Where to Actually Find Scholarships

Scholarships are the best kind of financial aid — free money you never repay. But the search process can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of scholarships out there, and most students either don't know where to look or give up after a few generic Google searches. This guide covers the places that actually produce results.

Start With Your School

Before searching the internet, check what's available at the institutions you're applying to or already attending. Institutional scholarships are the single largest source of scholarship dollars in the country, and most are awarded automatically based on your application — no extra essay required.

Check each school's financial aid page for merit scholarships tied to GPA or test scores. Ask the admissions office about departmental scholarships for your intended major. Look for honors program awards that come with additional funding. And if you've already enrolled, check with your department and the financial aid office each year — many institutional awards go unclaimed because students don't know to apply.