What College Scholarships are Available to Me?
Learn About Resources to Help Pay for College
When deciding on returning to school, it’s imperative to consider many factors, including schedule compatibility, time commitment, and affordability. From tuition and fees to books and class supplies, it quickly adds up. According to the College Board, tuition costs alone range from $3,400 to $34,000, depending on the type of institution attended. Fortunately, financial aid resources, including grants, loans, and scholarships, are available to those who qualify. To learn the differences between these aid types, click here.
College scholarships have been one of the top ways students have helped cover costs during their schooling. Over 1.7 million scholarships are given out each year, according to a recent Education Data Initiative report. Public and private providers offer scholarships for various reasons, some of which you may not have thought about before. Keep reading to see what awards you may qualify for and how our Financial Aid staff can help you understand financial aid in order for you to gain skills in preparation for a new career.
Types of Scholarships for College Students
As previously mentioned, there are two main types of college scholarships: private and public. Private scholarships are awards funded by individuals or groups outside the government or college institution. The granting organization designs these accolades to fit its goals or objectives and awards to pupils who best meet them. Examples include the Miss America Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, and the Center for Women in Technology. The aid amount provided depends on the allotted available total for that year but can range from $100 to the thousands. Many students gravitate toward these as there is something offered for almost any purpose, situation, or interest.
Public scholarships typically award students based on academics, merit, or student needs. Institutions or the government grant these on a wide range of qualifications, including high test scores or GPA, leadership qualities, talent and potential, or family income. This type is usually seen as more competitive as there are more applicants than funds allotted. Most also possess a more thorough application process, including essay submissions or financial aid form completion.
How Do I Find Scholarships?
There are many scholarships you may qualify for available at your fingertips. It’s all a matter of putting forth the effort to seek them out. Websites like BigFuture, Scholarships.com, and Finaid will help match you to awards that align with your interests, background, professions, and more. There are also mobile apps such as Scholly, Encourage, and Going Merry Scholarships that are easily accessible when a computer is not. Reaching out to groups or businesses you are already part of or align yourself with is another great way to see their available resources. The Financial Aid team at Career Technical Institute is also available to prospective students and will help you understand the financial aid process and any potential school scholarships for which you may qualify.
Tips on Applying for College Scholarships
While embarking on your scholarship search, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Start the Search Early
- Cutoff dates vary from award to award. This means that the earlier you start searching, the higher the number of scholarships you can apply for. Some may also prioritize early submissions. Lastly, doing this gives you enough time to submit a polished application and ensures no technological issues.
- Create a Scholarship Toolbox
- Many applications ask for the same general information, such as personal information, school identifiers, letters of recommendation, essays, FAFSA reports, and a photo of yourself. Putting all of these documents and data in one central location will help you increase time efficiency during the process and create more time to apply for more scholarships.
- Write the Best Essay Possible
- This application section allows you to showcase yourself in ways your general information cannot. When constructing your piece, it’s imperative to stick to the application questions and to tell the committee why and how this award will impact you. Before submitting, having friends or family look it over and offer feedback may also be beneficial.
- Keep Pushing through Rejection
- During this process, you may encounter some rejection. Don’t let this get you down! With the rising prices of attending school, there are a lot of students like yourself who are applying. However, with the great list you created, you’re bound to secure a few!
Find Financial Aid Resources and More at CTI
Don’t let the cost of school get in the way of beginning training for your new career! From Admissions to Job Placement, the staff at Career Technical Institute will help you start your new adventure. Our training programs will prepare you to begin your in-demand career in IT, Hospitality, Healthcare, Human Resources, and Office industries. Our in-person and online classes are compatible with most schedules, and our small class sizes allow students to become fully immersed in their chosen career paths.