Where to Find Scholarships

The rising cost of education requires many students to seek financial aid. As if the challenge of college expense were not enough, there is also the overwhelming experience of information overload. Every step leads you to another question, another dilemma, and another question. We want to streamline this process for you by providing some practical tools that will save you time and get you going. So get ready! Knowing where to look puts you in the driver's seat. Where you go from here in the scholarship search and how you win an award requires an investment of your time and energy, but you and your family will benefit from all your hard work.

Scholarship Websites
Several free, online scholarship searches are available, offering information on scholarships with an estimated total value of over $3 billion. Databases often incorporate similar search tools, so it is not uncommon to discover an overlap or repetition of information across multiple websites. Each database is, however, unique and will contain awards that are not listed on any other database. To increase the size and efficiency of your search, it is highly recommended that you use more than one database at a time.

FinAid.org
One of the best, most comprehensive websites currently available, www.FinAid.org has a free scholarship search called FastWeb scholarship search. Using the scholarship search is simple and fast. All you have to do is create a profile, submit your email address, and matches to your profile will be sent directly to you. In addition to the scholarship search, you will find financial aid information, smart tools, and more at your fingertips! This database is updated frequently to provide you with the closest matches to your search.

College Board's FUND FINDER
FUND FINDER lists awards from over 3,000 scholarship sources. Updated annually.

Peterson's Award Database
Peterson's maintains approximately 2,000 scholarship sources and has an outstanding compilation of available awards.

Next Student
Based on a former database called Scholarships101, this website also targets potential interests in student loans and services.

Scholarship Experts
Scholarship Experts is an interesting website because it provides in-depth information on awards. As the results of your search appear, the page will list an overview of past and present awards. This can be helpful if you are interested in seeing a wider range of offerings.

College Data
College Data uses a keyword search that returns an excess of information that must be screened carefully. The service is free, but registration is required.

Other Valuable Sources to Check
The internet enables institutions of higher education to provide prospective and current students with a visual and audio information highway to, through, and beyond their institution.

Prospective Colleges and Universities
Websites of colleges and universities are designed to provide you with as much helpful information as possible. By searching the college websites of your choice, you can obtain contact information that will put you in touch with the school's financial aid office. Although the internet will put you in touch with people, most discussion and paperwork will take place in person. When you meet with a scholarship advisor, be sure to ask how outside scholarships can potentially affect you if you are receiving or plan to receive other forms of financial aid.

High School Counselors
High School Counselors are an invaluable link to your college career. Be sure to keep your counselor abreast of your plans and needs so your counselor can provide you with the resources you need when you need them. Plan to attend any college recruitment days held on your campus. These are outstanding opportunities for you to learn more about what lies ahead and how you can find the college right for you.

Local Libraries
One of the most helpful and overlooked sources of scholarship help is your local library. Municipal libraries contain online and book materials on federal and state sources of financial aid. Be sure to plan your visit so you can take advantage of every piece of helpful information you find. Stop at the reference desk or ask any librarian for what you need. Ask for scholarship directories for your state and desired field of study. You will soon discover that the better you know what you are looking for, the easier it will be to find.

Nonprofit Organizations
While you are at the library, search for a list of nonprofit organizations in your area. This is easy. As you read through the list of nonprofits, most of which should have a website, read their mission statements and learn what they do. Many nonprofits offer scholarship incentives for a variety of community interests.

Private Corporations
Large, private corporations have a reputation for offering scholarships to their employees as a way of attracting and maintaining a strong and healthy workforce. Ask your parents if their employer or employers have a scholarship program. Check into companies such as Chevron, Bank of America, and Westinghouse.

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