Resources

Last Chance: Scholarships Closing in April 2026 - Sallie

Emily Schumann — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:38:19 GMT

Scholarship deadlines come up fast—and it’s easy to miss out on free money if you skip them. In fact, research from Sallie's Scholarship Fatigue Report shows nearly 1 in 5 students who stopped applying say they missed out on $5,000 or more in scholarships.

At the same time, we know the process can feel overwhelming—3 in 4 students say they’ve given up on scholarships altogether because applying feels like too much work.

It doesn’t have to be that way. That's why we've pulled together scholarships closing this month, including no-essay and quick-apply options, so you can find real, vetted opportunities and apply with less stress.

1. Start with scholarships you can only find here

These exclusive opportunities from Scholly close at the end of the month. If you see a scholarship that fits, don’t wait—the deadline to apply is April 30.

Pro tip: You can apply to all of them with one quick application using Scholly^® Easy Apply Scholarships—no essays or long forms required.

Scholarships closing in April

Community Champions Scholarship - $2,000

The Community Champions Scholarship celebrates students who understand that success is measured not just by personal achievement, but by the positive impact they have on others.

Opportunities for All Scholarship - $2,000

The Opportunities for All Scholarship is open to students pursuing higher education. We believe that every student deserves the chance to invest in their future, regardless of their field of study, background, or circumstances. This award is designed to help ease the financial burden of education and support students in achieving their academic goals.

Limitless Potential Scholarship - $500

Limitless Potential Scholarship is created for students who believe growth has no boundaries. This scholarship celebrates ambition, imagination, and the drive to explore what’s possible through education.

New Perspectives Scholarship - $500

New Perspectives Scholarship honors students who challenge assumptions, embrace learning, and bring thoughtful viewpoints to their academic experience.

The Next Chapter Scholarship - $500

The Next Chapter Scholarship supports students as they begin or continue an important chapter in their educational journey, focused on learning, growth, and discovery.

The Power of Ideas Scholarship - $1,000

Honoring students who understand that ideas shape the world. The Power of Ideas Scholarship supports learners who bring creative energy, fresh perspectives, and a passion for possibility into their academic pursuits.

Building Blocks Scholarship - $1,000

Building Blocks Scholarship celebrates students who understand that lasting success is built step by step through learning and persistence.

$500 Achievement & Growth Scholarship - $500

$500 Achievement & Growth Scholarship recognizes students who are committed to growth, learning, and long-term educational success.

Stepping Stones Scholarship - $500

Designed for students building their future one step at a time. The Stepping Stones Scholarship honors persistence, learning, and the value of steady progress.

A Better Future Scholarship - $500

A Better Future Scholarship supports students who demonstrate motivation, curiousity, and a desire to use their education to help leave the world a better place than they found it.

The Curiosity Counts Scholarship - $500

The Curiosity Counts Scholarship is for the endlessly curious—the students who ask “why?” and “what if?” in equal measure. If your favorite subject is everything, and you believe questions are the start of every breakthrough, this scholarship is your sign to keep exploring.

2. Apply to more no-essay scholarships

No-essay scholarships are an easy way to apply to more opportunities in less time.

Some scholarships may still have basic eligibility criteria (like your background, location or major) or require documents like transcripts or letters of recommendation, so double-check before you apply.

Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship

The Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship awards $2,000 to an eligible student (or parent) every month to help pay for college—and you can enter it monthly for another chance to win. There’s no essay required, and it takes two minutes or less to apply, making it a simple, low-effort way to earn money for school. More than $300,000 in scholarship has been awarded since 2016.

Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors - Up to $10,000

The Sallie Mae Fund’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors helps students attend college or a vocational-technical school. In 2026, The Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors will award up to $10,000 to 30 high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two or four year college, university, or continuous education program but are facing financial challenges. While this scholarship does not require an essay, all applicants are required to create a 2-minute video responding to the prompt on the application.

Mary Murphy Scholarship - Varies

The Mary Murphy Scholarship offers funding to women pursuing graduate or professional degrees, especially in fields where African American women are underrepresented, with emphasis on leadership and civic engagement.

American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Scholarship - $2,500

The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Scholarship awards financial support to students enrolled in culinary or foodservice programs based on academic performance and evaluation criteria.

