HOW MUCH DOES COLLEGE COST?
A college degree is just like anything else. You can pay a lot or you can pay very little. And you don't always get what you pay for.
A few hundred of the very top students and student-athletes around the country don't pay anything because they manage to win "full ride" scholarships each year. A few hundred more are admitted to the handful of colleges that don't charge any tuition (though they still usually have to pay for their textbook and living costs). About half of all college students get some sort of grant or scholarship to reduce their costs. Most institutions also offer scholarships specific to nonresidents; or even if you're bound for a private college, merit scholarships can also help a great deal.
There are different ways of financing college.Different awards tend to be specific to the school, so before you commit to a school, make sure you familiarize yourself with its financial aid office.
http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2008/04/10/how-much-does-college-cost
Private and Public Colleges vs. Community Colleges
* According to a 2011 College Board report, students at four-year private colleges do indeed have the most expensive total cost of attendance: Factoring in tuition, fees, and room and board, the "sticker price" for the 2011-2012 school year at the average private institution was $38,589, while in-state students at public four-year institutions paid just over $17,000.
The upshot is that your dream school, whether public or private, can get pretty expensive. Fortunately, both public and private schools offer scholarship and financial aid opportunities that can get you a four-year college degree for much closer to that $17,000 annual cost. The size of the grants are typically modest. The averages range from $2,200 apiece to community college students to $7,700 apiece to private university students. But about half of all college students get no free money and have to pay the full price of college by borrowing, working, or withdrawing from their savings. Each college has a different cost, but here are the College Board's estimates of total costs (including books, travel, etc.) for the 2007-08 academic year:
Type of School Without grants With grants
Community college* $4,552 $2,352
In-state public university $17,336 $13,336
Private university $35,374 $27,674
*assumes the student continues to live and eat at home, thus no room and board expenses
Scholarships
Scholarships exist for nearly every characteristic you can think of. Whether you’re a single mom or have strong religious convictions, have a passion for thinking "green" or love to dance, chances are there is at least one scholarship out there that you’re eligible for. Make a list of what makes you special, and investigate the major organizations, local groups and private corporations that may have funding set aside for education. The American Cancer Society, for example, has a large number of cancer scholarships for college students with a history of the disease based on the region those students live in. Best Buy runs a scholarship program for incoming college students interested in community service. No matter what you like doing or what makes you stand out, there will probably be a scholarship to reward you just for being you.
The most common student-specific scholarships are scholarships for minorities. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, for example, is open only to African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanic American students. Scholarships for Hispanic students have become more available as Hispanic advocacy groups have begun to raise awareness about low numbers of Hispanic students going to college. International students should also feel confident about applying to American colleges, as there are scholarships that exist just for them.
http://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/
Federal Student Aid
To apply for federal student aid, you need to complete the FAFSASM or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.
In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
http://studentaid.ed.gov/
A college degree is just like anything else. You can pay a lot or you can pay very little. And you don't always get what you pay for.
A few hundred of the very top students and student-athletes around the country don't pay anything because they manage to win "full ride" scholarships each year. A few hundred more are admitted to the handful of colleges that don't charge any tuition (though they still usually have to pay for their textbook and living costs). About half of all college students get some sort of grant or scholarship to reduce their costs. Most institutions also offer scholarships specific to nonresidents; or even if you're bound for a private college, merit scholarships can also help a great deal.
There are different ways of financing college.Different awards tend to be specific to the school, so before you commit to a school, make sure you familiarize yourself with its financial aid office.
http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2008/04/10/how-much-does-college-cost
Private and Public Colleges vs. Community Colleges
* According to a 2011 College Board report, students at four-year private colleges do indeed have the most expensive total cost of attendance: Factoring in tuition, fees, and room and board, the "sticker price" for the 2011-2012 school year at the average private institution was $38,589, while in-state students at public four-year institutions paid just over $17,000.
