Finding Scholarships for Private College Students

I'm interested in attending a private college, but tuition is steep. What scholarships are available for students at private institutions? It'd be great to hear about any specific ones I should apply to or tips from students who’ve navigated this path.

Competitive scholarships are a critical part of making higher education affordable, especially when it comes to private colleges. Many private colleges themselves offer merit scholarships, and there are also a variety of external ones.

First and foremost, take advantage of your chosen college's financial aid office. Many private colleges have their own scholarships you can apply for, which can be merit-based or need-based. Sometimes, these scholarships are automatically considered when you apply for admission, but others might require a separate application. They are worth looking into because they're offered directly by the college and are tailored towards their student population.

There are also tons of external scholarships available. These are funded by private organizations and companies. Investment firms often offer scholarships for students studying finance, tech companies offer them for computer science students, and so on. Just a few examples include the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, the Dell Scholars Program, and the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition.

Sometimes, local community organizations, employers, and even some high schools also offer scholarships to graduating seniors. They might require you to write essays, give community service demonstrations, or do interviews. Though these scholarships may not offer as much money as the large national ones, they are often less competitive.

One strategy that can be helpful in the scholarship hunt is to focus on smaller, specialized scholarships that fit your specific profile or interests. For example, maybe you're a skilled violinist. There might be scholarships specifically for musically talented students. Or perhaps you're passionate about environmental conservation. Scholarships exist for students pursuing those interests as well.

Last but not least, don't forget about online databases. Appily is a resource where you can search for thousands of scholarships, filtering them based on your needs and interests.

Casting a wide net can be beneficial because you never know what you may qualify for. Remember that even smaller awards can add up to make a significant dent in your tuition. Best of luck with your scholarship search!