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🎓 Scholarship Resources for Parents

Helping your child prepare for college includes understanding the many scholarship opportunities available. Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of higher education, and there are many types students can apply for — whether they’re based on academic achievement, financial need, or the university your child chooses to attend.

Below is a helpful guide to understanding the different types of scholarships and the best websites to find them.

đź“Ś Types of Scholarships

1. University-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are offered directly by the college or university your child plans to attend. Scroll down to access all Florida University scholarship pages. 

What to Know:

  1.  Many schools automatically consider students for scholarships upon application.
  2. Others require a separate application, often with earlier deadlines.
  3. These may include awards for academic merit, leadership, athletics, or community involvement.
  4. Search the university financial aid page for more information. Search if the university has a scholarship search only for accepted or enrolled students. 
2. Merit-Based Scholarships

Awarded based on a student’s academic, artistic, or athletic achievements, not financial need.

What to Know:

  1. Often require a high GPA, strong test scores, or a portfolio (for arts).
  2. May ask for essays, interviews, or recommendation letters.
  3. Competitive but worth pursuing for high-achieving students.

Examples: National Merit Scholarships, Coca-Cola Scholars Program, Gates Scholarship (also considers leadership)

3. Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded based on a family’s financial situation.

What to Know:

  1. Often require completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
  2. May also ask for additional financial forms (like CSS Profile).
  3. Can come from colleges, private organizations, or government programs.

Examples: Federal Pell Grant,  QuestBridge National College Match, Institutional aid from private colleges with generous financial aid policies

🔍 Top Websites to Find Scholarships

Here are trusted, easy-to-use websites where you and your student can search for scholarships:

WebsiteBest ForDescription
FastwebAll-around scholarship searchMatches students to scholarships based on profile info
Scholarships.comMerit & need-basedLarge database, customizable filters
College Board Scholarship SearchCollege-specific & generalReliable and linked to SAT/college planning
Going MerryEase of useAllows students to apply to multiple scholarships from one platform
CappexUniversity scholarshipsCombines scholarship search with college match tools
NicheUnique, easy filtersIncludes unusual and “no-essay” scholarships
RaiseMeMicro-scholarshipsEarn money for college based on achievements starting in 9th grade

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General searchComplete a student profile to cater scholarships to your demographics

📝 Tips for Success 

  1. Start Early: Encourage your student to begin searching for scholarships in junior year, or even earlier.
  2. Stay Organized: Create a spreadsheet of deadlines, requirements, and amounts.
  3. Beware of Scams: Never pay to apply for a scholarship — legitimate scholarships are always free to apply for.
  4. Encourage Consistency: Treat scholarship applications like a part-time job. Even small awards add up!

đź“ť Florida University scholarship websites