Advice on scholarships for college students needing to graduate?

I'm starting to think about how to cover the costs of college, and I'm wondering if there are scholarships specifically aimed at students who need financial support to complete their degree. Any tips or examples?

Absolutely, many scholarships are specifically designed to support students with financial need in completing their degree. While requirements and deadlines vary, what they all have in common is the purpose of ensuring that financial barriers don't impede your educational success.

For instance, the Horatio Alger Scholarship is one such program. It primarily targets high school seniors who have faced and overcome significant adversity, and who are committed to using education as a means to better their lives. Recipients can win awards of up to $25,000 to support their undergraduate studies.

Another example is the Dell Scholars Program, which is designed for low-income, highly motivated students who are better than their numbers indicate and demonstrate the desire and ability to earn a college degree. This scholarship not only provides $20,000 but also offers technology, resources, and mentoring throughout college.

Various colleges also offer their own need-based scholarships. For example, Harvard's financial aid policies state that families making less than $85,000 annually are not expected to contribute to tuition costs, and those earning between $85,000 and $150,000 pay on a sliding scale.

So, my advice would be to start your scholarship hunt early, pay attention to your eligibility for particular scholarships, and ensure you meet all the application requirements and deadlines. Also, consider casting a wide net -- apply for local and national scholarships as well as institutional ones. Every little bit can help reduce the financial burden of college. Don't forget to also fill out the FAFSA to assess your eligibility for federal financial aid, which includes grants you don't have to pay back.