By: The Capella University Editorial Team
Reading time: 3 min read
The right scholarship can turn “I can’t afford it” into “I’m enrolled.” But every opportunity has its own eligibility requirements, deadlines and application process. Some prioritize academic achievement while others focus on financial need, career interests, location, community involvement or military service.
Here are seven scholarship search tools to help you find opportunities that fit your background, goals and program. Before applying, confirm that each scholarship accepts students from your institution and program.
Scholly Scholarships by Sallie is the current home of Scholly, formerly known as MyScholly.
What it offers: Search thousands of scholarships using filters such as your background, major, state and year in school. You’ll also find no-essay and easy-apply opportunities.
Availability and cost: Free online search tool. Features and listings may change, so check the website for current information.
Use Fastweb to find scholarship opportunities based on your profile, academic interests, activities and skills.
What it offers: Personalized recommendations, application reminders, financial-aid information, career resources and scholarship opportunities. Some listings may be geared toward college or trade school students, so check the requirements carefully.
Availability and cost: Free online platform with a mobile app. Confirm current app availability through the official Fastweb website or app store listing.
Use Scholarships.com to search for scholarships and grants based on your background, interests and academic goals.
What it offers: Search and filter by education level, state, major and other characteristics. Create a profile to find potential matches.
Availability and cost: Free online resource. Review each scholarship’s requirements and application instructions before applying.
Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder to find scholarship opportunities from a trusted public resource.
What it offers: Search by location, field of study, affiliation and other criteria. Especially useful if you’re an adult student, career changer or exploring a technical or career-focused program.
Availability and cost: Free online tool.
Use Scholarship America’s search and application resources to explore opportunities at different stages of education.
What it offers: Browse current and upcoming scholarships, including opportunities for graduate students and veterans. Listings include offer amounts, deadlines, education level and eligible institution types.
Availability and cost: Free online scholarship search and application access.
Use Bold.org to browse scholarships organized by academic level, major, state, demographics and other criteria.
What it offers: Opportunities tied to majors, communities, career interests and geographic areas. Review each opportunity to see whether you’re eligible.
Availability and cost: Free for students. Read each scholarship’s eligibility rules and application requirements carefully.
Use BigFuture Scholarship Search from the College Board to search for opportunities based on your background, interests and future plans.
What it offers: A large searchable database, saved lists and College Board resources for planning and paying for college.
Availability and cost: Free online resource. BigFuture is built mainly for high school and traditional undergraduate students, so adult and graduate students may find other tools more relevant.
Don’t assume every scholarship works for every college. Some are open to students at any accredited institution; others are limited to public colleges, nonprofit colleges, community colleges, graduate schools or specific programs.
Considering an online or proprietary school? Check the institution’s requirements before you spend time on an application. Look for language like “accredited institution,” “eligible college or university” or “approved postsecondary institution” – and contact the scholarship provider if anything’s unclear.
If you receive an outside scholarship, notify Capella so it can be included in your financial aid package. Contact the Financial Aid Support Team to learn how to report it based on your learning format.
Keep in mind: federal rules require schools to include scholarships in your financial aid package, and depending on the amount, a scholarship may reduce your federal loan eligibility to keep your total aid within your program’s cost of attendance.
Explore Capella’s institutional scholarships, employer tuition assistance and other funding for your program. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply.
Use more than one resource. Create a profile when it helps, save opportunities that fit your goals, and track deadlines and requirements. You can also watch Capella’s short scholarship videos for more help. A few minutes of research today could fund your education tomorrow.
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