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Scholarships and aid
Money you don't have to pay back comes first. Loans come last.
Where to start
File the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid unlocks federal grants such as the Pell Grant, work-study, and most state aid. Many schools use it for their own scholarships too. File every year you're enrolled.
Check your state's programs
Most states offer grants or tuition programs for residents, and some cover community college or career-tech tuition. Search for your state's higher education or student aid agency.
Ask your school
Financial aid offices manage institutional scholarships that often go unclaimed.
Apply for private scholarships
Local businesses, unions, religious groups, and national foundations all fund awards.
Check with your employer
Many employers have tuition assistance programs that help pay for degrees, certifications, and training, and up to $5,250 a year of that help can be tax-free to you.
- Ask HR or check your benefits handbook for “tuition assistance” or “tuition reimbursement.”
- Ask whether they pay upfront or reimburse you after you pass, and whether the program must relate to your job.
- Ask whether you must stay with the company for a certain time afterward.
- If a parent or spouse works, check their employer's benefits too. Some cover family members.
Featured scholarships
A starting point, grouped by who they're for. Many awards fit more than one group, so look through them all.
For trades and career-tech
mikeroweWORKS Work Ethic Scholarship
For high school seniors and graduates entering a trade program of two years or less, such as welding, electrical, HVAC, diesel, cosmetology, or LPN.
Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship
For students under 35 with a diploma or GED, household income of $100,000 or less, entering a certificate or associate program at a community college or trade school.
American Welding Society Foundation
For students in welding and related programs, including certificate programs under two years.
NAWIC Founders' Scholarship Foundation
For college, trade school, and apprenticeship students in construction-related fields, from the National Association of Women in Construction.
For high school students
The Gates Scholarship
For Pell-eligible high school seniors with a 3.3 weighted GPA or higher who plan to attend a four-year college full time.
Cooke College Scholarship
For high-achieving high school seniors with financial need, from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
For high school seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher who show leadership and service. Based on achievement, not need.
QuestBridge National College Match
For high-achieving high school seniors from low-income families. Matches students with full four-year scholarships at partner colleges.
Horatio Alger National Scholarship
For high school juniors who have overcome adversity, with household income of $100,000 or less and a 2.0 GPA or higher.
For community college and transfer students
Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
For top community college students with financial need who are transferring to a four-year college.
Phi Theta Kappa scholarships
For members of Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honor society. One application covers many awards, including transfer and workforce scholarships.
For adult learners, parents, and veterans
Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant
For low-income women 35 or older seeking technical or vocational training, a first associate degree, or a first bachelor's degree.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award
For low-income mothers of minor children who are enrolled in a vocational, associate, bachelor's, or graduate program.
GI Bill and military benefits
Education benefits for veterans, service members, and some family members.
For students from specific communities
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
For students of Hispanic heritage who complete the FAFSA, with a 3.0 GPA in high school or 2.5 in college.
UNCF scholarships
Many separate scholarships, mainly for Black students and students attending HBCUs. Each has its own rules and deadline.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Scholarships mostly for students at public HBCUs and predominantly Black institutions.
American Indian College Fund
For enrolled tribal members or descendants attending an accredited nonprofit college. One application covers all of its scholarships. GED holders can apply.
Search for more
CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder
A free U.S. Department of Labor search tool for scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
BigFuture Scholarship Search
A free College Board search tool covering more than 24,000 scholarship programs.
Have a GED or HiSET? Most scholarships that ask for a high school diploma also accept a high school equivalency. Some, like the Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship and the American Indian College Fund, say so directly. Federal Pell Grants accept it too.
Never pay to apply for a scholarship. Real scholarships don't charge application fees or ask for bank or card information. Be wary of anyone who "guarantees" you'll win.
Eligibility, amounts, and deadlines change every year. Always confirm details on the provider's official site.