Finding Money for College With College Scholarships and Grants

Many different organizations offer college scholarship or grant money for the deserving student. Clubs and organizations set aside a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars to make it easier for college students to pay for school. The number of applicants even for a $200 college contribution is growing. In a tight economy, money for college is harder to come by, so students must step up to the challenge and compete for scholarship and grant money. Athletic and academic scholarships are traditionally offered through private institutions to a select few.

Finding Money

Finding potential money for college takes a lot of searching and legwork. Parents might encourage their teens to find alternative college money by looking at listings in the high school or college resource library. Checking with local branches of national clubs, such as Kiwanis Club, Lions Club and Ruritans could net possible money for college. Colleges and universities often have listings in the financial aid office. Grant money is usually offered by a private individual or company that wants a like-minded student to have the opportunity to go to school. The money does not have to be paid back, so they may restrict it to cultural background, religious beliefs, social involvement, hobbies and interests, athletic or academic requirements. Students that fit the criteria must compete for the scholarships or grants among dozens, hundreds or even thousands of others.

Essays

Writing essays is one of the most common means of applying for college scholarships and grants. While there is often other paperwork associated with it, such as where the student plans to go to school and what their major will be, the essay is usually the deciding factor. Applicants should read the essay question very carefully and answer it fully. A positive and truthful essay is the best choice for submission. Using proper spelling and grammar is equally important as the chosen topic. Any mention of the student’s ideals matching the organization’s mission is usually helpful in catching the judge’s eye. All rules must be followed to a T to ensure consideration of grant and scholarship money.

Types

The most beneficial type of scholarship, of course, is one that pays for everything. These are harder and harder to find. Piece-mealing the donations together takes some savvy, and often requires an alternative student loan to make up the shortfall. Money is often available through private organizations, private corporations, churches, non-profit service groups and social clubs. Look to alumni clubs, university-specific programs and anonymous benefactors. Club donations are often a one-time thing and students must compete for them every year. Some are only available for first-year students. Others are specifically set up for the graduate student or fourth-year scholar who has demonstrated that they are serious about school, but cannot afford to pay for it.