The upshot is that your dream school, whether public or private, can get pretty expensive. Fortunately, both public and private schools offer scholarship and financial aid opportunities that can get you a four-year college degree for much closer to that $17,000 annual cost. The size of the grants are typically modest. The averages range from $2,200 apiece to community college students to $7,700 apiece to private university students. But about half of all college students get no free money and have to pay the full price of college by borrowing, working, or withdrawing from their savings. Each college has a different cost, but here are the College Board's estimates of total costs (including books, travel, etc.) for the 2007-08 academic year:
Type of School Without grants With grants
Community college* $4,552 $2,352
In-state public university $17,336 $13,336
Private university $35,374 $27,674
*assumes the student continues to live and eat at home, thus no room and board expenses
Scholarships
Scholarships exist for nearly every characteristic you can think of. Whether you’re a single mom or have strong religious convictions, have a passion for thinking "green" or love to dance, chances are there is at least one scholarship out there that you’re eligible for. Make a list of what makes you special, and investigate the major organizations, local groups and private corporations that may have funding set aside for education. The American Cancer Society, for example, has a large number of cancer scholarships for college students with a history of the disease based on the region those students live in. Best Buy runs a scholarship program for incoming college students interested in community service. No matter what you like doing or what makes you stand out, there will probably be a scholarship to reward you just for being you.
The most common student-specific scholarships are scholarships for minorities. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, for example, is open only to African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanic American students. Scholarships for Hispanic students have become more available as Hispanic advocacy groups have begun to raise awareness about low numbers of Hispanic students going to college. International students should also feel confident about applying to American colleges, as there are scholarships that exist just for them.
http://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/
Federal Student Aid
To apply for federal student aid, you need to complete the FAFSASM or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.
In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
http://studentaid.ed.gov/
Corporate ScholarshipsNumerous large corporations give back to the community by offering scholarships for undergraduate students. The bigger the corporation, the larger the chance of scholarship offers. Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Toyota - you name it, they offer scholarships. The benefit of corporate scholarships is that eligibility criteria tend to be unrestrictive. Corporations want to reach as many people as possible, so their scholarships are open to various students. This obviously increases applicant competition, a negative side effect corporations try to offset by offering either lucrative awards or a large number awards. Worries about competition are warranted but if you’re looking for straightforward requirements, corporate scholarships are a good bet.
Wal-MartWal-Mart is one of the most widely recognized retail chains in the United States. Through their Wal-Mart Foundation they sponsor a variety of philanthropic initiatives, including scholarships for current employees and their dependents.
The Coca-Cola CompanyThe company that brought America ‘The Pause that Refreshes’ supports a large number of philanthropic initiatives, including a variety of scholarships. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation supports the following annual scholarships for college-bound students.
Google
Dell
MicrosoftThe Microsoft Scholarships are divided into four categories:
Unusual scolarships
Scholarships exist for nearly every characteristic you can think of. Whether you’re a single mom or have strong religious convictions, have a passion for thinking "green" or love to dance, chances are there is at least one scholarship out there that you’re eligible for. Make a list of what makes you special, and investigate the major organizations, local groups and private corporations that may have funding set aside for education. The American Cancer Society, for example, has a large number of cancer scholarships for college students with a history of the disease based on the region those students live in. Best Buy runs a scholarship program for incoming college students interested in community service. No matter what you like doing or what makes you stand out, there will probably be a scholarship to reward you just for being you. The most common student-specific scholarships are scholarships for minorities. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, for example, is open only to African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanic American students. Scholarships for Hispanic students have become more available as Hispanic advocacy groups have begun to raise awareness about low numbers of Hispanic students going to college. International students should also feel confident about applying to American colleges, as there are scholarships that exist just for them.
http://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/
- Physical Characteristics
Little People of America Scholarship
The Little People of America (LPA) association offers the LPA Scholarship for members of its organization. LPA is a nonprofit organization that provides information and support to people of short stature and their families. Membership is offered to people who are 4'10" or less in height. The deadline for the LPA Scholarship is April 1.
