Scholarships and Other Free Money

It doesn’t grow on trees, but free money does exist. Scholarships, grants and work-study programs are considered free money because they don’t have to be repaid. Grants and work-study loans are awarded to students based on financial need, but scholarships are available from a variety of sources for students with academic, athletic, artistic or leadership talents.

Regardless of your financial position, it’s important to investigate these opportunities first—before you borrow. These are the lowest-cost alternatives, and the smartest way to pay for college.

To explore more than 2.4 million awards representing over $2.8 billion in no-cost aid, visit the NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine. It’s fast, completely private, and totally free of charge.

To find out if your child is eligible for grants or work-study, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or talk with your child’s school financial aid advisor.

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