Personal Finance Loans
Written by Ryan Wangman, CEPF; edited by Richard Richtmyer
Updated
- Best Scholarship Websites of 2023
- Fastweb
- Peterson's
- Bold.org
- College Board
- GoingMerry
- Scholly
- Scholarship Owl
- ProFellow
- Our Experts for the Best Personal Loans
- FAQs
- Our Experts' Advice for Choosing the Best Scholarship Websites
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Even the best student loans and other financial aid items don't always provide enough to cover all the costs of college. Scholarships are a great way to bridge the gap, with no obligation to repay the money. Finding scholarships you qualify for can be difficult. But there are several great scholarship websites that can help you do it.
Keep in mind, however, that many colleges deduct private scholarships from the amount of gift aid they provide, reducing how much "free money" you can get from the school. That would effectively negate the work you did in seeking out and applying for private scholarships. Therefore, you should consider looking at schools that offer merit-based scholarships or provide generous packages to students with financial need.
Best Scholarship Websites of 2024
Compare the Best Scholarship Websites
We've rounded up the best scholarship websites for students looking to save on the cost of college, with an emphasis on those that provide a wide breadth of opportunities. Most of the sites are free to use. Some offer basic features at no cost, with an option to pay for additional functionality.
Scholarships.com
Fastweb
Peterson's
Bold.org
CollegeBoard
GoingMerry
Scholly
ScholarshipOwl
ProFellow
Our Experts for the Best Scholarship Websites
We consulted scholarship and financial experts to give their insights into finding the best scholarship websites — and when to avoid them altogether.
- Christopher Rim, founder and CEO at Command Education
- Jennifer Ledwith, owner at Scholar Ready
- Neeta Vallab, founder at MeritMore
- Ryan Wangman, former loans reporter at Personal Finance Insider
Best Scholarship Websites FAQs
What's the best website to apply for scholarships?
There isn't a singular website that's the best to apply for scholarships. Instead, consider scholarships.com, Fastweb, Bold.org, Peterson's, College Board, Scholly, GoingMerry, Scholarship Owl, and ProFellow.
How do I find a trustworthy scholarship?
Do your due diligence when looking to apply for scholarships you find on aggregation websites. Confirm that the scholarship's sponsor is legitimate by looking at reviews of the company, and check its Better Business Bureau grade, if available.
How do you get a 100% scholarship?
Most private scholarships won't completely cover the cost of your education. You're better off looking for merit scholarships from individual colleges that cover your costs completely or filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)to see if you're eligible for a need-based full ride.
Should you pay someone to search scholarships for you?
Generally speaking, you shouldn't pay someone to search for scholarships for you, though there are exceptions to every rule. Many scholarship websites are free to use. They only "cost" the time you spend searching on them.
When should you start filling out scholarships?
The timing on when you should start filling out applications for scholarships varies depending on the specific scholarship you're applying for. Some scholarships are even available to high school students, so it's never too early to start your search.
What is the lowest GPA to get a scholarship?
The GPA requirement varies from scholarship to scholarship, but the lowest GPA is usually around 2.0. In general, you'll have a better chance of success with a higher GPA.
What scholarships do most people get?
Some of the most common scholarship types include academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, identity-based scholarships, and first-generation student scholarships.
Our Experts' Advice for Choosing the Best Scholarship Websites
What are the advantages of private scholarships versus scholarships or grants from schools?
Neeta Vallab:
"Honestly, there are very limited advantages to using private scholarships over grants directly from schools. Unlike private scholarships, most grants from schools do not require a separate application and are renewable for four years. Additionally, many colleges will deduct the value of a private scholarship from any award they give you. This is called 'displacement.' And because this practice is so prevalent, it often leaves students with no net financial benefit, despite the effort they invested in submitting an application."
Jennifer Ledwith:
"Unlike scholarships from schools, private scholarships can be used at multiple universities. Furthermore, unlike grants from schools, private scholarships don't have to follow federal or institutional financial aid methodology. Consequently, students can receive private scholarships without regard to other financial aid awards. Furthermore, some private scholarships send the money directly to the student, allowing greater flexibility in using the funds."
Should you always consider scholarships before loans? Are there any scenarios you should pick a loan?
Christopher Rim:
"No, you should never pick a loan over a scholarship! You always have to pay back loans. Students should bear in mind that they may have their scholarship rescinded if they don't meet the terms and conditions. They should be absolutely sure to read the terms of their scholarship thoroughly to understand the possible consequences if they fail to meet the set conditions."
Ryan Wangman:
"You'll need to repay the money you borrow from any lender, so it's never a good idea to choose a loan over a scholarship, which is money you don't have to pay back. There aren't any scenarios I can think of where it is better to pick a loan than a scholarship.
How do you know what scholarships you're qualified for?
Rim:
"Many websites will allow students to filter through their databases to find scholarships they are eligible for. Others ask students to create a profile and then match them based on demographic information. Once students find the scholarships on databases, they should be sure to cross check eligibility requirements on the sponsoring organization's website."
Vallab:
"Private scholarships will usually have a qualifications section in their description. Some colleges may publish a scholarship grid showing the GPA and test scores required for certain levels of eligibility. Not all merit scholarship information is published however."
What's the best way to track what scholarships you've applied for and are waiting to hear back from?
Ledwith:
"Students should keep a spreadsheet to track their scholarship application status."
Wangman:
"Like Jennifer mentioned, a spreadsheet is usually the best way to track application status. Make sure you note how far along you are in each process, as well as any awards you have received — both private and from the schools you've been accepted to.
Loans Reporter
Ryan Wangman was a reporter at Personal Finance Insider reporting on personal loans, student loans, student loan refinancing, debt consolidation, auto loans, RV loans, and boat loans. He is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF).In his past experience writing about personal finance, he has written about credit scores, financial literacy, and homeownership. He graduated from Northwestern University and has previously written for The Boston Globe.
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