How to Find and Apply for College Scholarships

College represents a significant investment in the future for many students, yet it comes with considerable initial costs. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics for academic year 2021-22 shows that, for the most recent year reported, the average total cost for first-time, full-time undergraduates living on campus was highest at private nonprofit institutions ($55,800), followed by private for-profit institutions ($32,900) and public institutions ($26,000).

According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), undergraduate students received an average of $14,100 in aid from various sources (loans, grants or scholarships) during the 2019–2020 academic year.

With the cost of college increasing every year, it’s more important than ever to start looking for college scholarships early. There are many scholarships, aid opportunities and budgeting resources available to help lower the overall costs of higher education.

Scholarships are funds awarded to students for education, not requiring repayment. They are available from various sources, such as schools, employers, nonprofits and professional groups, and their amounts range widely. Scholarships may be one-time, annual, or cover the full education cost, based on criteria like academic achievement, talents, or specific backgrounds.

Similar to scholarships, grants do not need repayment but focus on financial need, sometimes targeting particular groups or studies. Student loans, in contrast, must be repaid with interest, as they are borrowed funds for educational expenses.

The following table illustrates the key differences between scholarships, grants and student loans.

Qualifying for a scholarship involves understanding the categories available and aligning your application to meet their specific criteria. Scholarships can be categorized mainly into three types: merit-based, need-based and those aimed at specific demographics such as women, graduate students and more, each with its own set of qualifications:

Scholarships can be merit-based, which students earn by meeting or exceeding specific standards set by the scholarship-giver and can be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, interest or background. To qualify, focus on maintaining excellent grades, participating in extracurricular activities and showcasing your talents or achievements through portfolios or competitions.

Need-based scholarships require applicants to demonstrate financial need. Qualification often involves submitting financial documents, such as tax returns or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), to provide a clear picture of your financial situation.

Many scholarships target students from certain backgrounds, identities or life experiences. This category includes scholarships for women, minorities, students with disabilities and more. There are also scholarships for students who are veterans, future or active military personnel or family members of active or future military personnel, such as Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and Veterans Service Organization scholarships.

Other college scholarships are based on affiliation, such as:

• Association or fraternal organization membership
• Ethnic or minority group
• Disability status
• Employer affiliation
• Religious affiliation
• Military or veteran status
• Accredited university
• Union affiliation

A well-organized search taps into various resources, from government databases to local community organizations and can help uncover numerous funding opportunities tailored to your academic and personal background.

Be careful to avoid scams when researching scholarships online. Legitimate scholarships should never require payment to apply. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and never provide personal financial information during your search.

The following are tips for an efficient and effective scholarship search:

Consider using dedicated scholarship search tools and general web searches to streamline your search and maximize your chances of finding suitable scholarships. The table below lists some search tools you can use to start your search.

Whether you're pursuing engineering, business, technology or the arts, there's likely a scholarship suited to your academic journey and personal background. Here's a closer look at some of the scholarship types available for different groups of students.

If you need help paying for college, you'll want to source funding from loans, grants, work-study programs and scholarships. Many organizations help support minority students with scholarships tailored to individuals from different backgrounds.

Scholarships for Asian Students

College scholarships for Asian-American students include general scholarships and those focused on law, business, communications, STEM and other programs. Some notable scholarships include the APIA Scholarship Program, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program and the CCAPW Scholarships.

Scholarships for Black Students

College scholarships for Black students include general scholarships and awards focused on engineering, business, technology, nursing, education and more. Key scholarships to consider are the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship, the Department of Defense SMART Scholarship and the APPLE HBCU Scholars Program.

Scholarships for Hispanic Students

College scholarships for Hispanic students include general scholarships and those focused on engineering, business, technology, nursing, education and other programs. Some scholarships available are the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards and the La Unidad Latina Scholarship.

Scholarships for Native American Students

College scholarships for Native American students include general scholarships and programs for STEM, health, business, media education or other fields. Each state offers scholarships for Native American residents.

Scholarships for Students With Disabilities

College scholarships are available for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses, ADHD, autism, hearing impairment, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, speech and language disorders, visual disabilities, chronic illness and disabled veterans.

Scholarships for Women

College scholarships for women include general scholarships and those focused on engineering, science, math, aviation, nursing, technology, legal, medical and graduate programs.

