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CSBA’s California School News Weekly Update says that as National Scholarship Month comes to a close, new survey results from Scholaroo offer some insight into why some students don’t apply. The University Index 2022 includes first-year college students’ perspective on college and financial experiences. The top reasons young students want to attend college include to maximize their earning potential, to learn, to increase their social and professional network, and to be independent, according to the survey. Among their biggest concerns are thinking they won’t be able to pay for college. Some of most popular means of paying for college are scholarships, student loans and grants, but students seem unaware of many scholarship opportunities or think they won’t win a scholarship or meet criteria. Local educational agency leaders and high school guidance offices can consider how they expand students’ knowledge and confidence around scholarship opportunities. The U.S. Department of Education has some useful information about scholarships available online. Below are some examples. |
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Scholarships are gifts. They don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of them offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations
What kinds of scholarships are available?
Some scholarships for college are merit-based. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need.
Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people; for instance, there are scholarships for women or graduate students. And some are available because of where you or your parent work, or because you come from a certain background (for instance, there are scholarships for military families).
A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, it’s worth applying for, because it’ll help reduce the cost of your education.
How do I find scholarships?
You can learn about scholarships in several ways, including contacting the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend and checking information in a public library or online. But be careful. Make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate; and remember that you don't have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. Check out our information on how to avoid scams.
Try these free sources of information about scholarships:
- the financial aid office at a college or career school
- a high school or TRIO Counselor
- the U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool
- federal agencies
- your state grant agency
- your library’s reference section
- foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups
- organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest
- ethnicity-based organizations
- your employer or your parents’ employers