Free money, first 💵
Grants and scholarships never have to be repaid. Always chase these before loans.
The one step that unlocks almost everything: file the FAFSA. It's free, and it's how you're considered for federal grants, work-study, most state aid, and most college scholarships. You do not need to know which colleges you'll attend to start.
Know the difference (this matters)
- Grants & scholarships — free money, never repaid. Chase these hardest.
- Work-study — a part-time job you earn; not a loan.
- Loans — borrowed money you repay with interest. Federal loans have more protections than private. See Loans & Careers.
- Tax credits & payment plans — ways to lower or spread out what you pay.
Labels you'll see: Official government source · College-published · Community — needs review · Expired. We only show official and college sources by default; community-submitted scholarships are checked before posting.
Local scholarships are real money too — from foundations, unions, employers, faith and civic groups, and professional associations. We only list ones we can verify from an official source. Ask your school counselor and each college's scholarship office what's open near you, and use the free CareerOneStop scholarship finder.
🤝 Fraternities & sororities give scholarships too. Greek-letter organizations — including the NPHC "Divine Nine" — and their foundations fund students every year. See our Fraternities, sororities & giving organizations directory for who they are and how to reach them.