What's Happening?
A growing number of Gen Z college students are using TikTok to search for scholarships, despite concerns about misleading information on the platform. According to a survey by Sallie, 1 in 5 Gen Z students search for scholarships on TikTok weekly, with
1 in 3 encountering potentially misleading content. The average cost for private nonprofit colleges has risen to $60,920 for the 2025-2026 school year, while public in-state colleges cost $25,850. Legislative changes have made federal student loans more restrictive, increasing the importance of scholarships, which do not require repayment. Experts advise students to verify scholarship legitimacy and use official college financial aid pages and government scholarship search tools.
Why It's Important?
The reliance on social media platforms like TikTok for scholarship information highlights the vulnerability of students to scams, especially as college costs continue to rise. With federal student loans becoming more restrictive, scholarships are increasingly vital for funding education. However, the prevalence of misleading information on social media can lead students to fall victim to scams, potentially costing them money and time. This situation underscores the need for reliable sources and tools for scholarship searches, such as those provided by colleges and the U.S. Department of Labor, to ensure students access legitimate opportunities.
