Scholarships & Grants —  

Your Financial Aid Options

There are several ways to reduce or cover the cost of tuition without taking on debt. Scholarships and grants are two of the best because you don’t have to pay them back.

Types of Funding You Might Qualify For

Scholarships — awards based on merit, talent, leadership, technical skills, or specific interests.
Grants — usually awarded based on financial need or special circumstances.

Key Things To Know

Complete the required financial aid forms (such as FAFSA or your local equivalent). This is often required to determine eligibility.
Read the eligibility criteria carefully. Requirements may involve GPA, distance from campus, enrollment status, or program of study.
Some awards are automatic once you meet certain conditions; others require you to submit an application or essay.

Examples of Possible Award Categories

Here are common grant/scholarship types you might offer or want to consider (adapt to your school’s offerings):

Program-Specific Grants — for certain majors or technical programs.
Commuter / Relocation Grants — to support students who travel many miles or must move for school.
High School Graduate Awards — for students graduating in the current year or recently graduated.
Adult Learner Awards — for returning students, career changers, etc.
State or Local Scholarships — tied to residency, school districts, or local organizations.
Special Population Grants — for veterans, active military, or underrepresented groups (e.g. women in STEM).
Emergency / Natural Disaster Grants — support for students affected by qualifying events.

FAQs

Can I apply for multiple scholarships/grants?
Yes. Applying to multiple awards often increases your chances of receiving aid.

Do all scholarships need an essay or extra application?
Not all. Some are awarded based purely on eligibility criteria like grades or financial need; others will require essays, portfolios, or additional documentation.

What if my GPA is lower than required?
Some awards are judgment-based and consider more than just grades — things like leadership, community involvement, special skills, or life experiences.

Are scholarships and grants the only way to pay for school?
No. You may also qualify for federal or state aid, private or institutional loans, employer tuition reimbursement, or work-study programs.