College scholarships 2026 can help make higher education more affordable for students from all backgrounds, not just top achievers. From merit awards to need-based aid, the right scholarship opportunities can ease debt and bring your college goals within reach.

Grants and scholarships can both make college more affordable, but they’re awarded for different reasons and often come from different sources. Learning how grants and scholarships work can help you find the right aid opportunities and improve your chances of getting funding for school.