What grants and scholarships are available for studying languages in college?

I'm interested in majoring in language studies and am curious about the grants and scholarships available for this field. Does anyone know of specific opportunities I should apply for to help with college tuition?

There are indeed several grants and scholarships specifically geared towards students with a language focus. Here are some you might consider:

1. The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program - This is a study abroad program that provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are studying one of 15 critical languages, largely Asian and Middle Eastern languages. Worth checking out if you're interested in studying a less commonly taught language.

2. Boren Scholarships - These are funded by the National Security Education Program and support U.S. undergraduate students who are studying less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. national security interests. Boren Scholars represent various academic fields, but all are interested in studying less commonly taught languages.

3. The National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages (NCOLCTL) - They offer the Walton Scholarship. It's for undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in African, Asian, and Middle Eastern Languages.

4. Fulbright U.S. Student Program - While you're looking at undergraduate scholarships, you could consider this for post-graduate study. It's a prestigious, highly competitive program that offers fellowships for U.S. graduating seniors, graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study, conduct research, and/or teach English abroad.

5. Middlebury Language Schools' Scholarships – These scholarships are open to students who apply to the Middlebury Language Schools that offer intensive summer programs.

While exploring these options, keep in mind that many colleges and universities also offer scholarships and grants for students studying languages, especially those majoring in certain languages or studying abroad. So make sure to check the financial aid office of the schools you're considering to get information about these possible sources of funding.

Lastly, it's a good idea to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if you're not sure whether you'll qualify for need-based assistance. In addition to federal aid, the FAFSA is often used by schools when determining institutional aid awards.

Good luck with your language studies! You're looking into a field that is not only academically challenging but also opens up many opportunities for international experiences and cross-cultural dialogue.