For many institutions and universities the cost of college tuition continues to spiral. Generations College, however, has not increased tuition in over 10 years. Whether you are attending Generations College or another university, there is a way to save big. Before resorting to federal or private student loans, consider exploring scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of tuition. Unlike student loans, scholarships are a type of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid.
Every year, thousands of scholarships for college are offered by schools, employers, individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and professional and social organizations. They range from one-time awards of a few hundred dollars to monetary gifts that cover the full cost of tuition. Many scholarships can be renewed, as long as you submit the application before the deadline and continue to meet the requirements. The best part is there’s no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for — and they’re not just for straight-A students or athletes. You can find college scholarships tailored to your talents, extracurricular activities, career goals, ethnicity, cultural background, geographic location, hobbies, academic interests and more.
Ready to boost your chances of winning a monetary award to offset your college costs? Learn how to find scholarships with these useful tips:
- Prepare your applications — Start your preparation early by requesting letters of recommendation. Allow time for your favorite teacher or coach to write a quality letter outlining your merits and qualifications. Certain scholarships also may require an essay, resume and/or a copy of your high school or college transcript. And don’t repurpose applications. Make sure to personalize and proofread each one before submitting.
- Write a stellar essay — Most merit- and need-based scholarships require a compelling essay as part of the application process. Be sure to carefully read the essay prompts and understand what’s being asked before you begin writing. Remember, this is your chance to convince the organization why you deserve the award — so tell your unique story and tell it well.
- Check your prospective schools — Individual colleges may offer different types of scholarships. Check your prospective school’s website or call the financial aid office to get more information. The application process for scholarships often is separate from applying for admission. Generations College offers a wide range of scholarship awards to outstanding scholars, veterans, transfer students and recent high school grads.
- Explore online — A simple online search of available scholarships can get you started on the application process in no time. Be as specific with your search criteria as possible by using the names of prospective schools and programs of interest to help narrow the field.
- Ask your academic advisor — Take advantage of the resources and advice offered by your school counselor. He or she may know about less obvious scholarships that may be a great fit for you.
- Make sure you qualify — Read eligibility requirements carefully. The last thing you want to do is put in the time and effort to apply for a scholarship only to find out that you’re ineligible. If you have a question about whether you qualify for a certain award, contact the scholarship sponsor directly.
Search relentlessly, cast a wide net and apply to every scholarship you’re eligible for — and you might just save yourself from racking up a high student loan balance. Generations College in downtown Chicago offers a wide variety of scholarships to encourage the continued growth and advancement of students through education. To learn more about our scholarships or on-campus and online degree programs, contact us today.