Let’s be clear right from the start: a single, complete list of every scholarship in the United States doesn’t exist. If you found a website claiming to have one, it’s likely overwhelming, outdated, or full of broken links. The landscape of financial aid is simply too vast and changes too quickly.
But what does exist is a reliable map—a guide to the different types of scholarships and, more importantly, where to find the ones that are a perfect fit for you. Think of this not as a definitive list, but as your strategic playbook for navigating the world of funding for both undergraduate and graduate studies in the USA.
Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
As an undergrad, you’re often being rewarded for potential—your academic record, your extracurriculars, and your unique background.
The Big One: Merit-Based Scholarships from Universities
This is the most common source of significant money for undergraduates. Many U.S. universities use merit scholarships as a tool to attract strong students. You are often automatically considered for these when you submit your application. The size can range from a few thousand dollars per year to a full-ride, covering tuition, room, and board.
- How to find them: Look at the “Financial Aid” section of the websites for every university you’re applying to. They will clearly state their merit scholarship programs, like the University of Southern California’s Trustee Scholarship or the University of Michigan’s Honors Program scholarships.
National and Private Scholarships
These are the awards you apply for separately from your university application. They can be highly competitive but are worth the effort.
- Coca-Cola Scholars Program: A prestigious program awarding 150 scholarships each year to high-achieving high school seniors.
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship: An incredibly generous award for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need, covering a significant portion of their educational costs.
- Gates Scholarship: A last-dollar scholarship for outstanding minority high school students from low-income households.
Niche is Nice: The Power of Specificity
Don’t overlook smaller, targeted scholarships. These have less competition because the applicant pool is smaller. Are you left-handed? Do you plan to major in welding? Is your heritage Armenian? There are scholarships for that. Your unique identity and interests are assets.
Scholarships for Graduate Students
The funding game changes at the graduate level. It becomes less about general potential and more about your specific academic and professional focus.
The Holy Grail: Fully-Funded PhD Programs
In many fields, especially in the humanities and sciences, reputable PhD programs are not just courses you pay for. They are professional training positions. Being “fully-funded” typically means the university waives your tuition and provides you with a living stipend in exchange for your work as a teaching or research assistant.
- How to find them: This information is front and center on the admissions page for the specific graduate department (e.g., the History Department, the Biology Department). They will detail their funding package for incoming students.
Fellowships for Master’s and PhD Students
Fellowships are prestigious awards that are like scholarships but often include additional benefits like networking opportunities. They are highly competitive and are usually awarded based on a strong research proposal or academic record.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP): A premier fellowship for students in STEM fields.
- The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans: For immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate studies in any field.
- University-Specific Fellowships: Most large universities have their own named fellowships for top graduate applicants. Again, check the graduate school and departmental websites.
Assistantships: Work for Your Wallet
This is the most common form of funding for graduate students. You work for the university, and they pay your tuition and a salary.
- Teaching Assistantship (TA): You lead discussion sections, grade papers, or teach a lab for an undergraduate course.
- Research Assistantship (RA): You work on a research project for a professor, which is often directly related to your own thesis or dissertation.
Your Action Plan: How to Actually Find the Money
Knowing the categories is one thing; finding the awards is another. Here is your battle plan.
Start with Your Target Universities
Your number one source of scholarships is the financial aid office of the colleges you are applying to. Spend time there. For graduate studies, the specific academic department is your most important resource.
Use Reputable Scholarship Search Engines
Websites like Fastweb, Cappex, and the College Board’s Scholarship Search are excellent tools. Create a detailed profile and let them do some of the matching for you. Remember, you should never pay for a scholarship search service.
Look Locally and Professionally
Some of the best scholarships with the least competition are in your own community. Check with your parents’ employers, local community foundations, rotary clubs, and professional organizations related to your intended major (e.g., the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for chemical engineering students).
A Final, Crucial Piece of Advice
The biggest mistake students make is not applying. They see a long application or stiff competition and talk themselves out of it. Don’t do that. The scholarship search requires persistence and a bit of thick skin. Apply widely, for both big and small awards, and tailor each application. Your education is worth the effort, and with this strategic approach, you can find the funding to make it happen.
Your USA Scholarship Questions, Answered
Navigating the world of US scholarships can be confusing. Here are straightforward answers to some of the most common questions we hear.
What’s the difference between a scholarship and a fellowship?
Generally, a scholarship is an award based on merit or need to help cover educational costs. A fellowship is typically for graduate students and is more like a prestigious grant for advanced study or research; it often includes a stipend for living expenses and may have fewer work obligations than an assistantship. Think of a fellowship as a scholarship “plus.”
Do I need a perfect GPA to get a scholarship?
Absolutely not. While a high GPA is essential for many merit-based awards, countless scholarships are based on other criteria. These include financial need, community service, leadership experience, specific talents (like arts or athletics), career goals, or your personal background and heritage. There is truly something for almost every student.
Can international students get scholarships to study in the USA?
Yes, but it requires research. Many US universities offer merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate students to attract a diverse student body. At the graduate level, funded PhD programs and assistantships are also available to international students. However, need-based financial aid is far less common for non-US citizens.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
The earlier, the better. For undergraduate scholarships, you should start searching and applying in the summer before your final year of high school. Many deadlines are in the fall. For graduate funding, the process starts a full year before you intend to enroll, as you research programs and their specific funding packages.
Is it true that you should never pay for a scholarship search?
Yes, this is 100% true. Legitimate scholarship search engines like Fastweb and the College Board are free to use. You should never have to pay a fee to search for or apply for a legitimate scholarship. If a service asks for money, it is likely a scam.