I'm planning to start at a community college and want to know more about the grants and scholarships that can help cover costs. Are there any specific ones that cater to community college students? Any tips on where to apply?
There are several grants and scholarships specifically designed to help community college students.
1. Federal Pell Grant: This is available to undergraduate students of all types, including those attending community colleges. The need-based grant is awarded based on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need and is also determined by your FAFSA.
3. State and Local Grants: Many states and municipalities have specific grants for residents attending community colleges. For example, in California, there's the Board of Governors Fee Waiver that covers enrollment fees for students who demonstrate a need.
4. College-based Scholarships: Quite often, the community college you are attending may have scholarships available. You'll want to check with your school's financial aid office.
5. Private Scholarships: These can come from a variety of sources, such as businesses, non-profits, and community organizations. For instance, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship offers financial support for community college students looking to transfer to a four-year institution.
Applying for these grants and scholarships typically starts with completing the FAFSA. For private scholarships, you'll want to research eligibility requirements and application procedures. Remember that scholarships and grants don't have to be paid back, so it's worth devoting some time to finding ones that fit your situation.
It may also be useful to use a scholarship search platform like CollegeVine to browse through several options and learn about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines. Just remember when researching scholarships, be wary of scams or services that require any form of payment.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.