Students looking to major in health care will likely pursue a bachelor's and graduate degree, so it's especially important to try to pay for college without loans. There are plenty of college scholarships for students going into the health care field, for undergrads and beyond.

Public Health Scholarships

Scholarships are available for graduate students in public health, environmental health, health care management, health education and more.

Similar to the process for securing funding for an undergraduate degree, graduate degrees are likely to be financed by a combination of student loans, grants, scholarships and work-study programs. Teaching assistantships, resident assistantships and fellowships are other options for graduate students.

Law School Scholarships

Just like applying for aid as an undergraduate, start the law-school financing process by filling out the FAFSA. When applying for law school scholarships, develop strong applications, increasing the chances of earning merit-based scholarships.

Medical School Scholarships

Medical school is the most expensive of all graduate degree programs. It can take a dozen years and cost almost $200,000. Similar to law school, medical school students should fill out the FAFSA, submit scholarship applications and consider work-study programs.

Prestigious Graduate Scholarships

The most prestigious graduate scholarships in the U.S. are the Rhodes, Fulbright, Churchill, Marshall and Harry S. Truman scholarships. These programs are highly competitive and have stringent requirements and application processes. Program alums include notable people like U.S. President Bill Clinton, author Thomas Friedman, opera singer Renée Fleming and presidential adviser and ABC news anchor George Stephanopoulos.

The process of applying for college scholarships may differ based on each scholarship's specific requirements. After researching which scholarships you wish to apply for, list the relevant information, including application deadlines, qualification, essay and criteria requirements. Each scholarship can require different combinations of the following common requirements:

Letters of recommendation are personalized endorsements highlighting your academic and personal achievements, providing scholarship committees with a deeper insight into your character and potential. A strong letter should offer insight into your capabilities and provide specific examples of your leadership, character and dedication.

A resume for scholarship applications distills your academic background, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences and any work or volunteer experience into a concise document. Effective resumes are well-organized and highlight achievements that align with the scholarship's criteria, such as leadership roles in clubs or community service efforts. Avoid listing activities irrelevant to the application and unable to set you apart from other candidates.

Your high school or college transcripts serve as a comprehensive record of your academic journey, cataloging the courses and grades you've earned. They provide scholarship committees with a window into your academic rigor and achievements over time. A strong academic record naturally stands out, showcasing your dedication and ability to excel in your studies.

However, if you're concerned that your grades might not fully reflect your potential, remember that transcripts are just one part of your application. Engaging in extracurricular activities, pursuing leadership roles and demonstrating a commitment to community service can significantly enhance your application.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) provides information about students' financial needs. It provides a comprehensive view of your financial situation, enabling scholarship committees to assess your financial need accurately. Some scholarships use this information to determine financial eligibility.

Your grade point average (GPA) is a key indicator of your academic performance and is often used as a benchmark for scholarship eligibility. However, many scholarship committees also consider the context of your GPA, such as improvements over time or achievements in particularly challenging courses, recognizing that a single number doesn't tell the whole story.

Personal essays allow you to share your story, goals and values with the scholarship committee. A compelling essay is authentic and reflective, offering insights into your personal growth, the challenges you've overcome and your aspirations. It should be well-written, clear and engaging, drawing the reader into your narrative.

Getting ready for scholarship applications means starting early and knowing what you need. Here's how to get organized and make your applications strong.

While scholarships and grants cut considerable costs from your overall college tuition, these tips can highlight additional ways for students to save money:

Here are some valuable resources and websites that can assist students in navigating the journey of finding and applying for scholarships:

• Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training: Offers education benefits to veterans, service members and their families for college, graduate school, training and certification programs.
• EducationUSA: A U.S. Department of State network that provides current information about approved postsecondary education in the United States to students globally.
• Federal Student Aid: A comprehensive resource for learning about different types of scholarships and how to apply for them, offered by the U.S. Department of Education.
• FinAid: Provides information on scholarships, loans, savings and military aid, making it a valuable tool for financial aid planning.
• National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC): Offers resources and advocacy for students, parents and education professionals in the college admission process.
• Scholarship America: A nonprofit organization that helps students access postsecondary education scholarships and support services.
• USA Study Abroad: Offers information on the Boren Awards and The Language Flagship, funding U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests.