What Can You Tell Me About College for America Scholarships?

I'm considering applying to College for America and I'm curious about their scholarship opportunities. What types of scholarships are available and how competitive is the process?

College for America, a part of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), is designed with affordability in mind, and they offer a quite unique competency-based education model.

While they don't have traditional scholarships that you may see at other schools, College for America aims to keep tuition as accessible as possible for all students. They offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation with a cost of $3,000 per academic year for undergraduate programs and $4,500 for graduate programs.

Being part of SNHU, if you're seeking outside scholarships, you'll be pleased to hear that many external scholarships often have eligibility criteria broad enough that SNHU students, including College for America learners, can apply.

The process of applying for external scholarships can be competitive and varies based on each scholarship’s unique requirements. Some may emphasize academic achievement, while others might focus on community service, leadership, individual essays, or financial need. Key to your success will be to invest time in researching scholarships that align with your unique qualifications and circumstances.

In the same vein, students are also encouraged to explore federal and state aid options. Filling out and submitting your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a crucial step in this process, as it can open up access to a range of financial aid, including grants, work-study programs, and loans.

Lastly, College for America's programs are very workforce-oriented. If you're employed, you might want to check with your HR department as well. Some businesses have partnerships with the school or offer tuition assistance that could help offset costs.

So even if College for America doesn't offer traditional scholarships, you still have many paths to manage and reduce your educational expenses. Remember, every bit helps, and the more sources of financial aid you can tap into, the less you'll need to rely on student loans.