I'm about to graduate from community college and I'm curious about scholarships available for students transitioning to a four-year institution. What kinds of financial aid can graduates typically access?
You're on the right track in seeking out scholarships as a soon-to-be community college graduate transitioning to a four-year institution. Here's an overview of the types of scholarships you could access:
1. Transfer Student Scholarships: Many four-year colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically targeted at transfer students. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or might focus on students from specific community colleges or geographical regions.
2. Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: If you're a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at your community college, you're in luck! Many four-year institutions offer scholarships specifically for Phi Theta Kappa members.
3. Major-Specific Scholarships: Based on your intended major at the four-year institution, you might also find scholarships tailored to your academic field.
4. Outside/Private Scholarships: Apart from the scholarships offered by the university, private companies, foundations and non-profit organizations often provide scholarships. These can be based on a variety of factors such as academic achievement, community service, personal background, and more.
Appily is an excellent resource for researching scholarships, as it allows you to sort by factors including college year, state, and intended major. The financial aid office at your current community college or at the 4-year university you're transferring to may also be able to provide more information about potential scholarships.
And remember, scholarships aren't the only form of financial aid available! You can also look into grants, work-study, and federal and private student loans. If you haven't already, be sure to complete the FAFSA to access a wide range of federal student aid.
Finally, while looking for scholarships, be sure to pay attention to deadlines. The early bird gets the worm when it comes to scholarships, so the sooner you can start researching and applying, the better your chances of securing them.
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