Searching for Scholarships

Searching for Scholarships:

Ask Questions:

As you begin searching for scholarships, it is important to ask questions.  Below are questions that will help you determine if the scholarship is a good match for you & your educational goals:

• What is the maximum scholarship award?

• Is the scholarship reoccurring? If it is reoccurring, what needs to be done to keep the scholarship? Reoccurring scholarships may have qualifications that must be met to continue receiving the scholarship. Or, is it a one-time scholarship?

• Is the scholarship based on merit (no financial need requirement), financial need, or both?

• How is financial need defined for scholarships that are need based.

• How does the scholarship define merit?

• Does the scholarship require admission to a degree-granting program? 

• Does the scholarship require full-time enrollment? 

• What are the other eligibility requirements? 

• Is the scholarship targeted to a specific educational institution, specific field of study or major, residents of a specific geographic area, first bachelor's degree, or master's or doctoral level programs

• Is a personal statement or essay required? 

• Are letters of recommendation required? 

• Is an interview required? 

• What is the application process? 

Where to Find Scholarships:

Scholarships from Colleges:

Most schools will offer merit-based scholarships when you apply. Merit-based scholarships are based on your application & GPA.

Students should also go to each college's scholarship website and apply for additional scholarships through the school.

Typical Deadlines:

Most 4-year colleges have their scholarship deadlines in Jan-Feb.

Most 2-year colleges have their scholarship windows from Feb-April.

Explore Scholarships Offered by Minnesota Institutions here.

Local Scholarships:

Check out the SAVHS Local Scholarship Page for local scholarship opportunities!

Have you been involved in clubs or activities? Reach out to organizations you are currently or previously participated in to see if they have scholarship for graduating seniors! Ask about the scholarship deadline & apply ASAP! 

Examples of Organizations:

• Religious Organizations

• Youth Sports

• Community Organizations (4H, Boy/Girls Scouts, etc)

• Parent/Family Employers

Outside Scholarships:

• Explore scholarship opportunities through the SAVHS Excel file. This document will be updated frequently, please be sure to view often!

State & National Databases:

State of Minnesota Scholarships for Student Groups:

• Minnesota Office of Higher Education Scholarships

• Minnesota Indian Scholarship

• Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship

• Minnesota Educational Assistance for War Orphans

• Minnesota Veterans' Dependents Assistance Program

• Education Vouchers for Former Youth In Care

• MN State Colleges Workforce Development Scholarships

National Scholarship Databases:

• Sallie May 

• Scholarships.com 

• Big Future College  

• Dollars for Scholars- you must create an account to begin.

Need Assistance Keeping Your Scholarships?

Check out our Scholarship Tracker Spreadsheet.  Please save a copy of the Scholarship Tracker spreadsheet before editing.