Scholarship opportunities waiting for you

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

A study by Sallie and Ipsos found that nearly 40% of families did not use scholarships to offset rising college costs, largely due to misconceptions about eligibility. Increasing scholarship awareness and encouraging applications beyond freshman year could help reduce tuition burdens and reliance on student loans.

As college costs continue to rise, scholarships remain an underutilized resource for many families seeking to offset tuition expenses, according to a recent study by educational lender Sallie and research firm Ipsos. Drawing on a survey of 2,000 parents and undergraduate students conducted in 2026, the study reveals that nearly 40% of respondents did not use scholarships to help pay for college, with three-quarters of that group not applying for any scholarships at all.

The reasons behind this reluctance include common misconceptions about scholarship eligibility. Approximately half of those who did not pursue scholarships believed that such financial awards were reserved for top-performing students or athletes, while 41% thought scholarships were primarily available to incoming freshmen or high-income families. These perceptions may contribute to missed opportunities, even though scholarships historically cover a significant portion of college costs.

Among families who leveraged scholarship aid, these awards accounted for nearly one-third of tuition expenses, second only to family contributions from income and savings. Borrowed funds covered about a quarter of the total cost. This data suggests that scholarship aid plays a major role in college financing but remains underexploited by many.

The study also highlights that college expenses for the 2025-26 academic year averaged $34,019 per family, marking a 10% increase from the previous year’s average of $30,837. Despite this rise, most families reported paying less than the full sticker price for tuition and related costs.

Regarding federal aid, roughly 75% of families completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), an increase from 71% the prior year. Furthermore, 81% of those who filed found the recently revamped FAFSA form easier to complete. However, only one in four respondents were aware that the FAFSA filing season opens in October — a timing factor that could affect eligibility for certain need-based aid distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Notably, less than half (47%) of families reported borrowing to cover college expenses in the 2025-26 academic year, suggesting a modest decline in student loan reliance.

Experts in scholarship administration emphasize that opportunities are available year-round and encourage students to apply beyond their freshman year. Scholarship programs often remain underapplied, leaving funds unclaimed. Actively seeking and applying for scholarships, including those from community organizations and non-profits, can reduce college debt burdens and ease the overall financial strain on families.

The findings underscore the importance of dispelling myths about scholarship qualifications and increasing awareness of the resources available to help students meet rising college costs.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.