Going to college can be a large expense due to the costs of tuition, books, course materials, food, and lodging. Scholarships have the ability of opening the door to making a quality education both obtainable and affordable to those who might not be able to meet the expense of an education for themselves.
While not a comprehensive list, here are a few scholarships available to students today:
• Heritage/Ethnic
Members of ethnic, racial, and ancestry groups have the opportunity to be awarded scholarships to be used towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Awards are usually based on educational merits, financial needs, and cultural enrichment.
• Athletic
One of the most highly competitive scholarships to obtain is in the field of sports. Universities award scholarships to the most elite athletes who are the best in sport and maintain high academic standards.
• Merit/Academic
Academic scholarships are merit based awards that factor in academic achievement, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and community services.
• Religious affiliated
Members of religious affiliations can be awarded scholarships based on financial needs, educational merits, community services, and the expressed desire to become a member of the clergy.
• Corporate sponsorship
Both large and small companies offer sponsorship awards to students. Criteria may include course of study, leadership abilities, financial needs, and educational merits.
Larger companies may even sponsor awards to support local communities, attract future employees, and encourage business leaders of the future.
• Military
The most popular military scholarship is sponsored by the ROTC. It is awarded to students that are currently serving as reserve officers while attending school whom promise to commit to military service upon graduation.
• University
Besides athletic scholarships, universities award fellowships and major-specific scholarship to students. Fellowships allow students to perform research studies along side or under the supervision of faculty. Major-specific scholarships are granted to students in specific fields due to performance and aptitude.
If your future goal is to attend college, a scholarship might be the way to open up those doors.