Whether you’re just finishing high school or want to return to school in hopes of starting a new career, a scholarship can help make your dream of attending college a reality. And since scholarships can be awarded for a variety of purposes — including good grades, financial need, community involvement or talent in different fields — there’s a good chance you can find options that meet your specific needs and qualifications.
Our top picks for the best scholarship websites
- Big Future by College Board
- Careeronestop’s Scholarship Finder
- Fastweb
- JLV College Counseling
- Kaleidoscope
- Scholarship America
Best scholarship websites reviews
Big Future by College Board
Pros
- Scholarship matching tool to help you discover applications that fit your profile
- Parents can opt-in to receive outreach from colleges and scholarships
Cons
- Requires an account to access the Scholarship Search tool
HIGHLIGHTS
- Membership cost
- Free
- Type of scholarships
- Merit- and need-based awards. Scholarships for professional certification and associate, bachelor’s and graduate degree programs.
- Mobile App
- Yes
BigFuture has more than 23,000 scholarships in its user-friendly database. (College Board is a nonprofit organization that administers standardized tests and helps students plan for college.)
BigFuture allows you to filter by keyword, GPA, college and location (including narrowing results to state-, county- and city-level awards). You can also save their scholarship searches, receive updates when new scholarships become available and get matched to college scholarship opportunities based on the information in your profile.
Students who complete college preparation tasks on BigFuture are also entered into a monthly scholarship raffle.
Careeronestop’s Scholarship Finder
Pros
- Comprehensive list of international scholarship opportunities
- Variety of award types
- Detailed information about each scholarship
Cons
- Links don’t lead directly to scholarship applications
HIGHLIGHTS
- Membership cost
- Free
- Types of scholarships
- Merit- and need-based awards, fellowships and grants. Scholarships for professional certification programs and associate, bachelor’s and graduate degree programs.
- Mobile app
- Yes
CareerOneStop’s Scholarship Finder is run by the U.S. Department of Labor. Its Scholarship Finder has more than 9,500 awards and allows you to search by education level, award type, gender and whether you live or plan on studying internationally. Unlike some search sites, this one features awards for students pursuing associate’s degrees, vocational programs and even professional development. The site also provides key contact information such as email addresses and phone numbers for each scholarship opportunity.
Fastweb
Pros
- Offers personal finance resources
- Includes internships and part-time jobs
Cons
- Registered account required to access all site features
- Many scholarship opportunities, not from official organizations
HIGHLIGHTS
- Membership
- Free
- Type of scholarships
- Merit- and need-based scholarships. Awards for trade school programs as well as degree programs. Paid internships. Part-time job opportunities
- Mobile app
- Yes
Fastweb was one of the first-ever scholarship search websites. Users fill out a short questionnaire with contact information, schools of interest, potential majors and more to get a list of possible scholarship matches. (There’s a box in the form that you should leave unchecked if you want to keep your data private. Otherwise Fastweb will share it with colleges and other third parties for marketing purposes.)
You have to create an account to access the scholarship application. Fastweb’s budgeting tools and a part-time job and internship search can be accessed without an account.
JLV College Counseling
Pros
- Options for students who aren’t U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Includes situation-specific scholarships
Cons
- No filters to narrow down results
HIGHLIGHTS
- Membership cost
- Free
- Type of scholarships
- Need-based and merit-based scholarships. Awards focused on undocumented students and student parents
- Mobile app
- No
JLV College Counseling was founded by a former college admissions counselor and focused on helping families through the college admissions process.
The scholarship list is free, updated monthly and includes financial aid opportunities for circumstances beyond the general location and academic filters. For example, users can sort through scholarships by specific categories, such as options for car accident survivors, first-generation students, and those who have lost a parent. JLV publishes a list of scholarships with approaching deadlines each week via its Scholarship Saturday posts. It is not as user-friendly as some other platforms. For example, there is no filter or search tool. Scholarships grouped by deadline month and award type.
Kaleidoscope
Pros
- User-friendly design
- No account needed to search scholarships
- All scholarships are vetted
Cons
- Database of awards is smaller than some competitors
HIGHLIGHTS
- Membership cost
- Free
- Types of scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships
- Mobile app
- Yes
Kaleidoscope was created to connect organizations offering scholarships with quality applicants. You have to create an account to fully use the platform, but anybody can browse scholarships and filter by age, GPA and more. When it comes time to apply, you can save time by adding information to pre-fill into applications and track progress on your individualized applicant dashboard.
Scholarship America
Pros
- Resources dedicated to assisting underrepresented communities
- No account needed to access scholarship search features
Cons
- Few search filter options
HIGHLIGHTS
- Membership
- Free
- Types of scholarships
- Need-based scholarships; Merit scholarships
- Mobile app
- No
Scholarship America is a nonprofit organization focused on scholarship opportunities for students from underrepresented communities. The organization manages scholarships for companies and non-profit groups. It oversees awards for over 1,350 sponsors nationwide and facilitated the awarding of more than $300 million in 2025. Through its Dollars for Scholars program, it works with local communities and organizations to raise money to raise money for students in their own neighborhoods.
