Raise Money for Education Scholarships

A bright kid shouldn't miss out on college because the numbers don't add up. PayIt2 makes it simple to collect scholarship donations from alumni, families, businesses, and community members so deserving students can focus on learning instead of loan paperwork.

Start a Scholarship Campaign
Stripe-secured • No monthly fees • Funds in 2-3 days

The Real Cost of Higher Education

The average annual cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public university is around $12,000 for in-state students and $23,000 for out-of-state. Private universities average $45,000 per year in tuition alone. Add room and board, textbooks, transportation, and personal expenses, and the total cost of a four-year degree ranges from $80,000 to over $200,000.

Federal financial aid and institutional grants cover part of these costs for many students, but the gap between aid and actual expenses is substantial. The average student graduates with $30,000 to $40,000 in loan debt. Community-funded scholarships, even small ones in the $500 to $5,000 range, make a meaningful difference in closing that gap. They can cover a semester of textbooks, a certification exam, or the tuition balance that prevents a student from registering for the next term.

Tuition & Fees (Annual)
$12,000 - $45,000
Public in-state on the low end, private university on the high end
Room & Board
$10,000 - $16,000/yr
On-campus housing and meal plans; off-campus varies by market
Books & Supplies
$1,000 - $2,500/yr
Textbooks, lab materials, software licenses, and course-specific supplies
Average Student Debt
$30,000 - $40,000
Federal and private loans combined at graduation for a four-year degree

Scholarship campaigns work best when they tell a specific story. Whether you are funding one student's tuition gap or building an annual scholarship for your community, donors respond to clarity about who benefits and how the money will be used. Start your campaign now

For tips on writing a compelling campaign description and building momentum with your first donors:

Read: Building a Launch List Before Going Live

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How It Works

1

Create a Campaign

Sign up and describe the scholarship, who it supports, the award amount, and selection criteria. Set a fundraising goal based on the number of scholarships you want to fund.

2

Share With Your Network

Send the campaign link to alumni, local businesses, family friends, and community organizations. Post on social media and include it in school or church newsletters.

3

Collect and Award Funds

Donations are processed securely through Stripe. Funds deposit in 2-3 business days so you can award scholarships on your own timeline.

Why PayIt2 for Scholarship Fundraising

Annual or One-Time

Run a single campaign for one student or keep it open year after year to build an ongoing scholarship fund. No time limits or expiration dates.

Community-Powered

Small donations from many people add up fast. A $25 gift from 200 alumni funds a $5,000 scholarship without asking anyone for a large commitment.

Fast, Secure Payouts

Stripe-secured payments with funds in your bank in 2-3 business days. Award scholarships when students need them, not months later.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about scholarship fundraising

Even small scholarships make a difference. A $500 scholarship covers textbooks for a semester. A $2,500 award covers a significant portion of community college tuition. Set your goal based on what your donor network can realistically support. You can always increase the goal or fund multiple recipients if donations exceed expectations.
Yes. Many organizers keep a single campaign open and collect donations throughout the year, then award the scholarship at a set time. Others create a new campaign each cycle. Both approaches work. Posting updates about past recipients and their progress encourages repeat donors.
No. Anyone can organize a scholarship campaign on PayIt2. Individuals, families, church groups, school boosters, and businesses all use the platform. However, donations to non-501(c)(3) campaigns aren't tax-deductible for the donor. If tax-deductibility is important, consider partnering with a local community foundation.
That is entirely up to you. Some organizers choose a specific student before fundraising starts. Others collect applications and use a selection committee. PayIt2 handles the fundraising side; you handle the selection process however works best for your situation. Include your criteria in the campaign description so donors understand the process.

Fund a Student's Future

Set up your scholarship campaign in minutes. No monthly fees, no time limits, no hidden costs. Funds in your bank in 2-3 business days.

Start a Scholarship Campaign