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Last update: December 6, 2024
Scholarships made easy
TuitionHero is here to simplify your scholarship search, showcasing the best opportunities available.
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Easy to use and super simple. TuitionHero helped me win enough scholarship money to cover the semester!
Sofia Alves, student at Arizona State University
What is a scholarship?
Scholarships are a type of financial aid awarded to students pursuing higher education. You can use scholarships for education-related expenses, and the best part is—you don't need to pay it back! Eligibility is usually based on your grades, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, or other special talents.
How many scholarships can you get?
Good news—there's no limit to how many scholarships you can win! The more scholarships you apply to, the better chance you have to secure some extra cash for college.
When should you start applying for scholarships?
We recommend applying during your junior year of high school, or even sooner. When you apply for scholarships early, you'll have more time to find the best scholarships and create applications that stand out.
How long do scholarships last?
Scholarships can cover anything from a year, up to your entire college experience. To find out how long a scholarship lasts, be sure to review its terms and renewal conditions.
TuitionHero’s best scholarships for 2024
TuitionHero has put together a list of the best scholarship opportunities this month. Here are our top 3 picks
What is the difference between grants and scholarships?
Grants and scholarships are both a type of financial aid for students that don't need to be repaid. The difference between the two comes down to eligibility and who usually funds them.
Grants
Grants are financial awards that help cover educational costs based on financial need. Grants are usually funded by either universities or the government.
Great for students who:
Show financial need
Seek government aid for education costs
Want financial help without repayment concerns
Scholarships
Scholarships are a type of financial aid that's often funded by private organizations. They're usually based on skills, qualities, and achievements rather than financial need.
Great for students who:
Excel in academics, art, or athletics
Are involved in extracurricular activities
Show leadership qualities or community involvement
TuitionHero tip
Choosing between scholarships and grants depends on your strengths and financial situation. Opt for scholarships if you excel in academics or have unique skills, while grants are a smart choice if you're facing financial hardship.
What can scholarships be used for?
Scholarships can cover a wide variety of education-related expenses. Here's the breakdown of what you should and shouldn't spend your scholarship money on:
Do’s
Tuition
On-campus housing
Required textbooks and materials
Computers or tech required for courses
Don’ts
Extravagant lifestyle choices
Trips or vacations
Personal entertainment
Non-academic personal expenses
How to get a scholarship
Applying for the perfect scholarship using TuitionHero is easy.
- 1
Enter your school name
First, we'll ask for your school to help improve the accuracy of your loan rates. It's okay to guess with your top pick if you don’t know yet.
- 2
Review eligibility requirements
Read the requirements for each scholarship to make sure that you're eligible. Some scholarships may have specific GPA, extracurricular, or demographic requirements.
- 3
Prepare your application
Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other required documents. You'll also usually need to write an essay to apply. In your essay, be sure to include your achievements, goals, and why you're an ideal candidate.
- 4
Submit your application on time
Pay close attention to deadlines and submit your application well before it’s due. Applying early is less stressful and shows your commitment to scholarship decision makers.
Illustrative purposes, actual results may vary.
Ready to get started?
Let’s match you with your perfect scholarship option.
Factors to consider when searching for scholarships
Consider the following factors to make the most of your time and increase your chances of winning a scholarship. By focusing on these areas, you can narrow down your scholarship search to focus on the best opportunities.
Eligibility requirements
Review the requirements of each scholarship to make sure you qualify. That way, you can focus your efforts on scholarships where you have a genuine chance of success.
Application difficulty
You may want to pick scholarships with straightforward requirements and clear instructions. If the application process is simple, it'll be easier to submit a strong application.
Award amount and frequency
Consider the scholarship's monetary value and how often it's awarded. Some scholarships offer one-time sums, while others provide awards that renew each year.
Application deadline
Mark application deadlines on your calendar so that you know all the important dates. Prioritizing the scholarships with upcoming deadlines will help you avoid missing out.
Compare scholarships
Find your perfect scholarship! Take a detailed look at some of our best scholarship offers below. For a more complete list with more features, be sure to check out our student loan marketplace.
Compare even more scholarships, and customize your results!