Visitors to the website don’t need to create an account to use any of the resources there. However, there aren’t many scholarship search filters available — you can search by deadline state and a couple other details — which could slow down the search process for those with specific needs.
What you need to know about scholarship websites for college
Scholarship websites allow students and families to sort through a variety of scholarship opportunities in a single location. Many scholarship websites will have the same core list of awards, and which website you use may simply come down to user preference.
Consider the following before using a scholarship website for college:
- Types of scholarships: Most websites list a range of scholarships, including need-based and merit-based options. If you’re looking for specific types of scholarships, such as those for minority students or athletes, make sure the website includes awards in the areas you’re looking for. Also, be on the lookout for sites that claim to list scholarship opportunities but try to enroll you in giveaways and contests instead. The giveaways and contests may offer valid financial rewards, but they’re essentially a lottery system.
- Membership and fees: Some scholarship websites may charge a fee to access their scholarship database, so check if there is one before signing up. Remember that many free scholarship websites earn money by selling the information you share in your profile.
- Navigation and user interface: Look for websites that are easy to navigate, have several search filters, and are updated frequently. This will help you save a lot of time as you’re narrowing down which scholarships are the best fit for you.
What are the different types of scholarships?
There are two main types of scholarships: need-based awards and merit-based awards.
Need-based scholarships require students to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the scholarship award. Merit-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded to students who excel in a certain way, whether that be in academics, athletics or another extracurricular achievement or character trait.
You can obtain a scholarship by meeting or exceeding specific standards set forth by the scholarship providers.
Some of the factors scholarship providers may look at to determine an applicant’s eligibility include:
- Financial need
- Academic achievement
- Extracurricular skills (performing arts and athletics)
- Volunteerism and philanthropy
- Religious denomination
- Organizational affiliations
- Academic interests (like major or intended career)
How do scholarship websites and search engines work?
Scholarship search engines generally require users to complete an online profile or answer a series of questions to match users with scholarships that meet specific criteria. The search engines scour databases with thousands of available scholarships and help users pare their options through various search filters.
Most sites allow students to save scholarships to their accounts to apply later. They may also provide free resources to help users complete their scholarship applications, such as essay writing tips or guidelines for formatting resumes.
For students or parents who prioritize privacy, know that some scholarship search tools sell your data (such as your age, name, location and even contact info) to third parties. That’s one of the ways they make money from a free service. Many platforms now allow you to opt out of this, and some may not do it at all. But if keeping your info private is important to you, check the site’s policy before signing up. (Among our list of top scholarship websites, JLV Consulting, Kaleidoscope, Scholarship America and Scholarship360 say they never sell data. BigFuture will share your info with a list of colleges and scholarship providers that pay them a fee if you sign up for its Student Search Service. Fastweb and Scholarship.com will sell your data if you don’t opt out.
How to know if scholarship websites are legit
A scholarship website that requires you to pay any sort of fee simply to apply for scholarships is likely a scam. Genuine scholarships should not require payment. (Note that there are some legit websites, including ones on our list, that charge membership fees to access additional services. Be sure to read the fine print about what’s included.)
Other red flags to watch out for are:
- Disorganized layouts
- Outdated information
- Spelling or grammar mistakes.
Always look for sites that are easy to navigate and provide clear, up-to-date details about the scholarship opportunities listed there.
Beware of inadvertently opting into sweepstakes listed as scholarships, otherwise known as luck-based awards. If the application for the scholarship takes less than five minutes to complete or requires only your name and phone number, it’s likely not a real scholarship.
Sweepstakes listed as scholarships aren’t only misleading but could require users to input personal information for marketing purposes. Additionally, the odds of winning sweepstakes are low, and some may even require participants to pay a fee.
Authentic scholarships generally require letters of recommendation, essays and test scores. This approach guarantees that the scholarship recipient is chosen based on their effort, dedication and involvement in local activities.
If you’re still questioning the legitimacy of the scholarship website after an initial review, research the website’s background, such as when it was established, who runs it and what its purpose is.
Lastly, find reviews or blog posts about the website to verify its legitimacy. Follow these tips and use caution when researching scholarships online to ensure your personal details stay safe and you don’t waste time and effort.
What are the requirements to apply for a scholarship?
The requirements to apply for a scholarship will depend on the type of scholarship for which you’re applying.
For example, some scholarship websites require students to answer a series of questions or create an account. They may also need to submit additional documentation such as transcripts, letters of recommendation and essays.
