Where to find scholarships

With an estimated 1.7 million scholarships worth $46 billion up for grabs each year in the United States, applying for a college scholarship seems like an easy decision. Nevertheless, only 7% of students receive a scholarship, and $100 million in scholarships is left unclaimed annually.

Why does this money remain on the table? The answer is complex, but for many scholarships, it is simply going unclaimed due to lack of applicants. To get a scholarship, you need to cast a wide net, using internet databases and local resources to search and apply for as many scholarships as you can.

Scholarship database

Use our database to put together a list of scholarship options that match your criteria and circumstances. Don’t leave your scholarship on the table.

How to look for scholarships

Scholarships can be accessed through your college or university and various organizations. The best place to find scholarships could even be in your own community, as small businesses and church groups sometimes offer local scholarships as well. Students with different interests, skills, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic profiles can find scholarships specifically suited to them.

Common places students find scholarships are:

• School (ask your guidance counselor!)
• Online databases
• Foundations
• Private organizations
• Local sponsors

Remember to investigate what scholarships are offered by the schools you are applying to. Check with local service clubs and organizations, as well as at local businesses like banks and credit unions. Investigate major retailers to see if they have a local scholarship program, and remember that your high school may have resources as well.

» Read: 30 of the best scholarships for college students you should know about

Scholarships by subject and demographic

We also provide lists of scholarships based on study fields and demographics, including options for deaf or hard of hearing students and non-traditional students.

Other places to search for scholarships

There are many scholarship databases out there. A few of the largest ones include:

• ScholarshipOwl
• Petersons
• Fastweb

Use all available tools and databases when you search, as this could increase your chance of being awarded a scholarship. Also remember to fill out FAFSA and CSS applications so that you don’t miss out on potential grant money.

Applying for scholarships

To apply for a scholarship, start by looking at an official scholarship website and making note of what the awarding agency is stipulating for applications. Some agencies ask for a short Instagram post while others ask for a 2,000-word personal essay. Proof of ethnicity, military service, or disability are sometimes required, as is evidence of community involvement.

Many scholarship applications require an essay from the applicant. As daunting as this may seem, it is made easier with a little research and following our strategy for writing an effective scholarship essay.