NASE Dependent Scholarship - $3,000

The NASE Dependent Scholarship provides funding to dependents of NASE members, with selection based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and financial need.

A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship (AISES) - $2,000

The A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship supports Indigenous students pursuing STEM degrees, recognizing academic performance and requiring letters of recommendation.

SCW Conrad Carpio Education DREAMers Scholarship - $2,500

The SCW Conrad Carpio Education DREAMers Scholarship awards immigrant students who demonstrate perseverance and ambition, requiring a personal video submission about their goals and experiences.

AIA Silicon Valley William R. Hawley Scholarship - $5,000

The AIA Silicon Valley William R. Hawley Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing a career in architecture to help develop future professionals in the field.

Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Memorial Scholarship - $20,000

The Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Memorial Scholarship supports daughters of Air Force members pursuing STEM degrees, with preference given to first-generation college students with financial need.

Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship - $2,500

The Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship assists spouses, children, and grandchildren of blind or low-vision veterans by recognizing academic achievement and potential for success in higher education.

General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant - Varies

The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant provides need-based financial assistance to eligible Air Force or Space Force families, with award amounts tied to financial need and education costs.

How to apply fast and hit those deadlines

Applying for scholarships doesn’t have to take over your schedule. Here's how you can simplify it:

Build your scholarship kit

Set yourself up once so each application gets easier:

Pull together your basic info. Keep your school details, graduation year, and contact information in one place so you can copy and paste into applications.
Keep an updated activity list. Write out your clubs, jobs, volunteer work, and achievements so you don’t have to stop and think each time.
Create a go-to essay. Start a strong draft around common prompts like your goals or challenges that you can edit and reuse.

Follow an easy 15-minute routine

Once your materials are ready, use this quick system to stay on track:

Minutes 1-5: Shortlist scholarships that fit you
Minutes 6-12: Apply to quick wins first
Minutes 13–15: Track deadlines and next steps

This routine keeps you moving—and that consistency is what leads to more applications and better odds.

Graduate Admissions Interviews: What You Need to Know - Sallie

sean.sullivan@salliemae.com (Sean Sullivan) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:11:29 GMT

What to know about grad school interviews

Grad school interviews are less about qualifications and more about fit, clarity, and direction.
You don’t need perfect answers—committees care more about how you think and communicate.
Most questions are really testing alignment, depth of interest, and goals.
Preparation should focus on your story and the program—not memorizing responses.
A strong interview is a conversation, not a performance—you’re evaluating the program, too.

Why grad school interviews matter more than you think

Getting invited to a grad school interview is a big step—it means your application already stood out. At this point, admissions committees aren’t trying to decide if you’re qualified. They’re trying to figure out if you’re the right fit.

How to Start a Memorial Scholarship to Honor a Loved One - Sallie

Emily Schumann — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:13:40 GMT

What to know about starting a memorial scholarship

A memorial scholarship creates lasting support for students while honoring someone’s life.
You decide on the purpose, name, and values the scholarship reflects.
Scholarship platforms like Scholly Scholarship Creator manage and handle rules, applications, legal details, and fund distribution, so you can focus on impact.

When you lose someone you love, you look for a way to honor their life in a way that feels lasting. For many families, creating a memorial scholarship becomes that next step. It connects someone’s memory to a student’s education.

What are Scholarship Sweepstakes - Sallie

Emily Schumann — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:16:45 GMT

As head of Scholly, I hear a lot about students who feel overwhelmed by the scholarship process. Between long applications, tons of deadlines, and confusing advice, it can feel like you’re expected to do so much to get money for college.

Here’s some good news: you don’t have to start with the hardest scholarships first. That’s where scholarship sweepstakes come in. They’re one of the easiest, lowest-pressure ways to potentially win money for college—no essays, no minimum GPA, no long applications. Just simple, free entries that take minutes, not hours.

If you’re short on time but don't want to skip scholarships, scholarship sweepstakes can be a smart place to start. They won’t replace every other scholarship—but they can make the whole process feel a lot more manageable.

How to Create and Fund a Scholarship with Scholly® - Sallie

Emily Schumann — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:15:46 GMT

At Scholly, we hear from hundreds of scholarship winners every year and one thing is always clear: scholarships change lives. They open doors, ease stress, and make college feel possible when it otherwise wouldn’t.

