Searching for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but the right websites can make the process much easier. Instead of manually sifting through hundreds of programs, scholarship search engines allow you to filter by eligibility, deadlines, and award amounts. Whether you’re a high school senior, college student, or graduate applicant, these top scholarship websites will help you find free money for school.

1. Scholarships.com

⭐ Best for: Large scholarship database and personalized matching

Why It’s Great:

  • Over 3.7 million scholarships worth $19 billion
  • Free personalized search based on your background, major, and interests
  • Updated frequently with new scholarships

βœ” Pros:
βœ” Easy to use with detailed filters
βœ” Includes college-specific scholarships
βœ” Free to sign up and search

❌ Cons:
🚫 Requires creating an account to access full listings
🚫 Some scholarships may have high competition

πŸ”— Visit: www.scholarships.com

2. Fastweb

⭐ Best for: Students looking for personalized scholarship recommendations

Why It’s Great:

  • One of the oldest and most trusted scholarship search engines
  • Matches students with scholarships, internships, and part-time jobs
  • Sends email alerts for new scholarship opportunities

βœ” Pros:
βœ” Advanced filtering to find scholarships that fit you
βœ” Offers financial aid and loan information
βœ” Great for high school and college students

❌ Cons:
🚫 Requires an account to access full listings
🚫 Some email alerts can be repetitive

πŸ”— Visit: www.fastweb.com

3. Cappex

⭐ Best for: Finding scholarships and comparing colleges

Why It’s Great:

  • Over $11 billion in scholarships available
  • Includes a college search tool to compare schools
  • Helps students see their admissions chances based on their profile

βœ” Pros:
βœ” Easy to navigate with clear scholarship details
βœ” Combines college and scholarship search in one place
βœ” Includes student reviews of colleges

❌ Cons:
🚫 Requires sign-up to view scholarships
🚫 Some scholarship listings may be outdated

πŸ”— Visit: www.cappex.com

4. Chegg Scholarships

⭐ Best for: A user-friendly experience and no spam emails

Why It’s Great:

  • Over 25,000 scholarships listed
  • No need to create an account
  • Simple, clean search tool for quick results

βœ” Pros:
βœ” No account required to browse
βœ” No spam or excessive emails
βœ” Straightforward search filters

❌ Cons:
🚫 Fewer scholarship opportunities than bigger databases
🚫 Some scholarships are limited to U.S. students

πŸ”— Visit: www.chegg.com/scholarships

5. Niche

⭐ Best for: No-essay scholarships and unique awards

Why It’s Great:

  • Offers easy-to-apply no-essay scholarships
  • Includes college rankings and reviews
  • Some scholarships require just a quick sign-up

βœ” Pros:
βœ” Simple application process
βœ” Unique scholarship opportunities
βœ” Great for students who don’t want to write essays

❌ Cons:
🚫 Limited advanced search filters
🚫 High competition for easy-apply scholarships

πŸ”— Visit: www.niche.com

6. College Board’s BigFuture

⭐ Best for: Reliable scholarships from a trusted source

Why It’s Great:

  • Over $6 billion in scholarships
  • Offers scholarship programs directly from the College Board
  • Matches students with merit-based and need-based scholarships

βœ” Pros:
βœ” Reputable source for scholarships
βœ” No account required to browse
βœ” Helps students understand financial aid

❌ Cons:
🚫 Some scholarships require additional applications
🚫 Not as many niche scholarships as other sites

πŸ”— Visit: bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

7. Bold.org

⭐ Best for: Exclusive scholarships with less competition

Why It’s Great:

  • Offers exclusive scholarships not found on other sites
  • Focuses on students with unique backgrounds, interests, and talents
  • Many scholarships have lower applicant pools, increasing chances of winning

βœ” Pros:
βœ” No-essay scholarships available
βœ” Supports underrepresented students
βœ” Private platform with unique funding sources

❌ Cons:
🚫 Requires a Bold.org account
🚫 Not as many large scholarships as bigger search engines

πŸ”— Visit: www.bold.org

8. Going Merry

⭐ Best for: Applying to multiple scholarships with one application

Why It’s Great:

  • Allows you to apply for multiple scholarships at once
  • Matches students with scholarships based on their profile
  • Also provides grants and financial aid resources

βœ” Pros:
βœ” Saves time with a universal application
βœ” Includes both local and national scholarships
βœ” Offers FAFSA assistance

❌ Cons:
🚫 Requires an account to access scholarships
🚫 Some scholarships still require separate applications

πŸ”— Visit: www.goingmerry.com

How to Make the Most of Scholarship Websites

πŸ’‘ Sign up for multiple sites – No single website has every scholarship, so use at least 2-3 for the best results.

πŸ’‘ Set up email alerts – Stay updated on new scholarships before deadlines pass.

πŸ’‘ Apply early and often – The more you apply, the better your chances of winning.

πŸ’‘ Watch out for scams – Legit scholarships never ask for money or personal financial details.

Final Thoughts: Find Free Money for College

Scholarships can make a huge difference in reducing student debt, but finding the right ones takes effort. These top scholarship websites will help you maximize your chances of winning. Take the time to explore them, apply for as many scholarships as possible, and keep working toward your educational goals!

Related Content

Online Degree Programs: Are They Worth It for Non-Traditional Students?

For adult learners balancing work, family, and education, online degree programs offer a flexible and accessible way to earn a degree. But are they really worth it? While online education has grown in popularity, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making...

The Ultimate Guide to College Applications

Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into manageable steps makes it much easier. Get step-by-step advice to craft a standout application, from choosing the right schools to nailing your personal statement. Start with Self-Reflection...

