What does an average college student receive in scholarships?

When it comes to scholarships, how much does the average college student typically receive? Is there a ballpark figure that most students aim for, or does it vary widely based on different factors like major or college?

The amount of scholarship money a typical college student receives can vary widely based on a multitude of factors such as the student's academic achievements, their involvement in extracurricular activities, their financial need, and the college they attend. That being said, there are some general trends we can point to.

According to figures in the "Trends in College Pricing 2023" report from the College Board, the average undergraduate student received roughly $10,680 in scholarships and grants. This number, which represents the aggregate number from both public and private colleges, suggests that a substantial proportion of the student population does receive some form of scholarship or grant aid. However, it's important to note that this figure can fluctuate greatly from student to student and from institution to institution.

At private colleges, the average amount can often be much higher. For example, at a highly selective private college, it's not uncommon for students to receive $30,000 or more in scholarships and grants. At these colleges, substantial merit-based aid packages are often awarded to students with excellent academic records.

So, although there's no single "ballpark" figure that applies to all students, the average student does receive a significant amount of aid. Of course, students must seek out all opportunities for scholarships and grants. These stats can provide a general picture of what the average student may receive, but the amount of money a student can receive in scholarships depends largely on their circumstances, efforts to search and apply for scholarships, and specific characteristics that may make them eligible for more specialized forms of aid.