Funding Your Education

Scholarship Resources

One YC scholarship application can match eligible students with more than 250 scholarship opportunities based on academic achievement, educational goals, financial need, donor criteria, and other qualifications.

Complete the application carefully. You will automatically be considered for YC scholarships whose minimum qualifications you meet.

Complete the FAFSA

Submit the FAFSA for the academic year in which you plan to attend.

Complete the FAFSA

Open the YC application

Sign in to myYC and access the YC Scholarship Application.

Sign in to myYC

Check deadlines

Review the current priority and final scholarship deadlines.

View Calendar

YC scholarship application

Apply in four steps

Complete the required applications early and monitor your YC email for scholarship updates.

Complete YC admission

You must apply for admission before you can access the YC Scholarship Application.

Submit the FAFSA

FAFSA information may be needed before scholarship review and awarding can be completed.

Complete the scholarship application

In myYC, open the navigation menu and select YC Scholarship Application.

Monitor your YC email

Selected students receive award information and required next steps through their YC email.

Application availability

YC scholarship applications for an upcoming academic year are typically made available during the preceding academic year. Dates can change. Use the Academic Calendar for current application and priority deadlines.

Prepare before applying

Build a stronger scholarship application

Gather common documents early and prepare a clear, specific essay that explains your goals and experience.

Common application documents

  • A completed FAFSA, when required.
  • Academic transcripts.
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Prior-year tax or financial documents, when required.
  • A scholarship essay or personal statement.
  • Documentation required by a specific donor or program.

What to include in your essay

Follow the instructions for each application. When no other limit is provided, keep your response focused and concise.

  • Why you chose your degree or certificate.
  • Your educational and career goals.
  • Challenges you have overcome.
  • Leadership, service, or community involvement.
  • Military service or family responsibilities.
  • How the scholarship would support your progress.

Requesting recommendations

  • Ask early and provide the deadline.
  • Explain the scholarship and selection criteria.
  • Provide your essay, résumé, and academic goals.
  • Confirm whether official letterhead is requested.
  • Follow up before the deadline.
  • Send a thank-you note afterward.

Stay organized

  • Track scholarship names and deadlines.
  • Save copies of submitted applications.
  • Maintain reusable essay and résumé materials.
  • Verify criteria with the sponsoring organization.
  • Check your YC email regularly.

Additional opportunities

Search for outside scholarships

Outside scholarships are offered by foundations, employers, professional organizations, tribes, and private donors.

Scholarship database

Fastweb

Search national, local, and college-specific scholarship opportunities.

Search Fastweb
National opportunities

Scholarship America

Browse scholarship programs offered by employers, foundations, and community partners.

Browse Scholarship America
Leadership and service

All-USA Academic Team

A scholarship opportunity recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service.

Review the scholarship
Career and technical education

mikeroweWORKS Foundation

Explore scholarship opportunities for students pursuing skilled trades and technical education.

Review available scholarships
Legacy program information

Gates scholarship resources

Review current Gates scholarship programs and eligibility information directly through the sponsoring organization.

Visit the program website

Tribal funding

Tribal scholarship resources

Tribal scholarships and grants are generally administered through the education office of the student’s affiliated tribe.

Contact your tribal education office early. Requirements and deadlines vary by tribe and funding program.

Many tribal scholarship offices request documents such as:

  • Academic transcripts.
  • A Tribal Financial Need Analysis.
  • A letter of admission for new students.
  • Enrollment verification for continuing students.
  • Tribal enrollment or blood-quantum documentation.
  • FAFSA and financial-aid information, when required.

Common questions

Scholarship FAQs

Scholarships use many different criteria. Some emphasize grades, while others consider program of study, financial need, service, background, career goals, or donor priorities.

Do not assume that you are ineligible. Complete the YC application and research outside opportunities whose criteria match your experience and goals.

YC scholarship award decisions are made through the college’s scholarship review and selection process. Eligibility depends on the criteria established for each scholarship.

Review and awarding occur after required application and financial-aid information is available. Processing times can vary by award cycle and scholarship.

Continue checking your YC email for updates and required next steps.

Selected students are notified through YC email and receive award details and any required acceptance or follow-up steps.

Monitor your YC email regularly and complete requested actions by the stated deadline.

Scholarship funding is limited, and the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of available awards. Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee selection.

Grants, scholarships, and student loans have different eligibility requirements and repayment obligations.

Compare types of financial aid

Avoid scholarship scams

Be cautious of guaranteed awards, application fees, requests for account passwords, and organizations that pressure you to pay immediately.

Review FTC scholarship scam guidance