If you’re applying to college or have recently been accepted, you might be wondering how you will cover the cost of your education.
Many families miss out on scholarship money because they start looking for this type of funding too late. Ideally, you should begin searching for scholarship opportunities at the same time that you’re completing your college applications, and then continue looking while you’re waiting to hear back from the schools. In this post, I will explain how you can find scholarships as a high school senior, and project or research funding on campus as an undergraduate. Learning how to identify and apply for opportunities like these can serve you well in college, business school, and beyond.
COMPLETE THE FAFSA AND CSS PROFILE
The 2027-2028 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application is now available. Although the federal deadline is June 30, 2028, many states and colleges have much earlier deadlines, and some colleges use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for institutional scholarships and other aid. So, I recommend filling it out as soon as you can to qualify for as much financial aid as possible. Some colleges will also ask you to opt in to scholarship consideration on their supplementary application.
In addition, you should fill out a CSS Profile on the College Board website in your senior year of high school, beginning on October 1, if this is required by the colleges you’re applying to. This online application is used by colleges and scholarship programs to award millions of dollars in nonfederal institutional aid. Check each college’s deadlines, because these can vary.
START YOUR SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH LOCAL
The best place to start searching for organizations is where you’ve lived in the past, where you went to high school, where you hope to go to college, and where you are currently based. Ideally, you’ll start by asking such questions as “What organizations in my city or town care about something I am studying, researching, or passionate about?”
First, ask whether your high school provides a list of local scholarships. Some school clubs even set aside funds for seniors in leadership roles. And certain regions, such as Silicon Valley, compile local scholarships online. Sites such the College Board also let you search and filter through merit- and need-based opportunities.
GENERATE A LIST OF EFFECTIVE SEARCH TERMS
Most students looking for scholarships start with the same question: “Where can I find a list of scholarships that fit me?” Although the idea of sorting through thousands of potential opportunities can be intimidating, doing so is essential. Anyone searching for scholarships must develop individualized search strategies based on their knowledge of themselves and their area of study.
Many scholarships aren’t widely advertised, so it’s up to you to find them. Draft and refine keywords describing your background, activities, and intended major to connect with communities that want to support students like you. Think about your short- and long-term goals, background, and personal interests. What communities do you belong to or care about? What communities care about you? What countries, regions, states, and cities do you have a personal connection with? What languages do you speak or would you like to learn? (Just knowing a language other than English or learning a new language as part of your course of study could make you eligible for additional scholarships.) Are there professional organizations associated with the careers you’re interested in? Your answers to these questions will become your internet search queries.
Your passions and hobbies can also help you find scholarship essay contests. Feel free to go all out here: There are essay contests for people who love coffee and for people who love zombies. Consider all of your genuine interests and pastimes. Rather than perusing the many essay contests that exist online, make a list of the hobbies and interests you’d most like to write an essay about. Then your search queries will look like this: “Essay contests about coffee.”
BEGIN SEARCHING
Once you have a list of 25 or so terms that describe various aspects of who you are and what you do, spend an hour experimenting online with each search term. Use the terms to navigate institutional or university websites, find privately endowed community funds, and identify interesting essay contests. As you search, don’t be afraid to edit your initial list! Remove terms that are too broad or don’t return quality results, and add terms that appear in candidate descriptions and mission statements. By reading the bios of past and current scholarship recipients whose profiles match your own, you can learn about other great opportunities.
FINDING FUNDING ON CAMPUS
Once you’ve been accepted to a university, you can also find funding to conduct research, create artistic projects, start clubs, or host events. You can begin with your academic department, but literally hundreds of other centers, labs, institutes, clubs, student services, and communities can also support your goals. I recommend subscribing to the mailing lists of departments and organizations you’re interested in. Make appointments to introduce yourself to professors, deans, and other campus leaders. These personal connections matter; when people can connect a face with a request or project, they’re more likely to respond positively.
Many schools also have a specific office that administers grants for student research and funds conferences and travel. In most cases, you’ll be asked to submit a project proposal and budget. The proposal will ask you to explain the significance of your project, your preparation for carrying out the project, any expected expenses, and how the project relates to your academic and professional goals. It never hurts to begin answering these questions now so you’ll be prepared when you need to put them on the page.
So, if you’re facing a daunting tuition bill from your dream school, don’t give up! Roll up your sleeves, follow the suggestions presented here, and spend some time looking for a scholarship or grant that fits you and your circumstances. Scholarship searches, applications, and interviews take time, so dedicate a little each week. Those hours could save your family thousands of dollars.
Steven guides applicants through every stage of the admissions process, drawing on his background as a journalist, speechwriter, and MFA in creative writing to help candidates uncover and articulate their unique stories. With 20 years of experience coaching students for top graduate and professional programs, he offers personalized, detail‑driven strategies to craft essays and applications that resonate with admissions committees. Click here to request a consultation with Steven.
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