Many U.S. students look beyond regular financial aid when tuition, housing, study abroad costs, or graduate fees are still too high. Scholarships for American students can support applicants heading to universities in the United States or abroad, including students comparing merit awards and exchange funding

Scholarship winners share how they framed their goals from an American academic background, chose programs that matched their plans, and prepared essays, references, or project proposals with care. Read their stories to see what they applied for, how they made each application personal, and what helped them earn funding.