Scholarship search FAQs

The following information can help answer your questions about Sallie Mae's free scholarship search.

About the Search | Tips | Troubleshooting

About the Search

Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, unlike some search services, we will not sell or rent your information.

How long will it take to complete the Profile Questionnaire?
Depending on the level of detail you provide, it should take approximately 10 minutes to complete all four steps of the profile questionnaire.

When will I receive my search results?
Immediately. Once you click the submit button, you can instantly review your results online. Each time you update your profile or login again to the tool, a new search is run automatically to generate current, matching scholarship information.

How often is the scholarship database updated?
The Sallie Mae's Scholarship Search pulls scholarship results from a database of over 3 million awards. These awards are updated regularly, so students and their families always receive the most current information.

I'm concerned about my privacy—why do you ask so many personal questions?
To find scholarships you are likely to be eligible for, we need to know some information about you. We collect this information during the Profile process, and then, using that information, generate a list of scholarships that have requirements matching your characteristics. Be assured, however, we do not share your personal information with any third parties — read about our strict Privacy Policy for complete details.

What's the average number of award matches for a student?
Each student's profile information is unique, making the results different for every individual.

When is the best time to run a search?
Deadline dates for private aid applications typically range between October and March the year before you will need the scholarships, though there are some scholarship programs with deadlines scattered throughout the entire calendar year. The best time to begin looking for financial aid is at least one year before you actually need it, and then every year thereafter while you are still a student.

Are there awards for non-traditional students?
Absolutely! Awards are available for all types of students: traditional, non-traditional, undergraduate, graduate, full-time, and part-time students.

Are foreign students eligible to search for awards in the scholarship database?
Yes, if they will be attending a school in the United States.

Who should you contact to have an award added to the scholarship database?
For scholarship providers wanting to list their scholarships with us, send an email containing the specifics of their scholarship. This request goes directly to our researchers and they will add the scholarships and email the provider once this is complete.

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Tips

Do I need to complete information about my parents if I don't live with them?
Yes! Your parents may be involved in activities or employed by a company sponsoring an award that you may be qualified to receive.

I don't want to miss out on any scholarships; however, there is important information about me not asked on the Profile Questionnaire.
Questions asked on the Profile Questionnaire reflect criteria provided by the scholarship providers. The additional information that you have has not been requested and will not affect your results.

Should I apply for awards that require that I demonstrate financial need?
Yes. Award sponsors set the criteria for meeting the financial need requirement. It may vary from award to award.

How do I access/update my Profile?
Simply log on then visit the Search for Scholarships page. You'll have the option to modify or update your profile, or to view the most current list of matching scholarships.

Still have questions?
Send a message through Feedback.

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Troubleshooting

I receive an error message or the scholarship profile questionnaire doesn't display after I click the Search button. What should I do?

• While using the scholarship search tool:
• Disable any "Pop-Up Blockers" you have running on your computer.
• Check your "Internet Options" and disable the "Content Advisor."

Now you should be ready for access the profile questionnaire. Open a new browser window and in the address field type: www.CollegeAnswer.com/scholarships to get started.

What browser should I use?
Netscape Navigator v.4.7 or greater, Internet Explorer v.5 or greater, or Mozilla Firefox v.2.0 or greater.

Having trouble completing the Profile?
At times servers experience problems. This site is checked continually to assure it's operating properly. Below are some issues that could prevent your completing the Profile Questionnaire:

• Javascript must be enabled on your browser in order to complete the scholarship search.
• Entries within the Profile may only be alphanumeric (A, B, C, 1, 2, 3) characters—symbols and punctuation marks (#, ', ?) are not acceptable.

Still having problems completing the Profile Questionnaire?
Send a message through Feedback. So we can best investigate the source of your problem, please include the following:

• Your email address or phone number.
• Brief description of the problem.
• Operating system and version (e.g., Windows XP).
• Browser and version (e.g., Netscape, 4.0).
• Make and model of your PC (e.g., Gateway 300C).

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