How to Use Social Media to Find Scholarships (Yes, It Actually Works!)
- Amanda Rhoden
- May 21
- 4 min read
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Imagine if your student spent as much time searching for scholarships as they do scrolling TikTok. Sounds impossible? What if they could do both at the same time?
Social media is one of the most underused tools in the scholarship search. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn are full of real, deadline-driven scholarships, the kind with actual money, not scammy promises.
Why not make the algorithm work for you? Set a goal:
“I’ll find one scholarship before I scroll for something funny.”
Even better, build a team. Ask friends and family to follow a few scholarship pages too. You never know who might stumble onto free money for college, just by scrolling.
Here’s how to use the apps you already love to uncover scholarships that actually work.
Instagram: Hashtags Are Your Friend
Search and follow these hashtags: #Scholarships, #ScholarshipAlert, #CollegeScholarships,#PayingForCollege, #ScholarshipTips.
You can also follow accounts that regularly post scholarship opportunities:
@scholarships360
@collegeboard
@seedsoffortune
@scholarshipcollegemama
@scholarshipscorner
@scholarship.junkie
@mssusyruiz
Pro tip: Save posts to a scholarship folder in your IG collections so you don’t lose them.
TikTok: Welcome to #ScholarshipTok
This one surprised me too, but TikTok is FULL of creators sharing scholarship tips, essay advice, and even links to low-competition awards. Try searching:
Creators to check out:
@scholarshipjunkie
@professormiles
@ryan.kel
@marisol.cruzvelasco
@phillycounselor
Heads up: Not everything on TikTok is accurate, so always double-check the source before applying.
Facebook: Old School, Still Helpful
Facebook can still be a surprisingly useful tool in your scholarship search—especially if you know where to look. There are several active groups where members share scholarship opportunities, tips, and personal experiences. Not every post will be relevant, but if you check in regularly, you just might spot something valuable.
Try joining:
The $cholarship Club
Paying for College 101 (Private Group)
Scholarship Help and College Talk for Parents (Private Group)
Local high school or school district groups
Once you’re in, use the group’s search bar to narrow things down. Try searching by graduation year ("Class of 2025 scholarships") or by theme ("STEM scholarships").
LinkedIn: Not Just for Job Hunters
LinkedIn isn’t just for adults—it’s actually a great place to find scholarships, especially those tied to careers or leadership.
Start by following organizations like:
SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers)
NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers)
AAUW (American Association of University Women)
💡 Pro tip: Some require free membership (like SHPE) to apply, so sign up and follow their pages to stay in the loop.
You’ll need a LinkedIn profile to follow, search, and save posts—but it’s a great way to build your professional presence early.
Set a goal: check it once a week, follow a few groups, and scroll with purpose. You never know what might pop up
X (Formerly Twitter): Still Useful for the Search Bar
Even though X isn’t what it used to be, the search bar can still help you find scholarship opportunities, deadline reminders, and quick tips.
(Or so I’ve been told—Twitter is one of the few apps I never downloaded!)
Try searching hashtags like:
You can also follow accounts like @ScholarshipfPhd, @AidScholarship, and @ScholarshipRegion—they regularly post helpful updates.
Not every post will be relevant, but checking once a week can surface opportunities you might not see anywhere else.
How to Make Social Work for You
If you're serious about finding scholarships, a little social media strategy can go a long way.
Create folders or notes to save posts with scholarship info
Set alerts for posts from your favorite accounts or hashtags
Ask questions in the comments or DMs—some scholarship creators respond!
Be cautious: If a scholarship asks for money, skip it. Real scholarships don’t charge you to apply
Bonus Tip: Use Social to Promote Yourself
Want to stand out? Use LinkedIn, or even Instagram, to highlight what makes you awesome. Post about your volunteer work, small business, research project, or leadership roles. Some scholarship reviewers do check applicants' public accounts, and it never hurts to show that you’re showing up.
Be Smart About Your Digital Footprint
Social media can help you find scholarships… but it can also make you lose them. More applications than ever ask for your social handles to get a sense of who you are.
Before you post, ask yourself:
“Would I be proud if a scholarship committee saw this?”If not, it’s probably best not to post it.
Final Thoughts
Tonight, when you find yourself scrolling social media after dinner, take 10 minutes to scroll with purpose. Follow a new scholarship page. Search a hashtag. Save something helpful. A small habit like that could lead to something big.
Social media is already part of your daily life, why not let it help you pay for college?
Want a cheat sheet?
Grab my free download: 25 Hashtags to Follow for Scholarships.Check it out [click here], and let me know if it helps you find something great!
And if you want me to search across my scholarship databases and social feeds to build a custom list just for you, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to get started.
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