Are there specific financial scholarships that I should be aware of as I'm planning for college? I'm hoping to find scholarships that are based on financial need to help ease the cost of tuition.
Absolutely, there are several need-based scholarships available for college students. Those scholarships can make a significant difference in covering the cost of college. Here are a few you might want to check out:
1. Federal Pell Grants: This is a great place to start as the U.S. Department of Education awards these grants to students based on financial need. Unlike a loan, a Pell grant does not have to be paid back.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): These are need-based grants given to low-income undergraduate students to finance their education. This is awarded in addition to the Pell grant for those with exceptional need.
3. National SMART Grant: This is available for undergraduate students in their third and fourth year of study. The student must be pursuing a degree in Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, Technology, or a critical foreign language.
4. State Scholarships: Check if your state offers any need-based scholarships for residents. State scholarships often have residency requirements and can vary from state to state.
While you're exploring financial-need based scholarships, make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. Many scholarships will require the information found in the FAFSA to determine your eligibility.
Also, don't forget to look into scholarships offered directly from the colleges you're applying to. These are typically based on both merit and need and can be substantial.
Lastly, you should also check out Appily's database of scholarships. This information is constantly updated to include new opportunities and can help you identify scholarships that you might not have been aware of.
Remember that every dollar in scholarships is one less dollar you need to pay out of pocket or borrow. Good luck on your search!
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