Common App partners with NSPA to expand scholarship matching for 2024–2025

At Common App, we're on a mission to break down the barriers that keep students from accessing higher education. One of the biggest hurdles for many is affordability. Our moonshot goal is to close the equity gap in college applications for low- and middle-income students. As part of this mission, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our in-app scholarship matching program for the 2024-2025 school year. We now partner with the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) and Scholarship America.

Building on last year’s success

Last year, we piloted an in-app scholarship matching program with Scholarship America. The results were extremely promising. Our targeted scholarship alerts reached 89,000 students. Many might not have applied otherwise. The pilot showed the power of combining email with in-app prompts. Students who received both were much more likely to apply than those who received emails alone. This outreach effort resulted in an 18% increase in first-generation and underrepresented minority applicants to participating providers. These providers awarded nearly $5 million in scholarships over four years to students who might not have otherwise applied.

Given the success of this initiative, we are excited to expand it even further this year.

Expanding scholarship matching: now, with the NSPA Exchange

Besides continuing our work with Scholarship America, we’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) this year. This partnership can match students with scholarships in the NSPA's Exchange. It is a database of over 20,000 scholarship opportunities. This gives students more chances to find scholarships that fit their unique needs and qualifications.

As you complete your Common App, our system will match you with eligible scholarships. The more you share in your Common App, the better we can match you with suitable scholarships. Include details about your academics, extracurriculars, and demographics.

Who can match with scholarships?

• Scholarship America: This year, first-generation and low-income students will continue to be notified about its opportunities.
• NSPA Exchange: Students can match with NSPA opportunities before their senior year. Students who are United States, Mexico, or Canada residents can access matching opportunities through the NSPA Exchange on our first-year platform. However, those residing in Colorado cannot due to privacy regulations. We are actively working to include Colorado students next year.

How to apply for scholarship opportunities
Students can find scholarship matches under Scholarships in the Financial Aid tab. Students can apply via Common App for some opportunities, like the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarship. For others, students must apply on the scholarship provider’s external site.

How to get started with scholarship matching—It’s simple!

To get matched with scholarships:

1. Complete your Common App tab. Focus on the profile, education, and activities sections.
2. Head to the Scholarships section under your Financial Aid tab to see your matches.

Our expanded scholarship matching program is another way we’re working to make college more affordable and accessible for all students. With the addition of the extensive NSPA Exchange database, we’re excited to help more students find the financial support they need to pursue their dreams.

Sign in or create your Common App account today to start matching with scholarships!