When searching for scholarships, platforms like ScholarshipOwl often come up as quick, convenient tools to simplify the scholarship application process. But one common question that students and parents ask is:
👉 Is Scholarship Owl legit?
In this article, we will cover the legitimacy, features, pricing, pros, and cons of ScholarshipOwl in 2025.
ScholarshipOwl is an online scholarship-matching platform that allows students to submit their information once and apply to multiple scholarships automatically using that data. The goal is to save time and boost the chance of securing financial aid.
Founded: 2015
User Base: More than 6 million students (as of 2024)
Application Focus: Primarily U.S.-based, with limited international support
Parent Company: Owl Labs
The short answer: Yes, ScholarshipOwl is legit. It is a real business that has existed for years and partners with legitimate scholarship providers. However, like any online service, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before signing up.
Backed by reputable sites like NerdWallet, Trustpilot, and U.S. News
Offers verified scholarship listings
Requires user registration to access full features
Transparent pricing with a free trial available
Featured in Forbes and Business Insider
Premium pricing: many features are behind a paywall
Some scholarships may be vague or not a perfect match
You’re still responsible for writing essays and meeting deadlines
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | $0 | Basic profile setup, limited scholarship access |
| Premium Monthly | $20–$30/month | Unlimited applications, essay guidance, alerts, priority listings |
| Quarterly Plan | $45–$60/quarter | Same as monthly, with cost savings |
| Annual Plan | $120–$130/year | Personalized matching, premium support, full features |
💡 Tip: Use the free plan to explore basic matches before upgrading.
Create Profile – Input academic, financial, and extracurricular details
Matchmaking – The platform identifies scholarships that align with your profile
Auto-Fill Applications – Apply to multiple scholarships with a few clicks
Track Progress – Monitor statuses and upcoming deadlines via your dashboard
| Platform | Rating | User Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.2 / 5 | Time-saving solution, though premium costs may deter some users |
| SiteJabber | 3.9 / 5 | Useful for matching scholarships, but results may vary |
| Google Reviews | 4.0 / 5 | Best for busy high school and college students seeking quick applications |
| Feature | ScholarshipOwl | Fastweb | Cappex | Going Merry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship Matching | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Auto-Application | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Partial |
| Essay Assistance | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Premium Features | ✅ Paid Tier | ❌ Free | ❌ Free | ✅ Mostly Free |
| Mobile App | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Yes, the platform uses SSL encryption to secure user data and does not sell personal information without consent. However, it’s always a good practice to review the privacy policy before uploading sensitive documents.
ScholarshipOwl is ideal for:
Busy high school or college students
First-generation college applicants
Students applying to 10+ scholarships monthly
Anyone looking for a streamlined, auto-apply solution
✅ No, it’s not a scam.
For the price of a couple of meals, ScholarshipOwl can save you hours by organizing and submitting multiple applications efficiently.
It’s a useful tool, especially for students short on time who are serious about securing scholarship funds.
Q: Does ScholarshipOwl guarantee scholarships?
A: ❌ No. Your essays, eligibility, and effort still play a major role.
Q: Can I use it for free?
A: ✅ Yes, there’s a free version with limited features.
Q: Is there a mobile app?
A: ✅ Yes, available on both Android and iOS.