How do scholarships benefit college-bound students?

I'm trying to understand how scholarships can help with college expenses. Do they cover just tuition or can they also help with other costs like books and housing? Any advice or experiences would be appreciated as I plan my applications.

Scholarships can indeed tremendously alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a college degree. They're a form of financial aid that is not required to be repaid, which keeps you from accumulating substantial student loan debts.

In terms of uses, it primarily depends on the specific scholarship. Some scholarships are earmarked strictly for tuition fees, while others are flexible and can be used for a variety of education-related expenses.

For example, a scholarship may be used for costs included in your school's cost of attendance (COA), such as tuition, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and some personal expenses. In essence, depending on the terms of the scholarship, you can use these funds to cover pretty much any college-related costs.

It's also worth noting that scholarship amounts can vary significantly. Some may cover your entire tuition for all four years, or they may just be one-time awards for a few hundred dollars. Both types, however, can hugely help reduce the financial burden of college.

As you're planning your applications, here's a tip: try to cast a wide net. Apply to scholarships at the national, state, and local level, as well as specific scholarships offered by the colleges you're interested in. Every bit of money you can secure through scholarships can contribute significantly towards your college expenses.