Where can students find information about financial aid and scholarships?

Candid does not give grants/donations, suggest specific funders, or approach them on your behalf. More about Candid’s mission. Please refer to the tips and websites in this article.

 

Before seeking foundation grants to help offset the costs of your higher education, you should pursue the following avenues: 

  • Ask about scholarships from other organizations in your personal and professional networks, for example: 
    • Department office for your academic program.
    • Local or regional alumni clubs
    • Community, civic and religious organizations
    • Businesses or corporations that employ you, your parents, or your spouse 

 

Foundation grants for students

To find funders who give grants to students, you can use Foundation Directory Professional, our searchable database of grantmakers. 

Perform an advanced search by Transaction Type: Grants to Individuals, in addition to search terms for Subject Area and Geographic Focus. 

For more detailed search help, please see our article, Find your next scholarship, fellowship, or grant on Foundation Directory Professional.  

Subscribe to search from your own location, or search for free at our Candid partner locations. 

 

International students 

If you have not already done so, we suggest that you start your search with a visit to your college or university's financial aid office, as it may be able to connect you with resources that specifically target non-U.S. residents. 

Also, ask about scholarships from other organizations in your personal and professional networks, such as government agencies in your country that award scholarships and community or civic organizations, such as Rotary International 

The Institute of International Education provides information about international education and training programs, including Fulbright scholarships. 

 

Federal Student Aid
U.S. Department of Education

Information on preparing for and funding education beyond high school. Free source of information, guidance, and tools for federal student assistance. Includes online Free Application Form for Student Aid (FAFSA).

College Scholarship Search
Peterson's

Search for scholarships, federal and state aid, and loans, and learn about getting college-based awards.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators
NAFSA

NAFSA promotes the exchange of students and scholars to and from the United States. The web site includes information on grants and scholarships and links to other informational sites.

Financial Aid for Graduate or Professional Students
Federal Student Aid (PDF)

A handy guide for prospective and current graduate students is offered by Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education.

Student Loan Borrower Assistance
National Consumer Law Center

National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project is a resource for borrowers, their families, and advocates representing student loan borrowers. This site is for people who already have student loans and want to know more about them.

College Planning
Sallie Mae

Find scholarships and get funding planning advice for short or long-term college degrees.

State Contacts for Financial Aid Assistance
Department of Education

Many states offer assistance for graduate or professional school. You can find your State Department of Education on this webpage.

Funding For US Study: International Scholarships
Institute of International Education

Database of scholarships, fellowships and grants for all levels of post-secondary study, across the full range of academic areas. Search by region, area of study, name of program, or location in the U.S.

Study Abroad Scholarships
Spain Exchange

Get all the key information you need to get financing for your studies abroad with this extensive list of scholarship programs.

Avoiding Student Aid Scams
Federal Student Aid

Avoid scams while searching for scholarships, filling out the FAFSA, and giving personal information to schools and lenders.