Financial Aid

Free Scholarship Search Databases

Students should search at least two of the large scholarship databases. It will take the student only a few minutes to search each database, and they can then be certain that they've found all the awards for which they may qualify. You'll notice a significant amount of overlap among the databases - they all use similar methods to compile their listings - but each database includes a few awards not listed in others. Note: The use of any scholarship search that charges a fee is not recommended.

FastWEB

FastWEB is the Internet's first, largest and fastest free scholarship search service. You can even submit a preliminary application to some of the scholarships listed on FastWEB directly via the web through the FastWEB E-Scholarship Program.

Peterson's COLLEGEQUEST

Peterson's Award Search makes it quick and easy to find the right scholarships for you. The database presents 800,000 awards from about 2,000 sources in 69 academic subject areas, with the same complete descriptions found in Peterson's Scholarships, Grants and Prizes book Peterson's is the most trusted name in education and careers publishing. Their dedication to providing the best possible information guided the design of their scholarship database.

CollegeNET MACH25

CollegeNET MACH25 is a free web version of the Wintergreen/Orchard House Scholarship Finder database. The database lists awards from 1,570 sponsors. The database is updated annually.

Additional free scholarship searches

• CollegeBoard.com
• Finaid.com
• Collegeanswer.com

What other sources of financial aid should I check out?

• If you or your parents are employed ask your company or labor union if it has a tuition reimbursement program.
• Check to see if the church or community organization you or your parents belong to has an educational grant or scholarship program.
• If you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or the child of a veteran, you may be eligible for veterans' educational benefits. Learn about your eligibility for these benefits at the Veterans Administration GI bill website.
• Vocational and Educational Services for individuals with Disabilities (VESID) is a NYS government office that provides a variety of educationally related services and some financial assistance for eligible students.