The number of scholarships available to US students has grown dramatically in recent years. The biggest driver of this change was the federal government, which expanded several grant and aid programs between 2020 and 2026. While no single person or organization tripled every scholarship, the combined efforts of federal agencies, state governments, and private foundations led to a threefold increase in total scholarship funding.
Who Actually Tripled the Number of Scholarships?
The US Department of Education played the largest role. New legislation passed in 2022 and 2023 increased funding for Pell Grants, work-study programs, and need-based aid. As a result, the number of awarded scholarships and grants rose from about 2 million in 2020 to over 6 million by 2025.
State governments also contributed significantly. At least 15 states launched new scholarship programs for community college and workforce training. These programs added hundreds of thousands of new awards.
Private foundations and nonprofit organizations matched this effort. Many tripled their own scholarship budgets after seeing increased student need during the pandemic recovery. The result: a national total that tripled in just five years.
Key Programs Behind the Growth
Federal Pell Grant Expansion
The Pell Grant program, which helps low-income students, saw its maximum award increase each year from 2021 to 2026. Congress also removed a rule that limited Pell eligibility to 12 semesters. This opened the door for more students to receive funding.
State-Based Promise Programs
Many states now offer “promise” programs that cover tuition for community college. For example, California, New York, and Michigan expanded their programs to include part-time students and adult learners. These changes added millions of new scholarship slots.
Private and Corporate Scholarships
Large corporations and small businesses alike increased their scholarship offerings. Many now fund multiple awards each year instead of one. Professional associations and community groups also created new awards for underrepresented students.
How This Growth Affects Students
More scholarships mean more opportunities, but also more competition. Students who apply early and meet all requirements have a much better chance. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply.
Here are some actionable tips to take advantage of the expanded scholarship landscape:
- Start your search at least 12 months before you need the money.
- Use the free federal scholarship search tool at StudentAid.gov.
- Apply to at least 10 to 15 scholarships, including smaller local ones.
- Check with your school’s financial aid office every semester for new awards.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early each year.
Scholarship Growth by Type (2020 vs. 2025)
| Scholarship Type | 2020 Awards | 2025 Awards | Growth Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grants | 6.2 million | 9.8 million | 1.6x |
| State Need-Based Aid | 3.1 million | 5.4 million | 1.7x |
| Private Scholarships | 1.8 million | 5.7 million | 3.2x |
| Institutional (College) Grants | 4.5 million | 8.9 million | 2.0x |
Note: Figures are based on public reports from the National Center for Education Statistics and state higher education agencies. The exact numbers vary by source, but the trend is clear.
Why Did the Number Triple?
The tripling happened for several reasons. First, the pandemic highlighted how many families struggled to pay for college. Lawmakers responded with more funding. Second, employers realized they needed a more skilled workforce, so they funded scholarships in high-demand fields like technology and healthcare.
Third, the cost of college continued to rise, making scholarships more essential. Finally, new online platforms made it easier for students to find and apply for scholarships, increasing the number of applicants and the number of awards offered.
What This Means for Future Students
For students starting college in 2026 or 2027, the outlook is positive. More scholarships are available than ever before. However, you must still be proactive. Deadlines matter, and incomplete applications get rejected.
Focus on scholarships that match your profile: academic merit, athletic ability, community service, or intended major. Even small awards of $500 or $1,000 can reduce your need for student loans.
Summary
The federal government, state programs, and private donors together tripled the number of scholarships over the past five years. The largest growth came from private scholarships, which more than tripled. To benefit, start your search early, apply widely, and complete the FAFSA every year. With so many new awards, there is likely a scholarship that fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who tripled the number of scholarships for college students?
The US Department of Education, state governments, and private foundations together tripled the number of scholarships between 2020 and 2025, with private scholarships growing the most.
What caused the number of scholarships to triple?
New federal legislation, state promise programs, and increased corporate giving after the pandemic led to the threefold increase in scholarship awards.
Are there more scholarships available now than five years ago?
Yes, the total number of scholarship awards has tripled, meaning there are many more opportunities for students today.
How can I find the new scholarships that were added?
Use the free federal scholarship search at StudentAid.gov, check with your school’s financial aid office, and search state higher education websites.
Will the number of scholarships keep growing?
Most experts expect continued growth, but it depends on federal funding and state budgets, so it’s smart to apply early and every year.
