While the most recent government shutdown is over, many worry that another bout will hurt their ability to get grants and scholarships. Do not fear --- any impact will be short-lived, as we have seen in the past. Though 95% of the Department of Education was furloughed, much of the process of awarding financial aid is automated and continued during the shutdown. The same will be true if it is necessary to temporarily shut things down again. FAFSA's continue to be processed and Pell Grants and direct loans awarded. So do not delay filling out your paperwork and keeping the ball rolling. Check out our FAFSA article for guidance getting all the financial aid you need.

Scholarships are the ultimate in free money because you never have to repay them! Sometimes they are even easy to win as well. That is the case with our monthly scholarship drawing and your opportunity to win $100. The money is yours to spend however you wish -- it comes directly to you at the email address you provide. You do have to do two things after you enter: (1) check your email to see if you have won, because that is how we will notify you. And (2), respond within the time period we specify with the requested info. It's quick, it's easy, and it's free! You won't even receive spam emails from us. If it sounds too good to be true, check out our previous scholarship winners and see what they have to say!

Scholarships are the best possible way to finance your education. They never need to be paid back! Many people ignore them, thinking they are too much work. Don't let that attitude keep you from going after the absolute easiest scholarship of all: our monthly scholarship sweepstakes for $100. You don't need a minimum gpa and there's no essay required. All we ask is that you respond to our winner notification email within a few days. If the winner does not reply, they forfeit the prize, and sadly that has happened for the past two months.

$100 may not be a big jackpot but it sure can help pay for books and supplies - and our previous winners have been thrilled! Take a look at them and discover how easily you can win $100 -- no essay, no minimum gpa requirement, and no spam emails.

The state of New York is suing Donald Trump. They claim his "Trump University" misleads attendees does not live up to its advertisements and that students are lured into paying for more and more expensive seminars without reaping financial reward. Trump claims the attack is political, which may well be true. The situation should, however, provide a warning that you should thoroughly investigate any educational program you are considering spending money on. There are many that are legitimate and extremely worthwhile -- even some that are free! We applaud all efforts to increase learning. And our monthly scholarship drawing can be used for any such program, regardless of whether it's a "traditional" college or university. So don't hesitate to sign up --- our next drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card is coming up this weekend. Read more here and get started!