3 answers
Lauren
Student
Tampa, Florida
2
Questions
Updated
1027 views
Scholarships for children with a deceased parent?
Hello, Are there scholarships for children with a deceased parent?
#Fall25 #Education #Scholarships #unusualcircumstances #howwillIpay #Collegeisexpensive
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3 answers
Kristy-Lyn McCoy, PMP®
People Intelligence & Analytics
16
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kristy-Lyn’s Answer
So very sorry for your loss! Financial aid is a common concern for many students, and it's crucial to tackle it wisely. Having financed my own education, I understand its importance.
Start by exploring free financial aid options like scholarships and grants before considering loans. Many graduates struggle with debt, so borrow only what you truly need.
1. File Your FAFSA: This is the first step in accessing federal aid. If you're unfamiliar with it, check out helpful FAQs online.
2. Consult Local Resources: Talk to your guidance counselor or local community college for scholarship leads. Many scholarships are easy to apply for and can cover significant costs like books.
3. Use Scholarship Search Engines: Websites can help you find scholarships that match your interests and skills. Check out resources like BigFuture, CareerOneStop, Fastweb, and ScholarshipOwl.
4. Assess Your Financial Needs: Consider your living situation, potential work opportunities, and expenses. Remember, where you graduate from is less important than the education and connections you gain.
5. Consider Loans Carefully: If you need loans, explore federal options first, as they often have better terms. Private loans are available too, but interest can add up quickly. To save money, consider starting at a community college or online for general courses.
In summary:
- Seek local scholarships and grants.
- Use nearby resources for additional scholarship information.
- Apply broadly using search engines to increase your chances.
- Consider loans only after exhausting other options.
Good luck with your financial aid journey!
Start by exploring free financial aid options like scholarships and grants before considering loans. Many graduates struggle with debt, so borrow only what you truly need.
1. File Your FAFSA: This is the first step in accessing federal aid. If you're unfamiliar with it, check out helpful FAQs online.
2. Consult Local Resources: Talk to your guidance counselor or local community college for scholarship leads. Many scholarships are easy to apply for and can cover significant costs like books.
3. Use Scholarship Search Engines: Websites can help you find scholarships that match your interests and skills. Check out resources like BigFuture, CareerOneStop, Fastweb, and ScholarshipOwl.
4. Assess Your Financial Needs: Consider your living situation, potential work opportunities, and expenses. Remember, where you graduate from is less important than the education and connections you gain.
5. Consider Loans Carefully: If you need loans, explore federal options first, as they often have better terms. Private loans are available too, but interest can add up quickly. To save money, consider starting at a community college or online for general courses.
In summary:
- Seek local scholarships and grants.
- Use nearby resources for additional scholarship information.
- Apply broadly using search engines to increase your chances.
- Consider loans only after exhausting other options.
Good luck with your financial aid journey!
Michelle Mayes (US)
Market Research
5
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
First, let me say how sorry I am for your loss. I lost my father during college and cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a parent before that point. There are certainly scholarships out there. The criteria vary so I'm going to give you some lists to look at, hopefully the trusted adults around you can help you narrow them further. Note than many of these lists were created in years past so you'll want to go directly to the websites to get the most current due dates and requirements. Here are some links: https://www.unigo.com/pay-for-college/scholarship/scholarships-for-students-who-have-lost-a-parent; https://learn.org/financial-aid/scholarships-for-students-who-lost-a-parent; https://academicful.com/scholarships-student-lost-parent.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Lauren
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lauren !
This is a narrow category in general but there are some scholarships that exist. You would have to look up the scholarships online to read the requirements but here are some you can consider: The Road Scholarship, The For A Bright Future Single Parent Household Scholarship, The Single Parent Household Scholarship on BigFuture, The Colwell Law Single Parent Scholarship, The Lotus Scholarship, The ReWritten Scholarship, The Barreir Opportunity Scholarship, The Miller Law Group Child of Divorce/Single Parent Household Scholarship, and The Embracing You Inc. High School Scholarship Program.
Also, if your father was deceased while serving in the military, there are scholarships for that category as well. There are also scholarships offered by the college you decide to attend.
While you most likely would qualify for those types of scholarships, it's very important to apply for all scholarships that you qualify for in various categories. Applying for many, many scholarships will increase your chances of being selected for some. Once you know your major and the college you will attend, there are more scholarships that you can apply for because colleges offer their students scholarships and foundations connected with careers often offer scholarships for certain college Majors. It's really more than obtaining just one category of financial assistance, there's a lot out there, so now is the time to do first hand exploring.
Set aside some days and time slots per week to focus on looking for scholarships and applying. Keep notes about the start date and deadlines for applying. Also ask your high school teachers and guidance counselors for any scholarship information that may not be listed online. A lot of work does go into finding scholarships to apply to but it's worth every minute if you obtain the financial assistance for college that they can provide.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best moving forward !
This is a narrow category in general but there are some scholarships that exist. You would have to look up the scholarships online to read the requirements but here are some you can consider: The Road Scholarship, The For A Bright Future Single Parent Household Scholarship, The Single Parent Household Scholarship on BigFuture, The Colwell Law Single Parent Scholarship, The Lotus Scholarship, The ReWritten Scholarship, The Barreir Opportunity Scholarship, The Miller Law Group Child of Divorce/Single Parent Household Scholarship, and The Embracing You Inc. High School Scholarship Program.
Also, if your father was deceased while serving in the military, there are scholarships for that category as well. There are also scholarships offered by the college you decide to attend.
While you most likely would qualify for those types of scholarships, it's very important to apply for all scholarships that you qualify for in various categories. Applying for many, many scholarships will increase your chances of being selected for some. Once you know your major and the college you will attend, there are more scholarships that you can apply for because colleges offer their students scholarships and foundations connected with careers often offer scholarships for certain college Majors. It's really more than obtaining just one category of financial assistance, there's a lot out there, so now is the time to do first hand exploring.
Set aside some days and time slots per week to focus on looking for scholarships and applying. Keep notes about the start date and deadlines for applying. Also ask your high school teachers and guidance counselors for any scholarship information that may not be listed online. A lot of work does go into finding scholarships to apply to but it's worth every minute if you obtain the financial assistance for college that they can provide.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Lauren
You are very welcome, Lauren !
Michelle M.