Yes, Scholarship Owl is a legitimate scholarship matching platform. It has helped thousands of students find and apply for scholarships since 2016. However, you should know how it works and what it costs before signing up.
What Is Scholarship Owl?
Scholarship Owl is an online service that matches students with scholarships based on their profile. You fill out a detailed questionnaire about your background, grades, activities, and goals. The platform then shows you scholarships that fit your unique situation.
Unlike many free scholarship search sites, Scholarship Owl uses a subscription model. You pay a monthly fee to access their full list of matches and apply directly through their platform. This fee has raised questions about whether the service is worth it.
How Does Scholarship Owl Work?
When you create an account, you provide information like your GPA, intended major, and extracurriculars. Scholarship Owl then compares your profile against thousands of available scholarships. You receive a personalized list of opportunities you may qualify for.
The platform also offers tools to help you apply faster. For example, it can autofill common application fields and track your deadlines. This saves time if you are applying to many scholarships at once.
After you apply, Scholarship Owl sends reminders for upcoming deadlines. You can also see which scholarships you have already applied to and which ones are still pending. This organization can reduce stress during college application season.
Is Scholarship Owl Safe and Legitimate?
Scholarship Owl is registered with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. It has been featured in major media outlets and has a large user base. No major complaints about fraud or scams have been reported.
However, you should always be cautious with any service that asks for personal information. Scholarship Owl uses encryption to protect your data, but you should read their privacy policy carefully. They do share your information with third-party partners, as many sites do.
The Federal Trade Commission warns students about scholarship scams. Legitimate services never guarantee a scholarship or ask for payment to “unlock” awards. Scholarship Owl is transparent about its fees, which is a good sign.
Cost and Value: Is It Worth Paying?
Scholarship Owl charges a monthly subscription fee, which is around $4.99 per month when billed annually. You can also pay monthly at a higher rate. There is no free tier, but they offer a 7-day trial for a small fee.
The value depends on how many scholarships you actually win. If you receive even one small scholarship, the subscription may pay for itself. But if you do not win anything, you have spent money without a guaranteed return.
Compare this to free scholarship search engines like Fastweb or College Board’s BigFuture. Those sites are free but may show ads or share your data. Scholarship Owl’s fee may be worth it if you want a cleaner experience and direct applications.
| Feature | Scholarship Owl | Free Search Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Subscription fee | Free |
| Number of scholarships | Thousands | Thousands |
| Application method | Direct on platform | Redirects to external sites |
| Deadline tracking | Yes | Sometimes |
| Data privacy | Shares with partners | Often shares with partners |
Pros and Cons of Using Scholarship Owl
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages to consider before you subscribe:
- Pros: Easy to use, personalized matches, direct application, deadline reminders, and a clean interface.
- Cons: Monthly fee, no guarantee of winning, some scholarships require essays, and your data is shared with partners.
- Pros: Saves time by autofilling applications and tracking your progress.
- Cons: Not all scholarships are listed; you should still search elsewhere to maximize opportunities.
How to Use Scholarship Owl Effectively
If you decide to try Scholarship Owl, follow these tips to get the most value:
- Fill out your profile completely and honestly to get accurate matches.
- Set aside time each week to apply to at least two or three scholarships.
- Use the deadline reminders to stay on track and avoid missing opportunities.
- Combine Scholarship Owl with free search sites to cover more ground.
- Write strong essays and tailor them to each scholarship’s requirements.
Alternatives to Scholarship Owl
If you are not sure about paying, there are many free alternatives. Fastweb, College Board, and your state’s higher education agency all offer free scholarship searches. Your high school counselor can also provide local scholarship lists that may be less competitive.
Another option is to search directly on the websites of colleges you are applying to. Many schools offer their own scholarships with separate applications. You can also check community foundations and local businesses for awards.
Final Verdict: Is Scholarship Owl Legitimate?
Yes, Scholarship Owl is legitimate and safe to use. It is not a scam, but it is a paid service. If you are willing to invest a small monthly fee and you apply consistently, it can be a helpful tool. However, you can find many scholarships for free, so weigh the cost against your budget.
In summary, Scholarship Owl is a real platform that can save you time and help you find scholarships. But it is not a magic solution. Use it as part of a broader scholarship strategy, and always apply to free options as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scholarship Owl a scam?
No, Scholarship Owl is a legitimate company with an A+ BBB rating. It has been operating since 2016 and has helped many students find scholarships.
How much does Scholarship Owl cost?
Scholarship Owl charges a monthly subscription fee, around $4.99 per month when billed annually. There is also a trial period for a small fee.
Can I get scholarships without paying Scholarship Owl?
Yes, there are many free scholarship search engines like Fastweb and College Board. You can also find scholarships through your high school counselor or college financial aid office.
Does Scholarship Owl guarantee I will win a scholarship?
No, Scholarship Owl does not guarantee any scholarship awards. It only provides a list of opportunities you may qualify for, and winning depends on your application and competition.
Is my personal information safe with Scholarship Owl?
Scholarship Owl uses encryption to protect your data, but it does share your information with third-party partners. Always read their privacy policy before signing up.
