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How do I obtain a scholarship?
Why do I have to pay when I am low income? When can I get a scholarship? What is the most important thing you need for a scholarship?
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Mary Jane’s Answer
Beginning in October of your senior year you can fill out the free FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/. If you are graduating this year, go ahead and start working on the FAFSA right now--it's not too late! This will help determine whether you are eligible for federal student aid or grants like the Pell Grant.
Most colleges will provide you with scholarships and other financial aid based on your family's financial need. For example, UNC has a program called "Carolina Covenant" which allows students with family income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines to graduate debt-free: https://studentaid.unc.edu/incoming/what-aid-is-available/carolina-covenant/ but all schools have grants and scholarships for low-income students to different degrees.
Work with your high school counselor to identify colleges that have strong support systems for low-income students and put together a strong application. If you are a first-generation college student, make sure to write about that and why it's an important part of your identity and motivation for college, as colleges sometimes have programs that offer extra support and resources for first-gen students; one specific program you can look for as you research schools to apply to is Trio-Student Support Services (Trio-SSS). Your counselor can also help you get waivers for application fees if you qualify for free/reduced lunch so that will make applying to colleges cheaper. If there is a fee for anything college application related, always ask whether it can be waived!
You can also search online and apply for additional private scholarships, which you can take to any college. It can be a lot of work because you usually have to write essays, get letters of recommendation, and submit resumes, but when they pay off, it gives you extra money for books and expenses. I recommend having your counselor or a teacher mentor read your applications before you send them to make sure you are answering all the questions adequately and presenting yourself in the best, most professional light.
Finally, don't discount private colleges. While the tuition shown is higher than in-state tuition at public schools, private schools often have enough scholarship money to lower your costs to the same or less than in-state tuition. I've worked at 2 private schools that give more financial aid and a cheaper final package than in-state public tuition for low-income students. Talk with college recruiters who visit your high school and ask them about their financial aid for low-income students. This is definitely not the time to be shy about sharing your status. Be proud that you are making a plan to provide for yourself in the future and ask the colleges how they can help you make your goals a reality!
Most colleges will provide you with scholarships and other financial aid based on your family's financial need. For example, UNC has a program called "Carolina Covenant" which allows students with family income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines to graduate debt-free: https://studentaid.unc.edu/incoming/what-aid-is-available/carolina-covenant/ but all schools have grants and scholarships for low-income students to different degrees.
Work with your high school counselor to identify colleges that have strong support systems for low-income students and put together a strong application. If you are a first-generation college student, make sure to write about that and why it's an important part of your identity and motivation for college, as colleges sometimes have programs that offer extra support and resources for first-gen students; one specific program you can look for as you research schools to apply to is Trio-Student Support Services (Trio-SSS). Your counselor can also help you get waivers for application fees if you qualify for free/reduced lunch so that will make applying to colleges cheaper. If there is a fee for anything college application related, always ask whether it can be waived!
You can also search online and apply for additional private scholarships, which you can take to any college. It can be a lot of work because you usually have to write essays, get letters of recommendation, and submit resumes, but when they pay off, it gives you extra money for books and expenses. I recommend having your counselor or a teacher mentor read your applications before you send them to make sure you are answering all the questions adequately and presenting yourself in the best, most professional light.
Finally, don't discount private colleges. While the tuition shown is higher than in-state tuition at public schools, private schools often have enough scholarship money to lower your costs to the same or less than in-state tuition. I've worked at 2 private schools that give more financial aid and a cheaper final package than in-state public tuition for low-income students. Talk with college recruiters who visit your high school and ask them about their financial aid for low-income students. This is definitely not the time to be shy about sharing your status. Be proud that you are making a plan to provide for yourself in the future and ask the colleges how they can help you make your goals a reality!
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
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Wayne’s Answer
Hi Priscilla. There are many great resources where you may apply for scholarships. Here are just a few:
Scholarships.com
Fastweb
College Board
Going Merry
ScholarshipOwl
Bold.org
Cappex
Scholly
CareerOneStop
Niche
Chegg
Peterson’s
Unigo
You may find more details on these organizations at the URLs below:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/best-scholarship-websites/
https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/scholarship-search-engines/
Scholarships.com
Fastweb
College Board
Going Merry
ScholarshipOwl
Bold.org
Cappex
Scholly
CareerOneStop
Niche
Chegg
Peterson’s
Unigo
You may find more details on these organizations at the URLs below:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/best-scholarship-websites/
https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/scholarship-search-engines/