We've also heard from people who want to create scholarships—and that's just as inspiring. But they don’t know where to start, how much it costs, or whether they can really make a difference on their own.

That’s why we built Scholly^®Scholarship Creator. It allows individuals and families to create scholarships in a simple, accessible way— while still making a real impact for students who need help paying for college.

Why create your own scholarship?

People create scholarships for deeply personal reasons—but they all share a desire to help students move forward.

Personal and community motivations

Here are some common reasons we've heard for starting a scholarship:

Supporting students in financial need
Giving back to a community or school
Advancing causes like STEM, the arts, diversity, or mental health
Creating a memorial scholarship in honor of a loved one
Encouraging students in specific career paths

With Scholly Scholarship^®Creator, you don’t have to design complex applications or selection criteria. Eligible students enter with one easy form, and we manage everything for you. It's that simple.

Lasting impact for students—and for you

Scholarships don’t just help students pay for school. They can change the direction of a student’s life.

In fact, Sallie Mae's research study How America Pays for College 2025 reveals 75% of college families who used scholarships said they made college possible.

For scholarship sweepstakes creators, it’s a powerful way to give back without complexity—and to know your support is reaching a real student at a pivotal moment.

Benefits of using Scholly^® Scholarship Creator

Launch a scholarship for as little as $500

Easily set up and fund your scholarship, with no platform fees or service charges. You donate your funds and that's it.

Simple, guided setup

We designed Scholly^® Scholarship Creator to remove barriers—not add them. You don’t need legal expertise, financial experience, or a large organization behind you to launch a scholarship.

You define the scholarship details and award amount, and we take care of the rest.

Built-in scholarship management tools

Once your scholarship is live, Scholly handles the logistics.

Applications are collected through our platform, and we manage the administrative details behind the scenes—so you don't have to.

Reach the right students

Every scholarship created through Scholly^® Scholarship Creator is featured on its own exclusive landing page, in the Scholly Easy Apply application, and within our Scholly Scholarships search tool—helping reach thousands of students and families who need money for college.

For you, that means plenty of applications without having to promote the scholarship on your own.

Simplified long-term giving

Easily set up a monthly or recurring scholarship to extend your impact over time—and help more students.

Transparency and ease for funders

Trust matters when you’re giving back.

Scholly helps ensure scholarships follow required guidelines, and funds are disbursed securely and directly to the student’s school.

Step-by-step guide to setting up your scholarship

Creating a scholarship doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here’s how it works.

1. Define your purpose

Start with your “why.”

Think about what inspired you to create a scholarship and the values you want it to reflect. Add your personal story or connection to the scholarship.

2. Set key scholarship details

You’ll choose a scholarship name, award amount, and timing (one time or recurring) for your scholarship.

3. Build your scholarship in Scholly^® Scholarship Creator

You'll create an account, then enter your scholarship details. Scholly helps handle the rules, criteria, and application requirements.

4. Fund your scholarship

Submit your funds securely through Scholly’s platform. Once everything is complete, you'll receive a confirmation.

5. Publish and promote

Once published, students and parents will be able to apply for your scholarship through your exclusive scholarship page, Scholly Easy Apply, and our Scholly Scholarships search tool.

Be sure to share it through your own social network, community, or organization.

6. Let Scholly manage the applications for you

We manage the application process from start to finish—collecting submissions, handling administrative details, and helping ensure your applicants meet the required guidelines.

Once the application period wraps up, we'll select a student at random and award the scholarship.

7. Celebrate as Scholly awards your scholarship

Scholly administers the award process, including randomly selecting a recipient, communicating with the winner, and coordinating secure fund disbursement directly to the student’s school.

We'll help you stay connected to your impact. Your personal dashboard keeps you updated on every step of your scholarship, from applications to awards.

Helping students starts here

Creating a scholarship is one of the simplest ways to support students and one of the most significant ways to give back.

If you’ve been thinking about creating a scholarship, this is an easy place to start and a meaningful way to make a lasting impact.

Ready to make a difference? Explore Scholly^® Scholarship Creator and be the spark that helps more students get the money they need to chase their dreams.

Why You Should Never Pay for a Scholarship Search - Sallie

Emily Schumann — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:45:35 GMT

I’ve spent a lot of time working in scholarships and helping students figure out how to pay for college. And if I could share some "insider" advice, it would be this: you should never have to pay to find scholarships.

