FAFSA before applying because they may request a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary with your application.Â
Because of this requirement, undocumented students may be a bit more restricted in what they can apply for. However, if you’re an undocumented student, you can apply for scholarships that do not list a citizenship requirement or ask you to submit FAFSA information. You may be able to apply for certain scholarships that require FAFSA documentation once you’ve completed a state financial aid application (if your state offers it). Be sure to double-check application requirements to learn more.Â
Miscellaneous
Does taking a gap year hurt my chances?
Potentially, yes. Some scholarships are only awarded to students transitioning directly from high school to college. If you already received a scholarship and are now considering taking a gap year, be sure to communicate clearly with the organization about your plans. They may not be able to award you the money until you begin college.
Do I have to re-apply for scholarships every year?
It depends. Some are granted only once, while others may be eligible for renewal each term or academic year depending on requirements such as grades, GPA, or the amount of credits you’re taking (full-time vs. part-time). If you receive a scholarship, be sure to ask about any renewal requirements you will need to follow to keep it.
Are scholarships universally accepted by all colleges? How are they processed?
They should be. Private scholarships will likely mail a check to you that you can use to pay your student balance. The organization may also send it directly to your college. If they can’t process it, be sure to talk to someone who represents the private scholarship as well as a financial aid officer at your school to troubleshoot. Scholarships awarded directly to you by your college will be applied to your student account.
Are there scholarships for students with GPAs less than 3.0?
Yes! Google “scholarships with no GPA requirements” or check out Niche’s list to start your search.
Application materials
Do scholarships require SAT/ACT test scores?
Each will have different application requirements, so be sure to thoroughly read them before applying. Some may require SAT or ACT scores, while others won’t.
How long should my application essay be?
It depends on what you’re applying for. If you’re required to write an essay, you should receive clear instructions on how to write and submit it. If you can’t find this information easily, email the organization to learn more.Â
Can I reuse letters of recommendation to apply?
Typically yes–but always:
Check in with the person who wrote you a letter of recommendation to give them a head’s up before submitting it. This way they’ll be prepared in case someone reaches out to them.
Be sure the letter of recommendation doesn’t reference a different scholarship.
Get Schooled has free scholarship resources for you!
Applying for scholarships? Stay on top of every deadline and requirement with our free Scholarship Application Requirements Tracker. Use it to stay organized and increase your chances of winning free money for college!
