Applying for National Scholarships

When beginning your scholarship search, your best opportunities will be right here at St. Cloud State University. A thorough check of local resources can uncover the majority of scholarship possibilities. If you have already selected a career field, contact professional organizations in that field for potential scholarship opportunities.

Many scholarships are based on select criteria such as:

  • Athletic ability
  • College/university
  • Chosen major
  • Financial Need
  • Gender
  • Grades
  • Leadership ability
  • Military background
  • Organization affiliation
  • Parents' place of employment
  • Race
  • Religious affiliation

Don't forget! Scholarships are one source of financial aid with grants, employment, and loans being additional sources of financial aid. All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state financial aid, whether or not you think that you may be eligible. More information on how to apply for financial aid.

National Scholarship Searches

These scholarships are offered by various entities outside of SCSU. If you are interested in applying or learning more information, click on the links below, and you will be able to visit the specific websites from there.

Warning! Avoid Promises of Easy Money. Students and families are often motivated by claims of "millions of dollars in scholarships going unclaimed each year." Scholarship search companies wanting to sell their services usually make this statement. The following are scholarship scam warning signs:

  1. You have to pay a fee or they offer a money back guarantee. Never pay money to get free money. Don’t pay any money to a company searching for scholarships or assisting you with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  2. Requires credit card or bank account information. Never give out your credit card number or bank account number over the phone.
  3. Offers exclusive information. Don’t be fooled by someone claiming you are a "finalist" in a contest that you have never entered.

Learn More about Scholarship Scams from FTC.GOV