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Outside Scholarships

Outside scholarships are from organizations that are not a part of Virginia Tech. To research outside scholarships, we recommend that you:

  • Begin the scholarship search a year prior to the academic year of the award. 
  • Contact your high school guidance departments if you are a high school senior.
  • Check with the financial aid office of your current institution if you are a community college transfer student.
  • Look for opportunities with local organizations (community service, non-profit agencies, place of worship, and employers.)     
  • Search the internet; many are found simply by exploring personal interests.

Note: Scholarship applications should be free. Scholarship services that charge either to search for scholarships or to file an application may be scams.

Be Aware!

When searching for outside scholarships, remember to protect yourself and your information.

Some things you can do before applying:

  • Only apply through reputable sites
  • Carefully review the terms and conditions of each scholarship before starting the application
  • Rely on your instincts – if it seems suspicious, do not apply!

Other tips to protect yourself:

  • Never give out your social security number (SSN) or other highly sensitive personal information
  • Never provide bank account or credit card information
  • Never pay to apply for a scholarship or gain access to a database

These scholarship sites are not affiliated with or endorsed by Virginia Tech. By clicking, you acknowledge you are leaving Virginia Tech’s website.