Finding College Scholarships

Tips for Finding Scholarships

Everyone going to college wants a scholarship or grant to help them get through. Why not? You don't have to repay them, which becomes a more serious issue with every yearly tuition increase.

You don't necessarily have to be a member of MENSA or have a perfect SAT score to qualify for scholarships. According to SallieMae there are over 2.4 million scholarships worth over 14 billion dollars available right now.

As a matter of fact, you can do a free search of the SallieMae's scholarship database.

You will find that scholarships can be based on financial need, ethnic background, your religion, your minority status and more.

Companies and labor unions give scholarships to children of employee's or members. Your high school may award scholarships to promising students. Civic organizations, service clubs, alumni associations, and state and local governments all award scholarships.

Once you find scholarships you might qualify for, be sure to follow whatever directions are necessary when you apply. Determine if you have to reapply each year and what might cause you to lose the scholarship.

It probably doesn't pay to get involved with persons or businesses that claim they can find unclaimed scholarship funds. First of all, it is highly unlikely that any such funds exist. Many programs are required to distribute a certain amount of funds each year either to satisfy IRS regulations or the terms of the charitable trust that was set up to award the scholarships.

These organizations will recruit schools or approach individuals directly to ensure all funds are disbursed.

Also, your high school guidance counselors are paid to know about these scholarships and to direct potential recipients in the right direction.

Use SallieMae's free search and save your money.