Scholarship Stats You Should Know—And Why You Should Apply Anyway

kari@confidentfutures
May 9
2 min read

Student diligently completing an online scholarship application on a laptop amidst a focused classroom environment.

Let’s bust a myth right out of the gate: scholarships aren’t just for straight-A students or sports stars. They’re for artists, volunteers, future teachers, gamers, student leaders, and more. If you’ve got a talent, a story, or a dream—there’s probably a scholarship out there for you.

But here’s the kicker: you’ve got to apply. And not just to one or two. We’re talking 10… 20… maybe even 30+.

So how many scholarships do students actually apply for?

According to data from the National Scholarship Providers Association:

The average student applies for 3-7 scholarships.
But students who apply for 20 or more increase their chances of winning multiple awards.
For every 8-10 scholarships you apply for, you might win 1.

Yes, it’s a numbers game—but it’s one where effort pays off.

Why more is better

Think of scholarships like job applications: the more targeted ones you send out, the more likely you are to land a “yes.” Scholarships can range from a few hundred bucks to full rides—and some are renewable for multiple years.

Even small scholarships add up. $500 here, $1,000 there? That’s textbooks, meal plans, or a whole semester’s worth of fees.

Don’t waste time on ones you don’t qualify for

Time is precious, especially when juggling school, work, and life.

That’s why it’s crucial to:

✅ Read eligibility criteria carefully.

✅ Skip ones that don’t fit.

✅ Focus on the scholarships that match your background, goals, or interests.

There are scholarships for everything from being the first in your family to attend college, to loving the outdoors, to planning a career in healthcare. Use sites like Fastweb, BigFuture, Going Merry, or local high school and community listings to find the right ones.

Final tips to win more:

Get organized. Use a spreadsheet or checklist to track deadlines.
Recycle your work. Many essays can be tweaked and reused.
Start early and keep going. Some scholarships open as early as junior year in high school!