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Edited By: Scholarships for College Students
Key takeaways:
- Scholarships are financial awards that do not need to be repaid.
- They can be based on financial need or academic and extracurricular achievements.
- Over $1.8 million scholarships from private sources are awarded each year. 11% of college students receive third-party scholarships, according to the Education Data Initiative.
Many students and their families worry about the cost of college.
The average real cost of tuition in the United States rose by 17.1% between 2005 and 2025, according to the Education Data Initiative. College costs also include accommodation, food, books and supplies, transportation, and other living expenses, which keep pace with the rising cost of living.
Once students submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and receive financial aid, they may find it is not enough.
Scholarships are funds from private organizations that can pay for educational expenses which are not covered by federal or university grants. Unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid.
This article covers what college scholarships are, how to find awards you might be eligible for, and some frequently asked questions.
Jump to:
- 25 best scholarships with approaching deadlines in 2026
- Why apply for scholarships?
- Types of scholarships: what’s the difference?
- What to look for in a scholarship
- What are scholarships awarded for?
- How to apply for a scholarship
- Where to find college scholarships
- Frequently asked questions about college scholarships
The 25 Best Scholarships for College Students with Approaching Deadlines in 2026
Why apply for scholarships?
Scholarship money can offset student loans. Some awards also provide opportunities for educational and professional development, as well as peer and mentor support.
The average cost of tuition at a private, four-year non-profit institution is $38,421 a year. Average out-of-state tuition at a four-year, public institution is $28,386; in-state tuition is $9,750, according to the Education Data Initiative.
Tuition is only a fraction of the cost of college. Including room and board, supplies, and other living expenses, the average cost of college at a four-year, private university is $56,628 a year; $45,708 for an out-of-state public university student, and $27,146 for an in-state student.
However, these numbers may not tell the full story.
After financial aid, the cost of attendance may be lower. For example, selective private universities — which have the highest sticker price — also tend to offer the most aid. These schools waive tuition for students whose families earn less than $250,000 a year. They may also cover room and board for low-income students with a grant.
Still, full rides are rare and competitive. Many students find the amount awarded in grants by their institution is not enough to cover the cost of attendance.
Before taking out student loans, it is a good idea to apply for scholarships. Many organizations award scholarships, for a broad range of criteria. You may be eligible for more funding than you realize.
Types of scholarships: what's the difference?
There are two general types of scholarships: merit-based and need-based. Need-based awards are based on demonstrated financial need. Merit-based awards are based on a student’s accomplishments in a particular area, such as athletics, creative arts, or community service.
When you think of merit-based scholarships, you might picture out-of-reach prizes for athletes or those students with stellar GPAs. In fact, merit-based scholarships have fairly diverse eligibility requirements.
Some awards may not fall neatly into the need or merit categories, and may pull from a combination of criteria.
For example, some scholarships do not require demonstrating financial need, but they do require that you meet other demographic criteria. There are scholarships available for first-generation college students, adult students, or for students who are Black, Hispanic, or who belong to a minority.
What to look for in a scholarship
In general, it is important to know who is offering the award, how much they are offering, how many awards are available, and what the application deadline is.
You should also check whether the funds are disbursed directly to you or sent to your school. This could impact how much financial aid you receive. Some colleges might reduce how much financial aid you receive if you earn a significant external award.
Make sure you meet all eligibility criteria to avoid spending time on an application you are not qualified for. Check this in advance so that you have time to gather the materials before the deadline, including references if necessary.
Some scholarship eligibility criteria might seem vague or unclear. If you have any questions about whether you qualify, it is always a good idea to contact the scholarship provider and ask directly.
Awards which pool from a smaller set of applicants may offer you a higher chance of winning. Fewer students may meet the criteria for local, small, or unusual scholarships.
Do not underestimate the value of small scholarships. In addition to being more achievable, stacking them can make a dent in your student budget.
What are scholarships awarded for?
Scholarships are awarded for many reasons — more than you might think!
