Any scholarships to help with dorm fees?

The thought of paying for college dorms is stressing me out. Are there scholarships or grants that specifically cover housing costs? It'd be great to lighten that financial load a bit.

Finding scholarships that specifically cover dorm fees can be somewhat of a challenging task. Most scholarships and grants program do not specify what their funds should be used for and can often be used for any part of your educational expenses, including housing.

There are, however, some scholarships that specifically target housing costs including:

1. 'Room and Board' scholarships – These are scholarships that directly fund your living arrangements. They might be offered by your university, an outside organization, or a philanthropic foundation.

An example of this kind of scholarship is the "Home is Where The Heart Is" scholarship offered by The Hearthstone Housing Foundation. It awards students from low-income families up to $5,000 toward housing expenses. Your college’s financial aid office can help you find such scholarships.

2. Work-study – A federal work-study program can also help subsidize housing costs. You work part-time while attending school and can use your earnings to fund your housing.

3. Co-op housing scholarships – In coop housing, students collectively share spaces and responsibilities, such as cooking and cleaning, which could make them significantly more affordable than traditional dorms. Some co-op programs or organizations might offer scholarships or reduced rates for students in need.

Remember, when applying for scholarships, be sure to elucidate clearly what you intend to use the funds for in your essays and application materials. If housing is a significant financial burden for you, this is an important detail to highlight.

Remember to use the school's net price calculator to estimate the overall cost including dorm fees. Finally, if your financial circumstances significantly change, don't hesitate to reach out to your school's financial aid office. They may be able to adjust your financial aid package or guide you toward additional resources.