I'm considering starting at a community college to save money before transferring to a university. Are there scholarships that are specifically for community college students, or should I look for general scholarships?
Absolutely, there are definitely scholarships available that are targeted towards community college students. Several organizations realize the value of community education and want to support students on this path. Some scholarships might be general in nature, while others may be for specific majors or purposes.
For example, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program, which provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 for community college students. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) also offers the New Century Scholarship, which provides $2,000 to top community college students in each state.
Another example is the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship; this scholarship is designed for high-achieving community college students and can provide up to $40,000 annually for your completion of a bachelor's degree.
However, don't ignore scholarships that aren't specifically tied to community colleges. Many general scholarships are open to all students, whether they're in a four-year university or a community college. You may be eligible for those as well.
Remember that both scholarships specific to community colleges and general ones can typically be found through scholarship database sites such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Appily.
Lastly, be sure to check with your community college's financial aid office. They often have information about local scholarships that may have less competition, providing you with a greater chance of receiving those funds.
So, in conclusion, you have a variety of resources at your disposal to help finance your time at a community college. It's great that you're starting this process early so you can maximize the financial support you receive.
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