- Activity related
Students for Organ Donation Youth Leadership Award
The Students for Organ Donation Youth Leadership Award is available to full-time high school or undergraduate college students. One or two $500 to $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Candidates must have made a commitment to raising awareness of organ donation and transplantation. Selection is based on effectiveness, leadership, creativity and sustainability of efforts. Applications may be based either on a report of previous events that have successfully raised organ donation awareness, or a detailed and realistic plan to raise donor awareness. (Receipt of the award is contingent upon confirmed execution of the plan.) The deadline is May 31. (As of April 2010, the organization's web site www.studentdonor.org appears to be defunct.)
DePauw University
The Icy Frost Bridge Scholarship at DePauw University is restricted to female music students who can sing or play the national anthem with sincerity.
- Food related
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) offers two $5,000 scholarships each year to graduating US high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and communities. The application requires an essay about how the applicant promoted vegetarianism in their high school or community. The deadline is February 20. Applications are available on the VRG web site. For more information, call 1-410-366-8343, write to The Vegetarian Resource Group, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203, or send email to [email protected].
- Twins
Colleges that currently offer special scholarships or discounts for twins and triplets include:
More information http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/unusual.phtml
Private ScholarshipsMany individuals and small organizations also offer scholarships to help students pay for school. It is not uncommon for private scholarship providers to attach detailed eligibility criteria to their awards but, contrary to popular belief, they don’t always concentrate on GPA. In fact, private scholarships are frequently made available to students majoring in a particular subject or to those who have faced certain obstacles. For example, a pilot may begin an annual scholarship fund to assist aviation students in overcoming the financial obstacles he or she faced as a student. It is always a good idea to take advantage of scholarships with detailed eligibility criteria if you are among those eligible. Finding such awards may be time consuming without assistance but using the free scholarship search at Scholarships.com will fix that.
Wal-MartWal-Mart is one of the most widely recognized retail chains in the United States. Through their Wal-Mart Foundation they sponsor a variety of philanthropic initiatives, including scholarships for current employees and their dependents.
- The Wal-Mart Associate Scholarship is available to full or part-time Wal-Mart employees who are enrolled in an accredited community college or university. Applicants must be employed by the company for a minimum of 6 months, and must demonstrate the requisite level of financial need.
- The Wal-Mart Dependent Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors whose parents or guardians are employees of the Wal-Mart Corporation. Applicants must be enrolled, or prepared to enroll, in an accredited college or university, and must demonstrate the required level of financial need. The maximum award amount is $3200 per academic year.
The Coca-Cola CompanyThe company that brought America ‘The Pause that Refreshes’ supports a large number of philanthropic initiatives, including a variety of scholarships. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation supports the following annual scholarships for college-bound students.
- The Coca-Cola Scholars Program awards 250 four-year scholarships a year to graduating high school seniors. Scholarship awards are determined by academic achievement, and applicants must undergo an interview process with Coca-Cola’s National Selection Committee. 50 students per year receive a National Scholars Award of $20,000, while 200 students receive a Regional Scholars Award of $10,000.
- The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholarship is administered through the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 150 scholarships are awarded annually to students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement. 50 Gold Scholar Award winners receive $1500 scholarships, 50 Silver Scholars receive awards of $1250 and 50 Bronze Scholars receive $1000.
- The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship is also offered in conjunction with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 180 scholarships of $1000 are awarded to community college students who take part in the society’s leadership development programs.
- The McDonald’s USA National Employee Scholarship Program provides one annual scholarship to an outstanding student-employee from each state, plus the District of Columbia. Awards are based on financial need and academic merit. Each scholarship is valued at $2500.
- The RMHC Scholars Award is open to all college aged students regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or national origin.
- The RHMC Asia Scholarship is open to college-bound students of Asian-Pacific heritage.
- The RMHC African-American Future Achievers Award is dedicated to supporting talented college-bound students of African-American or Black Caribbean heritage.
- The RMHC HACER Scholarship is available to college-bound students of Hispanic or Latino heritage.