Traditional scholarships offered through universities or private organizations often have more specific qualification criteria. For example, to be considered for the scholarship, the applicant may need to demonstrate financial hardship, meet certain GPA requirements, perform specific extracurricular activities or provide evidence of achievements.
Methodology
To find the best scholarship websites, we conducted extensive research and narrowed down our options based on key criteria such as ease of use and navigation, number of scholarship opportunities and search filter options. We also took into account whether the website provided additional resources and guides to help students navigate the admissions process and life on campus.
Scholarship websites FAQs
What are some of the best scholarship sites for international students?
If you’re a U.S. student interested in studying abroad, your first step should be to contact the universities of your choice and ask whether they have an international resource center for students. You could also contact the school’s financial aid office and request a list of scholarships specific to international applicants.
Websites like InternationalStudent.com or WES.org can also be good sources of information for international students looking to study in the United States.
Can you apply for scholarships if you’re not currently enrolled?
There are scholarship opportunities available to high school students planning to attend college but not yet enrolled. Non-traditional students (such as adult students, working professionals and military veterans), those who have taken a gap year and those pursuing professional development or continuing education may also find options available to them.
What is the difference between student loans and scholarships?
Student loans and scholarships are completely different financial aid options. Student loans must be paid back, while scholarships do not. In other words, a student loan is borrowed money you repay with interest, whereas a scholarship doesn’t require repayment.
Scholarships are also typically awarded based on academic merit or certain criteria such as community involvement or extracurricular activities. Federal student loans, on the other hand, are available to almost any student, regardless of merit or financial need, while private student loans are given out by lenders based in part on your credit history.
Can you get a scholarship if you graduate?
Yes, it is possible to receive scholarships after graduating from high school or college. Many scholarship programs are available to recent high school graduates and current college students, but there are also assistantship and fellowship opportunities for students who have already completed their undergraduate degrees and are pursuing advanced studies at the graduate level.
When is the best time to apply for scholarships?
While you should start researching opportunities well in advance, most scholarship applications open between the fall and spring. This means you could start applying during the fall semester of your senior year. Starting early can help you perfect your technique, request additional letters of recommendation and have your essays proofread by teachers and mentors.
You should also complete the FAFSA form in October to receive award letters from prospective colleges between February and April. That information can help you decide how much financial aid you can accept and how many scholarship opportunities you should pursue.
Summary of the 6 Best Scholarship Websites
- Big Future by College Board
- Careeronestop’s Scholarship Finder
- Fastweb
- JLV College Counseling
- Kaleidoscope
- Scholarship America
Whether you’re just finishing high school or want to return to school in hopes of starting a new career, a scholarship can help make your dream of attending college a reality. And since scholarships can be awarded for a variety of purposes — including good grades, financial need, community involvement or talent in different fields — there’s a good chance you can find options that meet your specific needs and qualifications.
Our top picks for the best scholarship websites
Big Future by College Board
Careeronestop’s Scholarship Finder
Fastweb
JLV College Counseling
Kaleidoscope
Scholarship America
Best scholarship websites reviews
Big Future by College Board
Pros
Scholarship matching tool to help you discover applications that fit your profile
Parents can opt-in to receive outreach from colleges and scholarships
Cons
Requires an account to access the Scholarship Search tool
HIGHLIGHTS
Membership cost
Free
Type of scholarships
Merit- and need-based awards. Scholarships for professional certification and associate, bachelor’s and graduate degree programs.
Mobile App
Yes
BigFuture has more than 23,000 scholarships in its user-friendly database. (College Board is a nonprofit organization that administers standardized tests and helps students plan for college.)
BigFuture allows you to filter by keyword, GPA, college and location (including narrowing results to state-, county- and city-level awards). You can also save their scholarship searches, receive updates when new scholarships become available and get matched to college scholarship opportunities based on the information in your profile.
Students who complete college preparation tasks on BigFuture are also entered into a monthly scholarship raffle.
Careeronestop’s Scholarship Finder
Pros
Comprehensive list of international scholarship opportunities
Variety of award types
Detailed information about each scholarship
Cons
Links don’t lead directly to scholarship applications
HIGHLIGHTS
Membership cost
Free
Types of scholarships
Merit- and need-based awards, fellowships and grants. Scholarships for professional certification programs and associate, bachelor’s and graduate degree programs.
Mobile app
Yes
CareerOneStop’s Scholarship Finder is run by the U.S. Department of Labor. Its Scholarship Finder has more than 9,500 awards and allows you to search by education level, award type, gender and whether you live or plan on studying internationally. Unlike some search sites, this one features awards for students pursuing associate’s degrees, vocational programs and even professional development. The site also provides key contact information such as email addresses and phone numbers for each scholarship opportunity.
Fastweb
Pros
Offers personal finance resources
Includes internships and part-time jobs
Cons
Registered account required to access all site features
Many scholarship opportunities, not from official organizations
HIGHLIGHTS
Membership
Free
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