Scholarships are different than other forms of financial aid because they are gifts and don’t need to be repaid. Scholarships are offered by a variety of organizations including government, individuals, businesses and non-profit agencies. They can be based on academics, achievements, hobbies, talents, organizational affiliations and career aspirations. Most scholarships are available across the board for students attending an accredited college or university. Filling out and submitting informational forms for more than one school helps to compare the available scholarships that you may qualify for at each institution.

There are plenty of free scholarship searches available online but The Federal Trade Commissions Bureau of Protection warns students of scholarships scams with these tell tale signs.

• "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
  
  
• "You can't get this information anywhere else."
  
  
• "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."
  
  
• "We’ll do all the work."
  
  
• "The scholarship will cost some money."
  
  
• "You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship" or "You’re a finalist" in a contest you never entered.