Not every college has the same policy, though, so don't take any chances. Scholarships are merit-based awards that you don't have to pay back. Thousands of scholarships are available from businesses, organizations, and the military. Our scholarship search engine lists awards for a variety of talents and majors. Look for scholarships early, because many of them have early application deadlines.
Colleges give out scholarships, too.
Usually, you won't have to fill out any extra paperwork to be considered for them. Most colleges look at your college application. If you receive outside scholarships, check with your school to see how they will affect your financial-aid package. Many schools have adopted policies that allow you to use scholarships to your best advantage by decreasing the amount of your loans or work-study award. Some schools, like Wellesley College , actually deduct scholarships from the expected family contribution.