Find Scholarships
Make Scholarship Searching Part of Your Plan
Scholarships can come from colleges, employers, foundations, community organizations, professional associations, businesses, and many other sources.
You don't need to find one scholarship that pays for everything.
Several smaller scholarships can add up—and every scholarship you receive may reduce the amount you need to cover through savings, income, or student loans.
The key is to search consistently, apply thoughtfully, and stay organized.
Step 1 Scholarship Search
ICAN has partnered with ISL Education Lending to create Step 1 Scholarships, a free, one-stop scholarship search tool designed to connect students with local, state, and national opportunities.
With Step 1 Scholarships, you can:
- Search thousands of scholarships in one place
- Get personalized matches based on your profile
- Access a regularly updated database of legitimate opportunities (no fees to apply)
- Below you'll see a live preview of current scholarships available through the Step 1 Scholarship site. This preview updates regularly and highlights just a sample of what's available.
Start Your Step 1 Scholarship Search →
Please note:
- Each scholarship is administered by the sponsoring organization, not ICAN.
- For questions about a specific scholarship, always contact the scholarship organization directly.
- Step 1 Scholarships is regularly updated to ensure accuracy and legitimacy. ICAN, ISL Education Lending, and Step 1 Scholarships never promote or list opportunities that charge a fee to apply.
Bureau of Iowa College Aid
The Iowa Department of Education's Bureau of Iowa College Aid administers state scholarship and grant programs for eligible Iowa students.
Some programs require the FAFSA, while others also require the Iowa Financial Aid Application.
Explore Iowa Scholarships & Grants →
Complete the Iowa Financial Aid Application
Keep Going
Scholarship searching takes time, and you won't receive every award you apply for.
That's normal.
Focus on opportunities that fit you, submit strong applications, keep searching, and don't overlook smaller awards.
Every scholarship you receive is money you don't have to cover another way.
Search Step 1 Scholarships →
Learn About Scholarships & Grants →
