Head to head
Bold.org vs Niche: which scholarship site fits you?
Short answer
We score Bold.org but not Niche, so this page compares them on facts only: cost, stated database size, application shortcuts, own no-essay awards and data sharing. Both are free to use.
By The Deadline Desk · Best Scholarship Sites · Published
Desk research from each site's public pages, app store listings and review profiles. Editorial assessment; we did not create accounts or apply for scholarships.
How do the facts compare?
| Fact | Bold.org | Niche |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Bold.org, Inc. | Niche (ownership not read) |
| Cost | Free Free. The homepage says "100% free no fees, ever". | Free Free account. No paid plan seen. |
| Database, as stated | "Thousands of Scholarships Exclusively Awarded on Bold.org" (no exact count) | "Thousands of scholarships" (no exact count) |
| Applying | One-tap applications for no-essay scholarships in the app. | Many scholarships need no essay; Niche says you can "apply to several with just a few clicks". |
| Own no-essay award | None stated | $40,000 Niche No Essay Scholarship (deadline October 15, 2026, one winner, requirements: none). The menu also links a $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. |
| Data sharing | Policy says "We may sell to or share your information with, and generate revenue from, scholarship providers, applicable academic institutions". | Policy has a table of "Third Parties to Whom We Sell and/or Share" listing identifiers (name, address, phone, email) to advertising partners. |
| Ratings | Trustpilot: 4.8 from 218 reviews (claimed profile since May 2026). App Store (US): 4.7 out of 5 from 3.2K ratings | Trustpilot: 1.7 from 18 reviews on an unclaimed profile categorised as "SEO Service", which may not be the scholarship product |
| Scored on this site | Yes, 6.30 / 10 | Reviewed, not scored |
Source: Bold.org homepage
Source: Bold.org scholarship page example
Source: Bold.org Scholarships on the App Store
Source: Bold.org scholarships page
Source: Bold.org privacy policy
Source: Bold.org on Trustpilot
Source: Niche scholarships page
Source: Niche scholarship information
Source: Niche privacy policy
Source: Niche on Trustpilot
Which one should you choose?
Choose Bold.org if
Students who want free, donor-funded scholarships with clear rules on every listing.
Choose Niche if
Seniors who want no-essay entries and may also want direct admission offers.
Large no-essay awards run by Niche itself, with a named fulfillment partner and clear scam guidance.
What should you watch for?
- Bold.org: Its listings are scholarships awarded on Bold.org, with no exact count, so it is not a search of all scholarships.
- Niche: Its privacy policy lists identifiers sold or shared with advertising partners.
Frequently asked questions
Which saves more time on applications, Bold.org or Niche?
Bold.org: One-tap applications for no-essay scholarships in the app. Niche: Many scholarships need no essay; Niche says you can "apply to several with just a few clicks".
Is Bold.org or Niche free?
Bold.org: Free. The homepage says "100% free no fees, ever". Niche: Free account. No paid plan seen.
Do Bold.org and Niche sell student data?
Bold.org: Policy says "We may sell to or share your information with, and generate revenue from, scholarship providers, applicable academic institutions". Niche: Policy has a table of "Third Parties to Whom We Sell and/or Share" listing identifiers (name, address, phone, email) to advertising partners. "Privacy terms not read" means we could not read the policy, not that the site does not share data.