Is Scholarship Owl Legit? Honest Review (No Hype, Just Facts)

If you’re searching for “is Scholarship Owl legit”, you’re probably wondering one thing:
Is this a real scholarship platform or just another money trap for students?

Short answer: Yes, ScholarshipOwl is legit, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect or right for everyone.

In this honest review, we’ll break down how ScholarshipOwl works, what it actually offers, real pros and cons, common complaints, and whether it’s truly worth paying for in 2025.

What Is ScholarshipOwl?

ScholarshipOwl is an online scholarship search and application platform designed to help students find and apply for multiple scholarships faster.

Instead of filling out the same personal information again and again, users complete one profile, which ScholarshipOwl uses to:

• Match them with relevant scholarships

• Track applications

• Auto-apply to certain opportunities (with paid plans)

It’s primarily used by high school students, college students, and graduate students looking for financial aid.

How Does ScholarshipOwl Work?

Using ScholarshipOwl involves three main steps:

1. Create a Profile

You enter details like:

• Age & education level

• GPA & field of study

• Citizenship status

• Career goals

This data helps the platform match you with scholarships.

2. Get Scholarship Matches

Once your profile is complete, ScholarshipOwl displays scholarships that match your background, including:

• Award amount

• Deadline

• Eligibility requirements

Each listing links to the original scholarship provider, which is an important trust factor.

3. Apply (Free or Paid)

• Free users can view scholarships and apply externally

• Paid users can apply directly through ScholarshipOwl and use automation features

Is ScholarshipOwl Free or Paid?

ScholarshipOwl uses a freemium model.

Free Version Includes:

• Account creation

• Scholarship matching

• Access to scholarship links

• Entry into ScholarshipOwl’s own sweepstakes

Paid Plans Include:

• One-click scholarship applications

• Automatic re-applications for recurring scholarships

• Application tracking

• Premium support (VIP plan only)

Prices vary depending on billing length, with monthly plans being the most expensive.

Is ScholarshipOwl Legit or a Scam?

ScholarshipOwl is NOT a scam.

Here’s why:

It links to real scholarship providers
You can apply without paying
The company clearly discloses pricing
Thousands of students actively use the platform

However, paying for scholarships is never required, and that’s where confusion comes in. Some students assume that because it charges for convenience, it must be suspicious—but the service itself is legitimate.

Common Complaints About ScholarshipOwl

While legitimate, ScholarshipOwl does receive complaints, mainly about:

Subscription Confusion

Some users forget to cancel after the free trial and get charged. This is common with subscription-based services—not fraud, but something to watch closely.

Limited Auto-Apply Scholarships

Not every scholarship supports one-click applications. Many still require essays or external forms.

Not the Cheapest Option

There are free alternatives that offer similar scholarship listings, just without automation.

Pros and Cons of ScholarshipOwl

Pros

• Saves time on repetitive applications

• Centralized scholarship tracking

• Helpful for beginners

• Legitimate scholarships only

• Free version available

Cons

• Paid plans can feel expensive

• Auto-apply doesn’t work for all scholarships

• Subscription cancellation must be monitored

• No guarantee of winning scholarships

Is ScholarshipOwl Worth It?

It depends on your situation.

ScholarshipOwl may be worth it if:
You’re short on time
You apply to many scholarships regularly
You value convenience over manual effort

It may NOT be worth it if:
You’re on a tight budget
You don’t mind filling out applications manually
You prefer 100% free tools

Many students successfully use the free version only.

Best Alternatives to ScholarshipOwl (Free & Paid)

If you’re unsure about ScholarshipOwl, consider these options:

• Scholly – Popular scholarship matching app

• Cappex – College & scholarship database

• Scholarship America – Direct applications

• Niche Scholarships – Free scholarship listings

• CollegeBoard – Trusted education platform

Using multiple platforms often gives the best results.

Final Verdict: Is Scholarship Owl Legit?

Yes — ScholarshipOwl is legit, safe to use, and not a scam.

But remember:

• Paying doesn’t increase your chances of winning

• Scholarships are competitive everywhere

• Automation is convenience, not magic

If you understand what you’re paying for—or stick to the free version—ScholarshipOwl can be a useful tool in your scholarship search.

FAQs

Do people actually win scholarships through ScholarshipOwl?

Yes. Students win scholarships listed on ScholarshipOwl, but awards come from the scholarship providers, not ScholarshipOwl itself.

How do I know if a scholarship is legit?

Check the provider’s website, eligibility rules, and never pay to apply for a scholarship.

Can I cancel ScholarshipOwl anytime?

Yes, but make sure to cancel before your free trial ends to avoid charges.

How many scholarships should I apply for?

Experts recommend applying to 10–20 scholarships per month for better odds.