Can scholarships pay for the entire cost of college?

Is it feasible for scholarships to cover the complete cost of attending college, or is it likely they'll only represent a part of the overall funding? I'm trying to gauge how much I might need to supplement with other sources.

Indeed, some scholarships, frequently referred to as "full-ride" scholarships, can cover the entire cost of attending college. These are often very competitive and can take care of tuition, room and board, and sometimes even other expenses like books or study abroad costs.

Examples of such scholarships are the Gates Scholarship or Coca-Cola Scholars Program among others. Furthermore, some colleges themselves offer full-ride scholarships to exceptional students, such as the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill.

However, these scholarships are rare and highly sought after. It's more common for students to piece together multiple scholarships to help offset the cost of college. Smaller, local scholarships are often less competitive and can add up.

You should also consider financial aid packages offered directly by the colleges themselves. Depending on the school and your family's financial situation, you may be awarded grants, which do not need to be repaid.

So yes, it is indeed possible for scholarships to cover the full cost of college, but it's not the norm. Expect that you may need to further supplement costs with savings, work-study programs, student employment, or even student loans. Don't forget to complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal aid too.

Remember, every bit helps when it comes to funding your education, so apply to as many scholarships as you fit the criteria for! It's a time investment, but the potential returns are invaluable.