Resources for Students with Disabilities: How to Get the Support You Need

College can be both exciting and challenging, but students with disabilities often face additional obstacles when it comes to accessibility, financial aid, and campus resources. The good news? There are scholarships, grants, and support services designed to help...

How to Create a Budget as a College Student

Managing money in college can feel overwhelming, but creating a budget is one of the best ways to stay on top of your finances. Whether you’re dealing with financial aid, part-time income, or family support, budgeting helps you take control and avoid unnecessary debt....

Financial Aid vs. Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

Navigating college funding can be confusing, especially when terms like "financial aid" and "scholarships" are thrown around. Understand the key differences between these two funding sources and how to maximize both for your education. What is Financial Aid? Financial...

Leveraging Your College Education for Career Growth

Your college education is more than just a degreeβ€”it’s a launchpad for career success. By taking advantage of networking opportunities, internships, and campus resources, you can build a strong foundation for your future. Discover practical tips to help you make the...

Balancing Family, Work, and Education: Time Management Tips for Adult Learners

Going back to school as an adult can be rewarding, but it also comes with challengesβ€”especially if you’re juggling family, a full-time job, and coursework. Finding time for everything without feeling overwhelmed is possible with the right strategies. Learn how to...

Choosing the Right Major: What to Consider for Career Success

Picking a college major is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your education, and it can shape your career path for years to come. While it's important to follow your passions, choosing a major that aligns with job market demand, salary potential, and career...

How to Find Scholarships That Fit Your Unique Background

Scholarships can open the door to a debt-free education, but finding the right ones requires knowing where to look. Many scholarships are tailored to specific groups or interests, meaning your unique background could qualify you for financial aid others can’t access....

Scholarships for Career Changers: Financial Aid for a Fresh Start

Switching careers is a bold and exciting step, but going back to school for a new degree or certification can be expensive. Fortunately, many scholarships are designed specifically for adults who are making a career transition. Whether you're moving from one industry...

Check out these scholarships:

International Scholarship for Women

ISW Institute Scholarships for women are now open for the upcoming session. This women-only scholarship being offered to undergrad, master and doctoral program students. First preference will be given to the women that prove prior dedication to the charitable or...

EKU Patterson Business Scholarship

The Patterson Scholarship supports four-year students in any MMIB areas at Eastern Kentucky University.Scholarship Sponsor Eastern Kentucky UniversityAward Type $2,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria /...

Associated Grocers – Sam S. Politz Scholarship Fund

This fund was established through the generosity of the members of Associated Grocers Inc. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Sam S. Politz, a former President and CEO of Associated Grocers Inc. Students must be Louisiana high...

MIT THINK Out of the Box Scholars Program

The MIT THINK Scholars Program is an educational outreach initiative that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by supporting and funding projects developed by high school students. The program is run by a team of undergraduate students at the...

Austin Alliance for Women in Media Scholarship

AWM Austin is proud to award scholarships to college Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors studying media or a related field at a university in the Austin area (within a 40-mile radius from Austin). Consideration will also be given to students attending other colleges who...

Colona Scholarship

The CWOA LT Art and Eleanor Colona Scholarship Grant was established by the Colona Family to financially assist dependent children of enlisted members of the United States Coast Guard (active, retired, or reserve). Seeking a meaningful way to celebrate the 30 years...

NDSGC Pearl I. Young Scholarship

The NDSGC has established the prestigious Pearl I. Young Space Grant Award for a student at the University of North Dakota. Applicants will ideally be involved in a research project of NASA relevance. Eligible applicants must: have female gender identity or outside...

Derek Jeter/Kalamazoo Community Foundation Scholarship

Established in 1997, the four-year scholarship is administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and provides financial assistance each year to male and female high school graduates demonstrating academic and personal excellence, as well as...

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship is awarded over four years to high school graduates from South Dakota who complete a challenging high school curriculum and maintain certain academic standards. Scholarship Sponsor South Dakota LegislatureAward Type $6,500...

SMU Nancy Ann & Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars Program

Hunt Scholars are awarded full tuition and fees, less the amount of resident tuition and fees at the leading public university in the student's state of residency; for up to eight semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first as long as the student maintains...

Kena Maria Corbett Memorial Scholarship

Latina Eldorado High School Clark County, Nevada college bound seniors currently enrolled in Dance may apply for this scholarship. Financial need will be considered. One $1,000 will be awarded.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $1,000...

Chicago Engineers Foundation Awards for Graduating HS Seniors

The Chicago Engineers' Foundation encourages Chicago students to pursue careers in engineering by recognizing their talents and providing them with financial assistance for their engineering studies. Scholarship Sponsor Chicago Engineers FoundationAward Type $1,000...

CDPAP Department of Edison HHC Educational Scholarship

The CDPAP Department of Edison Home Health Care is offering one $1,000 educational scholarship. Submit a 500 – 1,000 word essay outlining how you would do to improve healthcare. Topics can be broad and cover areas such as systematic issues (e.g. insurance structures),...

Andrew J. Zabierek Memorial Scholarship for Massachusetts Veterans

The Andrew J. Zabierek Foundation is honored to give two awards yearly either to veterans in recognition of their military service and commitment to complete their college education, technical certificate or to organizations that support veterans. Scholarship Sponsor...

Nebraska Democratic Women’s Caucus Inspiring Women Scholarship

The Nebraska Democratic Women's Caucus Inspiring Women Scholarship is awarded to Nebraska Democratic women who are active in their communities and progressive politics. Scholarship Sponsor Nebraska Democratic Women’s CaucusAward Type $500 CashGender Eligibility...
Skip to content