What are some average scholarships for college?

I'm trying to figure out what the typical scholarship amount might be for incoming college freshmen. Does anyone have any insights on average scholarships awarded by colleges or other organizations?

There isn't an exact "average" per se given the vast variability across scholarships, institutions, and states, but there are some patterns we can note. For merit-based scholarships, schools usually have a range depending on the strength of the student's application. These can vary from a thousand dollars to full-tuition scholarships. Schools with strong endowments, such as Ivy Leagues or large public universities, often provide more financial aid and scholarships compared to smaller, lesser-known schools.

Looking at data from the National Scholarship Providers Association, the average amount of a scholarship from a private organization is about $3,000, while scholarships from individuals or family foundations tend to be around $2,000. Keep in mind, that these averages can vary greatly depending on the organization's resources, location, and mission.

Some colleges offer very generous need-based aid as well. For instance, at Harvard, families with income below $85,000 pay nothing towards their student's education, and families with income between $85,000 and $150,000 can expect to pay between 0 and 10% of their income.

However, it's essential to note that the financial aid package you receive will depend on factors like your family's economic status, your academic achievements, and the particular funding available at the schools you're interested in attending. To improve your scholarship prospects, aim to have a strong academic record, engage deeply in a few extracurricular activities, and apply to a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools. Additionally, consider tools like Appily, which can help find private scholarships that match your profile.