Helping students access and complete higher education with scholarships

We believe opportunities to advance through higher learning should be open to everyone.

In 2021, The Sallie Mae Fund, our charitable foundation, launched scholarship programs to further promote diversity in higher education for under-resourced and underrepresented students and those from historically underserved communities. Working in partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund, we’re awarding $3 million in scholarships over the next three years to help students achieve their dream of a post-secondary education. 

Scholarships for high school students

Our Bridging the Dream scholarship for high school students helps under-resourced and underrepresented high school seniors from historically underserved communities attend college and other post-secondary learning institutions.

Scholarship application window is now closed.

Learn about our high school scholarship program

Scholarships for current college students

Under-resourced students and those from historically underserved communities on-track to complete their postsecondary education program, who are facing financial obstacles, may apply for a one-time Completing the Dream Scholarship. 

Scholarship applications are currently being accepted.

No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.  Valid 7/10/23 at 12 p.m. ET until the earlier of 6/28/24 at 11:59 p.m. or until all scholarship dollars have been awarded. See Official Rules.

Learn more and apply

Scholarships for graduate students

Our graduate scholarship program helps graduate and professional students from under-resourced, underrepresented, and other historically underserved communities reach their education goals. 

Scholarship application window is currently closed.

Learn about our graduate scholarship program

More ways to get free money for school

Scholly by Sallie

Scholarships aren’t just for athletes and A+ students. Check out Scholly by Sallie, the top college scholarship app. It’s now free! Simply tell Scholly Search® about your interests, background, and accomplishments and you can get matched with scholarships in minutes.footnote 1

Search for scholarshipsfootnote 1


You could win $2,000 for college

A new winner is drawn each month.footnote 2 There’s no essay and it takes less than 2 minutes to enter.

Register for a chance to win

footnote 1. By clicking this link, you’ll go to our trusted affiliate Scholly’s site. Any information you provide will be shared with Sallie Mae and will be covered under the terms of the SLM NitroCollege, LLC privacy policy.

footnote 2. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Ends 12/31/2023. See Official Rules.