- The AISES Google Scholarship
- The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
- The Generation Google Scholarship
- The Google Lime Scholarship
Dell
MicrosoftThe Microsoft Scholarships are divided into four categories:
- General Scholarships
- Women’s Scholarships
- Minority Scholarships
- Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Unusual scolarships
Scholarships exist for nearly every characteristic you can think of. Whether you’re a single mom or have strong religious convictions, have a passion for thinking "green" or love to dance, chances are there is at least one scholarship out there that you’re eligible for. Make a list of what makes you special, and investigate the major organizations, local groups and private corporations that may have funding set aside for education. The American Cancer Society, for example, has a large number of cancer scholarships for college students with a history of the disease based on the region those students live in. Best Buy runs a scholarship program for incoming college students interested in community service. No matter what you like doing or what makes you stand out, there will probably be a scholarship to reward you just for being you. The most common student-specific scholarships are scholarships for minorities. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, for example, is open only to African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanic American students. Scholarships for Hispanic students have become more available as Hispanic advocacy groups have begun to raise awareness about low numbers of Hispanic students going to college. International students should also feel confident about applying to American colleges, as there are scholarships that exist just for them.
http://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/
- Physical Characteristics
Little People of America Scholarship
The Little People of America (LPA) association offers the LPA Scholarship for members of its organization. LPA is a nonprofit organization that provides information and support to people of short stature and their families. Membership is offered to people who are 4'10" or less in height. The deadline for the LPA Scholarship is April 1.
- Activity related
Students for Organ Donation Youth Leadership Award
The Students for Organ Donation Youth Leadership Award is available to full-time high school or undergraduate college students. One or two $500 to $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Candidates must have made a commitment to raising awareness of organ donation and transplantation. Selection is based on effectiveness, leadership, creativity and sustainability of efforts. Applications may be based either on a report of previous events that have successfully raised organ donation awareness, or a detailed and realistic plan to raise donor awareness. (Receipt of the award is contingent upon confirmed execution of the plan.) The deadline is May 31. (As of April 2010, the organization's web site www.studentdonor.org appears to be defunct.)
DePauw University
The Icy Frost Bridge Scholarship at DePauw University is restricted to female music students who can sing or play the national anthem with sincerity.
- Food related
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) offers two $5,000 scholarships each year to graduating US high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and communities. The application requires an essay about how the applicant promoted vegetarianism in their high school or community. The deadline is February 20. Applications are available on the VRG web site. For more information, call 1-410-366-8343, write to The Vegetarian Resource Group, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203, or send email to [email protected].
- Twins
Colleges that currently offer special scholarships or discounts for twins and triplets include:
- Carl Albert State College in Oklahoma (Paula Nieto Twin Scholarship)
- George Washington University in Washington, DC (50% discount for second sibling)
- Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio (each twin gets the scholarship in alternate years)
- Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia
- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
- Randolph-Macon Women's College in Lynchburg, VA (15% discount)
- Sterling College in Kansas (50% discount for each twin)
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (Bonnie Evans Feinberg Scholarship)
More information http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/unusual.phtml
Private ScholarshipsMany individuals and small organizations also offer scholarships to help students pay for school. It is not uncommon for private scholarship providers to attach detailed eligibility criteria to their awards but, contrary to popular belief, they don’t always concentrate on GPA. In fact, private scholarships are frequently made available to students majoring in a particular subject or to those who have faced certain obstacles. For example, a pilot may begin an annual scholarship fund to assist aviation students in overcoming the financial obstacles he or she faced as a student. It is always a good idea to take advantage of scholarships with detailed eligibility criteria if you are among those eligible. Finding such awards may be time consuming without assistance but using the free scholarship search at Scholarships.com will fix that.
- Oregon PTA Teacher Education Scholarship
- 21st Century Healthcare Works
- Jean Evenstad Memorial Scholarship
- Clarkston Scholars Program
- ACS Youth Scholarship Program
- ANS Undergraduate Scholarship