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Scholarships & Financial Aid –
Funding tools and databases

 
College is expensive, but paying for college doesn't have to mean going into debt.

This section includes trusted tools to help you find scholarships, apply for financial aid, estimate true college costs, and connect with funding opportunities from schools, states, and private organizations. From national databases to FAFSA tips and merit awards, these resources can help reduce out-of-pocket costs and maximize your financial support.
 



College Scholarship Databases

FastWeb

One of the largest scholarship search engines, offering personalized matches based on your background and interests.

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Going Merry

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Allows you to apply for multiple scholarships using a single application; also supports FAFSA/CSS help.​

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Scholarships.com

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​Free database with millions of scholarships organized by category and eligibility.​

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Scholarship Owl

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A scholarship marketplace that matches you with awards and streamlines applications. (note: free trial available).

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​College Board Scholarship Search (BigFuture)

Leverages CB’s credibility to provide reliable scholarship matches across merit and need-based categories. 

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Career OneStop Scholarship Finder

A DOL sponsored tool listing thousands of scholarships for students pursuing vocational or associate degrees, plus grants.

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Bold.org
 

A growing platform that offers unique, identity-based and niche scholarships.

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FAFSA & CSS Profile Guides

FAFSA (studentaid.gov)

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The official Free Application for Federal Student Aid; your first step in securing federal, state, and institutional aid.​

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CSS Profile
(College Board)

​Required by many private colleges to determine eligibility for institutional aid.

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College Financial Aid Offices

Connect directly with each school’s advisors for info on school-specific requirements. UCLA listed as an example.

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Financial Aid Calculators

Net Price Calculators

Every college must provide this tool to show your real cost after grants and scholarships.
 

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Federal Aid Estimator

​Formerly the EFC Calculator, now called the Student Aid Index (SAI); estimates your federal aid eligibility.

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TuitionFit

Compare your actual financial aid offers with those from other students at the same school.

 

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Merit Scholarships

College Websites

Many schools offer their own merit-based scholarships; check the financial aid page of each college. New York University listed as an example.

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State Programs

​Explore programs like Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship or Missouri’s A+ Scholarship Program (listed as an example).

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Scholarships for Specific Groups

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

For Black/African American students.

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Point Foundation

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Provides renewable scholarships, leadership training, and mentoring for LGBTQ+ and ally students pursuing higher education in the U.S.

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Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)

For students of Hispanic/Latino heritage.

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Gates Millennium Scholars Program

A full scholarship for outstanding minority students with significant financial need, covering undergraduate through graduate studies.

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Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

For high-achieving students with financial need.

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Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

This organization provides scholarships to female high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in engineering or engineering technology.

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American Indian College Fund

Scholarships for Native American students.

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The Italian American Scholarship Fund

This organization provides scholarships to Italian-American high school students who plan to attend college.

 

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