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Find money for college

Federal aid, state grants and national scholarships in one place. Tell us where you are in school and we show the ones you could qualify for, what each one pays, when it usually closes, and the official page where you apply. Real scholarships are always free to apply for. You apply on the funder's own website, never through us.

Dates checked October 2026

Start here: the FAFSA

Almost every college money decision begins with one free form.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens the door to federal grants, work-study, loans, and most state and college aid. File it as early as you can, because some money runs out. The 2027-28 form is open now on StudentAid.gov, and it never costs money to file.

Make your FSA ID (your StudentAid.gov login) first. A parent needs one too if you are a dependent student.
You need your Social Security number and tax information for the tax year the form asks about.
State and college deadlines are often much earlier than the federal deadline of June 30, 2028. Check each college's deadline.
Not eligible for the FAFSA because of immigration status? Some states have their own form. Scroll down and tell us your situation.

Go to the FAFSA ↗Match me to scholarships

1. Tell us about you

Everything is optional. The more you tell us, the better the match. Your answers stay on this device and are not sent to us.

Where are you now?

What do you want to study?

Which state do you live in?

Your GPA Use the one on your transcript

Your status

Your family's yearly income Before tax. Only used to flag need-based awards

See my list

How the match works. We only hide something when your answers clearly rule it out, such as a different school level, another state, a GPA that is too low, or a program that is only for US citizens. If it is close, it stays with a "Check" note. This is a good start, not a promise. The funder decides who qualifies.

2. Scholarships and aid for you

Grants and scholarships are free money you do not pay back. Loans must be repaid with interest. Work-study is a part-time campus job. Dates shown are the usual timing and change every year, so always confirm on the official page.

Only open now or automatic Free money only (no loans) Need-based only

3. Deadline calendar

When each item on your list usually closes, starting from this month. Tap a month to see which ones. Many scholarships close between October and March of senior year.

4. My shortlist

Tap the star on anything to keep it here. Tick "I have applied" as you go. Your shortlist is saved on this device only.

5. How to apply well

Scholarships go to people who apply early, apply widely and send a complete application.

Documents to get ready

Tick them off as you collect them.

A strong scholarship essay

Answer the exact question. Reread the prompt before you start and before you submit.
Tell one real story. A specific moment shows who you are better than a list of achievements.
Show, do not just claim. Numbers, names and results are stronger than big adjectives.
Connect it to the funder. Say what the program values and how you fit.
Reuse, but do not copy and paste blindly. Adapt one strong essay for several applications, and have a teacher or counselor proofread it.

If you do not get one

Apply to many, including small local awards from community foundations, employers and civic clubs. Small awards add up and have fewer applicants.
Talk to the financial aid office at your college. You can ask for a review if your family's situation changed after you filed.
Look at in-state public colleges and community colleges, which often cost far less, and at free tuition programs in some states.
Consider work-study, apprenticeships and employer tuition help, and borrow federal loans only after grants and scholarships.
Prepare for scholarship interviews with the Interview Prep tool below.

6. Stay safe from scholarship scams

Warning signs.

Anyone who asks you to pay a fee to apply, to "hold" a scholarship or to receive an award. Real scholarships and the FAFSA are free.
A guaranteed scholarship, or a message that says you won a contest you never entered.
Someone who asks for your bank account, credit card, Social Security number or FSA ID password before you have been awarded anything. Never share your FSA ID.
"Official" sites that charge to help with the FAFSA. The real form is only on StudentAid.gov.
Pressure to act today, or a check that asks you to send money back.

Learn more from the Federal Student Aid scams page and the FTC guide to scholarship scams.

Other places to search

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US College PathfinderA dated college roadmap, college types and essay help. Interview PrepPractice for scholarship and college interviews. Resume BuilderA clean one-page resume for scholarships and jobs. ICG USA homeAll the USA tools in one place.