Head to head
Niche vs Scholly: which scholarship site fits you?
Short answer
We review both on facts only, so this page compares them side by side without scores. 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 | Niche | Scholly |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Niche (ownership not read) | Sallie Mae (branded "Scholly Scholarships by Sallie"); acquisition date not read |
| Cost | Free Free account. No paid plan seen. | Free Free to search, find and apply, per Sallie Mae. |
| Database, as stated | "Thousands of scholarships" (no exact count) | "Thousands of scholarships" (no exact count) |
| Applying | Many scholarships need no essay; Niche says you can "apply to several with just a few clicks". | "Scholly Easy Apply" scholarships use one form. |
| Own no-essay award | $40,000 Niche No Essay Scholarship (deadline October 15, 2026, one winner, requirements: none). The menu also links a $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. | $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship and $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. |
| Data sharing | 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. |
| Ratings | Trustpilot: 1.7 from 18 reviews on an unclaimed profile categorised as "SEO Service", which may not be the scholarship product | Not read |
| Scored on this site | Reviewed, not scored | Reviewed, not scored |
Source: Niche scholarships page
Source: Niche scholarship information
Source: Niche privacy policy
Source: Niche on Trustpilot
Source: Scholly scholarship search
Source: Scholly Scholarships by Sallie
Which one should you choose?
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.
Choose Scholly if
Students who want a free search plus no-essay awards from a lender's scholarship brand.
Free, with a one-form Easy Apply option.
What should you watch for?
- Niche: Its privacy policy lists identifiers sold or shared with advertising partners.
- Scholly: We could not read its privacy terms.
Frequently asked questions
Which saves more time on applications, Niche or Scholly?
Niche: Many scholarships need no essay; Niche says you can "apply to several with just a few clicks". Scholly: "Scholly Easy Apply" scholarships use one form.
Is Niche or Scholly free?
Niche: Free account. No paid plan seen. Scholly: Free to search, find and apply, per Sallie Mae.
Do Niche and Scholly sell student data?
Niche: Policy has a table of "Third Parties to Whom We Sell and/or Share" listing identifiers (name, address, phone, email) to advertising partners. Scholly: Privacy terms not read. "Privacy terms not read" means we could not read the policy, not that the site does not share data.