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External Scholarship Search Sites

The OCC Scholarship Office provides information about outside scholarship opportunities. These sites are not affiliated with the college. The sites are meant as a tool in aiding students who are researching opportunities. The information provided is periodically updated by the OCC Scholarship Office.

These websites are provided for informational purposes only and are not endorsed or affiliated with Orange Coast College. For scholarship scam information, check out the following web article. To report a scam, contact The Federal Trade Commission or the National Fraud Information Center.​

 SmartScholar.com

With Over 24,000 and $80M available, SmartScholar can help you search scholarships based on Major, Ethnicity, or Sports with Non-U.S. Citizen scholarships as well. SmartScholar rates the competition and effort for each of the scholarships as well.

Scholarships.com

Search Over 3.7 Million College Scholarships & Grants, About $19 Billion in Financial Aid to Help You Pay for College.

FASTWEB

This is one of the more popular Scholarship Search sites with a database of 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion. Create a profile through Fastweb at no cost and they will match you with scholarship opportunities. Fastweb has a thorough screening process for scholarships. 

Scholarship Search by Sallie

A new tool from the Sallie Mae® family for you to easily find and sort through thousands of college scholarships. Refreshed monthly. Use our personalized filtering options to find scholarships that fit your background, major, state and more. Check out these scholarships listed on our site. ALL are quick and easy to apply for!

Scholarships Bee

Scholarships Bee features thousands of small and unique scholarship opportunities. Most students forget about the smaller awards, but in many cases, these are the best opportunities for students.This site is dedicated to helping students find less competitive awards tailored to their personality, interests, and career goals. 

Affordable Colleges Online

Affordable Colleges Online provides community resources and tools related to higher education with an eye on affordability and accreditation. Affordable Colleges Online provides financial aid resources for women, minorities, and professions that assist in making higher education more affordable.

UNIGO

3.6 million college scholarships worth over $14 billion.

Cappex

We’ve Got More Than $11 Billion in Scholarships.

FinAid

FinAid was established in the fall of 1994 as a public service. This award-winning site has grown into the most comprehensive source of student financial aid information, advice and tools -- on or off the web. 

Peterson's College Scholarship Search

Peterson's College is a free scholarship search similar to FastWeb. Start by clicking on the "Sign Up Now" button in the bottom right hand corner or follow any of the links provided to various scholarship opportunities.

Go College

GoCollege.com is one of the oldest and most trusted resources to guide students on how to finance and succeed in college. The site is divided into four categoriesto answer any college questions: Financial Aid, Admissions, Education Options, and College Survival.

Fisher House

For children of active duty, reserve/guard, or retired personnel or who are the survivor of a deceased member. Must have a military dependent I.D. card and plan to attend a college or university.

Supercollege

Resources to help you to get into and pay for college. 

Orange County Community Foundation

This site has many opportunities - one application can be used for as many scholarships as you qualify for.

AmeriCorps

Corporation for National & Community Service/Domestic Peace Corp. Service makes student eligible for an educational award. 

Armed Forces Communication & Electronics Association

There are six general categories of scholarship assistance available for undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled full time at four-year colleges or universities in the U.S. Please apply for one scholarship only.

Federal Employee Education & Assistance Plan

Scholarship Myths [PDF]

Scholarship Search Secrets: A Publication of Student Loan Network

 The following documents may be helpful when writing your scholarship essay.

Scholarship Tips

  • Be organized. Gather all applicable information or documents and watch for deadline dates. Don't wait until the last minutes.
  • Follow instructions. Most scholarships require an essay, letter of recommendation, or transcript. Make sure you proofread everything before you submit your applications.
  • Be honest and be yourself. Don't give false or exaggerate your qualifications such as your campus club participation, extracurricular, community services, GPA, or organization memberships.