As someone coming from a low-income family, I'm really anxious about how to pay for college. I've heard that there are a lot of scholarships aimed at helping students like me, especially going into 2024.
I would love some guidance on where I can find reliable scholarships that are tailored to low-income students. Any specific websites, organizations, or success stories would help ease this stress a lot. Thank you in advance for any help!
One of the most comprehensive databases for college scholarships that I would suggest is Fastweb. You can create a profile and fill out information about your academic achievements and financial circumstances, and it will match you with a wide array of scholarships that fit your specific needs.
Similarly, Chegg Scholarships is another scholarship search platform that can also help pinpoint scholarships that cater specifically to low-income students.
As for specific scholarships geared towards low-income students, some notable examples include The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, which offers the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship for low-income community college students to attend a 4-year college or university.
There's also the Gates Scholarship which targets high school seniors from low-income households and covers the full cost of attendance that isn't covered by other financial aid.
Keep in mind, that FAFSA also plays a significant role in granting financial aid to students based on their family's financial status. The program helps dispense over $120 billion in student aid each year, so be sure to complete your FAFSA application as soon as it opens.
In addition to these, do check out federal and state-funded scholarships. For instance, the Federal Pell Grant is a form of financial aid that doesn't have to be repaid and is usually given to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
Last but not least, be sure to check with the financial aid office at the colleges you are applying to or have been accepted to. They may have specific scholarships or grants available for low-income students not widely advertised.
Good luck with your scholarship search! Remember, the key is to apply to as many scholarships as possible, and don’t underestimate small awards—they can add up pretty quickly!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.