For example, the American Red Cross Leaders Save Lives Scholarship awards $2,500 to students who host an American Red Cross blood donation drive, subject to specific criteria.
The Vegetarian Resource Group College Scholarship awards $10,000 to graduating high school seniors who promoted veganism in their community while in high school.
Many scholarships do not require an essay to apply; some require a video or other creative submission.
How to apply for a scholarship
First, make sure you receive all the federal and university financial aid you are eligible for by filling out the FAFSA form and submitting it as soon as possible. Some funds, such as Federal Work-Study grants, are limited and may be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
After submitting the FAFSA form, you may need to show financial documents such as bank statements and family tax returns, which can take time to obtain. Stay ahead by preparing them early.
In addition, you can search for third-party scholarships by signing up for a free account with Scholarships.com. Our search tool filters awards for which you already qualify, and you receive weekly reminders of awards with upcoming deadlines.
Where to find scholarships for college
Scholarships are administered by a broad range of organizations, including universities and colleges, employers, NGOs, special interest groups, and small foundations. It is a good idea to inquire about scholarships and their eligibility criteria.
Your parents’ employers may offer scholarships, as could local community organizations. Once you develop the habit of looking for scholarships, the search can become second nature.
Using a scholarship search tool like Scholarships.com can make it easier to find money for college.
Frequently asked questions about college scholarships
How many scholarships should I apply for?
There is no limit on how many scholarships you can apply for. It is a good idea to apply for any awards for which you qualify.
Don’t be afraid to research the cost of living where you like to study, including what people tend to spend in that city or town and how much financial aid you might receive from your school. Having a realistic sense of the cost of college will help you estimate how much winning scholarships can help.
Many students who have used Scholarships.com to win scholarships applied to 30 or 40 awards, starting in their junior year of high school. One student even applied for over 200 scholarships! You can read all their stories in our winner profiles.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
It is a good idea to start applying for scholarships as early as possible. There are scholarships available for students in all grade levels, and it is never too soon to start planning.
You may also strengthen your applications by timing them well with other academic plans.
For example, if you see an appealing scholarship for students who are interested in engineering, consider doing a summer program before applying in the following year's cycle, when you will be able to show stronger evidence of your interest in the field.
Always apply for scholarships for which you already qualify, such as local scholarships or scholarships with demographic criteria.
I’m already in college. Can I still apply for college scholarships?
Absolutely. There are plenty of scholarships available for college students. The scholarship search does not end in high school: it can continue during your college years and into graduate school.
If your college living expenses turn out to be more than you had initially planned and you are worried about budgeting, you can ask your school about available resources.
Universities can offer hardship or emergency grants. Deans often handle these kinds of concerns: they have seen many students who are living away from home for the first time, and have experienced similar difficulties to you.
I was perfect for this scholarship. Why didn’t I get it?
It happens. Scholarships can be very competitive, and providers receive applications from many qualified students like you. You may never find out why your application was unsuccessful.
Many of our major scholarship winners have faced their fair share of rejections along the way. Here is their advice:
“When someone tells you no, that you can’t do it, just keep trying. Definitely don’t take no for an answer, take it as a redirection for something else … Pursue what you want to do, because it might lead to something better.” — Dean Trusty, SAE Doctoral Engineering Scholarship winner
“When I see, ‘we regret to inform you,’ I'm like, okay, that's fine. Acknowledge that you failed and improve upon it, but … it doesn't define you at all.” — Simon Tchira, Posse Scholarship and Coca-Cola Scholarship Program winner
“You do not have to be the best at something to put your foot forward … The person who wins isn't always the best person, but the person who actually has the confidence in themselves and believes in themselves to do it.” — Imanga Lufungulo, Amazon Future Engineer, Taco Bell Live Más, and Coca-Cola Scholarship Program winner
Are community college students eligible for college scholarships?
College scholarships are not only available to students at four-year institutions. There are also awards available for community college students and trade school students.
For example, the Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship awards $20,000 to students studying at a two-year program to train in the skilled trades.