Go to Scholarship Marketplace
Your scholarship questions answered
Funds used for tuition and mandatory academic fees are tax-free. But if you use your scholarship money for other expenses, like room and board, it's taxable. It's important to keep this in mind to avoid any tax surprises.
An outstanding scholarship essay can make all the difference when competing for funds. It's more than just answering the prompt; it's about conveying your story. Start by thoroughly understanding the prompt. Then, brainstorm and share a unique personal experience or perspective that connects with the scholarship's theme. Don't forget the important step of proofreading — your essay should be free of errors.
Eligibility can be based on various factors: your grades, extracurricular activities, community service, and even personal hobbies or interests. Some scholarships might focus on leadership experiences, while others might be tailored for students of a specific ethnic background or field of study.
Full-ride scholarships are like the golden ticket of college funding. They cover every aspect of your college costs, from tuition to room and board. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic achievement, exceptional athletic skills, or other talents. But securing one requires dedication, hard work, and often a bit of strategy.
Merit-based scholarships reward students for their hard work and talent. Whether you're a star athlete, a math genius, or an exceptional artist, there's likely a merit-based scholarship for you. Unlike need-based scholarships, they focus on individual accomplishments, talents, and skills, rather than financial circumstances.
Receiving a scholarship is awesome, but where does that money actually end up? Typically, scholarship funds are sent directly to your chosen educational institution. They're then used to offset costs like tuition, books, and other essential academic fees. But, in some cases, the scholarship amount might be handed directly to the student for them to use as they see fit. Regardless, it's important to understand the terms and conditions of your scholarship to use the funds appropriately.
Funds used for tuition and mandatory academic fees are tax-free. But if you use your scholarship money for other expenses, like room and board, it's taxable. It's important to keep this in mind to avoid any tax surprises.
Full-ride scholarships are like the golden ticket of college funding. They cover every aspect of your college costs, from tuition to room and board. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic achievement, exceptional athletic skills, or other talents. But securing one requires dedication, hard work, and often a bit of strategy.
An outstanding scholarship essay can make all the difference when competing for funds. It's more than just answering the prompt; it's about conveying your story. Start by thoroughly understanding the prompt. Then, brainstorm and share a unique personal experience or perspective that connects with the scholarship's theme. Don't forget the important step of proofreading — your essay should be free of errors.
Merit-based scholarships reward students for their hard work and talent. Whether you're a star athlete, a math genius, or an exceptional artist, there's likely a merit-based scholarship for you. Unlike need-based scholarships, they focus on individual accomplishments, talents, and skills, rather than financial circumstances.
Eligibility can be based on various factors: your grades, extracurricular activities, community service, and even personal hobbies or interests. Some scholarships might focus on leadership experiences, while others might be tailored for students of a specific ethnic background or field of study.
Receiving a scholarship is awesome, but where does that money actually end up? Typically, scholarship funds are sent directly to your chosen educational institution. They're then used to offset costs like tuition, books, and other essential academic fees. But, in some cases, the scholarship amount might be handed directly to the student for them to use as they see fit. Regardless, it's important to understand the terms and conditions of your scholarship to use the funds appropriately.
Frequently asked questions
Confused about how things work? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to all your burning questions.
Absolutely not. You don't need to worry about your credit score at all when you search for personalized rates with us. The only time a hard credit check will occur is when you decide to take your next step by applying for a loan with a specific private lender who will need to determine your ability to make payments.
TuitionHero's private student loan shopping platform is 100% free of charge. There are zero surprise add-ons at the last minute and zero hidden fees.
Tuition Hero receives compensation from the loan provider when you complete a loan application and the loan is disbursed. When it comes to credit cards, the issuer compensates Tuition Hero when you apply for a credit card and are approved. No part of any of these fees fall onto you, and this doesn't affect how the loans and credit cards are displayed on our site.
We are a marketplace, not a loan, bank, or credit card issuer. This allows us to show you offers from multiple competitors side-by-side to help you get the best deal possible on your loans. We make comparison shopping easy by providing you several offers from multiple lenders within minutes. And when lenders compete for your business, it's a win for your wallet!
With so many private student loan options out there, it can be overwhelming! TuitionHero shows you rates and terms from a variety of lenders, so you can compare them side-by-side and easily spot the potential savings.
Shop and compare scholarships — 100% free!
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