National Scholarship Month: What is it?

5 key takeaways about National Scholarship Month

• November is National Scholarship Month
• Scholarships don’t need to be repaid, making them a smart way to cut college costs
• There’s a scholarship for everyone, including no-essay options
• Use tools like Scholly Scholarships and Scout College Search to simplify your search and find matches fast
• Start small and apply early—every scholarship adds up to less debt and more freedom

November is all about free money for college (yes, really)

If you’re in college or planning to be, November is your month. It’s officially National Scholarship Month, which means it’s the perfect time to find free money to help pay for school. Whether you’re just starting your search or already knee-deep in applications, this is your reminder: scholarships are out there, and they’re waiting for you.

Let’s break down what National Scholarship Month is all about—and how you can make the most of it.

So, what’s National Scholarship Month anyway?

• National Scholarship Month is celebrated every November
• It was created by Scholarship America in 1998
• The goal? To raise awareness about scholarships and help students find funding for college

Think of it like a spotlight moment for scholarships. Organizations, schools, and platforms like Scholly Scholarships use this time to promote opportunities, share tips, and make it easier for students to apply. It’s basically a big push to help you get the money you need to make higher ed more affordable.

Scholarships: your ticket to free money 

Scholarships are financial awards that help cover the cost of college. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back, and you can apply for them throughout your entire higher education journey.

And guess what? They’re for students with all types of backgrounds and interests. Some scholarships are based on academics. Others reward leadership, community service, or even your hobbies. There are scholarships for athletes, artists, gamers, coders, and students who just need a little help.

Bottom line: scholarships = free money. And who doesn’t want that?

Why scholarships matter (a lot)

Let’s be real: college costs can add up. Scholarships can make a huge difference in how much you pay out of pocket for everything from travel and tuition to books and housing.

Here’s why they matter:

• They reduce your need for loans (aka less debt after graduation)
• They can boost your resume and help you stand out
• Plus, applying for scholarships teaches you how to advocate for yourself. You learn how to tell your story, highlight your strengths, and go after what you want. That’s a win even beyond college.

Types of scholarships you should know about

There’s a scholarship out there for almost everyone. Here are a few common types:

• Merit-based scholarships: Awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or talent
• Need-based scholarships: Based on your financial situation
• Athletic scholarships: For student-athletes playing at the college level
• Creative scholarships: For artists, writers, musicians, and creators
• No-essay scholarships: Yep, you can win money without writing a single word (like the $2,000 Sallie No Essay Scholarship)

Pro tip: You can apply for more than one type. Stack them up and maximize your funding.

Where to find scholarships without losing your mind

The search doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s where to start:

• Use scholarship platforms: Scholly Scholarships matches you with scholarships based on your profile
• Check with your college: Most schools offer their own scholarships—ask your financial aid office
• Look locally: Community organizations, clubs, and businesses often support students in their area
• Search by major or interest: There are scholarships for future nurses, engineers, teachers, and more
• Try college search tools: Scout College Search can help you find schools that offer generous aid

And don’t forget to set reminders. Deadlines sneak up fast, so keep a calendar and apply early.

Ready to start your scholarship journey?

National Scholarship Month is your chance to cut out-of-pocket costs . Whether you’re applying for your first scholarship or your tenth, this is the time to go for it.

Start small. Apply for one scholarship today. Then another tomorrow. Before you know it, you’ll be stacking up free money and feeling way more confident about your college budget.

You’ve got this—and we’re here to help.