How to Locate Scholarships for College in Alabama

I'm from Alabama and looking for scholarships that are specific to my state to help with college expenses. Where do I even start with this hunt for Alabama scholarships? Any tips or resources?

One good place to start your hunt for Alabama-specific scholarships is your high school's guidance office as they can provide a list of local and state scholarships. Additionally, they may have connections with community organizations or businesses in Alabama that sponsor scholarships for local students.

Some other places to search for scholarships in your state include local foundations, community organizations, religious groups, and local businesses. For instance, if your parents are employees at a company that offers scholarships to children of their employees, you may be eligible for these.

You may also consider the Alabama Scholarship Grant Program which is a need-based, Alabama resident scholarship program provided by the state.

Then, there's the Alabama Student Assistance Program, a state and federally-funded program provided by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education that provides grants based on financial need.

If you have chosen a college, visit their financial aid website and look at the offerings. Many colleges and universities in Alabama offer scholarships that are exclusive to its students. For example, the University of Alabama awards merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen based on GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

Lastly, it's worth noting that many national scholarships are also open to Alabama residents. Look for larger scholarship databases, such as Appily, which allows you to filter your search by eligibility, including by state.

The key is to start early and apply often because scholarships can be very competitive. And, remember that even small scholarships can significantly reduce your college expenses when combined together. Good luck with your search!