Scholarship Finder
Explore trusted scholarship platforms to find merit scholarships, need-based aid, and financial aid opportunities that match your profile.
Scholarship Owl
RecommendedAutomated scholarship application service that applies to scholarships for you
- Automated application process
- Applies to multiple scholarships automatically
- Time-saving service
- ⚠️Requires subscription fee
Going Merry
RecommendedSmart scholarship matching platform that streamlines applications and connects students with relevant opportunities
- Smart matching algorithm
- Streamlined application process
- Local and national scholarships
- Free to use for students
Fastweb
RecommendedOne of the largest scholarship databases with personalized matching
- Over 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion
- Personalized scholarship matching
- Email alerts for new scholarships
- ⚠️Contains advertisements
- ⚠️Some listings may be outdated or duplicated
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links.
Scholarship Search Tips
Start Local
Community foundations, local businesses, and civic organizations offer scholarships with far less competition than national awards. Check with your high school counselor for local opportunities.
Apply to Many
Don't skip scholarships with smaller award amounts. Five $1,000 scholarships add up to $5,000 — and they're often easier to win than a single $5,000 award with thousands of applicants.
Reuse Your Essays
Many scholarship applications ask similar questions. Write strong base essays that you can adapt for multiple applications. Our Essay Editor can help you refine them.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start searching for scholarships?
Start as early as sophomore year. Many scholarships have deadlines in fall and winter of senior year, but some are available to younger students. The earlier you begin, the more opportunities you can apply to.
What types of scholarships are available?
Scholarships fall into three main categories: merit-based (academic, athletic, or talent achievements), need-based (financial need), and identity-based (demographics, background, intended major, or community involvement). Many students qualify for scholarships in multiple categories.
How many scholarships should I apply to?
Apply to as many as you reasonably can. Most financial aid experts recommend applying to at least 10-20 scholarships. Smaller, local scholarships often have less competition and can add up significantly.
Do I need a perfect GPA to win scholarships?
No. While some academic scholarships require high GPAs, many awards are based on community involvement, leadership, essays, artistic talent, or specific backgrounds. There are scholarships for nearly every student profile.
Are these scholarship platforms free to use?
Going Merry and Fastweb are completely free for students. Scholarship Owl offers an automated application service that requires a subscription. You should never pay to search for scholarships — legitimate scholarship databases are free.
How do scholarship platforms match me with opportunities?
These platforms ask you to create a profile with your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, demographics, and intended major. Their algorithms then match you with scholarships whose eligibility criteria align with your profile, saving you hours of manual searching.
Need More Help?
Scholarships are just one piece of the financial aid puzzle. Explore our other resources to make college more affordable.