Scholarships
Important information about Scholarships
This may seem rudimentary but scholarships are gift aid, or money that you don’t have to pay back. And this is why the competition to find and receive them can be difficult
Scholarships are a type of merit–based aid. Scholarships can spotlight academic achievement but some are available for a variety of talents and situations. For example, you can receive a scholarship for athletic accomplishments, for pursuing a program of study, for writing a moving essay, for being a child of a veteran, etc. Keep in mind many scholarships have a need–based component.
Where do these types of Scholarships come from?
Most of the scholarships awarded to students come from the schools they respectively attend. This means that a student wins a scholarship from Harvard and collects that money when he or she enrolls in Harvard. If he or she decides to enroll in Miami, he/she obviously cannot collect an award from Harvard.
There are, outside organizations that sponsor scholarships such as the Dell Scholars Program, the Coca–Cola Scholars and the Sallie Mae Fund. Usually, these can be applied to any school of your choosing. Keep in mind the competition for these awards is intense!
If you win a full scholarship, you have good reason to celebrate! But you are not completely off the hook. A full scholarship will most likely only cover the cost of tuition. This is great, but it won’t cover the entire cost of attendance Things like Dorms, meal plans, insurance, transportation, the cost of books and other fees.
A comprehensive scholarship cover the entire cost of attendance, but they may be in the form of a non–renewable scholarship, this is a one–time award. You won’t see that credit on your bill next year. Renewable scholarships can continue for subsequent years, usually when a student meets certain conditions like maintaining a certain GPA. It is very important to know exactly what you must do to continue receiving the money if you win a renewable scholarship!
Finding scholarships that you qualify for is just as difficult as earning one from a pool of competitors. Apply to every scholarship for which you’re eligible. Don’t count on a scholarship paying for your entire education. It happens, but to the smallest percent of students.
Treasure Coast College planning is excited to offer a scholarship program that is different in many ways. It can go to any applicant in any state with no need based component. Please click here for more info.