FAFSA® Cost & Earnings Update: What You Need to Know - Sallie

Caron Jackson — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:02:02 GMT

Big new for anyone planning for college: The Department of Education has updated the FAFSA^® process to include cost and earnings data for college programs - right at the point of application. No more jumping between federal websites to compare outcomes. Now, families get a clearer picture of what different programs cost and what graduates typically earn, all in one place.

National Scholarship Month: What Is It? – Sallie

John Feeley — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:16:40 GMT

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.

Early Decision: What is it, Deadlines, & How to Prepare - Sallie

John Feeley — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:10:17 GMT

Key takeaways about Early Decision (ED)

Early Decision (ED) is binding: if accepted, you must attend that school
Two rounds: ED1 (Nov deadline) and ED2 (Jan deadline)
Generally, colleges have higher acceptance rates for ED applicants
Early Decision is binding; Early Action gives flexibility and time
Prep early: research, visit, write essays, and understand financial aid

So, you’re thinking about early decision?

If you’re already dreaming about your top-choice college and want to boost your chances of getting in, early decision might be your move. It’s a bold step, but it can totally pay off especially if you’re confident about where you want to go.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about early decision (ED), including deadlines, differences from early action, and how to prep like a boss. Let’s get into it.

What is early decision?

Early decision is a college admission option that lets you apply to one school early—and get your results early too. The catch? It’s binding. That means if you get accepted, you’re committing to attend that school and withdraw all other applications.

There are two types:

Early decision 1 (ED1): Usually due in November, with decisions in December.
Early decision 2 (ED2): A second chance for ED, with deadlines in January and decisions in February.

If you’re 100% sure about your dream school, ED can give you a leg up. Colleges often accept a higher percentage of ED applicants because it shows serious interest.

When is the deadline for early decision?

Deadlines vary by school, but here’s a general breakdown:

Early decision 1: Most deadlines fall between November 1–15
Early decision 2: Typically due January 1–15

Always double-check with your college’s admissions page. Missing the deadline = missing the chance.

Also, keep in mind that early decision 2026 deadlines are already popping up, so don’t wait too long to start prepping.

What is the difference between early action and early decision?

Okay, let’s break it down like we’re chatting over coffee.

Early decision is binding. That means if you apply and get accepted, you’re saying “yes” and committing to that school—no take-backs. You can’t apply ED to more than one school, and if you get in, you have to withdraw all your other applications.

Early action, on the other hand, is non-binding. You still apply early and hear back early, but you’re not locked in. You can apply to multiple schools early action, compare offers, and make your final decision later in the spring.

So here’s the vibe:

Go early decision if you’ve found the one and you’re ready to commit.
Go early action if you want options and time to think things through.

Both can help you get ahead in the admissions game—you just have to choose the one that fits your situation best.

Why early decision might be your best move

Here’s why ED could be a game-changer:

Better odds: Colleges often admit a higher percentage of ED applicants.
Less stress later: You’ll know your fate early, which means less waiting and worrying.
Shows commitment: Schools love students who are all-in. ED proves you’re serious.

But it’s not for everyone. If financial aid is a big factor, remember that you won’t get to compare offers from other schools. That said, you can still apply for scholarships like the $2,000 Sallie No Essay Scholarship or check out Scholly Scholarships to help cover costs.

FAFSA® 2026–27 is Live: What You Need to Know - Sallie

Abigail Mills — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 17:27:45 GMT

Key takeaways about the 2026-27 FAFSA^®

The 2026–27 FAFSA^®launched earlier than the usual October 1 date, giving you a head start to apply.
Some aid is awarded first-come, first-served, so applying early may help you maximize your free money.
New features like instant Social Security number matching make completing the FAFSA^® quicker than ever.
Even if you're undecided about a college, you can should still apply for FASFA^®.
Many college and state aid programs require FAFSA^®—check their specific deadlines for submitting.

The 2026-27 FAFSA^® is open. Don't sleep on it!

The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) is officially live. That means you and your parents or guardians can start filling it out online now. The earlier you submit, the better your chances of snagging the maximum amount of aid, because some schools and states give out money on a first-come, first-served basis.