There are numerous financial aid sources out there. To be considered for financial aid — money given or loaned to you to help you pay for college — you have to apply. Applying for financial aid is like applying for admission to college, but they’re not the same thing. The financial aid application process usually has its own forms, deadlines and requirements — and you don’t have to wait to be admitted to a college before you apply for financial aid. Financial aid comes in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study jobs.
Institutional scholarships are awarded by your college. Institutional scholarships can come from your school's admissions office, your specific major's department, student groups, or athletic programs. Colleges may require you to fill out the FAFSA or their own financial forms.
Scholarships are great ways to pay for college because they don’t require the money to be paid back. Depending on your situation, you might be able to qualify for scholarships aimed at women, people of color, first generation students, etc. Check with your parents' companies, other local companies, banks, and service organizations for scholarships as well. No scholarship is too small. Even if you get $2,500 from your local credit union or $1,000 from the Rotary Club, that’s money you don’t have to worry about later. And lastly, keep applying for scholarships even while you’re in college. You can get funding to help cover books, housing, and other costs even as a sophomore or junior. Be strategic in completing these applications — you are more likely to get a local scholarship than a national one. And never pay for a scholarship search service — there are plenty of free tools out there.
Saving up is one of the best ways to pay for college. While you can save money using a regular savings account or taxable investment account, a 529 plan can help you gain a tax benefit as you set money aside for school. If you are eligible to receive grants or work-study, use those first. Apply as many scholarships as possible and use college savings before deciding to borrow student loans.
Scholarships, Awards, and Opportunities
Below is a list of many scholarships, awards, and opportunities. Because it is impossible, it is not our intention to list all scholarships. Many businesses and private organizations offer scholarships. Dates and availability are subject to change. It is the student’s responsibility to verify scholarship availability, application dates, qualifications and award amounts. Applications are available online. Don’t forget to check the college you will be attending and departmental scholarships.
This list is provided only as a guide to help your scholarship search.
Over $120 billion in federal financial aid is awarded to U.S. students each year. If you don't submit the FAFSA, you could be missing out on free money for college. You must complete the FAFSA each year in order to apply for federal financial aid. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state-based financial aid such as grants, work-study, and student loans. You can complete your FAFSA at fafsa.gov or use the official myStudentAid mobile app from Federal Student Aid.
FAFSA is available October 1. You should file the FAFSA as soon as you can your senior year (and each year you are in college).
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