College Scholarship Search

College scholarships are a key component in paying for a college education today.  Let’s face it…college is expensive!  The total cost of attending an “in-state” public university is approximately $20,000 per year, and private colleges can cost more than double that amount.  (These figures include tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, transportation, and incidental living expenses.)  For most families, a college education is out of reach financially without scholarships and other financial aid.

Fortunately, there are more scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid available than ever before.  But you have to work to find these scholarships and apply for them.  The good news is that the internet makes it much easier to perform your college scholarship search, find the scholarships your child may qualify for, and apply for the scholarships online.

As the parent of a child who has recently begun college, I have been immersed in this process, and I want to share some tips to help you find the maximum amount of college scholarships for your child.  These tips are listed below.

1. Start your college scholarship search early!  By the time your child is a sophomore or junior in high school, you should begin the process of your online college scholarship search. The internet is a great place to find college scholarships, so be on the lookout for college scholarship information online.
2. Take responsibility for the college scholarship search.  Don’t depend on the high school or college to do it for you, and don’t assume that your child will automatically be offered the scholarships they are eligible for.  Dig in and search for the scholarships, learn what the application procedures are, and apply!
3. Talk to your high school guidance counselors.  They can be an invaluable source of information about college scholarships available to students in your area.  They can also help you in filling out the necessary scholarship applications at various colleges.
4. Visit the websites of the colleges your child is considering.  Specifically, click on the links for scholarships and financial aid, and read everything on those pages.  Many colleges allow you to set up an account and search for scholarships online.  Take advantage of every tool available on the college website.  If you have questions, call the financial aid office at the college and ask.
5. As soon as possible after January 1^st of your child’s senior year in high school, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  This is a government form that you can fill out online, and it is required by virtually all colleges and universities before you can receive scholarships or other financial aid from the school.  The FAFSA determines your eligibility for Pell Grants, student loans, and other government “need-based” aid.  But even if you don’t expect to qualify for government aid, you still need to complete the FAFSA before the colleges will offer scholarships to your child, even scholarships that are not based on financial need.
6. Finally, be persistent.  Searching for college scholarships and financial aid is a time consuming process, but the payoff can be substantial.  It is important to hang in there and not give up, even though the process is tedious.

 
With some dedicated effort and persistence in your college sholarship search, you can dramatically reduce the cost of your child’s college education.  The scholarships are out there, so be sure you claim your share.

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