Finding College Scholarships in Indiana: Where to Start?

I'm from Indiana, and I'm trying to find scholarships that I might be eligible for. Does anyone know where the best places are to start looking, or if there are any state-specific resources I should be aware of? I want to make sure I'm not missing out on any opportunities that might be available to Indiana residents. If anyone has had experience with this and can point me in the right direction, I’d be super grateful!

There are indeed several resources where you can find scholarships that are state-specific for residents of Indiana.

First and foremost, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education has several grant and scholarship programs available for Indiana students, including the 21st Century Scholarship, Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, and the Frank O'Bannon Grant. It's definitely worth exploring their website further to see if any of the programs there are a good match for you.

You should also look into the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. They offer a variety of scholarships for graduating high school seniors who live in the county. Depending on your specific qualifications, you might be eligible for one or more of these opportunities.

In addition, take a look at the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. This is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to an accredited public or private nonprofit college or university in Indiana.

Also, many local businesses, non-profit organizations, and community groups offer scholarships. Be sure to research any opportunities that might be available in your area.

Even beyond state-specific scholarships, there are nationwide and college-specific scholarships. Nationwide opportunities can often be found on major scholarship search platforms like Appily, Fastweb, or Scholarship.com. On the college-specific side, once you know which universities you're interested in, check out their financial aid websites to see what scholarships they offer to incoming students.

Keep in mind that scholarship applications often require essays, recommendation letters, or other materials, so it's essential to give yourself enough time to complete these components to the best of your ability. Make a schedule, stick to it, and you will maximize the financial benefits you get.

Remember that every dollar in scholarship is a dollar less you need to borrow for college, so it’s worth applying to as many scholarships as you can. Start researching and applying now and you'll put yourself in a much stronger position by the time admissions decisions roll around! Good luck in your scholarship hunt!