SCHOLARSHIPS

What are Scholarships?

Scholarships are often called “gift aid” because it is free money – financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Scholarships can come from the federal government, your state government, your college, your high school, or a private or non-profit organization.

Upward Bound scholars are required to apply to at least two scholarship during your junior year and two scholarships during your senior year. Your Academic Advisor will walk you through the application process to ensure that you submit a strong scholarship application. 

Scholarship Websites

Scholarship Scams

When applying for scholarships, it's important to watch out for scholarship scams that will trick you out of your money. Watch out for these red flags :

  • " The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back. " - No scholarship is ever guaranteed, this is a bait line used to draw in naive students.
  • " You can't get this information anywhere else ." - Most scholarships WANT people to know about their opportunities and advertise it freely
  • " I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship ." - NEVER give out your credit card or bank information unless you expect to pay money, and NEVER pay money for a scholarship.
  • " We'll do all the work ." - Sounds too good to be true? Then it probably is. Sorry, but the truth is if you want the money for college, then you have to apply/work for it.
  • " The scholarship will cost some money ." - Again, NEVER PAY MONEY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP!
  • " You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship " or " You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered . - Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Out of the millions of students in the United States, somehow this company decided to give you free money for school. Sorry, simply not true.

For more information about scholarship scams and how to avoid them visit finaid.org. Also, FTC.govOpens in new window   offers a list of known scholarship scam companies.